Forward Summit East Returns to Rama First Nation near Orillia as Economic Participation Expands Across Defence, Critical Minerals and Infrastructure

More than 500 Indigenous leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs will gather with industry executives, investors and government officials Sept. 23-24 at Casino Rama Resort to advance investment, procurement, major projects and shared prosperity.

ORILLIA, ON, Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- Forward Summit East returns to Casino Rama Resort for its fourth edition on Sept. 23-24, 2026, bringing together Indigenous leaders and businesses, federal and provincial government representatives, financial institutions and industry executives at a pivotal moment for Indigenous economic participation in Canada.

Indigenous Nations, businesses and entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping major projects, infrastructure, procurement and investment, as owners, investors, developers and strategic partners. Forward Summit East will explore the capital, partnerships, procurement opportunities and practical strategies helping to move that participation forward.

"Indigenous economic participation increasingly means ownership, investment and a meaningful role in determining how major projects move forward," said Miki Reeder, CEO of Connect Partnership Group. "Forward Summit East brings together the people, capital and opportunities needed to build trusted relationships and advance shared prosperity."

Access to capital, procurement and Indigenous ownership in major projects are central themes across this year's agenda. Sessions will examine how loan guarantees and other financing tools, including Ontario's Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Indigenous Equity Initiative, are helping Indigenous Nations and communities acquire equity stakes in infrastructure, energy and resource projects. Broader discussions will also explore procurement, business and partnership opportunities for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.

Confirmed speakers include:

• First Nations Chiefs, including Chief Nikki van Oirschot, Caldwell First Nation; Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Chief Bruce Archibald, Taykwa Tagamou Nation; and Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation
• The Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for the Ring of Fire and Economic and Community Partnerships
• Senior executives from Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, RBC, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation and Northcrest Developments

For the first time, the agenda has been extended to examine Indigenous participation in the emerging defence and advanced manufacturing economy. A dedicated roundtable, "Indigenous Participation in Canada's Emerging Defence Economy," will explore procurement pathways, industrial partnerships and workforce development.

The summit will also address the intersection of critical minerals development and Indigenous ownership, examining equity participation, free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and revenue-sharing models shaping mining's next chapter. A dedicated technology and innovation roundtable will explore Indigenous innovation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and the growing importance of data sovereignty.

For more information about the event and full agenda, please click here. Members of the media planning to attend are asked to pre-register by contacting [email protected].

About Forward Summit

Forward Summit is Canada's Indigenous capital, investment and procurement forum, convening Indigenous leaders and businesses, industry executives, governments, investors and innovators across national events in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Forward Summit is guided by a Leadership Council representing Indigenous and industry perspectives.

SOURCE Connect Partnership Group Ltd.

For media inquiries, please contact: Krystle Holdegaard, Forward Summit, [phone] ext. 702, [email protected]