Indigenous business takes centre stage at conference: Procurement, Employment and Partnership Conference set for Jan. 22-23.

• Position: SUDBURY

A unique conference with a focus on Indigenous business is returning to Sudbury with the promise to be bigger.

The second annual Procurement, Employment and Partnership Conference and trade show will be held Jan. 22-23 at the Holiday Inn.

The format is much like the inaugural conference held last February, with opportunities for entrepreneurs and like-minded people to discuss resource development, partnerships, and supply chain management. The conference includes a tradeshow, guest speakers, workshop sessions and panel discussions.

The agenda includes topics such as economic reconciliation and fostering an environment of inclusion.

Back as guest speakers are JP Gladu, president and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Stephen Lindley, principal at Stephen Lindley Consulting.

Joining them will be Jason Batise, executive director of Wabun Tribal Council; Charles Cirtwell, founding president and CEO of Northern Policy Institute; Derek Chum, vice-president of Indigenous relations of Hydro One; and Melanie Debassige, executive director at First Nations Technical Services Corporation.

The conference...