Why Attend
The 3rd Annual Indigenous Forestry Conference, held in Prince George in September 2026, brings together leaders, knowledge keepers, and industry experts to shape the future of forest stewardship through Indigenous values, sustainable practices, and land-based solutions. Delegates will leave with meaningful connections to leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers driving change, along with practical strategies to grow Indigenous-led forest economies, insight into how traditional knowledge and modern forestry practices work together, and direct business matchmaking opportunities to fast-track partnerships. This is more than a conference—it's a call to action.
Who Should Attend
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Indigenous Leaders & Communities: Engage in shaping the future of land stewardship and forest-based economies.
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Forestry Professionals: Collaborate on sustainable practices grounded in Indigenous values.
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Policy Makers & Government Representatives: Support policy that advances equity, access, and Indigenous rights.
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Entrepreneurs & Industry Partners: Discover opportunities to invest, innovate, and grow in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Our Co-Host Nation
The Indigenous Forestry Conference is proudly co-hosted by the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, whose traditional territory includes the city of Prince George. A motivated and determined Nation with over 900 members, the Lheidli T'enneh work to develop economic opportunities while preserving and practicing their traditional culture and land-based ways of life — making them a natural and fitting host for a conference at the intersection of Indigenous values and forest stewardship.
Our Partners & Supporters
This gathering is made possible through the generous support of our partners, whose commitment to Indigenous-led economic development and cultural tourism helps bring together communities, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the region. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in advancing Indigenous tourism and creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations businesses and storytellers to thrive.
IFC Partners
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IFC Supporters
Interested in Sponsoring IFC 2026?
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.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
IFC 2026 Program
Program subject to change.
DAY ONE
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
9:00–9:30 AM
Lheidli T’enneh Host-Nation Welcome + IEP Opening Keynote
SESSION 1 · 9:30–10:30 AM
From Crown Partnership to 100% Māori Ownership
Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust shares its journey from a Crown forestry partnership to full Māori ownership and the responsibilities that come with that transition. The conversation explores intergenerational governance, kaitiakitanga, employment, reinvestment and the choices that shape a forest economy for future generations.
Kerry Callaghan — Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust
Heemi Biddle — Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust
10:30–10:45 AM
Coffee and Networking Break
SESSION 2 · 10:45–11:45 AM
Beyond Fibre: Indigenous-Led Climate-Smart Forestry, Carbon and Conservation Finance
Indigenous forestry leaders share practical approaches to climate-smart forestry and economic opportunities beyond traditional timber and pulp fibre. The discussion connects carbon and conservation finance with restoration, wildfire resilience, emerging ecosystem markets and community priorities for stewardship and long-term value.
Leigh Fox — Wahkohtowin Development LLP
Florian Bergoin — Nazko First Nation
Eden Hardcastle — Nk’Mip Forestry / Osoyoos Indian Band
Jeffrey Ross — Sustainable Forestry Initiative
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Lunch and Networking
SESSION 3 · 12:45–1:45 PM
From Data Collection to Decision Making: Building Connected Forestry Systems That Support Indigenous Stewardship
This panel explores how forestry information can move more effectively between Indigenous Nations, licensees, consultants and other partners to support sound decisions. Drawing on operational experience, the discussion connects tenure responsibilities, knowledge retention and data sovereignty with practical approaches to bringing forestry, environmental and cultural information together.
Moderator: Jaya Freeman — DR Systems Inc. / Phoenix Connect
Heidi Walsh — DR Systems Inc. / Phoenix Connect
Deborah Thompson — McLeod Lake Indian Band
Dean Marshall — McLeod Lake Indian Band
1:45–2:00 PM
Coffee and Networking Break
SESSION 4 · 2:00–3:00 PM
Lheidli T’enneh Host-Nation Panel: Lhai Ventures Group, Ncha Koh Industrial Park and the Four-Nations Plateau Sawmill Acquisition
This host-Nation conversation explores the relationships and collaboration that create opportunities for Nations to work together across forestry and regional economic development. Industrial lands and sawmill ownership provide a practical starting point for discussing shared priorities, economic partnerships and long-term benefits for participating Nations.
3:00–5:00 PM
Structured B2B Meetings
DAY TWO
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
9:00–9:15 AM
Day Two Welcome and Recap
SESSION 5 · 9:15–10:15 AM
Indigenous Leadership in Integrated Forest Management: Challenges and Successes from BC to Ontario
Indigenous forestry leaders compare experiences in forest management, tenure, operating businesses and partnerships across provincial systems. The conversation examines successes and challenges in connecting stewardship, workforce development and commercial operations with Nation-building, community priorities and opportunities for shared learning.
Jordan Hatton — Papasay Management Corporation / Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
Wahmeesh (Ken Watts) — Tseshaht First Nation (joining virtually)
Grand Chief Gilbert Okemow — Peerless Trout First Nation / Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, Alberta
10:15–10:45 AM
Coffee and Networking Break
SESSION 6 · 10:45–11:45 AM
Getting Governance Going in a Good Way
As Indigenous ownership and operational responsibilities grow, this panel explores the governance foundations that help Nations and forestry businesses move forward with confidence. The discussion considers the roles of leadership, boards and management, alongside accountability, risk oversight and the connection between commercial decisions and lasting community benefit.
Satsan Herb George — Centre for First Nations Governance
Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik) — Indigenous Economic Pathways
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Lunch and Networking
SESSION 7 · 12:45–1:45 PM
PFAC Final Report — From Conflict to Care
This session examines the Provincial Forestry Advisory Council’s final report, From Conflict to Care, and its implications for Indigenous forestry and long-term land stewardship in British Columbia. The conversation connects forest-sector change with regional decision-making, local value creation and the growing role of First Nations in governance, ownership and forest management.
Garry Merkel — Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship, UBC
Shannon Janzen — Hypha Consulting Inc.
1:45–2:00 PM
Coffee and Networking Break
SESSION 8 · 2:00–3:00 PM
From Certification to Indigenous Market Pathways
This panel explores how forest certification can support Indigenous stewardship, strengthen participation in standards and open market pathways. Canadian and Australian perspectives connect the PEFC–IEP collaboration with practical experience in Indigenous-owned forestry, community livelihoods and access to markets that recognize responsible forest management.
Chris Harvey — PEFC Canada
Matt de Jongh — Responsible Wood
3:00–3:45 PM
Conference Outcomes, Commitments and Closing
Susanne Bitzer
604-717-1738 susanne@indigenous.travel
Looking for some help booking travel?
Indigenous Travel Services can help! Their team provides seamless, personalized arrangements—including flights, accommodations, and ground transportation—while delivering culturally mindful service for delegates traveling from near and far.
For bookings or inquiries, contact Susanne and let Indigenous Travel Services handle the details so attendees can focus on connecting, learning, and celebrating.
Our Delegates
Hear directly from delegates and sponsors of IFC2025 as they share their experiences, insights, and key takeaways from the Indigenous Forestry Conference.
Kim Haakstad, BC Council of Forest Industries on #IFC2025
Kim Haakstad, BC Council of Forest Industries on #IFC2025
David Clifton, Meraki on #IFC2025
Lennard Joe, First Nations Forestry Council on #IFC2025
Michael Berger, PEFC on #IFC2025
Shannon Janzen, Provincial Forest Advisory Council on #IFC2025
Scott Robertson, PEFC on #IFC20205
Rick Harris, Delta Forestry Group on #IFC2025
Chris Harvey, PEFC on #IFC2025
