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.
CONFERENCE SUMMARY
The First Nations Leadership Conference – Transformative Change: Advancing Clean Energy, hosted by Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation on behalf of the Gitxaała Nation, brought together First Nations leadership, industry partners, and community voices for two days of meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
Held in Lax Kxeen (Prince Rupert), the conference created a space for Nation-led perspectives on clean energy, climate action, food security, and sustainable economic development. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and shared conversations, participants explored practical pathways forward, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, partnership, and long-term community benefit.
What emerged was not only a successful gathering, but a clear reflection of the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous leadership, lived experience, and technical expertise can come together in a respectful and forward-looking environment.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, sponsors, and attendees whose contributions made this event both impactful and memorable.
“It was our pleasure to support the First Nations Leadership Conference – Transformative Change: Advancing Clean Energy hosted by Gitxaała Enterprises and the Gitxaała Nation. I hope this was the first of many to come.”
“I found the conference inspiring, relatable, relevant, and actionable. I came away with many ideas and knowing I have so much more to learn.”
Christa Simonds
Advisor, Indigenous and Community Relations
AltaGas
“I truly enjoyed my time at the conference and learned a lot. I really appreciate Gitxaała and your team for taking this on. It showed me how much more of this we need. Everything went smoothly and enjoyably.”
Tara Marsden, Keynote Speaker
Founder and Sole Proprietor, Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions
“I’m still talking to friends and colleagues about how great this conference was. Great work. I loved it.”
Todd Sherstone, B.Sc., R.P.Bio
Operations Manager / Senior Biologist
Gitxaała Environmental Services
“This was such an amazing experience. I was expecting a typical conference but was massively surprised by the level of engagement, the interconnectedness, and the weaving together of presenters and knowledge keepers in the audience. It was more than a ‘conference’. It was a conversation.”
Jesse Anaka, M.Sc., E.P.
Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Technical Services Director
Gitxaała Environmental Services
“What a great couple of days of learning and sharing. Thank you for the opportunity to present. I had valuable discussions following my presentation and anticipate continued conversations.”
Jason Scherr
Manager, Environmental Sustainability
Prince Rupert Port Authority
“Many of the shovel-ready projects are happening in the North, yet we often find ourselves
having those conversations elsewhere. With the Convention Centre, we now have the ability to
bring those discussions here, where the work is happening and where it has real impact.”
Lou Ga Gwelks Linda Innes
Elected Chief of the Gitxaała Nation
Registration is now open.
Topics Include:
-
Nation-led clean energy projects & success stories
-
Climate action & adaptation (land, marine, community)
-
Emergency preparedness & resilience planning
-
Industry–Nation partnerships & procurement pathways
-
Youth leadership & training opportunities
-
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
LOOKING AHEAD
This gathering reinforced the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in advancing clean energy initiatives that are led by and for First Nations communities.
We invite you to stay connected and follow Gitxaała Enterprises on LinkedIn for updates on our fall conference dates, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming events.
T’oyaxsut Nüüsm to our 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