Brief
Manitoba to Host First Indigenous Mining Conference on Nov. 16
The conference aims to build relationships and discuss ownership, equity, and future legal reforms in Manitoba’s mining sector.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On November 16, the Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association will hold its first State of the Nations conference at the Victoria Inn Hotel, bringing together Indigenous leaders and mining businesses in a bid to accelerate mineral development in the province.
The event, which can accommodate 500 attendees, will feature presentations from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky and Kiciwapa Cree Nation headman Floyd North, among others. The association’s chief executive, Renée Greyeyes, said the conference is a “really important conversation” that will help Indigenous communities gain ownership and equity in mining projects.
Greyeyes added that the business community has an opportunity to learn about existing projects and potential opportunities, and that the conference could take the conversation to a global stage. Shelly Bulycz, chief executive of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for contracts and supply chain integration.
In parallel, the Manitoba Eco‑Network, led by executive director James Beddome, is preparing workshops on mining practices. These free sessions will be held in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas in October, with further events planned in Pine Falls, Brandon and Winnipeg in November and December. Beddome expects to post details on the network’s website this week.
Tickets for the conference start at $250 and the venue can hold up to 500 people. The event is part of a broader provincial push to triple critical mineral production.
Key facts
- The conference will take place on November 16 at the Victoria Inn Hotel (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky and Kiciwapa Cree Nation headman Floyd North will present (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The Manitoba Eco‑Network will host free workshops on mining practices in October and November (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Tickets for the conference start at $250 (winnipegfreepress.com)
Background
The conference follows Manitoba’s pledge to triple critical mineral production and aims to strengthen Indigenous participation in the mining sector.
Why it matters
It seeks to integrate Indigenous communities into Manitoba’s growing mining industry, potentially reshaping ownership and supply chains.
What happens next
Further workshops and events are scheduled through December, with details to be posted on the Manitoba Eco‑Network website.
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “State of the Nations event to highlight Indigenous mining plans”
