On April 8–9, we gathered on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations for something more than a conference. The Indigenomics IMPACT Forum was a call to see differently.

Under the Star Dome at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Indigenous leaders, governments, investors, and allies came together to rethink the rules of engagement and the future of Canada’s economy. From keynote spotlights to breakout sessions, one thing was clear: Indigenous-led economic leadership isn’t emerging. It’s here. And it’s foundational.

We were honoured to sponsor the inaugural forum, to introduce keynote speaker Mindy Wight (CEO, Nch’Kaý Development Corporation), and to witness the power of Seńáķw – a city-shaping, mind-shifting development that reframes what Indigenous economic autonomy looks like at scale.

Here’s what we’re taking with us.

1. Speed Can’t Override Sovereignty

Canada’s policy engine is in overdrive, and forum speakers sounded the alarm: fast-tracking major projects without honouring the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) isn’t reconciliation – its regression. UNDRIP is not a checkbox – it’s a commitment. This policy approach must continue to incorporate a concerted effort towards meaningful engagement – otherwise, governments and corporations will erode trust. And once that trust is gone, the rebuild is generational.

2. Plans Don’t Lead – People Do

Reconciliation action plans are multiplying. But action is a different story.

The organizations making progress have a common thread: leadership. It’s not enough to draft a plan – real change requires daily decisions, tracked results, and cultural integration. Reconciliation isn’t a program. It’s a mindset. And leadership sets the tone.

3. Don’t Just Consult – Co-Create

“Consultation” still dominates corporate and government playbooks, but Indigenous leaders are clear: meaningful partnership means co-creation, co-ownership, and co-benefit from day one – not post-hoc feedback loops. The forum called for clearer frameworks, stronger standards, and a mindset shift: if you want meaningful impact, you need shared power.

4. Indigenous Tourism: Ready for Lift-Off

Indigenous tourism is rich in culture, story, and sustainability – but it’s still fighting for visibility and investment.

Attendees challenged businesses to move beyond promotion and into partnership. Procurement, mentorship, co-branding, and long-term collaboration are all on the table. Small shifts can unlock big opportunities – economic and relational.

5. Equity Isn’t a Buzzword – It’s a Balancing Act

The Indian Act didn’t just create economic barriers. It created a system of exclusion that still shapes today’s economy.

Closing that gap means redistributing capital, power, and opportunity – and listening deeply. Private equity was highlighted as one tool for empowerment, but not a cure-all. The goal isn’t just more capital. It’s meaningful investments, led by values like sustainability, stewardship, and relational accountability.

6. Two-Eyed Seeing: A Path Forward

One of the forum’s most powerful teachings was the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing – the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. It’s not a balancing act. It’s a synthesis.

Indigenous knowledge brings land-based wisdom, story, and relational governance. Western systems bring structure, tools, and scale. Together, they offer a lens for building a more just, resilient, and inclusive economy. This isn’t theory – it’s a practice. And it’s one we’re committed to walking.

What’s Next?

We left the Indigenomics IMPACT Forum with more questions than answers – and that’s the point. Progress starts with discomfort, dialogue, and deeper understanding.

Reconciliation isn’t the work of a week. It’s the work of a lifetime. And boards have a unique responsibility – and opportunity – to lead it.

Because reconciliation is governance work.

It shows up in capital allocation decisions. In who sits at the table and who is missing. In the frameworks boards use to measure risk, growth, and success. Indigenous economic reconciliation isn’t a CSR strategy or a line item, it’s a lens. And it belongs in the boardroom.

If boards want to steward long-term value, they need to embrace Two-Eyed Seeing: integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and governance practices into the way they lead, decide, and relate.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep building – together.