Norway House Cree Nation is preparing to welcome hundreds of participants to the 4th Annual Reclaiming Our Future Economic Development Youth Conference, scheduled for Oct.1-2. The gathering has become a major highlight in the community calendar, blending culture, entrepreneurship, and inspiration for the next generation.
News & Events
2023 CANDO “Community Developer of the Year” Award
Celebrating National Recognition in Indigenous Economic Development
In 2023, Norway House Cree Nation was honoured with the Council of the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) Community Developer of the Year Award, a national recognition that celebrates excellence, community leadership, and long-term vision in Indigenous economic development.
This award reflects the commitment of the NHCN Economic Development Group (EDG), whose work focuses on building economic pathways that strengthen our Nation today and for the next generations. Through partnerships, capacity-building programs, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, infrastructure planning, and community-driven innovation, NHCN has become a leader in sustainable Nation rebuilding.
Receiving this award in Membertou, Nova Scotia was a proud moment for our entire community. It represents the collective effort of leadership, staff, partners, and community members who continue to help shape the strong economic future for NHCN.
SEED Winnipeg Workshops
Building Skills and Confidence for Emerging Entrepreneurs
In partnership with SEED Winnipeg, NHCN Economic Development delivers two foundational entrepreneurship workshops designed specifically for First Nation community members who want to explore business ideas or strengthen their financial confidence.
Am I An Entrepreneur?
This introductory sessions helps participants explore their strengths, identify their entrepreneurial traits, and understand what running a business involves. Through discussions and hands-on activities, participants learn:
- What entrepreneurship looks like in real life.
- How their personal experiences and community values connect to business.
- Whether entrepreneurship may be a path they want to pursue.
- Early steps to move an idea forward.
This workshop is designed to be welcoming, reflective, and accessible – a safe space for anyone who is curious about starting a business.
Intro to Business Planning
This workshop introduces participants to the structure and purpose of a business plan. Instead of developing a business idea, the session focuses on helping participants understand how a plan is organized and what each section typically includes. Participants learn how to:
- Break down the main parts of a business plan.
- Understand what type of information goes into each section.
- Identify who their customers might be and why.
- Describe potential competitors and how their business might stand out.
- Begin organizing their thoughts into a simple planning outline.
The workshop provides a clear standing point for anyone preparing to write a business plan and helps participants feel more confident about what’s expected when they’re ready to take that next step.
Futurpreneur Canada Partnership: Ohpikiwin Workshop Series
The Ohpikiwin Workshop Series, delivered in partnership with Futurpreneur Canada, brings financial empowerment and entrepreneurship learning to the young people of Norway House Cree Nation. Ohpikiwin – meaning “to grow” or “to emerge” – reflects the purpose of the series: helping youth build confidence, skills, and knowledge to support their financial and personal growth.
This workshop series includes topics such as:
- Healthy financial habits and money mindsets.
- Understanding credit, savings, and long-term financial planning.
- Exploring entrepreneurship through an Indigenous worldview.
- Hands-on learning, discussions, and real-world examples.
- Activities designed to build confidence, self-awareness, and future goals.
Through this partnership, youth receive culturally relevant teachings blended with practical financial tools, empowering them to make choices for their futures and the future of our Nation.
Norway House Cree Nation to host 4th annual Reclaiming Our Future Conference
“This is about more than a performance,” said organizers. “Rebecca embodies what it means to reclaim our future by carrying forward our traditions and showing our young people that their voices matter.”
Wolves Den Business Pitch Competition
Returning this year is the popular Wolves Den Business Pitch Competition, where students from the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre (HBOIERC) will pitch business ideas designed to spark change and strengthen the community.
Headlining this year’s conference is Rebecca Strong, winner of Canada’s Got Talent 2024. Known for her commanding stage presence and her powerful message of Indigenous resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride, Strong will deliver a keynote address on Oct. 2 at the Norway House Auditorium. Organizers say her story of overcoming challenges and uplifting others will resonate with both youth and the broader community.
Teams of three to five students will have 120 seconds to present their vision, competing for more than $8,000 in prizes. To help prepare, youth will take part in workshops led by Noah Wilson of Futurpreneur Canada. A strong advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship, Wilson is known for his energetic and engaging approach, guiding participants through team-building, idea validation, and pitch development.
“Noah has been a cornerstone of this program,” said conference organizers. “His mentorship gives our youth the tools and confidence to dream big.”
Ribbon Skirt Fashion Show
Another highlight of this year’s conference is a Ribbon Skirt Fashion Show hosted by Alyssia Sutherland of Ally’s Ribbons. Fresh from walking the runways of Milan and Paris Fashion Week, Sutherland will showcase her designs alongside creations from up to 10 local artists, including ribbon skirt and shirt makers, beaders, and moccasin makers.
In addition, five female and five male models will be selected to take part, receiving professional training from Cree model coach Ocean Bruyere. Bruyere, who has worked with both emerging and established talent across Turtle Island, will lead participants through confidence-building runway sessions.
Last year’s conference drew more than 400 participants, including nearly 100 youth from 15 communities across Manitoba. Under the theme Empowering Youth, Business & Community for a Thriving Tomorrow, the event featured keynote speakers such as Carol Anne Hilton and Harlan Kingfisher, and culminated in an inspiring Wolves Den showcase.
Winning teams included Guardians of Our Heritage, Muskwa Fashion Design, and Moving Forward Interior & Exterior, with Northern Lights Rehab Centre receiving special recognition.
“Every year, the creativity and vision of our youth remind us that the future is bright,” said organizers. “This year, we’re building on that momentum with new opportunities and new voices to inspire our people.”
The Reclaiming Our Future Conference is open to all community members, with events taking place at the Norway House Cree Nation Auditorium.
— Steven Sukkau is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
