A unique conference with a focus on Indigenous business is returning to Sudbury with the promise to be bigger.
The second annual Procurement, Employment and Partnership Conference and trade show will be held Jan. 22-23 at the Holiday Inn.
The format is much like the inaugural conference held last February, with opportunities for entrepreneurs and like-minded people to discuss resource development, partnerships, and supply chain management. The conference includes a trade show, guest speakers, workshop sessions and panel discussions.
The agenda includes topics such as economic reconciliation and fostering an environment of inclusion.
Back as guest speakers are JP Gladu, president and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Stephen Lindley, principal at Stephen Lindley Consulting.
Joining them will be Jason Batiste, executive director of Wabun Tribal Council; Charles Cirtwell, founding president and CEO of Northern Policy Institute; Derek Chum, vice-president of Indigenous relations of Hydro One; and Melanie Debassige, executive director at First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
The conference is also aimed at encouraging youth to take on greater leadership roles in preparation for future careers in industry.
Among those speaking on youth issues will be Sarah Monture, executive director, at the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario; Laurentian University student Mathew Duek, and Kaella Marie-Earle, a district engineering intern at Union Gas.
The conference was born out of talks surrounding plans for the Ring of Fire, and how to broker better relations among area communities with the idea of developing more inclusive supply chains when the remote mines go into production.
The event is organized by Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and presented by SNC-Lavalin.
