Event Agenda
Attendee
Thank you for participating in the Indigenous Ocean Business Forum! Your contact information may be used to contact you about future initiatives and opportunities should you choose to provide this information and agree to be contacted.

About the event
Welcome to our Indigenous Ocean Business Forum, where ocean sector businesses and Indigenous leaders come together to drive innovation in ocean sustainability. Discover how Indigenous-led approaches are shaping the future of the ocean economy, empowering communities through partnerships, funding, and successful projects. Explore opportunities in Sustainable Seafood, Ocean Climate Solutions, and Renewable Energy while strategizing with industry experts, researchers, and government officials from across Canada to build a more sustainable and prosperous ocean economy.
Meet your
EMCEES

Carol Anne Hilton
CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute, the Global Center of Indigenomics, and the Global Indigenous Technology House. A member of the Hesquiaht Nation, she is a recognized Indigenous business leader, author, and speaker. Carol Anne wrote Indigenomics: Taking A Seat at the Economic Table and serves on several prominent boards, including McGill University’s Institute for the Study of Canada and the Bank of Montreal Indigenous Advisory Council.

Ken Paul
From the Wolastoqey First Nation at Neqotkuk, is the owner of Pokiok Associates and Lead Fisheries Negotiator for the Wolastoqey Nation of New Brunswick. He has held senior roles with First Nations organizations, advocating for Indigenous rights in fisheries and ocean governance. With a background in ocean mapping and policy, Ken has also served on the board of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and Marine Renewables Canada.
Agenda
Day 1
8:00 AM Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM Traditional Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Ken Paul – Pokiok Associates
- Carol Anne Hilton – Indigenomics
- Elder Verna McGregor
9:20 AM Collaborating with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
- Kendra MacDonald – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
- Nancy Andrews – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
9:50 AM Indigenous Ocean Workforce Development Panel
This panel will bring together leading Indigenous voices, industry experts, and educators to discuss strategies for building a robust and sustainable Indigenous workforce in the ocean and maritime sectors. As the Blue Economy continues to grow, Indigenous Nations are increasingly at the forefront of stewardship and economic participation in ocean-based industries. This discussion will explore the intersection of traditional knowledge, modern skills, and innovation in developing talent pipelines that reflect the needs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples.

Moderator
Ralph Eldridge
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Panelist
Carolann Harding
SmartIce

Panelist
Alex Paul
MEBO

Panelist
Karen Paul
Workforce Warriors

Panelist
Tara Mascarenhas
Students on Ice
10:40 AM Networking Break
11:00 AM Ocean Showcase: The SIKU Story
- Kassina Ryder – Arctic Eider Society
11:15 AM Opportunities in Sustainable Fisheries
The Sustainable Seafood Panel brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs and industry partnerships to explore sustainable practices in seafood applications. From harvesting, processing, and marketing, this panel focuses on the role of Indigenous businesses and communities in the seafood sector and explores economic development opportunities, food security, and the preservation of marine ecosystems through sustainable seafood initiatives.
The panel explores strategic partnerships and promoting innovative approaches and creating a sustainable future for the seafood industry. Participants will hear new initiatives, strategies, and partnerships that support the efforts to advance sustainable seafood systems.

Moderator
Ken Paul
Pokiok Associates

Panelist
Cheryl Gehue
Clearwater Seafoods

Panelist
Dave Moore
Authentic Indigenous Seafood

Panelist
Zachary Davis
Pape Salter Teillet

Panelist
Sheldon Nimchuk
Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation
12:15 PM Networking Lunch
1:15 PM Ocean Showcase: Community Climate Adaptation Fund
- Anya Waite – Ocean Frontier Institute
1:30 PM Our Changing Ocean Environment and Climate Change
The impact of climate change on marine environments is a key topic. Indigenous communities are adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change on oceans and marine resources. Strategies for enhancing resilience and protecting marine ecosystems from climate-induced threats will be discussed. The Panel addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change and ocean health and Indigenous stewardship.

Moderator
Natasha Marshall
Indigenomics

Panelist
Chris Colombo
Keewatinook Fishers of Lake Winnipeg

Panelist
Sacha Labillois
Assembly of First Nations

Panelist
Tamara Joseph
Ocean Frontier Institute
2:30 PM Ocean Showcase: Polar Prince Expedition
- Richard MacLellan – Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd.
- Faron Joe – Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd.
2:45 PM Networking Break
3:00 PM Harnessing the Future of Energy
This panel brings together energy experts, Indigenous leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss the potential and challenges of harnessing ocean energy technologies. This panel focuses on exploring renewable energy sources from the ocean, including tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy, and how these can be developed in partnership with Indigenous Nations to promote sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The panel will explore the potential of renewable ocean energy sources while aligning with sustainable and Indigenous values. By fostering strategic partnerships and attracting investment, Indigenous Nations can drive economic development and empower Indigenous businesses. Participants will be equipped with new ideas, strategies, and connections to support their efforts in promoting sustainable ocean energy projects within Indigenous communities and businesses.

Moderator
Natasha Marshall
Indigenomics

Panelist
Gerald Sheehan
Nova East

Panelist
Rose Paul
Bayside Development Corp

Panelist
Drew Bernard
Lennox Island
3:50 PM Closing Keynote
4:05 PM Closing Remarks
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Evening Reception with Drum Group and Jingle Dress Dance
Agenda
Day 2
8:00 AM Breakfast and Networking
8:45 AM Opening Remarks
- Ken Paul – Pokiok Associates
- Carol Anne Hilton – Indigenomics
8:55 AM The Power of Partnership – Fireside Chat with Chief Terry Paul and John Risley

Chief Terry Paul
Membertou First Nation

John Risley
CFFI Ventures Inc.
9:40 AM Ocean Showcase
- Craig Hall – Luminary
9:55 AM The Seaweed Opportunity
The Seaweed Opportunity Panel brings together sector specialists, industry champions, and product development entrepreneurs to discuss advancements in research and development and business models in building an Indigenous Seaweed Industry. The panel explores strategic partnerships and promoting innovative approaches and creating a sustainable future for the seaweed industry.

Moderator
Ken Paul
Pokiok Associates

Panelist
Craig Hall
Luminary

Panelist
Michael Williamson
Cascadia Seaweed

Panelist
Janice Abbott
Kelp Island
10:45 AM Networking Break
11:00 AM Ocean Showcase
- Mike Kelland – Planetary Technologies, Inc.
11:15 AM Building Successful Indigenous partnerships and Business Opportunities
The Indigenous Investing Panel brings together financial experts, Indigenous entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges of investing in Indigenous-led projects and businesses in the marine sector. This panel focuses on fostering economic development, building partnership capacity and promoting sustainable and equitable investment practices within Indigenous communities and businesses.

Moderator
Carol Anne Hilton
Global Centre of Indigenomics

Panelist
Paul Langdon
Ulnooweg Development Group

Panelist
Jody Anderson
First Nations Finance Authority

Panelist
Jennifer Deleskie
Membertou First Nation Corporate
12:00 PM Closing Remarks
- Kendra MacDonald – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster