Indigenous Women in Industry – IWI Summit – Canada 2026
September 28-30, 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Canoe Ceremony and Welcome from Host Nations Please join us at the Canoe Ceremony, serving as the cultural opening of the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit 2026, bringing together Indigenous women leaders, entrepreneurs, community members and allies in a spirit of respect, partnership and reconciliation. Hosted on the traditional territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the Ceremony will be the welcome of the visitors to the lands and waters. Transportation from the Hyatt Regency Vancouver to Teatotaler Beach return provided. Delegates meet in hotel lobby at 2:00 p.m. Shuttle bus leaves promptly at 2:15 p.m. | Teatotaler Beach (close to the Vancouver Maritime Museum) |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Summit Registration Open Beat the morning rush and register this evening! Take a few minutes from the Welcome Reception to stop by Registration to pick up your name badge and delegate kit. | Regency Ballroom Foyer |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception Following the Canoe Ceremony, we welcome everyone back to the Hyatt Regency Vancouver for our Welcome Reception. Enjoy some light refreshments, including one of the Summit’s Signature Mocktails and take some time to network with your fellow delegates before Day 1 of the Summit! | Oxford/Prince of Wales Room, Hyatt Regency Vancouver |
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Summit Registration Open | Regency Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:30 a.m. | Hot Breakfast & Networking | Regency Ballroom D-E-F Foyer |
| 8:30 a.m. | Indigenous Marketplace Open | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 9:00 a.m. | Opening Ceremonies Master of Ceremonies: Victoria LaBillois, The Eloquent Hostess
Welcome to the Territory
| Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome Address from IWI
| Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 9:40 a.m. | Keynote Address by Te Kahukura Boynton, Founder, Māori Millionaire (Aotearoa) | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 10:10 a.m. | Networking Break in the Indigenous Marketplace | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 10:30 a.m. | Panel – Rooted in the Region: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Change Moderator: Ginger Gosnell-Myers, Nisga’a and Kwakwaka’wakw Planner, Policy Leader and City-Builder Panelists
British Columbia is home to a vibrant and growing community of Indigenous women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and contributing to the economy. Panelists will share their journeys and explore how Indigenous women are driving economic growth and creating lasting impact across the province. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 11:30 a.m. | Keynote Address by Jennifer Orrala, Founder and Director of ArteOrrala (Ecuador) | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch Break | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 12:30 p.m. | Indigenous Fashion Showcase Featuring Dorothy Grant (Canada) and special guests Amanda Healy, Kirrikin (Australia) and Christiane Waneissi, Chateaubriand Wear (New Caledonia). Showcase soundtrack provided by DJ Morgan Lily! | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 1:15 p.m. | Panel – Matriarchs in Motion: Wisdom, Power, Legacy Moderator: Magnolia Perron, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, NACCA Panelists
Leadership is shaped by the knowledge, relationships, and generations that come before us. This conversation brings together Indigenous women leaders from diverse fields to reflect on the lessons, responsibilities and relationships that have shaped their journeys. Together, they will explore what it means to lead with purpose, strength, and connection – from carrying cultural knowledge and creating pathways for others to advocating for change and strengthening communities. Looking ahead, panelists will consider how today’s leaders can create space for the next generation to lead, innovate, and shape their own futures. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 2:15 p.m. | Keynote Address by Jenni Walke, Elephant in the Room Consulting (Australia) | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 2:45 p.m. | Networking Break in the Indigenous Marketplace | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 3:15 p.m. | Keynote Address by Yuri Yoko, Co-Founder and CEO, Jidi Culture Publishing Ltd. (Taiwan) | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 3:45 p.m. | Panel – Rising Leaders: Next Gen Women Leading the Way Moderator: Natasha Amos, Squamish Nation Panelists
A new generation of Indigenous women is stepping forward with bold ideas, leadership, entrepreneurial ambition, and a vision for the future. Panelists will explore the importance of mentorship, confidence, cultural connection, and opportunity, while reflecting on what the next generation needs to thrive, lead on their own terms, and create lasting change. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 5:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks: Rachel Petero, Rise Global | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 5:10 p.m. | Day 1 Adjourns | |
| 5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | Network Like a Boss Join us for this fun and interactive session designed to help delegates strengthen their networking skills and put them into practice at the evening’s networking event. Whether you’re attending your first conference or looking to expand your professional network, you’ll gain practical tips to build confidence and make meaningful connections. Facilitated by Victoria LaBillois, Master of Ceremonies, this session is geared toward our youth attendees, but all delegates are welcome to participate! | Balmoral Room, 3rd Floor, Hyatt Regency Vancouver |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Trade and Partnership Lounge Hosted by Global Affairs Canada and EntrepreNorth | Oxford/Prince of Wales Room, 3rd Floor, Hyatt Regency Vancouver |
| 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Networking Reception featuring Inez Cook, Nuxalk Nation, Salmon n’ Bannock Entertainment by DJ O Show Music, Drinks and Delicious Eats! An evening of Indigenous culinary excellence, connection and celebration. Gather with Indigenous women leaders, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, partners, and changemakers from around the world for a memorable reception featuring Inez Cook of the Nuxalk Nation, Co-Founder and Owner of Salmon n’ Bannock. Savour inspired Indigenous cuisine, exchange stories and ideas, and build meaningful connections across industries and borders - all set against the relaxed backdrop of music provided by the talented DJ O Show. | Grouse, Stanley and Cypress Rooms (Level 34), Hyatt Regency Vancouver |
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Summit Registration Open | Regency Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:30 a.m. | Hot Breakfast & Networking | Regency Ballroom D-E-F Foyer |
| 8:00 a.m. | Indigenous Marketplace Open | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Prayer
| Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 8:50 a.m. | Address by Chief Leanne Joe, Squamish Nation | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 9:00 a.m. | Special Ceremony and Recognition of Orange Shirt Day Phyllis Webstad, CEO & Co-Founder, Orange Shirt Society Phyllis will share stories of her childhood and her life with her grandmother and will explain how and when Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters began. Phyllis will recount her powerful orange shirt story and speak about the generations of her family who attended Indian Residential School and reflect on how these experiences impacted her own life as an Intergenerational Survivor. Through sharing her story, Phyllis brings forward a message of hope for today. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 9:30 a.m. | Panel – Trade Without Borders: Indigenous Women Going Global Moderator: Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty Panelists
Indigenous women are building businesses that reach markets around the world. This conversation explores the opportunities and realities of taking an Indigenous-owned business global – from building international relationships and entering new markets to navigating barriers and finding the right partners. Panelists will share their experiences and explore how culture, relationships, innovation, and purpose can be powerful assets in creating new opportunities in the global economy. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 10:30 a.m. | Networking Break in the Indigenous Marketplace | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 10:45 a.m. | Keynote Address by Anong Beam, Beam Paints (Canada) | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 11:15 a.m. | Panel – From Tradition to Technology: Indigenous Women Innovating Moderator: Bobbie Racette, Founder of Virtual Gurus (Acquired) | Founder of Tapwi Panelists
Innovation can carry Indigenous knowledge, culture, and community into the future. This conversation explores how Indigenous women are using technology, creativity, and new approaches to build businesses and create opportunities. Panelists will discuss digital inclusion, data sovereignty, and protecting Indigenous knowledge, while considering how innovation can be grounded in culture, values, and community and advance Indigenous-led economic development on Indigenous terms. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 1:30 p.m. | Panel – On Our Land, On Our Terms: The Future of Indigenous Tourism Moderator: Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Indigenous Tourism BC Panelists
Indigenous tourism creates opportunities to share culture, strengthen communities, and build sustainable economies. This conversation explores the future of Indigenous-led tourism and developing experiences on Indigenous terms. Panelists will discuss cultural revitalization, community prosperity, environmental stewardship, authenticity and ownership, while considering how tourism can create meaningful connections and ensure its benefits remain within Indigenous communities. | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 2:30 p.m. | Networking Break in the Indigenous Marketplace | Regency Ballroom A-B-C |
| 3:00 p.m. | Closing Keynote Address by Sharleen Gale, Executive Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 3:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Wrap-up
| Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 3:45 p.m. | Summit Adjourns |
Summit Gala – Evening Program
September 30, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening celebrating Indigenous leadership, culture, and storytelling from around the world. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional outfits or cultural attire and share the stories and traditions that connect us all.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. | Gala Reception Join us a few minutes early in the Regency Ballroom Foyer before the doors officially open. | Regency Ballroom Foyer |
| 6:20 p.m. | Doors Open | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 6:30 p.m. | Gala Welcome Master of Ceremonies: Victoria LaBillois | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 6:35 p.m. | Elder’s Prayer and Blessing of the Food | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 6:40 p.m. | Dinner & Conversation | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 8:15 p.m. | Entertainment
| Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 8:45 p.m. | Nyoka Morgan, IWI Australian Ambassador | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 9:00 p.m. | Music of DJ O Show Time to celebrate each other and dance to some great music provided by the fabulous DJ O Show! | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
| 11:00 p.m. | Gala Ends | Regency Ballroom D-E-F |
Thursday, October 1, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | IWI Post-Summit Excursions Various community and cultural tours organized by the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit (for more information, see the Excursions page on this website) |
Partner Event (Not an Official IWI Summit Activity)
Hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada)
On the margins of the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) will host a half-day training session for registrants of the IWI Summit focused on building an export-ready business, geared primarily toward Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs.
With presentations from supporting organizations including the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and Réseau des Femmes d'affaires du Québec, the session will help participants understand what to consider when preparing to export, the opportunities for Canadian businesses in Asia and Europe, and the resources available to companies interested in expanding into new international markets.
A panel of experienced entrepreneurs will also share their export journeys, including lessons learned, successes, challenges, and practical advice for accessing international markets.
Registration is managed separately by APF Canada.
Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/AsiaPacificFoundationOfCanada/ExportReadinessProgramRegistrationFormOctober12026
Please note: This event is independently organized and administered by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and is not part of the official Indigenous Women in Industry Summit program.
