Indigenous Forum

Date: June 10th, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: McIntyre Ballroom

Aligning the Pathways to Prosperity: One Window, Many Voices calls the pack together, industry, government, and First Nations leaders, to trailblaze a future where development and cultural values move in step. This panel explores how clarity, early alignment, and trust can transform tension into collaboration, and barriers into real, lasting progress. Walk with us as we track a shared path to prosperity, one where every voice is heard and no one is left behind.

The Indigenous Forum welcomes participants from across industry, government, Indigenous communities, academia, service providers, and the broader public. It is designed as a shared learning space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices come together in open dialogue, building mutual understanding while exploring practical, real-world approaches to working more effectively alongside one another.

Whether you are a project proponent, regulator, community member, consultant, student, or decision-maker, your perspective is valued and your presence is part of the path forward.

Agenda

9:00 - 9:30

Networking Reception

Start the day with meaningful connections. Meet leadership, Lands staff, industry, and government representatives in an informal setting designed to spark real conversations before the forum begins.

9:30 - 9:45

Welcoming & Land Acknowledgement

Opening remarks grounded in respect and recognition, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration, clarity, and shared responsibility.

9:45 - 10:00

Introduction Presentation

The forum host will set the stage for the day, outlining the purpose and vision behind aligning pathways to prosperity. Joined by guest speaker, the Honourable George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, this opening will help kick off the day in a strong and positive way.

10:00 - 11:00

Leadership Panel: Aligning Pathways

First Nation leadership share candid insights on priorities, pressures, and what meaningful engagement and long-term partnership truly require. This panel will also include representation from Tribal Councils, highlighting opportunities for greater alignment across leadership structures.

11:00 - 11:30

Grand Opening of the Canadian Mining Expo & Networking Break

Join the official grand opening of the two-day Canadian Mining Expo, hosted outdoors by Glenn Dredhart. All Indigenous Forum participants are invited to attend this kickoff moment before returning to continue the day’s discussions.

11:30 - 12:00

Case Study: Successes of Mattagami First Nation & Mattagami Aki

Representatives from Mattagami First Nation and Mattagami Aki, the community’s business arm, will showcase real, on-the-ground successes made possible through long-term, meaningful relationships with industry. From community infrastructure like skating and ice rinks, gym facilities, and hydroponic and community gardens, to future plans for enhancing powwow grounds, this session highlights what alignment can achieve when partnerships are done right.

12:00 - 1:00

Networking Lunch

A working lunch designed to encourage movement and connection. Engage with booth exhibitors and continue discussions with peers and partners.

1:00 - 2:00

Guest Speaker: One Project, One Process (1P1P)

The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, will speak to Ontario’s One Project, One Process (1P1P) initiative and the province’s direction on streamlining mining policy and regulatory frameworks. This session will also recognize that many local Indigenous communities have already been advancing similar certainty-driven approaches, demonstrating alignment in principle through established relationship-building, consultation, and accommodation practices.

2:00 - 2:30

Networking Break

An opportunity to reset, reconnect, and dive deeper into conversations with participants across sectors.

2:30 - 4:00

Aligning Pathways to Prosperity Panel

A grounded discussion between industry and First Nations highlighting how pathways to prosperity are already being aligned, particularly across the Timmins region. This session reinforces that communities are not the bottleneck when meaningful relationship-building, consultation, and accommodation measures are respected. The conversation will also explore support for streamlined approaches such as One Project, One Process (1P1P), while maintaining strong, respectful engagement practices.

4:00 - 4:05

Closing Remarks

Key takeaways and a forward-looking message to carry momentum beyond the forum.

4:05 - 5:00

Tradeshow Booth Visits

Wrap up the day by exploring booths, building connections, and identifying opportunities for collaboration, services, and partnerships.

Looking Ahead: Canadian Mining Expo - Day 2

Participants are encouraged to return for the second day of the Canadian Mining Expo, including the “Projects in the Pipeline” presentations. This is an opportunity to learn more about local companies, upcoming developments, and the growth expected across the region.