300+ Indigenous Women from 12 Countries Build New Global Business Connections at Vancouver Summit
IWI 2026 concludes with a commitment to hosting IWI in Australia 2028, strengthened international partnerships, and renewed calls for Indigenous economic empowerment and reconciliation.
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- More than 300 Indigenous women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the world gathered in Vancouver last week for the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit 2026, strengthening international relationships and creating new pathways for Indigenous-led economic growth, trade, and collaboration.
Held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples, the Summit brought together Indigenous women from across industries under the theme "Weaving Our Worlds Together", reflecting the spirit of connection, collaboration, and shared prosperity that characterized the gathering.
A partnership between Rise Global and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), IWI 2026 opened with a traditional canoe welcome ceremony led by Host Nation representatives, grounding delegates in Coast Salish culture and setting the tone for three days of relationship-building, learning, and celebration. "Weaving Our Worlds Together was more than a theme. It reflected what happened throughout the Summit as Indigenous women came together across nations, cultures, industries, and generations to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for the future," said Rachel Petero, Founder and CEO of Rise Global and Co-Host of IWI 2026.
A particular focus of this year's Summit was strengthening Indigenous participation in international trade and economic development. Delegates connected through the Summit's Trade and Partnership Lounge, which fostered business-to-business networking, export readiness discussions, procurement opportunities, investment conversations, and international partnership development.
The impact of these connections was already evident during the Summit. Timmy Smith, a Māori entrepreneur and founder of PAUSE for Tea in Aotearoa, New Zealand, described how IWI helped accelerate both her confidence and international business relationships: "From being invited to attend IWI in 2024 to returning in 2026 as a speaker, the level of support, connection and care has been beyond anything I have experienced. IWI has given me exponential growth and self-belief simply by being in the room. Through the Summit, we began exploring a partnership to brew PAUSE tea in Canada while creating reciprocal trade opportunities involving Canadian-grown herbs, Ecuadorian ceramics and jewellery, along with new collaborations with chefs, tourism operators, and other businesses. These relationships demonstrate how Indigenous trade connects people, knowledge, resources, and place, creating a rich and rewarding tapestry of Indigenous women in trade."
The partnerships formed throughout the Summit highlighted the growing potential for Indigenous-led collaboration, trade, and investment across international borders. The Summit also celebrated Indigenous creativity and excellence through cultural programming, including a fashion showcase featuring renowned Haida designer Dorothy Grant, whose work has helped elevate Indigenous fashion on the global stage.
Coinciding with Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, delegates gathered on September 30 to reflect on the ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation. The timing provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to honour Survivors, deepen their understanding of Canada's history, and discuss the role of Indigenous economic empowerment in advancing reconciliation.
"The strength, resilience, and leadership demonstrated throughout this Summit remind us of what is possible when Indigenous women come together to support one another and create change. The relationships built here will continue to benefit our communities long after the Summit concludes," said Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer of NACCA.
Throughout the gathering, delegates explored opportunities to advance Indigenous-led entrepreneurship, increase access to markets and capital, strengthen international relationships, and support the next generation of Indigenous women leaders. The Summit also featured the announcement of Amanda Healy, Founder of Kirrikin and Warrikal, as the inaugural Indigenous Women in Industry Australia Patron. She joins Dawn Madahbee Leach, IWI Canada Patron, and Teresa Tepania-Ashton, IWI New Zealand Patron, in championing Indigenous women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment across their respective countries. "It is an honour to join IWI as Australia Patron. The connections, leadership, and opportunities fostered through IWI demonstrate the power of Indigenous women coming together across borders to create lasting impact for our communities and future generations," said Amanda Healy, Founder of Kirrikin and IWI Australia Patron.
Looking ahead, organizers announced a commitment to continue the movement through the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit Australia 2028, building on the momentum created in Aotearoa in 2024 and Canada in 2026. This commitment signals a shared vision for strengthening Indigenous-to-Indigenous collaboration and expanding opportunities for Indigenous women globally. Discussions at IWI 2026 also renewed momentum around the proposed Global Matriarch Fund, an initiative intended to explore new ways of supporting Indigenous women's leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and economic participation internationally. While still in the exploratory stages, participants expressed enthusiasm for continuing conversations that advance opportunities for Indigenous women and strengthen economic empowerment across borders.
As delegates return to their home communities, organizers emphasize that the conversations and partnerships established in Vancouver are only the beginning. Under the banner of Weaving Our Worlds Together, IWI 2026 demonstrated the power of Indigenous women to shape economies, strengthen communities, preserve cultures, and create a more prosperous future through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
Visit nacca.ca and riseglobal.co.nz for more information and to get involved.
About Rise Global
Rise Global is a 100% Māori and Indigenous-owned business and operated organization based in Aotearoa New Zealand, dedicated to transforming the lives of Indigenous women and their families through connection, leadership and development. Rise Global delivers Indigenous-centred coaching, leadership and professional development programs that draw on Indigenous worldviews and support women to lead with confidence, purpose and authenticity.
About NACCA
NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada. These efforts increase social and economic self-reliance and sustainability for Indigenous people and communities nationwide.
SOURCE National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
Media Inquiries : Please contact: Joël Lamoureux, [email protected], 613-316-4089
Share this article