2026 Indigenous Business Networking Event in Montréal
This inspiring gathering will feature engaging 7-minute Lightning Talks from Indigenous business leaders, a book signing with Bernice Williams, and an Indigenous fashion showcase by Shane Kelsey.
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Overview
Connection. Learning. Inspiration. Experience it all at CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) Indigenous Business Networking Event in Montréal, designed to bring together Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders and creators.
Join us on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT, at BMO Financial Group’s Head Office (129 rue Saint-Jacques, 14th Floor) for engaging 7-minute Lightning Talks from Cydney Mar – Founder of Cydney Mar Wellness; Steve O’Bomsawin – CEO and President of Asban, and member of CCIB’s Board of Directors and Thawennontie Thomas – President and Co-Founder of LaFlesche.
Hear firsthand from these Indigenous entrepreneurs as they share how they transformed ideas into successful ventures, overcame challenges, embraced opportunities and built resilient businesses during a live Q&A.
The evening will also feature a book signing with Bernice Williams, founder of International Connection and the visionary behind HIVE Connections Publishing, celebrating her book With Grace and Grit: Indigenous Women in Business.
Experience Indigenous fashion with a showcase by Shane Kelsey, founder and creative director of Neechi By Nature, an Indigenous luxury streetwear brand that weaves Ojibway storytelling into contemporary design.
This free event will be held in English and is open to everyone. Invite your colleagues, friends and anyone interested in Indigenous business and entrepreneurship.
Lightning Talk Speakers

Thawennontie Thomas
President and Co-Founder of LaFlesche

Cydney Mar
Founder, Cydney Mar Wellness

Steve O’Bomsawin
CEO and President of Asban and member of CCIB’s Board of Directors
Event Agenda
4:00 p.m.
Registration begins
Refreshments upon arrival
4:15 p.m.
Welcome, Fashion show, and Opening Remarks
Welcome:
Opening Prayer, Elder, Kanahsohon Deer
Remarks and Fashion Show Introduction, Hosna Kadary, National Market Leader at BMO
Fashion Show:
Featuring, Shane Kelsey, Founder and Creative Director of Neechi By Nature
Opening Remarks:
Alana Parsan, National Director of Programs and Sales at BMO
Robin Stewart, Head of Canadian Business Banking Product Management and Business Strategy at BMO
4:30 p.m.
Lightning Talk
Lightning Talk with:
Thawennontie Thomas, President, Co-Founder of LaFlesche
Cydney Mar, Founder, Cydney Mar Wellness
Steve O’Bomsawin, CEO, President of Asban
Interactive Q&A
5:00 p.m.
Networking Resumes & Book Signing
Book Signing, Bernice Williams, founder of Intentional Connection and the visionary behind HIVE Connections Publishing
7:00 p.m.
Event Closes
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