Indigenous Events
Connect, Learn, and Celebrate – Indigenous Events Await You Wherever You Are.
Virtual
Event: Prairies Links to Learning Symposium
Date: February 19th, 2025
Location: Online
Details: The goal of the Prairies Links to Learning virtual event is to deliver a dynamic technical training forum for First Nation Economic Development Officers and Land Managers to enhance their ability to undertake successful lands and economic development ventures.
The event focuses on knowledge sharing and skills enhancement among practitioners at the community level. This one day virtual forum delivers a series of workshops, led by experts in a range of economic and land development related disciplines, and offer opportunities for dialogue and networking.
Event: Cultural Solutions 101
Date: April 23–25, 2025
Location: Online
Details: Hosted by the ALIGN Association of Community Services, Cultural Solutions 101 is a virtual training program designed to provide professionals with an educational and experiential opportunity to expand their knowledge of working with Indigenous peoples. The training aims to deepen understanding and personal experience regarding Indigenous history and perspectives. Participants will engage in sessions that foster cultural competence and awareness, enhancing their ability to work effectively within Indigenous contexts. The event spans three days, with sessions scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Registration is priced at $892.50, with an additional service fee applied at checkout. Interested individuals can register through the ALIGN Association's website.
British Columbia
Event: Indigenomics IMPACT 2025
Date: April 8–9, 2025
Location: HR MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Details: Indigenomics IMPACT 2025 is a transformative event dedicated to celebrating and advancing success within the Indigenous economy. Over two days, the conference will highlight stories of Indigenous economic reconciliation through partnerships, businesses, investments, initiatives, and policies. Attendees will engage with visionary leaders, collaborate on economic reconciliation, and celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. The event aims to empower and foster collaboration among Indigenous businesses, corporations, investors, governments, and allies to activate the potential of the Indigenous economy.
Event: ICCE National Conference 2025
Date: May 26–28, 2025
Location: The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia
Details: The ICCE National Conference 2025 is Canada's largest Indigenous gathering, bringing together community leaders, industry professionals, and partners to discuss and promote Indigenous economic development and entrepreneurship. The conference will feature a variety of sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, focusing on topics such as economic growth, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience Indigenous cultural performances throughout the event.
Alberta
Event: Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025
Date: February 24–26, 2025
Location: River Cree Venue, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3
Details: The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025, themed "Empowering Care Networks for Community Healing and Resilience," is scheduled for February 24–26, 2025, at the River Cree Venue in Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada. Tailored for caregivers, community leaders, counselors, and mental health professionals, the conference offers workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions led by distinguished speakers, including Traditional Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, and Marlene Orr. Attendees will gain actionable tools to enhance personal and professional resilience, with practical strategies applicable to their work in mental health, social services, or community leadership.
Event: Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty
Date: February 27, 2025
Location: Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, 3777 Grey Eagle Drive, Calgary, Alberta
Details: Hosted by the ALIGN Association of Community Services, this event aims to empower Indigenous communities in assuming jurisdiction under the Act Respecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Children, Youth, and Families. The gathering will feature discussions on recent historic agreements, lessons learned, and best practices in Indigenous child welfare. The agenda includes a networking and smudging ceremony, large group discussions, themed breakout sessions, and cultural ceremonies.
Event: Enoch Cree Nation Traditional Powwow
Date: March 28 - 30, 2025
Location: The Venue at River Cree 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch, AB T7X 3Y3
Details: Contact: powwow@enochnation.ca
Event: Indigenous Trailblazer Summit 2025
Date: April 29–30, 2025
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The inaugural Indigenous Trailblazer Summit 2025 is a grassroots event uniting First Nation, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and allies to promote Indigenous inclusion, innovation, and community-driven business growth. The summit features a 92-vendor tradeshow showcasing Indigenous businesses, consultants, tech professionals, and artisans. Interactive panel discussions will focus on fostering collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities, aligning with Call to Action 92. A gala dinner will highlight Indigenous culture and recognize outstanding entrepreneurs. Hotel group rates are available at The Westin Edmonton until March 29, 2025.
Event: National Gathering of Elders 2025
Date: September 29, 2025
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Details: The National Gathering of Elders 2025, themed "Coming Home, Voices of Elders," is a significant event bringing together Indigenous Elders from across Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The gathering aims to provide a platform for Elders to share their wisdom, serve as advisors, teachers, and leaders, and to celebrate and sustain Indigenous environments, languages, identities, and cultures. The event will feature various activities designed to foster unity and cultural exchange among diverse Indigenous groups, as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Attendees can look forward to engaging in discussions, cultural celebrations, and opportunities to build and strengthen educational gaps between communities.
Saskatchewan
Event: First Nations Language Keepers Gathering
Date: February 11–12, 2025
Location: Prairieland Park, 503 Ruth Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Details: Hosted by the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC), the First Nations Language Keepers Gathering is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich linguistic heritage of First Nations communities. The theme for this year's gathering is "Our Sacred Languages Walk with Us," emphasizing the vital role that Indigenous languages play in maintaining cultural identity and continuity through generations. The event serves as a vibrant forum for language speakers, educators, advocates, and community leaders to exchange knowledge, strategies, and resources aimed at revitalizing and sustaining Indigenous languages. Attendees can look forward to a range of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation in language preservation efforts.
Event: First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Powwow 2025
Date: April 19–20, 2025
Location: Brandt Centre, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
Details: The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) invites everyone to its Annual Spring Celebration Powwow, the longest-running indoor powwow in Western Canada. This vibrant event showcases Indigenous culture through song, dance, and community gatherings. Attendees will experience Grand Entries on both days, featuring dancers in full regalia, and can explore the Indigenous Tradeshow with artisans and vendors. The powwow also includes dance competitions across various categories, a singing contest with significant prizes, and the crowning of the 2025 Miss FNUniv Ambassador.
Ontario
Event: Indigenous Procurement Event
Date: March 27, 2025
Location: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre 801 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J5
Details: The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) is hosting a full-day Indigenous Procurement Event aimed at empowering Indigenous businesses and strengthening supply chains. The event will feature a series of panel discussions with Certified Indigenous Businesses, Procurement Champions, and government representatives, focusing on strategies and evolving ideas toward economic prosperity. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in networking sessions and explore an Indigenous Business Tradeshow, showcasing a wide variety of goods and services that highlight the creativity and innovation within Indigenous communities.
Event: TechNations 2025 Conference and Trade Show
Date: May 12–13, 2025
Location: Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Details: Hosted by the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), TechNations 2025 is Ontario's premier technical conference for First Nations professionals in community infrastructure fields such as engineering, environment, fire and safety, fuel systems management, housing, infrastructure, operations and maintenance, and water and wastewater. The conference will feature a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and capacity within First Nations communities. Following the conference, the "Student Award Classic" Golf fundraiser will take place on May 14 at Thundering Waters Golf Club to raise funds for Indigenous STEM students.
Québec
Event: 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC)
Date: February 25–27, 2025
Location: Palais des congrès de Montréal, 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle Pl, Montréal, Québec
Details: The 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Québec, Canada. This event gathers industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners to promote and celebrate Indigenous tourism. The conference will feature extended programming, including inspirational keynote speakers, engaging workshops and panels on topics such as sustainable tourism practices and innovative marketing strategies, as well as immersive cultural experiences. Notably, David Allison, founder of the Valuegraphics Project, will be a keynote speaker, offering insights into human values and behavior.
Nova Scotia
Event: AFOA Canada 23rd National Conference
Date: February 25–27, 2025
Location: Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Details: The AFOA Canada 23rd National Conference, themed "Empowering People for the Next Generation," is dedicated to focusing on our greatest asset: our people. This gathering will bring together thought leaders, community advocates, and change-makers to explore innovative strategies and share success stories that uplift our communities and honour our traditions. The conference will feature dynamic discussions and workshops centered on enhancing human capital through education, skill development, and overall development.
New Zealand
Event: World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025
Date: November 16–20, 2025
Location: Auckland International Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
Details: WIPCE 2025 is a global gathering dedicated to Indigenous education, bringing together Indigenous representatives from around the world to share successes and strategies for culturally grounded education. The conference will commence with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome) by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the local tribe of central Auckland. Over four days, attendees will engage with national and international keynote speakers, participate in academic and community presentations, and join networking sessions, symposiums, panel discussions, seminars, and workshops. The event also features cultural excursions, a village marketplace, a parade of nations, and concludes with a closing ceremony and finale concert. The conference is based on the fundamental principle of Indigenous control of Indigenous education, aiming to protect, preserve, and develop Indigenous cultures through education.
New Mexico USA
Date: April 28 – May 2, 2025 (Student pre-conference on April 27, 2025)
Location: Tamaya Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Details: Hosted by the University of Washington's Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI), the INIHKD RIEL 2025 Conference aims to elevate Indigenous voices and address critical health issues impacting Indigenous communities globally. The conference will focus on the healing impact of Indigenous ancestral love on physical, mental, and spiritual health, culture, and community prosperity. It will feature keynote speakers, oral presentations, panel discussions, and traditional experiences.
