An Evening of Indigenous Entrepreneurship, Fashion and Storytelling
Experience an inspiring evening in historic Montréal with CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) team. This free networking event is open to everyone and features engaging seven-minute Lightning Talks, a book signing, and an Indigenous fashion showcase while connecting you with Indigenous business leaders, entrepreneurs and creators.
Join us for engaging 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
• Thawennontie Thomas – President and Co-Founder of LaFlesche
Discover 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. Discover how fashion can be a powerful catalyst for cultural reclamation and social impact.
Meet Bernice Williams, founder of International Connection and the visionary behind HIVE Connections Publishing, during a special book signing celebrating her book, With Grace and Grit: Indigenous Women in Business.
This event will be held in English. Don’t miss out!
This event is open to everyone, please share it with your networks and anyone who would benefit from attending.
August 20, 2026 | 4 to 7 p.m. EDT
REMARKS by, Hosna Kadary, National Market Leader at BMO
BIO
REMARKS by, Alana Parsan, National Director of Programs and Sales at BMO
BIO
REMARKS by, Robin Stewart, Head of Canadian Business Banking Product Management and Business Strategy at BMO
BIO
LIGHTNING TALK with, Thawennontie Thomas, President and Co-Founder of LaFlesche
BIO
LIGHTNING TALK with, Cydney Mar, Founder, Cydney Mar Wellness
BIO
LIGHTNING TALK with, Steve O’Bomsawin, CEO, President, Asban
BIO
Lead Sponsor
Contributing Sponsor
Agenda – August 20, 2026
| 4 p.m. | Registration begins (refreshments upon arrival) |
| 4:15 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
|
| 4:30 p.m. | Fashion Show
Lightning Talk with
Interactive Q&A |
| 5 p.m. | Networking Resumes
Book Signing, Bernice Williams, founder of Intentional Connection and the visionary behind HIVE Connections Publishing |
| 7 p.m. | Event Closes |
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
| Ticket Level | Cost | ||
| Complimentary Registration to ALL | FREE | ||
| Non-Members | FREE |
Fashion Show
Shane Kelsey
Founder and Creative Director of Neechi By Nature
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a selection of Neechi By Nature’s designs on display and worn throughout the evening, showcasing Indigenous fashion that blends culture with contemporary style. Neechi By Nature is an Indigenous luxury streetwear brand that weaves Ojibway storytelling into contemporary fashion, film, music and visual arts.
Book Signing
Bernice Williams
Founder of Intentional Connection and the Visionary behind HIVE Connections Publishing
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Bernice Williams during a special signing of her book, With Grace and Grit: Indigenous Women in Business. This inspiring anthology features the stories of 21 Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Atlantic Canada. Through vulnerability, resilience and a deep connection to culture, these women share the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.
