CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2022
JAN 18-20
19th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum
Collaborate and exchange ideas on building and maintaining a resilient natural resource sector.
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada bcnaturalresourcesforum.com
JAN 24-26, FEB 4
(Bonus Day)
Cannexus22: National Career Development Conference
A fully virtual Cannexus conference by CERIC. Bringing career development communities together to network, share and learn. Key themes: pandemic recovery, social justice and career development for public good.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cannexus.ceric.ca
FEB 2-3
First Nations Educator’s Conference
Join educators from Treaties 6, 7 and 8, and contribute to having a positive impact on education for children in these communities. ikwc.org/event/first-nations-educators-conference
FEB 2-3
Forward Summit: Empowering Indigenous Economies Virtual and in-person at the Grey Eagle Event Centre on Tsuut’ina Traditional Territory.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. forwardsummit.ca
FEB 4-20
Olympic Winter Games
Watch and cheer on Indigenous athletes as they compete on ice and snow in the most prominent international multi-sport event of the year.
Beijing, China olympics.com/en/beijing-2022
FEB 8-10
National Indigenous Tourism Conference
Join the industry-focused conversation on how we “Build Back Better” towards a bright future for Indigenous tourism. Calgary, Alberta, Canada indigenoustourism.ca/upcoming-events
FEB 22-24
4th Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference In-person and virtual. Explore the range of renewable energy and sustainability opportunities that exist, including project planning and development trends.
Native Learning Center, Hollywood, Florida, USA nativelearningcenter.com
MAR 1-3
SHARE Investor Summit 2022
Join Indigenous investors and asset owners in shifting capital markets towards sustainability, justice, reconciliation and resilience. events.share.ca
MAR 4-13
Paralympic Winter Games
Watch and cheer for our paralympic athletes as they compete on ice and snow in the most prominent international multisport event of the year.
Beijing, China olympics.com/en/beijing-2022/paralympics
APR 10-12
Leadership Summit - American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
In-person. STEM students and leaders learn the knowledge, tools and wisdom to pursue their career and academic goals. Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula, California aises.org
With a great variety of online presentations and workshops, the 2021 Vision Quest Conference did not disappoint. This year’s program focused on sharing information about the future labour market trends and opportunities, as well as encouraging entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Experts and role models from the arts, entertainment and business sectors shared their experiences and tips for success through inspirational presentations and interactive sessions. Nearly 700 youth, business people, entrepreneurs and community members participated in this year’s symposium, with the opportunity to continue viewing sessions with the on-demand option until late November.
Brilliant keynotes were presented by award-winning singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark, and entrepreneur and author, Kendal Netmaker, who shared their personal journeys that have helped shape who they are today. On day one, Aglukark’s inspiring opening address set the tone for the conference as she spoke about the importance of teaching Indigenous history in schools. “The more we learn about each other, the more we appreciate each other, and learn to honour and respect each other,” said Aglukark.
On day two, Netmaker spoke honestly about his childhood and the influences in his life, which were primarily the matriarchs in his family including his mother, his kôhkom (grandmother) and other female relatives. Lacking a strong male role model in his life, Netmaker had to learn what it meant to be a husband, father and leader. He shared an important lesson, “My kôhkom said, ‘All of us are chosen to be here in this moment.’” He indicated that each delegate attending the conference was there for a purpose. “Each and every one of us has a gift, a unique talent, and over your lifetime you will be presented with challenges, obstacles, opportunities and knowledge in ways that will test your will and grow your gifts,” said Netmaker. “I’ve learned that obstacles come for us, not against us. They come to help us learn and grow, and become who we are meant to be.”
In addition to the 10 virtual workshop sessions focused in the areas of business, community and personal development, and youth, the event welcomed incredible Manitoba talent to entertain the delegates. Here are the artists who brought light and music to the event:
Honourable mention also goes to all of the Dragon Quest Buisness Plan Competition winners. Congratulations to Andrew Clark from Overtime Fitness, Cara Galka from Bluebird First Bookeeping, Adam Neepon from IKA Healthcare, Season Kirkwood from Sayzoons Play Outside, Celeste Theriault from Red River Bagel and Tressa Beaulieu from Red Horse Connection.
Over 24 years ago, the theme “From Vision to Reality” reflected the thoughts formulated by the original Board of Directors, and it is still relevant today. The growing event continues to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Peoples in the areas of business, community and youth development, and
SAY Magazine is honoured to be part of Vision Quest as an on-going media partner.
In 2022, the event will include a new Vision Quest bursary opportunity in celebration of their 25th anniversary conference, and in honour of their long-time Board Chair, Kim Bullard, who passed away earlier this year.
If you missed this year’s event, make sure to mark your calendars for the 25th Anniversary Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show scheduled for May 17-19, 2022, at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.
Photos courtesy of the Vision Quest Conference.