Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, economic developers and funders will be gathering in Thunder Bay next month for the second annual Neeeganii Iishhawnin conference and trade show.
Registration is underway for Neeeganii Iishhawnin 2025, planned for Feb. 11 to 13 at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre.
The event is a partnership of five regional First Nation organizations and touches on topics such as tourism, natural resources, youth opportunities, land-based business, technology and innovation, and energy.
The focus will be on Indigenous capacity-building and developing opportunities in economic development in northwestern Ontario and the wider province.
Neeganii-Iishiwan (Nee-GAW-nee ISH-Shawn) means “to lead to the Gathering place.”
Last year’s inaugural event in February drew nearly 300 total registrations, according to a news release, with attendance from 37 First Nation communities, 88 business and organizations, and 41 exhibitors on the floor.
Among the featured headliners are: Tabatha Bull of the Canada Council for Indigenous Business; Valerie Gideon of FEDNOR, Ginger Gibson of Firelight, Sean St. John of National Bank of Canada, and Ernie Daniels of First Nations Finance Authority.
J.P Gladu, a respected national Indigenous business leader, with return as event emcee.
The hosts are Windigo Community Development Corporation, Shibogama First Nations Council, Matawa First Nations, Keewaytinook Okimakanak,ThawiKayhiGan Group and Independent First Nations Alliance, representing more than 30 northwestern Ontario communities.
