Indigenous Leadership, Innovation, and Reconciliation: A Central Thread at the 2025 Summit

A thriving and sustainable economy on Vancouver Island and the rural islands isn’t possible without Indigenous voices at the table.

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance’s 2025 ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit (October 28–30, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo) will weave Indigenous perspectives throughout three days of conversation, highlighting reconciliation, leadership, and innovation shaping the Island’s future.

Tuesday, October 28

10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Island Good Showcase Room

Features Indigenous businesses RavenSong Soap and Candle and Thunderbird Spirit Water.

11:30 am – Speaker Series – Building a Market for Indigenous Land: The Future of Development

A harmonization of paths between Kolus Advisors, and the Greater Vancouver Realtors aims to provide critical infrastructure to help drive economic reconciliation through responsible land development and investment in First Nations land through an online platform similar to the MLS system.

10:30 am – 11:30 am – Business of Seaweed – Pathways to Partnerships: Strengthening Coastal Futures on Vancouver Island

This panel explores how Indigenous leadership and traditional knowledge are shaping innovative partnerships for sustainable coastal development on Vancouver Island. Bringing together Indigenous leaders and industry representatives the discussion will highlight successful models of emerging collaborations that honor Indigenous rights, values, and stewardship. – Brought to you by: Pacific Seaweed Industry Association, Indigenous Works and the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster.

Speakers: Terri Lynn Morrison, Executive Director, Indigenous Works and Larry Johnson, President, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation.

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Building on Strength: Indigenous Businesses Shaping What’s Next

Across sectors from construction to design and product innovation, Indigenous-owned companies are driving growth and redefining entrepreneurship on Vancouver Island. These leaders are creating jobs, investing in their communities, and building competitive, future-focused businesses that strengthen the Island economy.

Moderator: Trevor Cootes, Founder/CEO, Indigenous Economic Pathways

Speakers: Kathy Parkinson, CFO, Owner, RavenStone Construction, Rory Richards, President and CEO, NUQO Elevated Modular, Andrew Silver, Sales and Promotion, Uchucklesaht Water Ventures

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm. – From Roots to Renewal: Economic Transformation
Discover how resource-based communities are embracing change, fueling new industries, supporting small business growth, and building community identity through long-term collaboration. Includes Glen Worthington, General Manager, Quatsino Economic Development LP.

Wednesday, October 29

9:00 am – 10:15 am – Barrier Breaking Leadership
This session spotlights leaders, from underrepresented backgrounds who have challenged norms, redefined influence, and opened doors for others. With Alissa Assu, Owner, West Coast Wildflowers, RavenSong Soap and Candle, Bear Essential Oils.

10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Leading Change: Transforming Systems for a Stronger Future
This session explores how leaders across sectors are shifting how decisions are made, how power is shared, and how organizations adapt to a changing economic landscape. With panelists K’odi Nelson, Chief ’Max̱waya̱lidzi & Executive Director, Nawalakw Community Foundation, and Jessie Hemphill, CEO, Sanala Planning Inc.

10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Feeding Ourselves: Strengthening Food Sovereignty Through Local Innovation

Despite being surrounded by abundance, much of what we eat on Vancouver Island still comes from elsewhere. This session highlights how producers, processors, and retailers are working to close that gap – building local food systems that capture more value and support regional economic growth.

Panelists include Sabrina Crowley, owner/operator of Casanova Seafoods Inc. (Barkley Sound), and Gaby Wickstrom, Interim CEO of the ‘Namgis Business Development Corp., discussing the ‘Namgis First Nation’s commercial-scale hydroponic farm project.

10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Linking Health and Economy: Generational Strategies for Communities

Access to healthcare is more than a social issue – it’s an economic one. This session brings together voices from government, business, and community to explore how generational strategies can connect healthcare to workforce stability, economic growth, and the future of thriving communities.

Featuring Dr. Michelle Corfield, Indigenous Consultant.

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Lunch Keynote Panel – The Future We Choose

This panel challenges us to look beyond today’s systems and embrace bold ideas and collaboration. Because policy shapes the environment in which businesses and communities operate, rethinking it is key to unlocking new pathways. The discussion will prime us for the Vision 2050 workshop by opening a generational mindset and exploring innovative approaches to complex challenges.

With Chief John Jack, Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

Thursday – October 30

10:15 am – 11:00 am – Fireside Chat – Flipping the Script: Indigenous Wisdom as a New Economic Blueprint
This fireside chat considers what a truly reciprocal approach to reconciliation could look like – one that applies a seven generations lens to economic planning, governance, and community wellness. Could embracing Indigenous frameworks help us build more equitable, sustainable, and resilient systems?”

Speakers: Erralyn Joseph, Councillor, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Ace Harry, xwemalhkwu Nation.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Foundations for the Future: Indigenous Nations Driving Local Economies
Across Vancouver Island, Indigenous nations are leading major infrastructure and business initiatives that fuel local growth and create opportunities close to home. Leaders from Cowichan Tribes, We Wai Kai, and Snuneymuxw share how their investments in land development, enterprise, and community partnerships are strengthening regional economies for the long term.

Moderator: Trevor Cootes, Founder/CEO, Indigenous Economic Pathways Speakers: Renee Olsen, Optimist and Problem Solver, – Interim CEO Khowutzun Development Corp. Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Petroglyph Development Group and Jason Wilson, Manager of Economic Development, We Wai Kai Nation.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Climate, Energy & Resilience
This session dives into the real-world investments, innovations, and infrastructure upgrades needed to scale renewables, improve current energy use, secure energy storage, and modernize the grid. We’ll look at how local projects, Indigenous leadership, BC Utilities, and private investment are moving the Island toward a more sustainable and reliable energy system.”

Featuring moderator Stephen Rayner, Chair, Clean Energy BC and Chief Chris Roberts, Wei Wai Kum First Nation.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Staying Human: Communication and Emotional Intelligence in the AI Era

Drawing on insights from neuroscience, Indigenous leadership, and mental health, our panel will share practical ways to balance technology with connection and keep people at the heart of growth across the Island economy.

With Judith Sayers, Chancellor, Vancouver Island University.

“The VIEA Summit continues to grow in size and impact, bringing together hundreds of delegates committed to shaping a resilient and inclusive Island economy. As a past board member and committee participant, and through my work with Cootes Consulting and Indigenous Economic Pathways, I’ve seen how the Summit delivers real value—driving collaboration, momentum, and opportunity across the region.” – Trevor Cootes.

Explore what’s in store! The full Summit agenda is packed with conversations shaping the future of Vancouver Island and the rural islands.

View the agenda and register today!