February 20, 2024

FHQ Development’s 3rd Annual Indigenous Economic Development Forum (IEDF): Paving the Way for Economic Resilience and Reconciliation

On February 15, 2024, FHQ Development hosted the successful 3rd Annual Indigenous Economic Development Forum (IEDF) at the Atlas˚ Hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan. Under the theme “Cultivating Economic Resilience Through Collaboration,” the forum brought together Nations from across Saskatchewan, with over 140 attendees from Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Prince Albert, and beyond, including participants from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Thunder Bay.

The event, featuring both in-person and online participation, focused on Economic Reconciliation through Indigenous-led business models, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and addressing barriers hindering Indigenous economic success. Discussions covered successful partnerships, industry perspectives, funding opportunities, and strategies for cultivating economic resilience and prosperity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed presenters and panelists who contributed their knowledge and insights at the 3rd Annual Indigenous Economic Development Forum. A special thank you to Elder Kokum Brenda Dubois for blessing us with a meaningful opening prayer. Emcees Justine “Tini” Stilborn and Sara Cronan guided us through the event with warmth and expertise, setting a positive tone. Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns, FHQ Developments Board Chair, provided valuable opening remarks, and Cheri Moreau from Indigenous Services Canada shared important perspectives.

• Tim (TJ) Haywahe, from File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, delivered a comprehensive presentation on Effective Grant and Proposal Writing.
• The Voices of Sovereignty panel, moderated by Lori Campbell, showcased Indigenous leaders shaping the future of business, including Jennifer Harper of Cheekbone Beauty, Michelle Brooks of Brooks HR Group, and Dana Carriere of Edwards School of Business.
• Natoshia Bastien, President and CEO of Silver Sage Housing Corporation, delivered an inspiring Keynote Presentation.
• The panel on Indigenous Wisdom in Modern Agricultural Practices, moderated by Dustin Ross Fiddler, featured Shane Bellegarde of Wakayos Developments Ltd, Terry Lerat of 4C Farms Ltd (Cowessess First Nation), and Kenneth Bear of Paskwa Farms.
• Sarah Hopkins from Three Sisters Consulting provided valuable insights in her presentation on Indigenous Procurement in Canada.
• The Funding Success panel, moderated by Mark Brown, included Rob Woods of Wiyotisiwin Investment Management Company, Matt Smith of Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corp (SIIF), and Booker Cornea of First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC).
• Dwayne Bird of IndigPro Marketing concluded the day with a thought-provoking presentation on Cultural Resonance: Indigenous Marketing Approaches.

Our sincere thanks to all presenters and panelists for sharing their expertise and contributing to the success of this enlightening forum.

FHQ Development expressed gratitude to supporters and sponsors. The Indigenous Economic Development Forum 2024 was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our gratitude to our Featured 2024 Sponsors:

• Title Sponsor – Available See Sponsorship Package
• Signature Sponsor – Available See Sponsorship Package
• Advocate Sponsor – First Nations & Métis Health
• Lunch Sponsor – Great Plains Contracting
• Media Sponsor – Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
• Networking Sponsor – Tourism Saskatchewan
• Health Break Sponsor – Enbridge
• Partner Sponsors – PCL Construction, BluEarth Renewables, First Nation Bank, Topa Contracting
• Corporate Sponsors – Virtus Group, D3 Hotels, Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Edwards School of Business, Concentra Trust
• In-Kind Sponsors – MemoryKPR

Catch the replay of the day:

You can download the agenda for our 3rd Annual 2024 Indigenous Economic Development Forum.

Reflecting on the success of the 3rd Annual IEDF, FHQ Development appreciates the strategic partnerships formed within the industry, creating opportunities for financial returns, employment, Indigenous capacity building, and supply chain growth. Looking ahead, FHQ Development is inspired by the event’s impact and the commitment of all participants, fostering economic resilience and collaboration for the betterment of Indigenous communities.

See everyone’s photos on MemoryKPR, and provide feedback by completing our survey on #IEDF2024 to shape next year’s event

We look forward to seeing you at the next forum! See information on our annual signature event the Indigenous Economic Development Forum (IEDF).