CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forward Summit is proud to announce that National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak will inaugurate this year’s conference, scheduled to take place on May 14 and 15 at the Grey Eagle in Tsuut'ina Nation, Calgary. This distinguished event gathers an influential roster of Grand Chiefs, Chiefs, Métis Leaders, community liaisons, and senior industry representatives, all coming together for discussions to advance economic partnerships and create opportunities for Indigenous communities to thrive.
As a trailblazing leader from Pinaymootang First Nation, Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is the youngest woman and mother to hold the position of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Her influential advocacy for First Nations' priorities and direct engagements with top governmental bodies—including the Senate and the Prime Minister’s office—establish her as a key voice in national discussions. Widely respected for her dedicated leadership in promoting growth and sustainable development within Indigenous territories, we are honoured to hear Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak’s experience and insights as she opens Forward Summit | WEST 2024. More details about her contributions and background can be found by visiting Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak’s bio.
"The presence of National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak at the Forward Summit underscores the importance of unity and collaborative effort in advancing the cause of economic reconciliation," said Miki Reeder, President of Forward Summit. "Her vision aligns perfectly with the goals of our summit, making her the ideal leader to kick off our discussions."
Forward Summit | WEST 2024 promises an engaging lineup of panel discussions, roundtables, and exhibitions, featuring prominent Indigenous leaders and allies. Key themes for this year’s program include:
- Partnership Development: Economic reconciliation and facilitating deal flow.
- Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous leadership in sustainable initiatives.
- Indigenous Youth: Educational advancements and employment opportunities.
- Innovations in Technology: Access to technology and their impact on Indigenous communities.
- Industry deep dives: focused roundtables in Energy, Forestry, Agriculture, and more.
This year’s summit is anticipated to sell-out, but there is still an opportunity to join us for this exceptional opportunity to engage in the discussions and hear from the transformative leaders at the forefront of change.
Discover Forward Summit:
- For more information, please visit forwardsummit.ca.
- Explore the full agenda.
- Meet the roster of 100+ expert speakers.
- Register to join the summit.
About Forward Summit:
Forward Summit is a professional, Indigenous-led, two-day conference dedicated to advancing economic partnerships, discovering opportunities for change, and supporting national relationships between Canada’s industry leaders and Indigenous Communities. By bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders from all sectors, the Summit aims to catalyze long-term partnerships and collaborative endeavors that pave the way for a prosperous shared future.
With over 250 Indigenous communities in attendance, Forward Summit prides itself on being the meeting place that drives economic reconciliation forward with meaningful dialogue. Through extensive consultation with the Forward Summit Indigenous Leadership Council comprised of established and emerging Indigenous leaders nationwide, the topics covered at the summit encompass the most pressing challenges and trends found between communities and industry. With expert-led panel discussions, dynamic roundtables and exclusive networking opportunities, conference participants are provided with an unrivalled opportunity to gain knowledge and collaborate towards a common goal: to progress economic reconciliation.
