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Engagement Forum: National Indigenous Peoples Day

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Truth and Reconciliation Pillar Partner: Keyera
Introducing sponsor: Pathways Alliance
Student sponsor: Alberta Counsel, Dhillon School of Business

When and where

Date and time

June 24, 2025

5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Location

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5E1, Canada

About

With growing economic pressures and shifting trade dynamics, businesses and governments are looking at changing their procurement policies to support local and support Canadian. With Indigenous businesses often facing barriers to obtaining major contracts with governments or large businesses, a reset on procurement is a critical opportunity to dismantle systemic barriers and use our collective buying power to advance Indigenous businesses.

Join the Calgary Chamber on June 24, for an insightful discussion on how businesses can procure from Indigenous businesses, rethink procurement processes, and contribute to economic reconciliation – all while strengthening local economies, enhancing supply chain resilience, mitigating rising costs, and demonstrating a true commitment to “buy Canadian.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact sponsorships@calgary-chamber.papercrane.ca for more information.

Tickets

  • Members: $69
  • Future Member: $139

 

Members are able to redeem benefit credits for this event. Please login to the Member Portal to manage your benefits.

Refund Policy

Registered event attendees may cancel their tickets:

  1. 72 hours in advance of an event for paid tickets. Please note: Refunds will be processed to the original form of payment and may take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement.
  2. 24 hours in advance of an event for member event credits. Please note: Membership credits will be refunded directly back into your membership account within 24 hours.

Ted Bauer

Director of Indigenous Relations | Alberta Counsel

Ted Bauer is a passionate advocate for Indigenous equity, with extensive experience in government and public policy. He previously served with the Government of Alberta as Chief of Staff in the Indigenous Relations Ministry and the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), where he supported initiatives to empower Indigenous communities through economic development. Now at Alberta Counsel, Ted remains dedicated to advancing reconciliation and fostering sustainable partnerships between Indigenous nations and industry as Director of Indigenous Relations. He graduated from the University of Montana and has a certificate in IR from the University of Alberta. 

Sarah Jacknife

Founder | Jacknife Consulting

Sarah Jacknife is an accomplished Indigenous relations expert who brings over a decade of national and international experience, alongside her lived experience as a proud member of Elizabeth Métis Settlement. She is the founder of Jacknife Consulting Ltd, an Indigenous-women owned and operated firm specializing in Indigenous curriculum development, facilitation, research, and policy development. Sarah also teaches graduate-level Indigenous Policy as a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. 

Her work has involved collaboration with Indigenous rightsholders across Canada and in Aotearoa (New Zealand), particularly in the areas of government, higher education and telecommunications. Her written pieces have been featured in The Globe and Mail, CBC, and the Calgary Herald. She is also a member of the Indigenous Leadership Circle. 

Sarah currently resides as a guest in Mohkinstsis/Calgary, located on Treaty 7 Territory. 

Lexi Rensing

Senior Manager, SCM Operations and Projects | Keyera

Lexi Rensing, SCMP, MBA is a seasoned supply chain leader with a proven track record of delivering strategic value across complex, capital-intensive industries. As a Senior Manager at Keyera Corp., Lexi plays a pivotal role in shaping supply chain strategies that support Keyera’s competitiveness and growth goals. She brings almost two decades of experience in supply chain management, spanning upstream and midstream oil and gas, operations, and large-scale project execution, and currently enjoys working in a heavily transformational environment. 

Known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to navigate ambiguity, Lexi is passionate about building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and mentoring the next generation of supply chain professionals. She holds an undergrad degree in International Business & Supply Chain Mgmt from Mount Royal University, an SCMP designation from Supply Chain Canada, and an executive MBA from U of C’s Haskayne School of Business. 

 

Rod Stagg

Founder | Indigenous Incubator

Rod Stagg is a visionary entrepreneur, trades expert, and business leader with a passion for transforming industries and empowering Indigenous communities across Canada. With over four decades of experience in the trades and more than three decades as a business owner, Stagg has continuously sought to drive change and create meaningful opportunities for others. His latest initiative, Indigenous Incubator Inc., is a groundbreaking program designed to equip Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth with essential business skills and trades knowledge, paving the way for lasting economic success. 

A strong advocate for industry progress, Stagg demonstrated his leadership early on by chairing the Mechanical Service Contractors of Alberta, where he worked to improve standards and support trades professionals. His commitment to innovation continued when, 15 years ago, the Federal Government enlisted him to help rewrite its Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). Through that work, he formulated a vision to help Indigenous entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that benefit their communities—a vision that has now become a reality. 

Unlike conventional business incubators, which often cater to tech startups, Stagg’s model operates differently. He facilitates the transition of established businesses from retiring entrepreneurs to Indigenous leadership. This allows retiring baby boomers to mentor young Indigenous tradespeople, guiding them as they gain experience and eventually take over the businesses. In turn, the Indigenous Incubator fosters economic reconciliation by ensuring wisdom, expertise, and ownership remain within Indigenous communities. 

Under Stagg’s leadership, Indigenous Incubator Inc. is creating pathways to success by supporting Indigenous-led businesses and providing ongoing mentorship and training. With growing demand for Indigenous-owned services and businesses—especially as corporations and governments seek to diversify their procurement strategies—his initiative is more relevant than ever. 

Rod Stagg’s unwavering commitment to industry excellence, economic empowerment, and reconciliation continues to inspire and uplift Indigenous communities, shaping a stronger and more independent future. 

Moderator

Anne Harding

Owner | Forum Community Relations

Anne Harding is the Owner of Forum Community Relations, a Calgary based consulting company dedicated to catalyzing better communities through Indigenous relations and community engagement.  In her 20 years of experience as a community and Indigenous engagement professional, she has engaged with over 90 Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada on economic development, community engagement, reconciliation, workplace inclusion, training, and consultation initiatives. 

  

After spending over a dozen years leading the development and implementation of national Indigenous relations strategies and programs at a major energy company, Anne ventured into the world of consulting. Since 2017, she has been providing consulting services in Indigenous inclusion training, culturally appropriate facilitation, community and Indigenous engagement strategy and implementation, and cultural agility coaching. 

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