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
Speaker

Melody Lepine

Business and Environment Lead
Firelight Group
Mikisew Cree First Nation

Speaker

Shaleigh Raine

Lands, Consultation, and Economic Development Manager
Louis Bull Tribe (Kispatinaw)

Featured Speakers
Speaker

Stephen Buffalo

President and CEO
Indian Resource Council (IRC)
Samson Cree Nation

Speaker

Rebecca Kragnes

Director, Indigenous Relations & Community Engagement
Bird Construction
Métis Nation of Alberta

Speaker

Kate Kempton

Senior Counsel
Woodward & Company LLP

Speaker

Terry Mitchell

Corporate VP, Indigenous Relations
Graham Construction Group
Heart Lake First Nation (Treaty 6)

Speaker

Cynthia Westaway

Senior Counsel
First Peoples Law

Speaker

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 A

A Primer on the Duty to Consult

February 19, 2025
9:30 am – 12:30 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.

Learn More

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
Quote Icon

Being able to network and walk away with important knowledge and people info is awesome. All FNs have similar situations as well common barriers.

Band Administrator, Peerless Trout First Nation
Quote Icon

The presentations regarding recent court decisions were excellent. Provided tremendous insight regarding the past and future.

Technical and Indigenous Communications Lead, Solaris-MCI
Quote Icon

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.

Indigenous Relations Liaison, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Quote Icon

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.

Indigenous Relations Liaison, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Quote Icon

The issues about land claims and ATR. This along with the networking opportunities made for a great week.

Lands Manager, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
Related Conferences
Event Thumbnail Image
Event Thumbnail Image
Event Thumbnail Image

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
Banner