Canada's Indigenous Investment Leaders to Gather in Toronto as First Nations Investment Forum Unveils 2026 Program

National forum brings together First Nation leaders, investors and industry executives to advance major investments, announce new partnerships and turn opportunities into executed deals.

TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- The First Nations Investment Forum (FNIF) has unveiled its speaker lineup and program for its second annual national conference, bringing together leading First Nation business executives, investors and industry leaders to advance Indigenous investment, economic partnerships and long-term ownership across Canada.

Taking place November 29 to December 1, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, the Forum will focus on "From Access to Execution," examining the partnerships, financing strategies and governance structures needed to move Indigenous investment opportunities from negotiation to financial close and long-term ownership.

Co-presented by Horizon Seven and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, FNIF 2026 will feature prominent First Nation business leaders and investment experts with firsthand experience developing, financing and executing major investments across energy, mining, infrastructure, real estate and private equity.

Some of the featured speakers include: Crystal Smith, former Chief Councillor of Haisla Nation; Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation; Ron Hyggen, CEO of Kitsaki Management; Sean Willy, President and CEO of Des Nedhe Group; Chief LaRocca of Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation; Kristan Straub, President and CEO of the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation; JP Gladu, Principal of Mokwateh; Michael Fox, President and CEO of Indigenous Community Engagement; and Aida Cipolla, CFO and CAO of Ontario Power Generation.

Through expert panels, fireside conversations and real-world case studies, the Forum will explore how First Nations are building investment capacity, accessing capital, negotiating equity partnerships and executing transactions that create lasting economic benefits. Discussions will highlight lessons from completed investments, emerging opportunities in major projects and the financial and governance disciplines required for successful long-term ownership. Reinforcing the Forum's focus on investment execution, the program will also feature major First Nation investment and partnership announcements.

"The First Nations Investment Forum is about moving beyond conversations about economic participation to making investment and ownership a reality," said Anthony Maunula, Principal of Horizon Seven. "This year's program brings together the people, experience and capital needed to turn opportunities into executed deals and create lasting economic benefits for First Nations."

The Forum will be emceed by Geena Jackson, Founder and Executive Producer of Bears' Lair, and will feature a gala evening on November 30 with Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, as a featured speaker, along with dinner and world-class Indigenous entertainment.

The 2026 Forum is supported by Agnico Eagle as Platinum Sponsor and Indigenous Community Engagement (ICE) and SUSLOP as Nation Building Sponsors, helping provide Forum access to representatives from remote First Nations.

Beyond the Forum program, FNIF will provide opportunities for First Nation leaders, investors, financial institutions and industry executives to connect, exchange insights and explore new investment partnerships.

The full program and registration details are available at firstnationsinvestmentforum.ca.

SOURCE Horizon Seven

Media Contact: Kaylee Lambert, Firedog Communications, Tel: [phone] ext. 225, Email: [email protected]