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

Greg Desjarlais

Grand Chief
Confederacy of Treaty 6
Chief
Frog Lake First Nation

Speaker

Trevor Mercredi

Grand Chief
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
Chief
Beaver First Nation

Speaker

Linda J. Innes

Chief
Gixtaała Nation

Speaker

Kimmy Houle

Director of Environment, Lands, and Economic Development
Siksikaitsitapi Blackfoot Confederacy
Kainaiwa (Blood Tribe)

Speaker

Bennie Graydon

Employment and Relations Specialist
Squamish Nation Training & Trades Centre
Snuneymuxw First Nation

Featuring Key Topics

Equity Partnerships and Indigenous Ownership: On the Path Towards Economic Empowerment

A Genuine Path or Unfulfilled Promise? Impact of the Gitxaała case, DRIPA and UNDRIP on Advancing Indigenous Rights

Protecting the Land to Secure the Future: Ensuring Environmental Protection in Natural Resource Projects

Closing the Labour Gap: Amidst Natural Resource Projects and Indigenous Workforce Potential

Incorporating Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK): Moving Beyond a Checklist to Meaningful Integration in Consultation and Engagement

Industry Panel: Redefining “Success” by Building Genuine Relationships

NEW FOR 2025

Participate in Relationship Building Activities

Morning Meet and Greet

Kick off each conference day with an hour dedicated to refreshments and relationship building – meet the other attendees and the conference Co-Chairs.

Afternoon Talking Circles

Join a talking circle, offered at the end of each conference day, to check in with your fellow attendees and exchange impressions, insights, and ideas.

Indigenous Artists’ Market

Experience Indigenous culture and artistry through our Indigenous Artist’s market, available throughout the conference.

Indigenous Singing and Drumming

Strengthen the connection with your fellow delegates by participating in this ceremony led by Lonny Potts, Cultural Advisor at NAIT, from the Paul First Nation.

Smudging

Participate in a smudging ceremony each morning before the conference begins.

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 8.5 substantive hours of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) required by the Law Society of Ontario, 1 professionalism hours, and 45 minutes of EDI. Members will also receive an additional 3 substantive hours at each pre-conference workshop.

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

Technical and Indigenous Communications Lead, Solaris-MCI
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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)
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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)

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

Lands Manager, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
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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.

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