Latest News & Updates
Pre-Conference Workshops | Feb. 16
- Building a Consultation Roadmap : A Tool Kit for Consultation & Engagement Professionals
- Building Lasting Capacity for Emergency Management and Disaster Relief: Best Practices for Grant Applications and Passing on Knowledge and Responsibilities
Scholarship Passes for Indigenous Youths
Ten complimentary passes are available for Indigenous youth. Register for the conference and nominate a candidate to benefit from this opportunity.
Learn More* Scholarship passes will be awarded to the first ten eligible nominees.
Where Indigenous Relations Become Enduring Partnerships
For 19 years, this conference has brought together Indigenous communities, government, and industry to navigate the evolving landscape of consultation and engagement in Western Canada.
Today, that conversation is evolving. Meaningful Indigenous relations increasingly extend beyond fulfilling the duty to consult to building trust, creating opportunities for Indigenous participation and ownership, and developing enduring partnerships that deliver shared benefits.
Reflecting this evolution, the 19th Annual Conference on Western Indigenous Relations & Partnerships brings together Indigenous leaders, government decision-makers, Indigenous relations professionals, and industry to share practical strategies for stronger collaboration. Together, we’ll explore Indigenous ownership and economic participation, consent-based relationships, environmental stewardship, major-project development, and emerging opportunities across energy, mining and infrastructure.
Join us in Edmonton and help shape the future of Indigenous relations and responsible development in Western Canada.
Conference Co-Chairs
Tiara Folkes
Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy
TC Energy
Terry Mitchell
Corporate Vice President, Indigenous Relations
Graham
Featured Speakers
Richard Aisaican
Indigenous Co-Chair
IAMC-Line 3
Nick Bourque
Indigenous Relations Lead
Unified Valve Group Ltd
Raymond Cardinal
Indigenous Co-Chair
IAMC-TMX
Tracy L. Friedel, PhD
President
Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association
Tracy Primeau
Member, Board of Directors
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Michelle Wilsdon
Professional Leader, Reconciliation
Canada Energy Regulator
Consultation
➜Relationships
➜Participation
➜Partnership
➜Shared Outcomes
➜50%
Indigenous Communities & Organizations
16%
Federal Government & Agencies
11%
Energy, Utilities & Resources
24%
Consultation, Indigenous Relations & Engagement
16%
Leadership & Governance
12%
Legal, Policy & Regulatory
10%
Lands, Resources & Environment
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
More Than a Conference. A Place to Build Relationships.
Morning Meet and Greet
Start each conference day with dedicated time to connect with attendees and Co-Chairs.
Indigenous Leaders Roundtable
Hear priorities and perspectives on strengthening relationships and turning consultation into lasting partnerships.
Cultural Connection
Participate in morning smudging and Indigenous singing and drumming.
Peer Exchange
Learn through practical discussion, audience questions and real-world perspectives across sectors.
See Who Attends
Get the Audience SnapshotCPD 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.
Learn more“It was all put together really well. I liked the indigenous content and professional legal information.”
“Great mix of speakers sharing relevant, interesting, and useful information. Well-organized, excellent MCs/hosts etc.”
“The event featured a lot of impressive speakers and panelists who brought real-world experience to the discussion. There was a lot of legal imperatives that painted a picture that was realistic to the struggle of the consultation and engagement process with Indigenous groups at the community level.”
“Being able to network and walk away with important knowledge and people info is awesome. All FNs have similar situations as well common barriers.”
“Every topic was great! They all flowed well and the speakers were amazing. There seemed to be a great balance of listening, and participation from the audience (i.e. offering Q& A after every topic).”
“I gained insights into Indigenous Governance, consultation frameworks, and engagement strategies. The event provided valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, government representatives, and Indigenous organizations. I explored best practices for meaningful consultation, emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge, community-driven decision-making, and economic reconciliation. The conference also reinforced my on-going work in Indigenous Governance studies through Yellowhead Tribal College. It aligned with my Indigenous Governance and Administration, offering practical knowledge that could support my work with Mackenzie Valley Review Board.”
Sponsors & Partners
Media Partner
Sponsor Opportunities
With conferences in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
For more information please contact:
Jason Kanagalingam
Business Development Manager
Phone: 647-649-2438
Email: [email protected]
