Year in Review: Highlighting the ICCs Successes Throughout 2024

Hon. Ian Bushie, Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures taking the podium at ICC's Takwakin Procurement Event

The year began with the ICC developing its Indigenous Business Directory (IBD), a significant milestone aimed at connecting Indigenous businesses with new opportunities. In addition, the Chamber also held the Takwakin Procurement event after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This initiative was accompanied by the welcoming of Crystal Lamirande, Executive Assistant; a key figure who added to the Chamber's expanding leadership.

In February, the ICC hosted the Winnipeg Social Procurement Roundtable, which provided a platform for engaging local businesses in discussions about social procurement practices and opportunities.

March saw another major development as the ICC launched a new partnership with Johnston Group, offering its members benefit plans tailored to their unique needs. The ICC took 12 people from five First Nations communities in Manitoba to the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto and look forward to do the same for the next two years. The Chamber also welcomed Veronica Thibault, further strengthening its team.

ICC partner with Tech Thursday to host the Indigenous Perspective on Tech and Business event

In April, the ICC co-hosted "Tech Thursday: Indigenous Perspective on Tech and Business," featuring prominent Indigenous leaders in tech, Melissa Chung-Mowat, Vice President, Community & Client Relationships, Blueprint Inc., Shaun Vincent, Owner and Founder at Vincent Design Inc., Christopher Henry, President at Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries, and Nastania Mullin J.D., CEO at Manitoba Inuit Association, who shared their expertise on navigating the tech and business landscapes.

The momentum continued in May with the appointment of Renee Greyeyes as the new President and CEO, bringing fresh leadership to the organization. The Taylor McCaffrey Business Mixer followed soon after, facilitating meaningful connections between business leaders and ICC members.

AGM 2024 ICC Board of Directors, and President & CEO

June marked the ICC’s Annual General Meeting, during which it announced the appointment of new board members, including Adam McPhearson, Perry Schoffner, Andrew Lawson, and Matthew Carriere.

Tiff Maklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, visits ICC

The ICC also hosted another Winnipeg Social Procurement Roundtable and an exclusive roundtable with Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, discussing the economic outlook for Indigenous businesses.

Golf Team at the ICC's 2024 Neebing Golf Tournament

The summer months saw the ICC’s 18th Neebing Golf Tournament, which boasted the largest cash prize in the event's history—a $95K hole-in-one prize. In addition, the ICC continued its promise to engage with Indigenous communities on its Critical Minerals project, after securing funding in 2023.

This was followed by welcoming new team members Simran Chahal and Gabriel Louër in a partnership with the Inner-City Work Study program at the University of Winnipeg to provide students or recent grads with relevant work experience with marginalized communities

The fall brought further developments with the highly anticipated launch of the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) on September 10, a comprehensive database featuring Indigenous businesses aimed at increasing visibility and business opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Premier Wab Kinew addressing the audience at the Launching Success Luncheon

In the month of September, the ICC also hosted the "Launching Success" luncheon with Premier Wab Kinew at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg, addressing how the province's leadership supports Indigenous business growth.

Young entrepreneur panelists at Launching Success Luncheon

The luncheon also featured three Indigenous youth owned businesses: Marika Schalla, Heartberry Education, Jonah Vialoux, Blur Barbershop Inc. and Joanie (Masak) Alice French, Nuna Events.  

Panelists at Tech Thursday's Implementing Reconciliation in Business (L-R) Christopher Henry, Renee Greyeyes, and Geeta Tucker

Later in the month, ICC returned to present at Tech Thursday with a session titled Truth to Transformation: Implementing Reconciliation in Business, held in the Exchange District. The discussion centered on practical ways to integrate reconciliation into business practices.

In partnership with Futurpreneur, the ICC hosted a virtual event offering guidance on applying to the Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-Up Program, while also featuring a "Tech Thursday" talk in the exchange district focused on integrating reconciliation into business practices.

October was another busy month with the announcement of a new partnership between the ICC and CPA Manitoba, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and supporting Indigenous business owners.

ICC joined Green Economy Canada on their National Event: Business Reconciliation  Series – presenting on: How Your Organization Can Advance Call to Action #92

Attendees at ICC Masquerade Gala

A key moment of celebration in the month of October was the 1st Moonlight Masquerade Gala at the historic Fort Garry Hotel celebrating the ICC’s 20th anniversary and recognizing outstanding Indigenous business leaders. Moreover, the event commemorated the legacy of Pat Turner, the ICC’s founder. At the gala, ICC members and guests raised funds for CommUNITY204, a local nonprofit organization helping marginalized or unhoused individuals and families.

Toys collected for the ICC Toys and Ties 2024 charity

The year wrapped up in November with a webinar in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada, offering insights into obtaining business loans, and in December with the ICC’s annual Toys and Ties Business Mixer, giving back to the community in the spirit of the holiday season.