Business leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives from across the region will gather at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds this Thursday, Sept. 24 for the 2026 Economic Partnership Summit.
The annual, one-day event, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Ex, is designed to create meaningful connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses through networking, education and partnership-building opportunities.
Business Connections
At the heart of the summit is the Business Connections program, a structured networking initiative that allows attendees to schedule one-on-one meetings with businesses, organizations and community representatives. Organizers say the goal is to move beyond casual networking and create conversations that lead to real business opportunities and lasting partnerships.
Program
The day begins with a pipe ceremony at 7:45 a.m., followed by networking, a grand entry at 8:40 a.m. featuring dancers and drummers, opening remarks and several keynote presentations.
One of the featured speakers is Jacquelyn Cardinal, founder and CEO of Naheyawin, who will deliver a presentation at 9:30 a.m. titled How to Work Together: Indigenous Partnership as Professional Practice. The Indigenous entrepreneur and technologist is known for her work connecting Indigenous knowledge systems with innovation, technology and business.
Morning keynote
The morning keynote address at 11:00 a.m. will be delivered by Ian Gladue, founder of Mitsoh, an Indigenous-owned food company that has gained national recognition for bringing traditional foods such as pemmican and dry meat to retailers across Canada.
Afternoon keynote
In the afternoon at 3:00 p.m., attendees will hear from Chief Robert Louie, who has spent more than five decades advancing Indigenous self-governance and economic development. During his time as chief of Westbank First Nation, Louie helped negotiate the landmark Westbank Self-Government Agreement.
Building Better Business panel
The summit will also feature a Building Better Business panel discussion with Jennifer Bodnarchuk, Nathan Arias and Nyden Iron-Nighttraveller. Panelists will discuss strategies for strengthening workplaces, creating sustainable growth and building successful partnerships while respecting cultural values. This is planned for 12:30 p.m.
A success story presentation highlighting collaboration between the City of Lloydminster and Frog Lake First Nation is also scheduled for 1:45 p.m.
The Economic Partnership Summit works to foster Indigenous partnerships and economic opportunities by bringing together businesses, leaders and Indigenous communities, primarily within Treaty 6 Territory.
The event is hosted through a partnership involving the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, City of Lloydminster, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Heart of Treaty 6 Reconciliation, Lakeland College, Startup Lloydminster, SIIT, Synergy Credit Union and several other regional organizations.
Organizers say the summit continues to grow as a forum for strengthening relationships, sharing best practices and supporting long-term economic development across the region.
