Events

CCIB hosts events across the country to inform, educate and provide networking opportunities.
Upcoming Events

Events

In-Person Events

Celebrate Indigenous success, while sharing ideas, exploring opportunities, and networking.

Virtual Events

These events provide opportunities to connect and learn with participants from across the country, including rural and remote Indigenous business members.

Awards

Each year, CCIB celebrates outstanding individuals and businesses by presenting awards that highlight the vital contributions Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders and businesses make to the Canadian business landscape.

Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement Award

This award honors exceptional Indigenous business leaders from across the country who have reached advanced stages in their careers and have established a lasting legacy. It recognizes their lifelong contributions to business, community, culture, and the broader Indigenous economy.

Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award

This award highlights the enterprising spirit of Indigenous entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who are driving the Indigenous economy forward. It recognizes their innovative spirit, business acumen, leadership, and positive impact on their communities. Individuals can self-nominate, and this prestigious award comes with a $10,000 cash prize to benefit your business.

Indigenous Women in Leadership Award

Indigenous women have long held roles of leadership and strength in traditional life. Today, their tenacity and determination continue to serve as a powerful testament to their crucial role in preserving culture and traditions. Nominees are influential leaders and mentors in Indigenous business. These women are deeply engaged in their communities, and their work has significantly contributed to improving the lives of Indigenous people.

Award for Excellence in Indigenous Relations

This award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to fostering positive and meaningful relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Nominees are never satisfied with things as they are. They always look to improve outcomes for Indigenous peoples, building bridges between Canadian society and Indigenous communities. Open to all Canadians.

Indigenous Business of the Year

The Indigenous Business of the Year Award honours the achievements and contributions of an Indigenous business that significantly supports and enriches the economic, social, and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Small Business of the Year (NEW)

The new Indigenous Small Business of the Year Award honors the achievements and contributions of an Indigenous business that significantly supports and enriches the economic, social, and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities. For the first time ever, you can self-nominate.

Frequently Asked Award Questions

Award Nominations for 2026 are now closed.
 
Nominations for the following awards will open in September 2026:

  • Business Lifetime Achievement Award– presented in Toronto in February 2027
  • Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award– presented in Toronto in February 2027
  • Indigenous Women in Leadership Award– presented in Ottawa in June 2027

Nominations for the following awards will open in early 2027:

  • Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award– presented in Vancouver in October 2027
  • Indigenous Small Business of the Year Award– presented in Vancouver in October 2027
  • Indigenous Business of the Year Award– presented in Vancouver in October 2027
  • Business Lifetime Achievement Award – presented in Toronto in February 2027
  • Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award – presented in Toronto in February 2027
  • Indigenous Women in Leadership Award – presented in Ottawa in June 2027
  • Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award – presented in Vancouver in October 2027
  • Indigenous Small Business of the Year Award – presented in Vancouver in October 2027
  • Indigenous Business of the Year Award – presented in Vancouver in October 2027

Anyone may submit a nomination for an eligible individual or business.

Yes, self-nominations are permitted for all awards.

Please note: Nominees for all award categories must be Indigenous, with the exception of the Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award, which is open to all Canadians.

Acceptable documents include:
  • Indian Status Card,
  • Métis National Council Governing Membership,
  • Métis Nation British Columbia,
  • Manitoba Métis Federation,
  • Métis Nation Saskatchewan,
  • Inuit Beneficiary Card,
  • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) Affiliate Membership,
  • Northwest Territories Land Claim Settlement Beneficiaries,
  • Confirmed Alberta Métis Settlement Members,
  • Northwest Territory Métis Nation Membership,
  • Membership in a historic First Nations,
  • Inuit or Métis community recognized as independent and rights-bearing by a provincial or Canadian federal government.
Please note that proof of Indigenous Heritage may be requested.

Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee made up of respected Indigenous and industry leaders. Each submission is evaluated based on the specific criteria listed under the award category.

Please note that CCIB keeps an arm’s length in the judging process.

The CCIB Events & Awards team selects committee members based on the following criteria: ensuring there is geographic representation with relevant business experience and expertise. CCIB staff and board members are not eligible to serve on the selection committee.

After the nomination deadline:
    1.  All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility.
    2. An external selection committee will evaluate all eligible nominations.
    3. Finalists may be contacted for additional information, if required.
    4. The recipient will be notified.
    5.  Nominators will be advised of the outcome once the selection process is complete.

If you have questions about the nomination process or eligibility requirements, please contact the CCIB Awards Team at awards@ccib.ca

Sponsor an Event

Sponsors are a key component of CCIB’s events, and there are many opportunities to either headline as a lead sponsor or support a specific element of an upcoming forum. Sponsoring is easy and benefits include recognition, marketing, speaking opportunities and more.

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