Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference Coming to Slave Lake!
- Jul 31
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Where Culture, Business, and Opportunity Come Together
One day could change the way you think about your business.
Whether you're dreaming of starting your first business, growing an existing one, exploring opportunities in Indigenous tourism, or looking to connect with others who share your vision, the Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference is designed with you in mind.
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders, tourism operators, community leaders, and members from across Northern Alberta will gather in Slave Lake for a full day of learning, connection, inspiration, and collaboration.
Rooted in the spirit of Mâmawi-wîcihitowin (ᒫᒪᐃᐧ ᐄᐧᒋᐦᐃᑐᐃᐧᐣ) (all helping together), this conference celebrates the strength that comes from sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and building a stronger future through Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Register by August 31, 2026 and pay just $60 (regularly $75).
Your ticket includes:
Full conference access
Lunch and refreshments
Inspiring keynote and panel discussions
Choice of breakout sessions
Networking with Indigenous entrepreneurs and business support organizations
Indigenous tourism is about far more than attracting visitors. It creates opportunities to share culture, preserve traditions, strengthen communities, and build sustainable businesses that reflect Indigenous values and identity.
Throughout the conference, you'll explore how tourism can become a powerful driver of economic development while honouring culture, storytelling, language, and community.
Whether tourism is already part of your business or you're simply curious about future opportunities, you'll leave with new ideas, practical knowledge, and meaningful connections.
LEARN FROM INDIGENOUS PEOPLE WHO HAVE BUILT SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES
One of the most valuable parts of this conference is the opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous entrepreneurs who have turned ideas into thriving businesses.
Our keynote speaker, Greg Hopf, will share his presentation, "The Power of Indigenous Tourism," combining lived experience with industry expertise to demonstrate how authentic cultural experiences can create lasting economic opportunities while preserving Indigenous identity and heritage.
Throughout the day, you'll also hear from successful Indigenous business owners who will share:
Their entrepreneurial journeys
Lessons they've learned along the way
Challenges they've overcome
Practical advice for growing a successful business
How culture has shaped their businesses and communities
These aren't just presentations; they're real stories from people who understand the opportunities and challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU GROW
Starting or growing a business doesn't have to happen alone.
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference brings together organizations dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with financing, business planning, coaching, education, and community development.
Throughout the day, you'll have opportunities to:
Meet business support organizations
Ask questions one-on-one
Explore funding and financing options
Build relationships with future partners
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs from across the region
Sometimes the most valuable conversation happens over coffee or lunch. You never know who you'll meet or what opportunities may come from making new connections.
CHOOSE BREAKOUT SESSIONS THAT MATCH YOUR GOALS
Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow an established business, you'll be able to attend breakout sessions focused on practical tools and resources.
BREAKOUT SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:
Starting a business in Alberta
Business planning and registration
Financing and investment opportunities
Indigenous business supports
Financial knowledge for entrepreneurs
Free hands-on marketing skills for Google Business
Tourism opportunities
Each session is designed to give you practical information you can take home and apply to your own business journey.
MORE THAN A CONFERENCE - IT'S A COMMUNITY
This event is about more than learning.
It's about celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship.
It's about sharing ideas.
It's about supporting one another.
It's about creating opportunities for future generations.
Most importantly, it's about bringing together people who believe in strengthening Indigenous businesses and communities through collaboration.
If you've ever felt like you were trying to build your business on your own, this conference is your opportunity to discover that support exists right here in our region.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 DATE: Thursday, October 22, 2026
📍 LOCATION: Northern Lakes College Gym, Slave Lake Campus
🕘 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Registration opens at 8:15 a.m.
🎟️ EARLY BIRD PRICING: $60 until August 31, 2026
REGULAR TICKET PRICE: $75 beginning September 01, 2026
YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
Full conference access
Inspiring keynote presentation
Panel discussions
Choice of breakout sessions
Lunch
Refreshments
Networking opportunities
Access to business support organizations
Seats are limited. Register early to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and reserve your place.
👉 Click Here to Register Now: https://zfrmz.ca/vs6uUhA7Q8vFaLKhpRA7
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference is proudly presented through the collaboration of:
Together, we're working to strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship, celebrate culture, and create opportunities for businesses and communities across Northern Alberta.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Click the arrows below to meet our speakers and esteemed panelists:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Greg Hopf
GREG HOPF: Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Indigenous Relationships & Cultural Identity Expert
Greg Hopf is a Dene tourism leader, youth advocate, and engaging speaker dedicated to building strong, thriving Indigenous communities. Raised in the Northwest Territories, he developed a deep connection to his culture, land, and traditions, which continue to guide both his personal life and professional work.
As co-founder of Moccasin Trails Consulting, Greg focuses on economic and tourism development, partnership building, and delivering impactful training and keynote presentations. His work is rooted in Indigenous values and the philosophy of “Living in Two Worlds,” promoting reconciliation through authentic storytelling and cultural understanding.
With extensive experience in tourism, sport development, and community leadership—including contributing to national and international Indigenous tourism initiatives—Greg is committed to creating sustainable opportunities while preserving Indigenous identity and heritage.
Presentation Summary:
The Power of Indigenous Tourism: Drawing on his lived experience running an award-winning tourism business and working at a destination management organization in the Thompson Okanagan region, Greg will share his insights on successfully developing Indigenous tourism. Tourism is a positive tool for reconciliation that brings people from different backgrounds together to learn about Indigenous cultures, histories, and stories through authentic experiences. Indigenous tourism is a promising approach to sustainable development, a way for Indigenous communities to support culture and language, generate revenue, create meaningful jobs, increase access to healthcare and education, and conserve natural resources.
Greg shares his experience and stories about the power of sharing stories, history, and culture through experiential tourism, and how communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs can build a lasting legacy through tourism.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-hopf-3890921a3/
SPEAKER & PANELIST #1: Doug Hawke
DOUG HAWKE: Visionary Distiller and Technical Mind behind Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
Douglas Hawke is the visionary distiller and technical mind behind Hawke Prohibition Distilleries, and he and his partner, Alana, make this a proudly Indigenous and female-owned Canadian distillery known for its unapologetically bold spirits and cutting-edge innovation. As co-founder and owner, Hawke is the head of production, bringing precision, creativity, and deep respect for tradition to every drop crafted in-house.
A skilled fabricator and lifelong builder, Hawke didn’t just dream up the distillery — he literally built it. He designed and constructed a one-of-a-kind continuous distillation system, engineered entirely in-house, that allows Hawke Prohibition to produce exceptionally smooth spirits with high efficiency and minimal waste — a rare feat in the small-batch world.
Hawke is a proud member of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation and deeply committed to honouring his heritage through the work he does — from sourcing local ingredients to mentoring the next generation of distillers and makers. His work blends old-world technique with modern ingenuity, making Hawke Prohibition Distilleries not just a brand, but a bold statement in Canadian craft spirits.
When he’s not in the distillery, you’ll find Hawke in the workshop, tinkering, tuning, or teaching — always hands-on, always forward-thinking.
Website: https://www.hawkeprohibition.com/
Presentation Summary:
Doug Hawke will share his experience in the Indigenous Tourism industry and his journey as an Indigenous Tourism Alberta member and the Owner of Hawke Prohibition Distilleries. This session will highlight the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned in building a tourism-related business, while showcasing how local stories, culture, and unique experiences can help create meaningful connections with visitors.
PANELIST #2: Wendy Poseluzny
WENDY POSELUZNY: Indigenous Business Owner and Métis Knowledge Keeper
Wendy Poseluzny, a Metis woman born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, moved to Alberta, birthing 2 boys, and married a Metis man. She has a passion and dedication to the beauty of Indigenous Culture and Art. Wendy shares her stories with people during gatherings, and although her story is much different from those of other brothers and sisters, she has stayed true to her roots.
Her store, Native Wild Trading Post, serves the Fort Saskatchewan and Spruce Grove, AB communities, and is heading for huge changes over the next couple of years. Purchasing Land near Wild Wood, AB, in 2020 to begin a cultural center with her family. Native Wild Trading Post is an Indigenous Trading Post that she shares with other artists to showcase their work. Truly a little gem that is one of a kind, unique, and authentic. Her self-taught, dedicated quest is to ensure every fur product used for her work is hand-selected and certified humane. Advice from her elders, along with her heightened abilities to create magnificent pieces in her collections.
Wendy is committed to keeping the culture alive by teaching her knowledge to various schools and offering public workshops on the teachings of her work. Including tipi retreats for healing and cultural history.
Historical teachings, traditional tipi, glamping tipi retreats, cabin stays, trading post, and wilderness spa you don’t want to miss are held throughout the year at The Woods Experience, one hour west of Edmonton. Wendy also travels around Canada to share her teachings.
Wendy’s products have been featured in the historical gift shop in Fort Sask, AB, at the museum. She is also a designer for a fur company that private labels her pieces.
Wendy was featured in the Metis Magazine as an entrepreneur for her culture. Products are displayed in band offices and she has made products for a T.V. show. Her goal is to strengthen and enhance business relationships, give new opportunities to understand Aboriginal development, and provide continued support. The connections being built within the community will bring awareness and give opportunities to foster new relationships and progress for the future. With the love that the creator has given us, we are unstoppable!
Website: https://nativewild.ca/
PANELIST #3: Clayton Didier
CLAYTON DIDIER: Director of The Group, An Indigenous Creative Agency
Clayton Didier is Director at The Group, an Indigenous-owned brand strategy, identity, and creative agency working across the tourism and hospitality, real estate, economic development, non-profit, municipal, and wellness sectors. He has held this role for over 20 years, leading tourism consulting, brand development, creative management, and digital solutions for destinations and operators.
Grounded in a long-standing commitment to the tourism industry, The Group expanded into its own tourism operations in 2021–22 with the development of Pine Creek Retreat in Alberta’s Lakelands region. This move was driven by both a passion for the sector and a need to gain real-world operational experience to strengthen the agency’s advisory work. Pine Creek Retreat is a restored provincial historic property that now includes a retreat centre, lodge suites, a great room, and eight glass-front cabins designed for year-round stays. Building on this foundation, Clayton has led the development of new on-site experiences, including the Bear’s Ears all-terrain electric scooter experience, launched in 2024, with the Stopping House Restaurant and Café set to open in 2027.
Alongside operations, Clayton has overseen the development of The Core, an AI-enabled lead management and booking platform designed for small to mid-sized tourism businesses. The system has been tested and developed over the past three years at Pine Creek Retreat and across client projects, with a broader launch planned for fall 2026.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-didier-266a9616/
Pine Creek Retreat: https://www.pinecreekretreat.ca/
The Group Solutions: https://thegroupc.ca/
TRAVEL ALBERTA SPEAKER: Blaine Mirasty
BLAINE MIRASTY: Destination and Commercial Development Manager for Travel Alberta
Blaine Mirasty is a Cree tourism entrepreneur and Indigenous economic development professional from the Flying Dust First Nation in northern Saskatchewan. He currently serves as Destination and Commercial Development Manager for Travel Alberta, where he leads partnerships with Indigenous communities, tourism operators, and economic development groups across the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
Blaine is the founder of Cree North Adventures, a family-run land-based tourism business that offers tipi glamping, cultural interpretation, and Cree storytelling experiences on his home reserve. Guided by the Cree worldview of miyo-pimatisiwin -living a good life—he integrates traditional knowledge, language, and values into visitor experiences and leadership approaches. Blaine is committed to advancing Indigenous-led tourism, cultural revitalization, and community prosperity through authentic partnerships and shared learning.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blainemirasty?originalSubdomain=ca
EXPLORE THE BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Click the arrows below to explore the Breakout Sessions and their facilitators:
STEPS TO START YOUR BUSINESS by Business Link
BREAKOUT SESSION SUMMARY:
This practical presentation walks participants through the key steps involved in starting a business in Alberta. Topics include clarifying a business idea, understanding customers, choosing a business structure, registering a business, basic licensing considerations, and where to find support along the way.
MEET THE SESSION FACILITATOR:
Matt Hill: Director of Client Services & Operations at Business Link
Matt brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial expertise and client service to his role at Business Link. Originally from the UK, Matt trained as a theatre teacher before embarking on a successful career as a home services business owner in London, where he grew his one-person operation into a trusted partner of universities and real estate companies.
In 2017, Matt made the move to Canada and now calls Calgary home. Matt is a believer in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and create jobs, and he’s dedicated to helping business owners succeed. In his role at Business Link, he leads a team that works with clients to understand their needs and help them navigate the challenges of starting and scaling their business ventures.
Website: https://businesslink.ca/member/matt-hill/
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES by Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
BREAKOUT SESSION SUMMARY:
Join the Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC) for an informative session highlighting programs and services available to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners. This session will provide an overview of AIIC funding opportunities, including supports for Indigenous youth and women entrepreneurs, business planning assistance, and resources available to help start or grow a business. Participants will also learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, and how AIIC supports long-term business success through training, mentorship, and financial literacy initiatives.
Website: https://aiicbusiness.org/
OHPIKIWIN: YOUR JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT by Futurpreneur
BREAKOUT SESSION SUMMARY:
Ohpikiwin means “Growth” in Cree. The Ohpikiwin Workshop Series is designed to provide tools, knowledge, and resources, with a focus on financial empowerment for individuals on the path to building their dream business. This workshop is rooted in Indigenous values, providing education around credit and financial knowledge systems through Indigenous worldviews, including the medicine wheel and the seven sacred teachings.
MEET THE SESSION FACILITATOR:
Dallas Wilcox: Business Development, Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-Up Program, Futurpreneur
Dallas is Cree and a proud member of Saulteau First Nation in Treaty 8 territory located in the
peace region in northern B.C. He is based out of Calgary and moved from Vancouver for
work/life balance. He graduated from Northern Lights College with a certificate and diploma in
Business Management with an emphasis on Human Resources.
Dallas has a vast career across British Columbia and Alberta spanning: business development,
youth program management, district sales management, Indigenous loan officer, and most
recently personal banking from TD and BMO. Dallas is also no stranger to entrepreneurship; in
the past he has operated an Internet kiosk company, co-owned a printing and marketing
company and was a mobile disk jockey.
With his extensive background, he hopes to help as many Indigenous youths as possible in Alberta and British Columbia, bringing their ideas to life through financing, mentorship and a vast array of resources.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallas-wilcox-27ab05153/
MAXIMIZE YOUR REACH WITH GOOGLE by Truly Creative Marketing (Hands-On Training)
BREAKOUT SESSION SUMMARY:
Actionable strategies to easily increase your business' visibility, engagement, and digital footprint for FREE to better attract clients who are already searching for your services. Learn how to use Google Business Profile to its full potential. Bring your laptop and make in-time changes. Your Google Business Profile is free, but are you actually using it to its full potential?
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡:
How to optimize your Google Business Profile
Simple ways to improve reach and engagement
How to show up where your ideal clients are already looking
Practical tips you can implement immediately
This is a fast-paced, high-impact mini-session designed to deliver clarity, confidence, and real results without the overwhelm.
Bring your laptop and make in-time changes.
MEET THE SESSION FACILITATOR:
Chana Trudel: Owner of Truly Creative Marketing
Chana is a proud Métis woman born in Slave Lake, Alberta, and the owner of Truly Creative Marketing, a digital marketing agency. With over 14 years of marketing experience, she is passionate about simplifying marketing so entrepreneurs can reclaim their time, freedom, and focus on growing their business. Her personalized, compassionate approach helps clients gain clarity, confidence, and results.
As a proud Indigenous business owner, she is a strong advocate for inclusivity and creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the business community while managing the Lesser Slave Lake Métis District's communications and delivering cultural art workshops in her community. Chana's travels across Northern Alberta facilitating a LIFT (Learning Indigenous Financials Teachings) Program two-day workshop to bring Indigenous values into everyday finances in rural communities with Community Futures.
Truly Creative Marketing and Chana have been featured in Indigenous SME Magazine twice, on an episode of Still Standing on CBC, and have been nominated for various awards, including as a finalist for the Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award at Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. Most recently, Truly Creative Marketing won the Excellence in Indigenous Business Award at the 2026 Business Awards Gala.
Website: www.trulycreativemarketing.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrulyCreativeMarketing
Instagram: www.instagram.com/truly_creative_marketing/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/trulycreativemarketing/
Chana's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chana-trudel/
REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
From inspiring keynote presentations to experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business support organizations, you'll hear from people who are passionate about helping Indigenous businesses thrive.
Ready to be part of the conversation?
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing before August 31 and join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
🎟️ Register today: https://zfrmz.ca/vs6uUhA7Q8vFaLKhpRA7
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:15 am - REGISTRATION & WELCOME
9:00 am - OPENING PRAYER, GRAND ENTRY & DRUMMER
9:15 am to 10:15 am - KEYNOTE SPEAKER GREG HOPF: The Power of Indigenous Tourism
10:15 am to 11:00 am – SPEAKER INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OWNER DOUG HAWKE: Presentation on Indigenous tourism experience and entrepreneurial journey as the owner of Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
11:00 am to 11:15 am – NETWORKING BREAK
11:15 am to 12:00 pm- PANEL: Indigenous Tourism Alberta members will share how culture, traditions, and community assets can create meaningful tourism experiences. Our Panelists include:
Clayton Didier: Pine Creek Retreat
Wendy Posluzney: The Woods
Douglas Hawke: Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
12:00 pm- 12:45 pm – LUNCH
12:45 pm- 1:45 pm - BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
Key Steps to Starting a Business in Alberta by Business Link: This practical presentation covers the key steps to starting a business in Alberta. Topics include clarifying a business idea, understanding customers, choosing a business structure, registering a business, basic licensing considerations, and where to find support along the way.
Programs and Services by Alberta Indian Investment Corporation: Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC) will share programs and services available to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners.
Programs and Services by Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc: AMDI supports Métis entrepreneurs with financing, grants, and business advisory services to help them start, purchase, and grow successful businesses.
1:45 pm to 2:00 pm - TRANSITION BREAK
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm - BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
Key Steps to Starting a Business in Alberta by Business Link: This practical presentation covers the key steps to starting a business in Alberta. Topics include clarifying a business idea, understanding customers, choosing a business structure, registering a business, basic licensing considerations, and where to find support along the way.
Ohpikiwin Workshop by Futurepreneur: A workshop rooted in Indigenous values, providing tools and financial knowledge to support individuals on their journey to building their dream business.
Maximize Your Reach With Google Business by Truly Creative Marketing: Actionable strategies to easily increase your business' visibility, engagement, and digital footprint for FREE to better attract clients who are already searching for your services. Learn how to use Google Business Profile to its full potential. Bring your laptop and make in-time changes.
3:00 pm to 3:15 pm – TRANSITION BREAK
3:15 pm to 4:00 pm - TRAVEL ALBERTA PRESENTATION
4:00 pm to 4:30 pm – CLOSING REMARK & DOOR PRIZES
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