Speakers
Learn from leaders in Indigenous-industry partnerships, economic development, and reconciliation.
2026 Speakers
Each year, the Economic Partnership Summit brings together respected voices from across Canada to share insight, experience, and leadership in building meaningful partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Morning Keynote
Ian Gladue
Ian Gladue is the founder of Mitsoh, a nationally recognized Indigenous-owned food company bringing traditional foods like pemmican and dry meat to retailers across Canada. A proud member of Wabasca First Nation on Treaty 8 Territory, Ian’s journey began with adversity, navigating life on his own from the age of 13. After becoming a father, Ian chose a new path—one rooted in sobriety, cultural reconnection, and purpose. Through learning from Elders and rediscovering traditional nutrition, he built Mitsoh into the largest Indigenous traditional meat snack company in Canada. Today, Ian speaks on identity, resilience, and economic reconciliation, inspiring audiences to embrace who they are and build from it.
afternoon Keynote
Chief Robert Louie
Chief Robert Louie has spent more than 50 years advancing Indigenous self-governance and economic empowerment. As Chief of the Westbank First Nation (WFN) for more than 28 years, he led the negotiation of the landmark Westbank Self-Government Agreement, setting a national precedent. Under his leadership, WFN achieved economic self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. Beyond his community, Chief Louie has served on over 30 corporate boards and is the Chairman/Director of Peace Hills Trust, Canada’s largest Indigenous financial institution. As Chair of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, he has championed land governance and economic development for First Nations across Canada. He has also represented Canada at the World Indigenous Business Forum and advised institutions like UBC and the BC Achievement Foundation. Honoured as an officer of the Order of Canada, his lifetime of service has inspired a national movement toward Indigenous equity and reconciliation. Chief Louie has demonstrated bold leadership and created lasting, transformative change.
Past Speakers
Over the years, the EP Summit has welcomed influential leaders, business professionals, and advocates for reconciliation and economic partnership.
voices that have shaped the conversation
Mallory Yawnghwe
Founder & CEO of Indigenous Box
Trista & Ken Badger
Owners of Beautylife & The Beast Barber
Cadmus Delorme
Partner, One Hoop Consulting
Matthew Foss
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)
Ashley Callingbull
Actress, Model, Host & First Nation's Activist
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Former Member of Parliament | Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Thomas Benjoe
President & CEO of FHQ
Chief Cadmus Delorme
Cowessess First Nation
Kendal Netmaker
CEO & Founder of Neechie Gear
Carol Anne Hilton
CEO & Founder of Indigenomics Institute
Michael Linklater
World Top 3x3 Basketball Player
Jim Boucher
Canadian Energy Person of the Year
Kelly J. Lendsay
President & CEO of Indigenous Works
Ken Coates
Canada Research Chair
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Lac La Ronge Indian Board
Clint Davis
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, VP of Aboriginal Banking TD Group
Terry Bird
Lead Advisor of First Nation & Metis Initiatives, K&S Potash
Chief Clarence Louie
Osoyoos First Nation
Chief Wilton Littlechild
Truth & Reconciliation Commissioner
Chief Robert Louie
Westbank First Nation
Patrice Mercredi
ACDEN
Bill McKnight
Former Minister of National Defence of Canada
Chief Darcy Bear
Whitecap Dakota First Nations
