Indigenous Women in Leadership & Award Dinner in Vancouver!
CCIB returns to Vancouver for the Indigenous Women in Leadership & Award Dinner, celebrating purpose‑driven leadership.
Date & Time
Location
Featured Speakers
Forum Host
Holly Fortier
President/Facilitator, Nisto Consulting Inc & Producer/Director, Two Canoes Media
Forum Host
Billie Fortier, Juris Doctor (JD)
Elected Chief, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
CCIB CEO
Tabatha Bull, ICD.D, BSC
President and CEO, CCIB
Day 1: June 3
Pre-event set up and reception.
5 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Networking Reception
Kick off the event with a casual evening of entertainment, food, and networking. Connect with fellow attendees, CCIB board members, speakers, and staff. Tickets can be added when you register for the event.
Day 2: June 4 - Forum
Forum agenda.
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Indigenous Artisan Market
We invite you to visit and explore the Indigenous Marketplace, which will feature a diverse selection of Indigenous artisans and businesses, offering unique products and showcasing local craftsmanship.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Networking Lounge
The Networking Lounge serves as a dedicated meeting space for attendees to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout the event. Use CCIB’s new event app to connect with attendees and book meetings in the Networking Lounge.
8:30 a.m.
Registration & Coffee Connection
Pick up your badge, grab a coffee and connect with fellow attendees.
Sponsored by:
9:30 a.m.
Forum Opening
Opening Remarks
Elder Blessing
Opening Performance
Hosts:
Billie Fortier & Holly Fortier
Elder:
Ruby Eagle Child
Remarks:
Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, CCIB
Forum Lead Sponsored by:
10:05 a.m.
Networking with Prompty
Take your networking to the next level with Prompty. Hear from Founder & CEO, James McInnes, about how this Canadian and Indigenous-owned technology is transforming the way we connect. Designed as a relationship manager, not a social network, Prompty makes in-person networking more efficient, enjoyable, and secure. As CCIB’s official event app, Prompty will power your on-site experience from start to finish.
Don’t forget to pick up your Prompty networking tool onsite and join the event in advance (link provided upon registration).
Speaker:
James McInnes, MBA, Founder and CEO, Prompty
10:15 a.m.
Lightning Talks
This segment brings together a series of inspiring 7-minute talks from diverse voices, all aligned with our 2026 event theme: Rooted in Purpose. Growing through Connection. Through powerful insights, ideas, and stories, in a concise, engaging format, sparking conversation, deepening connection, and inspiring action.
11:00 a.m.
AM Breakout Sessions
Topic 1:
Coming soon!
Sponsored by:
11:55 a.m.
Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a variety of dishes while networking with fellow attendees.
1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Mainstage Panel
Indigneous Leadership and Capacity Building Panel
This intergenerational panel brings together CEOs and young Indigenous business professionals to explore leadership capacity building and why it is essential to driving innovation and supporting sustainability. Panelists will share their learnings and experiences navigating corporate and entrepreneurial landscapes, while building resilience and leading with integrity. Hear from Indigenous women at every stage of the executive and entrepreneurial journey on what it takes to build leadership that strategically shapes the future rather than simply reacts to the environment.
Host:
Billie Fortier & Holly Fortier
Sponsored by:
1:55 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
PM Breakout Sessions
Topic 1:
Coming soon!
Sponsored by:
2:40 p.m. – 3:15 pm
Networking Break
Enjoy some refreshments and light snacks. This is your final chance to stop by the Indigenous artisan marketplace!
3:15 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
Wisdom of Elders
Wisdom of Elders: Strengthening Leadership Through Indigenous Knowledge Panel
This session will explore the wisdom and teachings of Elders through a meaningful dialogue that highlights the importance of intergenerational connection, knowledge sharing, and the role of Elders in strengthening leadership. Audience members will leave with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing, along with practical insights on how to carry these teachings forward in their professional lives.
3:50 p.m.
Fireside Chat with Tabatha Bull
This fireside chat features a candid conversation with CCIB’s President & CEO, Tabatha Bull. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Tabatha will share insights from her experience as an Indigenous woman leading at the national level, offering perspectives on resilience, impact, and transformation. As Tabatha has announced that she will be transitioning out of her role with CCIB in 2026, this conversation will explore the path she has helped shape for future leaders.
4:20 p.m.
Closing Remarks
A final reflection on the day’s insights and a note of thanks to our speakers, sponsors, and guests.
Day 2: June 4 - Award Dinner
Award dinner agenda.
6:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
Join us for an evening reception to network with attendees over cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.
7:00 p.m.
Award Dinner Opening
Opening Remarks
Elder Blessing
Opening Performance
Welcome Remarks:
Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, CCIB
8:00 p.m.
Dinner and Performance
Sponsored by:
8:45 p.m.
Award Presentation
Award Category Presentation: Indigenous Women in Leadership
Sponsored by:
9:05 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Conclusion of the evening with a heartfelt thanks and recognition of the outstanding achievements celebrated tonight.
Tradeshow Exhibitors
There are a limited number of tradeshow booths available for Certified Indigenous Business exhibitors.
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.