Indigenous Economic Pathways

01/20/2026

We’re pleased to share that Indigenous Economic Pathways and PEFC Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance Indigenous-led group forest management certification in Canada.

This partnership supports First Nations leadership in forestry by co-developing certification pathways that reflect Indigenous stewardship, governance, and values—while strengthening access to markets, capacity, and long-term economic opportunity.

Together, we’ll work to:
• Support Indigenous-led group certification models
• Engage First Nations through collaborative dialogue and pilot initiatives
• Align Indigenous stewardship with national and international certification frameworks
• Advance shared learning and capacity-building across the forest sector

This MOU represents Indigenous economic reconciliation in practice—grounded in collaboration, flexibility, and Nation-driven priorities.

👉 Learn more about the partnership at www.iepathways.ca/news

12/23/2025

Happy Holidays from Indigenous Economic Pathways!

As we wrap up 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every Nation, speaker, entrepreneur, sponsor, partner, and community member who joined us this year. Your voices, leadership, and collaboration shaped powerful conversations across forestry, tourism, seafood, the blue economy, and Indigenous-led economic development.

Together, we built momentum, strengthened relationships, and moved real action forward.

✨ Thank you for showing up, sharing your expertise, and helping build pathways that create opportunity for generations to come.

We’re excited for what’s ahead in 2026 — new gatherings, deeper partnerships, and even more space for Indigenous-led innovation and economic growth.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a restorative winter break.
We can’t wait to continue the journey with you in the new year.

— Indigenous Economic Pathways

11/25/2025

Want to stay ahead of every announcement?

Our monthly Indigenous Economic Pathways Newsletter brings everything to your inbox — upcoming events, registration opening dates, speaker highlights, new programs, funding opportunities, and community updates across all our sector conferences.

If you’re involved in Indigenous entrepreneurship, economic development, tourism, forestry, seafood, or the blue economy… this is where you stay in the loop.

✨ One email. Once a month. All the updates.
Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today.

👉 https://iepathways.ca/contact -up

11/05/2025

Real stories. Real impact.

Hear what our partners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders have to say!

Our video testimonials capture the voices behind Indigenous Economic Pathways — the people building stronger, more sustainable Indigenous economies across sectors and across the country.

👉 Watch their stories on our YouTube channel: https://loom.ly/Z5EA4CE

Empowering Indigenous-led economic growth by blending traditional knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

10/01/2025

🧡 On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the resilience of Indigenous economies—once thriving through vast and sophisticated trade networks long before contact. These systems were not only functional, but successful and vital—rooted in reciprocity, innovation, and prosperity.

Today we honour the strength and value of those trade economies, recognize reconciliation as the place we are in now, and commit to the future: self-reliance, economic prosperity, and Indigenous-led growth that benefits all of Canada.

09/26/2025

David Clifton of Meraki Resources reflects on the timing of the Indigenous Forestry Conference 2025 and why this gathering was held at such a critical moment for BC’s forest sector.

With major shifts underway — from tenure reform and fibre supply challenges to reconciliation commitments and new opportunities for partnership — the need for honest, solutions-driven dialogue has never been greater and IFC delivered.

Want to join us for 2026? Get on the list and we'll let you know when registration opens: https://loom.ly/26XH3vI

09/16/2025

Day 2 of the Indigenous Forestry Conference is underway with lots more valuable discussion, insight and empowerment to come!

09/13/2025

🌟 The Indigenous Forestry Conference 2025 is officially SOLD OUT! 🌟

We are humbled by the incredible response and the overwhelming interest in joining this important gathering of Indigenous leaders, industry, and government.

If you didn’t secure a spot but would like to attend, please email [email protected]
to be added to the waitlist.

Thank you to everyone who has registered — we can’t wait to see you next week!

09/12/2025

The Indigenous Forestry Conference 2025 starts next week in Nanaimo, and this is your final call to secure your spot.

Two days of grassroots dialogue, Indigenous leadership, and industry collaboration — all focused on the future of forestry in BC. Don’t miss it.

📅 September 15–16 | Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, BC)
👉 Register now: https://www.indigenousforestry.ca/register

09/08/2025

Only one week until the Indigenous Forestry Conference 2025!

On September 15–16 in Nanaimo, Indigenous leaders, industry, government, and communities will gather for two days of conversations that matter: economic reconciliation, stewardship, policy, and partnership.

If you’ve been planning to attend, now’s the time to make it official. This is where grassroots dialogue meets real action in the forest sector.

Register here: https://www.indigenousforestry.ca/register

09/04/2025

At , David Clifton of Gold Sponsor Meraki Resources will present a powerful session:
“Truth & Reconciliation in Action: Meraki Spotlight.”

This 30-minute session (presentation + Q&A) will showcase Meraki’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, demonstrating how industry can move beyond words to deliver measurable commitments.

Timed during September’s Reconciliation Month, this spotlight calls for:
✅ Clear accountability from industry partners
✅ Actionable steps that strengthen Nation-to-industry relationships
✅ Real progress on reconciliation in the forestry sector

A must-attend for anyone serious about turning reconciliation into tangible outcomes.

🔗 Register now: https://www.indigenousforestry.ca/register

09/04/2025

🌲 Panel Spotlight | Navigating the Challenges: The Future of BC’s Forest Economy 🌲

BC’s forest sector is facing some of its most complex challenges yet — from fibre shortages and mill closures to ongoing softwood lumber disputes. At the same time, opportunities are emerging in value-added production, the bioeconomy, and global markets.

At , this critical panel will bring together Indigenous and industry leadership to discuss what’s next for BC’s forest economy.

Panelists include:
🌿 Lennard Joe, CEO – BC First Nations Forestry Council
🌿 Kim Haakstad, CEO – BC Council of Forest Industries

Together, they’ll explore how Nations, industry, and partners can navigate uncertainty while building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive forest economy.

📅 September 15–16 | Nanaimo, BC
🔗 Register now! https://www.indigenousforestry.ca/register