An updated PDF version of the agenda will be available soon. In the meantime, please refer to the schedule below for the latest agenda information.
Monday, October 26
Registration & Check-In
RBC Convention Centre, Third Floor, South Building | Carlton Concourse
11:00am–4:00pm
When you arrive at RBC Convention Centre, stop by the Registration Desk to pick up your name tag and delegate package.
Please note: We encourage you to check in on October 26. Your WIBF name tag will provide easy entry to the Welcome Reception and help streamline check-in on the main Forum days.
WIBF 2026 Welcome Reception
Canadian Museum for Human Rights | 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Early gallery access: 5:30 PM
Reception: 6:30–9:30 PM
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, with the support of Treaty One Development Corporation, invites you to join a special evening celebrating the innovation, leadership, and achievements of Indigenous businesses from around the world.
Please note: Delegates are encouraged to bring their WIBF name tag for easy entry.
Capacity is limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible.
Tuesday, October 27
Forum Day 1
RBC Convention Centre, Third Floor, South Building | Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (Hall C)
8am – Doors Open
Registration: 8:00am–12:00pm
9am – OPENING REMARKS
Opening Prayer & Land Acknowledgement
Dr. Margaret Lavallee | Elder, Sagkeeng First Nation, Canada
Introductions – Masters of Ceremony
Rob Campbell | National Director, Indigenous Services, MNP, Canada
Jessica Dumas | Professional Speaker, Coach, Emcee, Canada
WIBF Ambassador Acknowledgements
Rachel Petero | Founder & CEO, Rise, New Zealand
Chief Robert Louie | Chief, Westbank First Nation, Canada
Hans Bokelund | Associate Deputy Secretary, Aboriginal Economic Development, Victoria State Government, Australia
Andrés Antivil Álvarez | President, Indigenous Enterprises Foundation, Chile
Nick Jardine | Entrepreneur, Brisbane, Australia
Welcome Remarks
Honourable Ian Bushie | Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, Province of Manitoba, Canada
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson | Grand Chief, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Red River Métis Indigenous International Trade: Concrete Actions in Advancing Global Trade Relationships
President David Chartrand | President, Manitoba Métis Federation, Canada
10:20am – MORNING NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: The Indigenous Economy – Indigenous Women Leading Prosperity for People, Place and Future Generations
Moderator: Rachel Petero | Founder & CEO, Rise Global, New Zealand
Kristal Kinsela | Owner & Director, Kristal Kinsela Consulting, Australia
Michelle Cameron | CEO, Dreamcatcher Promotions, Canada
Iya Nicola Shirley-Phillips | Director, Ujima Natural Limited and Source Farm CDI, Jamaica
Alejandra Jélvez Oyarzún | Strategic Manager, Cervecera Cumbres del Ranco, Chile
12PM – LUNCH NETWORKING BREAK
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: The (R)evolution of Indigenous Foodways
Chef Sean Sherman | Founder, The Sioux Chef, and Founder & Director, NATIFS, USA
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Nation Building Through Economic Leadership – Canadian Best Practices
Moderator: Gord Keesic | Head, PH&N Indigenous Investment Services & Vice President and Institutional Portfolio Manager, Canada
Don Ross | CEO, George Gordon Developments Ltd, Saskatchewan
Erin Dupuis | Vice-President & Region Head, CIBC Commercial Banking, Prairies, CIBC
Shaun Soonias | Vice President, Indigenous Relations, FFC
Chief Gordon BlueSky | Chief, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and Chairperson, First Nations Finance Authority, Canada
2:30PM – AFTERNOON NETWORKING BREAK
GUIDED MOVEMENT EXERCISE
Cody Gonsalves | Founder & Head Coach, Purposeful Movements, Canada
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Trailblazers of Change: Indigenous Leadership Across Business and Education
Chris James | President & CEO, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), USA
Jamie WIlson | Vice President Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, Red River College Polytechnic, Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Indigenising Global Trade Platforms
Ambassador Justin Mohamed | Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on behalf of Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement, Australia
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: From Service Delivery to Indigenous Led Systems Building Generational Wellbeing and Prosperity on Country
Presented by: Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID), Australia
Moderator: Erica Lambert | Chief Officer, Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, CQID
Jason Field | Chief Executive Officer, CQID
Kylie Major-Oakley | General Manager, Woorabinda, CQID
Antonio Mann | Youth Mentor, Staying on Track Program, CQID
4:30PM – RECAP & ADJOURNMENT
Neechie Nights
Join the partners behind Neechie Nights; Winnipeg Boldness, Keya, Vincent Design Inc, IndigiHub, and Futurpreneur, for an evening of connection and community before the World Indigenous Business Forum 2026 Gala!
Meet Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members from Winnipeg and around the world in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Enjoy complimentary food, drinks available for purchase, prizes, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to make new connections.
Please note: Space is limited, and an RSVP is required. This is a separate event and is not included in WIBF 2026 registration: RSVP HERE
WIBF 2026 GALA Presented by Dreamcatcher Promotions
Join us for the 2026 WIBF Gala, part of the World Indigenous Business Forum 2026 and presented by Dreamcatcher Promotions.
This special evening will bring together leaders, delegates, business professionals, community members, and supporters for dining, cultural performances, live entertainment, and networking at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
Designed to connect, share, and inspire, the 2026 WIBF Gala celebrates Indigenous culture, business, leadership, and community in a welcoming and memorable setting.
Please note: This is a separate ticketed event and is not included in WIBF 2026 registration. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Wednesday, October 28
Forum Day 2
RBC Convention Centre, Third Floor South Building | Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (Hall C)
8am – Doors Open
Registration: 8:00am–12:00pm
9am – WELCOME REMARKS & RECAP
Masters of Ceremony
Rob Campbell | National Director, Indigenous Services, MNP, Canada
Jessica Dumas | Professional Speaker, Coach, Emcee, Canada
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Growing Indigenous Tourism in Manitoba: Honouring History and Leadership
Moderator: Darcie Guarderas | Founder, Tansi Solutions, Canada
Holly Spence | President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, Canada
Lisa Meeches | Executive Director, Manito Ahbee Festival, Canada
Christine Bell | General Manager, Long Plain First Nation’s Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport, and Microtel, Portage La Prairie, Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Restoring Dignity to Food Deserts
Pastor DeWayne McCoy | Founder, The After Market, USA
10:20am – MORNING NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Indigenous International Trade and Environmental Law
Presented by: International Intertribal Trade and Investment Organization (IITIO)
Moderator: Wayne Garnons -Williams, LL.B. | CEO, National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, Canada
Dr. James Collard, Ph.D., CITP | Founder, Collard and Associate Trade Consulting, USA
Valerie Devol | Attorney, Devol & Associates Law Firm, USA
Carrie Stoddard-Smith | Independent Advisor, Indigenous and International Policy Rights and Governance, New Zealand
12PM – LUNCH NETWORKING BREAK
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Circular Prosperity: A New Model for Indigenous Economic Self-Determination, From Indigenous Assets and Knowledge to Sustainable Economies and Global Impact
Luis Felipe Duchicela | Global Senior Advisor on Indigenous Peoples’ Right and Development, Ecuador
PANEL PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Dream. Build. Lead: Stories of Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship
Moderator: Zachary Flett | Founder, IndigiHub, Canada
LeLarnie Hatfield | Nullu Badi Ngudyubay Academy, CQID, Australia
Abidas Aliana Ash | Manager, Columbia River Source Farm, and Avian Biologist of Environmental Research Institute, University of Belize, Belize
Sherika Anderson | Co-Founder and Lead Operator, RaggaNats Hair Care, Jamaica
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Indigenous Languages: Innovation on Indigenous Terms
Peter-Lucas Jones | CEO, Te Hiku Media, New Zealand
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: World Indigenous Business Network – Advancing Indigenous Business and Economic Partnerships
2:30PM – AFTERNOON NETWORKING BREAK
BREATHWORK EXERCISE
Cody Gonsalves | Founder & Head Coach, Purposeful Movements, Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: From Humble Beginnings to the World Stage: A Journey Through Story and Song
William Prince | Singer-Songwriter, Canada
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
TOPIC: Leading Embers Indigenous Capital Fund
Rosa Walker | President & CEO, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc. and WIBF & Chair Secretariat, WIBN, Canada
WIBF 2027 ANNOUNCEMENT
Presented By: Representatives from Host Country
Closing Remarks – Masters of Ceremony
Rob Campbell | National Director, Indigenous Services, MNP, Canada
Jessica Dumas | Professional Speaker, Coach, Emcee, Canada
Closing Prayer
Dr. Margaret Lavallee | Elder, Sagkeeng First Nation, Canada