Regional Engagement Forum - Rama | Ontario

Our Regional Meetings are intimate gatherings where we meet with First Nations from the chapters in and around the hosting area. These sessions allow us to hear directly from communities about their priorities and how we can assist in addressing gaps. They also provide an opportunity to share the programs, services, and resources that OFNEDA offers, ensuring that each community is informed and supported.

Engage with our leadership and support team:

• Peggy Domingue, Executive Director
• Ryan Moore, Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development
• Reema Chopra, Director of Marketing & Training
• Additional Participants

Shape the Future of Our Economic ToolkitsAt our upcoming Regional Meetings, we will be hosting dedicated Engagement Sessions focused on Procurement and Entrepreneurship. We are currently developing two comprehensive toolkits designed to strengthen and support your communities - and your input is essential to ensure they meet real needs. To make them effective, we need your input.What you can expect:

• Share Your Voice, Have Your Say: Our research team will be on-site to listen to your priorities, needs, challenges, and ideas. Your feedback will directly shape the content and design of these toolkits.
• Expert Support: Connect with Ryan, our Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development, who will be available to answer questions, discuss current trends, and share valuable resources

Regional Meeting – Full-Day Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Registration & Networking Breakfast

• Arrival, registration, and informal networking

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Opening Prayer
• Welcome and introductions
• Overview of meeting objectives and agenda

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Regional Context & Community Input Session

• Regional priorities and emerging trends
• Overview of current and upcoming programming
• Open dialogue on regional challenges, opportunities, and priorities
• Identifying capacity gaps and emerging needs

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. | Break

11:15 – 11:55 a.m. | Training Session: Practical AI for Economic Development

• Introduction to AI tools and applications
• Use cases for community planning and economic development
• Hands-on examples for supporting EDOs and First Nations

11:55 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch

12:45 – 2:30 p.m. | Engagement Session: Procurement & Entrepreneurship

• Introduction to the Procurement and Entrepreneurship focus
• Overview of the two toolkits under development
• Facilitated discussion to gather participant insights, needs, and priorities

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Afternoon Break

2:45 – 3:30 p.m. | Training Session: Excel Tips & Tricks

• Key functions and shortcuts for data management
• Practical applications for community planning and reporting
• Time-saving strategies for EDOs and First Nations staff

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. | Training Session: Marketing Strategies for Community & Economic Development

• Promoting community assets and opportunities
• Digital marketing, storytelling, and audience engagement
• Practical strategies for supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses

4:15 – 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks

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