Empower Your First Nation with Climate-Resilient Solutions, Innovative Funding Models, and Culturally Aligned Development Strategies
CI’s Forum addresses critical housing and infrastructure challenges, faced by Indigenous communities in Western Canada. This event serves as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and solution-building, uniting First Nations, government agencies, and industry leaders in energy, construction, and design. Focusing on infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities, our experts take a deep look at the federal budget’s funding allocation, identify financing opportunities, and address the pressing challenges facing the housing sector in First Peoples territories.
By fostering meaningful exchanges, the forum strives to generate innovative, culturally aligned solutions to improve housing, water, energy, and infrastructure development across Indigenous lands in Western Canada.
Featured Speakers

April Martel
Chief
K’atl’odeeche First Nation

Lenny Kishi
Housing Accountant
Musqueam Indian Band

Cliffton Cross
Council Member
Frog Lake First Nations

Gary Pritchard
Conservation Ecologist & Indigenous Engagement/Placemaking Specialist
Curve Lake First Nation

Celeste Hayward
Director of Operations
Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA)

Alexandria Melvin
Indigenous Liaison Advisor
Statistics Canada
Featuring Key Topics
Climate-Resilient Housing and Infrastructure Solutions
Innovative Funding and Financial Partnerships
Land Rights and Policy Updates
Community-Led Design and Development
Youth Engagement and Workforce Development
WHO YOU WILL MEET
- Chief and Council
- Housing
- Economic Development
- Finance
- Capital and Infrastructure Administration
- Lands and Resources
- Public Works
- Indigenous Markets Financing
- Business Development
From:
- First Nations Communities
- Indigenous Economic Development Corporations
- Construction and Engineering Firms
- Government
- Banks, Financial Institutions, and Investment Firms
- Water and Wastewater Services
- Architectural Firms and Consultants
A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR PAST CONFERENCE






PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Add more value to your conference experience by signing up for these hands-on and practical workshops and consider sending your team!
WORKSHOP A
Your Complete Guide to Asset Management: Funding, Developing, Managing, Maximizing and Protecting Housing Assets
April 29, 2025
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
WORKSHOP B
Housing Manager Bootcamp: Everything You Need to Know from Day-to-Day Operations to Funding Applications to Succession Planning
April 29, 2025
1:30 – 5:00 pm
Workshops are offered In-Person only
Testimonials
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I enjoyed the event because there were various people with different backgrounds. contractors, business owners, housing managers, Infrastructure etc.
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I spoke with a number of other bands, who are all facing housing challenges. i appreciate the different ways people are going about trying to solve the housing issue.
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I really enjoyed all the information shared. Now I will go to my community and give feedback and info to the public. Thank you!
Related Conferences
Indigenous Affairs Series
Sponsorship Opportunities
This series offers a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous communities, key government officials, and industry executives in a neutral, collaborative space to address challenges, exchange ideas, and build impactful partnerships where all voices are heard and respected.
Become a driving force in this crucial national conversation and take the next step toward supporting Indigenous rights, sustainable project development, and community engagement.
Learn More