Let’s build solutions together for pressing consultation and engagement challenges
Attend and connect with Indigenous leaders, government representatives, and natural resource companies, gathering in a neutral non-partisan setting, to share insights, develop strategies, and address the most pressing consultation and engagement challenges faced by Western Canada.
2025 CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Melody Lepine
Business and Environment Lead
Firelight Group
Mikisew Cree First Nation
Shaleigh Raine
Lands, Consultation, and Economic Development Manager
Louis Bull Tribe (Kispatinaw)
Featured Speakers
Stephen Buffalo
President and CEO
Indian Resource Council (IRC)
Samson Cree Nation
Rebecca Kragnes
Director, Indigenous Relations & Community Engagement
Bird Construction
Métis Nation of Alberta
Kate Kempton
Senior Counsel
Woodward & Company LLP
Terry Mitchell
Corporate VP, Indigenous Relations
Graham Construction Group
Heart Lake First Nation (Treaty 6)
Cynthia Westaway
Senior Counsel
First Peoples Law
Max Fineday
Chief Executive Officer
Warshields
Sweetgrass First Nation
Featuring Key Topics
Equity Partnerships and Indigenous Ownership: On the Path Towards Economic Empowerment
Death by a Thousand Cuts: How the Blueberry River Decision is Meant to Redefine Cumulative Effects
Aboriginal Leaders Roundtable: Sovereignty and Reconciliation
Closing the Labour Gap: Amidst Natural Resource Projects and Indigenous Workforce Potential
FIRESIDE CHAT: Indigenous Advocacy in Colonial Governments
Industry Panel: Redefining “Success” by Building Genuine Relationships
NEW FOR 2025
Embracing Indigenous Traditions
Smudging
Drum and Song Ceremony
Indigenous Artists’ Market
Talking Circles
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 B
Negotiating Resource Revenue Sharing and Writing Meaningful Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs)
February 19, 2025
1:30 pm– 4:30 pm
About this Conference
Indigenous consultation and engagement practices are rapidly evolving amid legal, political, and environmental shifts, emphasizing the critical need for strong, collaborative relationships that honour and center Indigenous rights and priorities. As governments, Indigenous Nations, and private industries navigate challenges like legal obligations, infrastructure growth, and environmental stewardship, the need for trust, early engagement, and adherence to free, prior, and informed consent has never been greater.
Join us at CI’s17th Annual Conference on Western Indigenous Consultation & Engagement in Edmonton for a unique opportunity to engage with consultation and engagement professionals from Indigenous communities, government, and industry. This is your chance to gain the most current best practices, legal updates, and insights to strengthen your consultation processes, enhance your approach to consultation, and build relationships that will guide your organization for the future.
CPD ACCREDITATION
This 2-day conference can be applied towards 6.5 substantive hours of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) required by the Law Society of Ontario, 1.5 professionalism hours, and 45 minutes of EDI. Members will also receive an additional 3 substantive hours at each pre-conference workshop.
WHO YOU WILL MEET
Chiefs and Councilors, Senior Executives, Directors and Managers of:
- Indigenous Relations
- Internal and External Affairs
- Stakeholder Relations, Community Relations
- Project Development
- Environmental Planning
- Government and Corporate Affairs
- Policy Analysts
- In-House Counsel and Partners
FROM
Indigenous Communities
Provincial and Federal Government
Oil and Gas
Mining and Exploration
Power Generation and Transmission
Agriculture and Forestry
Engineering and Environmental Services
Law Firms
A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR PAST CONFERENCE
Testimonials
Being able to network and walk away with important knowledge and people info is awesome. All FNs have similar situations as well common barriers.
The presentations regarding recent court decisions were excellent. Provided tremendous insight regarding the past and future.
I really appreciated the range of presentations, the opportunity for both First Nations and Metis presentations, and networking opportunities. I learned a lot and made connections for continued relations. Overall I thought it was delivered very well.
I really appreciated the range of presentations, the opportunity for both First Nations and Metis presentations, and networking opportunities. I learned a lot and made connections for continued relations. Overall I thought it was delivered very well.
The issues about land claims and ATR. This along with the networking opportunities made for a great week.
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