ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The First Nations Leadership Conference - Transformative Change will bring together Indigenous leaders, governments, industry, and partners to explore innovative, Nation-led approached to clean energy, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic growth.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, and collaborative discussions that highlight the power of partnerships, innovation, and self-determination in advancing transformative change across First Nations communities.
Registration is now open.
Topics Include:
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Nation-led clean energy projects & success stories
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Climate action & adaptation (land, marine, community)
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Emergency preparedness & resilience planning
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Industry–Nation partnerships & procurement pathways
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Youth leadership & training opportunities
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Policy, permitting & financing for clean growth
EVENT SCHEDULE
The First Nations Leadership Conference — Transformative Change will bring together Indigenous leaders, governments, industry, and partners to explore innovative, Nation-led approaches to clean energy, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic growth.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, and collaborative discussions that highlight the power of partnerships, innovation, and self-determination in advancing transformative change across First Nations communities.
DAY 1
Morning Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Registration, welcome coffee | Registration, coffee and pastries served. |
9:00 am - 9:30 am | Opening remarks from hosts, message from the Chief of Gitxaała Nation and prayer by Elder | Kim Spencer, Mary Denton, Chief Linda Innes, and prayer. |
9:30 am - 9:35 am | Emcee Craig Bolton, Gitxaała Nation | Housekeeping |
9:35 am - 10:15 am | Sponsored Keynote: Gitxaała Environmental | Tara Marsden Gitxsan Indigenous climate action and free, prior and informed consent. |
10:15 am - 10:35 am | Mid-morning break | Coffee and pastries, sponsored by McElhanney |
DAY 1
Mid-Morning Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
10:35 am - 10:40 am | Welcome back message from the emcee | Housekeeping reminders |
10:40 am - 11:40 am | Sponsored Panel: Prince Rupert Port Authority | Youth Leadership Panel Food Sovereignty / Security: Janna Wale and Dr. Spencer Greening, moderated by Amber Big Plume |
11:45 am - 12:00 pm | Message from Elected Leader | Honourable David Eby |
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch | Sponsored by JFK Law |
DAY 1
Afternoon Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
1:00 pm - 1:05 pm | Welcome back message from the emcee | Housekeeping reminders |
1:05 pm - 1:45 pm | Prince Rupert Port Authority | Jason Scherr, Prince Rupert Port Authority Green Initiatives |
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm | Speaker | Craig Bolton, Gitxaała Territory Management Agency |
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm | Coffee break and pastries | Sponsored by New Relations Trust |
DAY 1
Mid-Afternoon Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2:20 pm - 2:25 pm | Welcome back message from the emcee, Craig Bolton | Housekeeping reminders |
2:25 pm - 2:45 pm | Speaker Presentation | Anissa Watson, Skeena Watershed Cold Fire |
2:45 pm - 3:40 pm | Keynote | Jacob Beaton, Tea Creek |
3:40 pm - 3:45 pm | Message from Elected Leader | Honourable Adrian Dix |
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm | Speaker Presentation | Adam Patick - Stellatʼen First Nation - Ni Ti Mountain Wind Project |
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm | Recap of the day and closing remarks | Emcee |
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Cocktail and Appy Reception | Music by Ezra Beaton, and shop local artist tables |
DAY 2
Morning Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
8:30 am - 9:15 am | Coffee Break | |
9:15 am - 9:25 am | Opening Session | Opening remarks from hosts, a message from prayer by the Hereditary Elder |
9:25 am - 9:30 am | Emcee, Craig Bolton | Housekeeping reminders |
9:30 am - 10:00 am | Keynote Speaker | Amber Big Plume, Tsuu Tʼina Nation Title: Empowering First Nations Leadership in the Clean Energy Market |
10:00 am - 10:15 am | Special Guest Speaker | Guujaaw, Haida Nation |
10:15 am - 10:35 am | Mid-morning break | Coffee and pastries |
DAY 2
Mid-Morning Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
10:35 am - 10:40 am | Welcome back message from the emcee, Craig Bolton | Housekeeping reminders |
10:40 am - 11:40 am | Panel Moderated by Rebecca Kragnes | Climate action & adaptation (land, marine, community) |
11:40 am - 11:55 am | Speaker Elected Leader | Honourable Tarmara Davidson |
11:55 am - 1:00 pm | Lunch | Lunch sponsored by AltaGas |
DAY 2
Afternoon Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
1:00 pm - 1:10 pm | Welcome back message from the emcee, Craig Bolton | Housekeeping reminders, introduce speaker |
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm | Sponsored Keynote: Clean Energy Association of BC | Keynote Address n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ Stephen Rayner, Chair, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia |
1:30 pm - 2:05 pm | Speaker | Janna Wale, Indigenous pathways towards climate resilience |
2:05 pm - 2:45 pm | Coffee Break and Networking |
DAY 2
Mid-Afternoon Session
TIME | EVENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2:45 pm - 2:50 pm | Welcome back message from the emcee, Craig Bolton | Housekeeping reminders |
2:50 pm - 3:50 pm | Sponsored Keynote: Gitxaała Bird Construction | Severn Cullis-Suzuki Preparing for Transformation – Setting the Conditions for Breakthrough |
3:55 pm - 4:10 pm | Speaker | Karina Dracott: Curiosity to Conservation: Connecting Youth to Coastal Ecology |
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm | Closing Remarks | Hosts |
4:30 pm - 4:45 pm | Cultural Closing | Gitwaas Youth Leadership Drumming Group |
2026 Conference Sponsors
Why Partner With Us:
By sponsoring the First Nations Leadership Conference – Transformative Change, your organization supports meaningful collaboration and Indigenous leadership in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future. Sponsors will be acknowledged throughout the event and featured prominently across materials that reach a national network of delegates and partners.
This two-day event will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, and collaborative discussions that highlight the power of partnerships, innovation, and self-determination in advancing transformative change across First Nations communities.
For more Partner information please reach out to Mary Denton – mary.denton@gitxaalaenterprises.com
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about this upcoming conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have the answers you’re looking for.
Kim Spencer
Mary Denton