On Thursday, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the third installment of its Training Series at the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel, owned and operated by Longplain First Nation, in the St. James region. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, attendees included entrepreneurs, professionals, community members, and more to learn and share their experiences about strengthening Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships.
Opening Remarks on Resilience
ICC President and CEO, Renee Greyeyes, delivered opening remarks and spoke candidly about the lasting intergenerational impacts of residential schools on her and her family. Greyeyes reminded attendees that acknowledging these difficult truths is a necessary part of reconciliation and personal growth.
“When you fail at something, you learn from it,” Greyeyes said, framing the day’s discussions around resilience, perseverance, and the power of learning through challenges.
A Panel on Indigenous Leadership
Susan Harlow, ICC Program Manager, served as moderator for the afternoon’s panel and guided the discussion with thoughtful questions that highlighted both the successes and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals. The three panellists included Terry Brown, Cheryl Baraniuk, and Kyle Mason.
Want to learn more about our inspiring panellists? Read their bios here.
The panellists spoke openly about their journeys, addressing issues such as navigating mainstream business environments while balancing cultural identity with professional expectations.
Throughout the conversation, a recurring theme was the importance of creating supportive ecosystems where Indigenous employees and businesses can thrive. Panelists stressed that mentorship and community-driven initiatives are critical to building sustainable economic futures with Brown adding that “mentorship is the most powerful resource.”
Engaging in Solutions-Focused Dialogue
Audience engagement was a key part of the event. To close the day, panellists took questions from attendees, sparking meaningful dialogue about barriers to opportunity, strategies for business growth, and how allies can contribute to advancing Indigenous economic development.
The Training Series has been a cornerstone initiative of the ICC, providing practical skills, shared knowledge, and inspiration for the business community. This third session continued to build momentum, reinforcing the ICC’s commitment to creating spaces where collaboration and opportunity meet.
As the day wrapped up, participants left with renewed connections and a shared sense of responsibility to advance reconciliation through economic empowerment. The ICC looks forward to continuing this important work with future training sessions and events that bring together leaders and community voices.
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