The 2024 VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit Agenda is Now Complete!

We are excited to highlight this year’s Indigenous stream at the Summit, bringing together leaders who are shaping pivotal conversations around economic development, reconciliation, and sustainability. Don’t miss these key sessions:

Keynote Speaker: Geena Jackson, Founder & Executive Producer, of Bear’s Lair and and President, Indigenous Initiatives Inc.

Indigenous Entrepreneurism – Past, Present and the progressive future

This informative presentation will take the audience through an educational journey about Indigenous people, the original entrepreneurs of Turtle Island to now being the fastest growing business sector in Canada and what the future holds.

Indigenous Forestry & Strategic Partnerships

Moderator: Shannon Janzen – Hypha Consulting
Panelists: John Jack, Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor and more to be announced

Explore how Indigenous communities are shaping the future of forestry through innovative partnerships and long-term strategic collaboration.

Economic Reconciliation: A Pathway to Success

Moderator: Katherine Gordon – Author of ‘This Place is Who We Are’ and Consultant: Facilitation, Negotiations, Engagement, Governance, and Strategy, Canada and New Zealand
Panelists: Robert Dennis, Chair of Iskum Investments; Ken Watts, Chief Councillor, Tseshaht First Nation; and Carol Anne Hilton, Founder and CEO, Indigenomics Institute

Economic reconciliation involves not only closing economic gaps but also fostering equitable partnerships, securing access to capital, and dismantling systemic barriers. This panel will explore how Indigenous communities are at the forefront of these efforts, navigating the complexities of preserving cultural heritage while advancing sustainable development, governance, and social well-being.

Celebrating Indigenous Business

Moderator: Trevor Cootes – Cootes (Hiiyiqhsath) Consulting Corp
Panelists: Gary Wilson, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, CEO and Director of Economic Development, Tiičma Enterprises; Kim Burden, CEO, Nanoose Economic Development; and Cyrus Singh, CEO, K’awat’si Economic Development LP (KEDC)

Building off the success of last year’s Indigenous business panel, this session will explore the rapid growth of Indigenous enterprises and their increasing impact on Vancouver Island’s economy.

Plus, don’t miss the Indigenous representation across various sessions, from the keynote with Susan Mowbray and guests to sessions in Tourism, North Island, and Building the Future: 3D Generative Design and Digital Collaboration for Smarter Housing.

Join us at the 2024 VIEA Economic Summit for these critical conversations.

Thank You to Our Summit Sponsors!

Their support makes this event possible, and we couldn’t do it without them.