Purpose, relationships, and vision.
It’s along these pivotal pathways that Canadians must walk on the road to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
And it’s precisely these three tenets that will be the centrepiece of the 2023 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS), which runs June 1 and 2 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Now in its fourth year, IPSS works to bridge the gap between commerce and culture, with a distinct focus on partnerships between First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and corporate Canada, for economic reconciliation.
“Employment, jobs, prosperity, purchasing of goods and services – so much of our lives are centered around economic realities,” says Squamish Nation hereditary chief and IPSS chair, Ian Campbell. “When we think about achieving reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion, perhaps the most impactful way to start is by looking at Indigenous inclusion in the economy.”
The Indigenous economy is diverse and growing, encompassing various industries such as natural resources, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, property development and more. The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) has estimated that the Indigenous economy could contribute up to $100 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2024.
Into this context, the conference highlights the critical role of establishing cultural recognition and respect prior to achieving truly successful partnerships in business and beyond.
“Success is built through partnerships. When we envision progress on the road to reconciliation, we see relationships as essential to how we get there,” explains Chief Campbell.
IPSS will include dozens of speakers and cultural performers, with keynote speeches, panel discussions and breakaway sessions planned over the two-day event.
Speakers will address a mix of topics critical to Canada’s future, including energy, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, urban development, export and trade, capitalizing Indigenous business, healthcare, the digital economy, and more.
Prominent speakers who’ll be appearing at IPSS include:
- Chief Willie Sellars, elected leader of the Williams Lake First Nation, which owns more than 10 businesses from land development to logging.
- Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of the National Association of Friendship Centres, whose members provide culturally relevant programs and services for urban Indigenous people across Canada.
- Bill Lomax, incoming CEO of the First Nations Bank of Canada, which is more than 80 per cent Indigenous owned and controlled.
- Steven Stark, a Tsawwassen First Nation entrepreneur whose story of overcoming tremendous adversity to achieve success in business is an inspiration to others.
- Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, who will feature prominently at the annual conference.
Speakers will share success stories and learnings with attendees, and a call to consider how reconciliation can be pursued in and out of business.
“National Chief Archibald's unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of Indigenous peoples spans decades. Her presence at our event signifies a pivotal moment in the movement we're fostering for mutual prosperity,” says Chief Campbell.
For Chief Campbell, IPSS is more than a conference.
"It’s a movement for change,” he said. “More Canadians than ever see themselves in this, whether they are Indigenous themselves or of any background. This conversation is meant to be deeply inclusive, and we welcome everyone.
“We hope to foster the next wave of relationships and mutual opportunity in Canada, from coast to coast.”
Tickets for the 2023 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase are available here.
