Representatives from across the Anishinabek Nation will gather in Sault Ste. Marie next week for the inaugural Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum.
Slated to take place Oct. 24-26 at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre, the three-day event will bring together First Nations citizens and representatives, industry experts and government officials to discuss how to access and sustain economic opportunities.
Content for the event includes expert panels and keynote presentations from First Nations leadership, economic development and energy experts, and business owners.
“The goal of the forum is to offer a diverse range of topics within the economic sector, such as using the duty to consult to leverage joint venture opportunities, resource development, economic opportunities in the energy sector, and funding economic development, that will encourage dialogue, networking, and inform on how to expand and assist communities in developing their economic sovereignty,” notes an AN news release.
Speakers scheduled to attend include Pat Chilton, CEO of Five Nations Energy Inc.; Michael S. Jacobs, CEO of Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) Inc.; Dawn Madahbee-Leach, general manager of Waubetek Business Development Corporation; and Darlene Solomon, manager of economic development for the Anishinabek Nation.
The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.