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INDIGENOUS BLUE ECONOMY
CONFERENCE
2025
Navigating New Currents of Indigenous Prosperity
January 28-29, 2026
The Grand Hotel
Nanaimo, BC
Cohosted with:
The Indigenous Blue Economy Conference explores how Nations, entrepreneurs, and partners are shaping sustainable ocean and freshwater-based economies. From fisheries to marine stewardship, this gathering highlights innovation, collaboration, and Indigenous leadership in building a thriving ocean future.
Why Attend?
The Indigenous Blue Economy Conference 2026 offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation — and to take action.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with Indigenous leaders, ocean entrepreneurs, industry experts, and policymakers shaping the blue economy.
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Knowledge Sharing: Explore how traditional knowledge and modern innovations can work together to advance sustainable marine and freshwater practices.
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Economic Development: Discover strategies to build resilient, Indigenous-led ocean and water-based economies.
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Business Matchmaking: Meet directly with decision-makers to spark partnerships and investment opportunities.
Who Should Attend
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Indigenous Nations and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in ocean- and water-based sectors
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Seafood harvesters, farmers, and processors looking to scale, diversify, or innovate
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Industry leaders and investors interested in sustainable, Indigenous-led ocean economy projects
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Government representatives and policymakers working on reconciliation, sustainability, and economic development
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Researchers, educators, and students focused on the future of marine and freshwater economies
CONFERENCE AGENDA
The agenda is designed to be practical, relevant, and grounded in real-world experience. Across panels, keynote conversations, and interactive sessions, you’ll hear directly from Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and decision-makers shaping the future of the Blue Economy.
Sessions focus on actionable insights, shared learning, and meaningful dialogue — with space for connection, collaboration, and next steps you can take back to your community or organization.
View the full conference agenda to explore session topics, speakers, and daily programming.
Interested in Sponsoring IBlueC?
Our events are made possible through the generosity of partners who believe in what we're building together. If your organization is looking for a meaningful way to connect with Indigenous economic development — whether through an upcoming event or a longer-term partnership — we'd love to have a conversation.
Every partnership we form is bespoke, shaped around your goals and ours.
