Indigenous Opportunities Forum 2026 Presented by CN

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s annual Indigenous Opportunities Forum, presented by CN, brings together local First Nations and the region’s business and economic development leaders to learn about the projects, partnerships, and opportunities shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future.

As British Columbia continues to navigate an evolving legal, economic, and policy environment, collaboration between Indigenous Nations and the business community remains essential. Across the province, companies and Indigenous partners are advancing projects that support shared prosperity, strengthen communities, and contribute to B.C.’s long-term economic resilience.

This forum will explore how we can continue building a better B.C. together, while highlighting the critical role Indigenous businesses, communities, and partnerships play in driving regional prosperity.

Presentation

Mike Fernandez
Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Enbridge

Moderator

Bridgitte Anderson
President and CEO
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Conversation

Stephen Lee

CEO, Musqueam Capital Corp

Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun

CEO, Petroglyph Development Group

Moderator

Celeste Haldane, K.C., ICD.D 

Lawyer and Strategic Advisor

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Conversation

One of the most powerful ways companies can create shared value with host Indigenous communities is through procurement and business partnerships. This conversation will explore how companies can reduce barriers, support capacity building, create meaningful pathways for Indigenous-owned businesses, and build enduring long-term commercial relationships that support Indigenous economic development.

Kimberley Marion

Founder & VP, KICA Contracting Ltd.

Curtis Thomas

President & Business Development, Warrior Plumbing

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Panel 1:

Realizing Equity Ownership

The conversation has shifted from consultation to direct equity ownership. Driven by the new Federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program and innovative private capital, First Nations are taking major stakes in Western Canada’s primary transport, energy, and utility corridors. This panel explores the practical, post-closing reality of managing these massive joint ventures. Industry leaders and financial experts will unpack governance design, risk management, and how to structure the capital stack to unlock long-term, sovereign community wealth.

Dana Martin

Vice President, Indigenous Financial Services, Scotiabank

Mark Podlasly

CEO, First Nations Major Projects Coalition

Andras Vlaszak

Senior Director, Infrastructure, Capital Projects, and Sustainability (ICPS) Services Lead, KPMG

Moderator

Allie Meeres

Executive Vice President & Partner, Sedgwick Strategies

Panel 2:

Urban Development and Infrastructure

First Nations real estate and infrastructure partnerships and developments are transforming British Columbia's landscape. From urban, transit-oriented mega-developments welcoming their first residents to independent energy microgrids, Indigenous economic corporations are setting new benchmarks. This session examines how Nations are working with partners to build infrastructure to support the growth of our cities and economy.

Chief Derek Epp

Tzeachten First Nation

Stephan Lacombe

Regional Vice President, Buildings West, Pomerleau

Mindy Wight

Chief Executive Officer, Nch’kay Development Corporation

Moderator

Tyler Orton

Editor-in-Chief, Business in Vancouver & Western Investor

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This event is presented by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) Program. The DLC, an evolution of the Women's Leadership Council program, is an inclusive program that champions and advocates for leadership that best reflects the diversity of the Greater Vancouver region. The DLC focuses on addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to encourage allyship and enhance business innovation. The DLC is committed to investing in the participation and promotion of underrepresented groups, while supporting the business community to achieve their diversity and inclusion goals. Learn more boardoftrade.com/programs.