Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum

Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum is an annual conference focused on First Nations economic growth.

In Anishinabek News

• October 2023: The first annual event took place from October 24 to 26, 2023, in Sault Ste. Marie. The gathering features panels and presentations from First Nation leaders, energy experts, and business owners. The event covers topics including resource development, the duty to consult, and joint venture opportunities.
• October 2024: The second annual event is scheduled to take place from October 21-23, 2024, at Casino Rama. The forum aims to share success stories and discuss business opportunities for Anishinabek Nation communities. Registration for the event is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous business owners, funders, and organizations.
• October 2024: The 2024 forum is scheduled for October 21-23 at Casino Rama. The event provides a platform for Anishinabek Nation communities and business owners to network and share experiences regarding economic development. Registration for the gathering is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants, including procurement organizations and funders.
• October 2024: The second annual event took place from October 22 to 23, 2024, at Casino Rama. The gathering focused on the theme of Economic Reconciliation for sustainable development. Participants included economic development officers, business experts, and government officials from Anishinabek Nation communities.
• November 2024: The second annual event concluded on October 23 at Casino Rama Resort. The forum featured a Business Development Panel where speakers discussed economic reconciliation and community revenue generation.
• November 2024: The three-day event concluded on October 23, 2024, at the Casino Rama Resort. The forum featured specialized sessions including a Tourism Panel, a Technology and Innovation Panel, and an Agricultural Panel. Participants discussed topics such as food sovereignty, Indigenous supply chains, and seasonal tourism initiatives.
• November 2024: The second annual forum was held in October 2024 at Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The event serves as a space for business owners, government representatives, and industry leaders to exchange best practices and build relationships. The forum brought together representatives from 39 member First Nations, including youth and entrepreneurs.
• October 2025: The third annual event, themed Empower, Evoke, Evolve, took place from October 15 to 17, 2025, in Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The 2025 forum included discussions on major projects, securing capital, and the impact of provincial and federal legislation on Anishinabek Nation sovereignty. The event featured workshops on diverse sectors including generative AI, mining, tourism, and agriculture.
• October 2025: The third annual event concluded on October 17, 2025, at the Casino Rama Resort in Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The four-day forum included a plenary session focused on innovation in equity financing and community growth.
• October 2025: The 2025 event took place from October 16 to October 18 at the Casino Rama Resort. The forum served as a platform for Linda Debassige to challenge corporations and agencies to learn about the realities of First Nations communities.
• October 2025: The 2025 forum featured a leadership panel on October 16 where regional chiefs addressed the impacts of provincial legislation. The event served as a platform for leaders to demand co-governance and enforceable community benefits regarding major resource projects.
• October 2026: The 4th annual event was held from October 20-22, 2026, in Thunder Bay. The 2026 theme focused on infrastructure, investment, and innovation within sectors like mining, energy, tourism, and agriculture. The gathering aims to strengthen economic relationships and share tools for reasserting sovereignty through Anishinaabe values.