workshop schedule
Sponsored by CanNor
tuesday,
February 18,
2025
Room 102 - 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Know History book launch
The Land Was Always Used
In 1847, Sir John Franklin, 128 crew, and two powerful ships disappeared while trying to map the Northwest Passage. Inuit knowledge of the land, sea, and ice led to finding the wreck of HMS Erebus in 2014 and HMS Terror in 2016. This session explores the making of an exciting and beautiful new book about the Inuit experience of the Franklin expedition. Through the testimony of nineteenth century Inuit, and interviews with contemporary Knowledge Holders in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, The Land Was Always Used provides an intimate portrait of people and place—and reminds us that the Franklin expedition was just one small chapter in the long history of Inuit and Inuit Nunangat.
Speakers: Edna Elias, Connie Gunn
Duration: 1 hour
Room 106 - 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Procurement Assistance Canada
Mythbusting Government Procurement: Accessing Federal Contracting Opportunities
This workshop will demystify the federal procurement process, equipping small businesses and diverse suppliers with the knowledge and tools to compete for government contracts. Participants will learn about supplier diversity initiatives like the 5% Indigenous procurement target, available recourse mechanisms for businesses facing procurement challenges and common misconceptions related to government procurement.
Speakers: Representatives from Procurement Assistance Canada and the Office of the Procurement Ombud
Duration: 1 hour
wednesday,
February 19,
2025
Room 104 – 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Carleton University
Everything You Need to Know About the Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP)
This workshop will provide an overview of Carleton University’s Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP), a pathway for Inuit and other Indigenous learners to pursue post-secondary education in a supportive environment. Participants will learn how IESP helps mature students and new graduates transition into university through first-year credit courses, peer mentorship, academic coaching, and cultural connections.
Speakers: Rylee Godin, Counsellor and IESP Specialist and Franco Buscemi, Inuit Community Liaison Officer
Duration: 1 Hour (45-minute presentation followed by Q&A)
Room 106 - 09:30 10:30
Sivummut
Preparing for Devolution in Nunavut: Creating Opportunities and Building Capacity
This workshop will explore the implementation of the Human Resources Development Strategy for Devolution, focusing on workforce development, education, and training to support Nunavummiut, particularly Inuit, in securing devolution-related careers. Participants will learn about outreach initiatives, customized learning pathways, and on-the-job training programs designed to build capacity for land and resource management in Nunavut.
Speakers: Jimmy Jacquard, Eric Corneau, and Leah Ayaruaq-McKay
Duration: 2 hours
Room 102 – 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Qikiqtani Inuit Association / Ampere
Expanding Digital Opportunities: Inuit Workforce Development through Technology
This workshop, led by Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and Ampere Association, will demonstrate the Tuttarvik digital platform, a resource designed to support Inuit jobseekers and employers in navigating the digital economy. Participants will learn how digital tools are enhancing workforce development, streamlining job applications, and providing customized employment and training opportunities for Inuit. As a hands-on component, students from Nunavut Sivuniksavut will engage with the Tuttarvik platform, provide feedback, and contribute to the development of tutorial content for QIA’s QSTART online work readiness initiative.
Speakers: Kris Mulaly, QIA and Jane Darline, Ampere
Duration: 1.5 hours
Room 102 – 3:30 – 4:30
CanNor
Celebrating 15 Years!
Join us for a special celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Share in the milestones, success stories, and the transformative impact CanNor has had on northern communities over the past 15 years. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on past achievements, engage with CanNor leaders, and explore future pathways for sustainable economic development in Nunavut.
Duration: 1 hour
Room 104 – 1:30PM – 3:00PM
White Glacier
Breaking New Ground in Arctic Safety: Advanced Cold-Water Immersion Technology
This workshop will introduce the Arctic 10+, the most advanced cold-water protective suit designed for Arctic operations. As the only suit meeting the five-day survival requirement of the Polar Code, the Arctic 10+ represents a breakthrough in maritime and cold-environment safety. Participants will learn about its innovative design, certification process, and critical applications for Arctic industries.
Speakers: Diego Jacobson, CEO, White Glacier
Duration: 1.5 hours
Room 106 – 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Trustmakers
Authentic Communication: Building Trust and Support in the North
This workshop will explore how clear, authentic communication builds trust and support when working in Inuit Nunangat. Drawing from Trustmakers training programs, participants will learn effective media relations, public speaking, and idea-pitching techniques tailored to northern audiences. The session will focus on moving away from outdated PR tactics and self-promotion, instead emphasizing honest, down-to-earth communication to engage communities, decision-makers, funders, and partners.
Speakers: John McKay, Co-founder and Principal; Paul Giroux, Senior Associate; Lucy Van Oldenbarneveld, Associate; from Trustmakers.ca (Rutherford McKay Associates Inc.)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Thursday,
February 20,
2025
Room 102 – 9:30AM – 11:00AM
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University
Workforce Development and Training in the Blue Economy
This workshop will explore workforce development strategies tailored for the Northern workforce in the blue economy. Participants will gain insights into workforce needs assessments, skills development, and training opportunities, including the Fisheries Enterprise Management Certificate, partnerships with Nunavut Arctic College, and programs through the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium.
Speakers: Sandra Badcock, Manager of Community Based Education Delivery, Fisheries and Marine Institute; Tom Brown, Assistant Head (Interim), School of Fisheries and Marine Institute
Duration: 1.5 hours
Room 104 – 9:30AM – 10:45AM
RBC Dominion Securities
Financial Planning for Your Future and a Successful Retirement
This workshop, led by Wade Brown, Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, seeks to show how essential financial planning insights apply to Nunavummiut. Topics will include investment fundamentals and dynamics, public pension plans, RSPs, TFSAs, debt reduction, estate planning, and a discussion of financial literacy.
Speakers: Wade Brown, Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities
Duration: 1.25 hours
Room 102 – 1:30PM – 2:00PM
Indigenous People’s Economic Autonomy Study Centre (IPEA) Université du Québec à Montréal in collaboration with Makivvik Corporation
Building a Stronger Economy for Nunavik: Shaping an Independent Business Support Structure
This session will provide businesses a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a dedicated business support structure designed to meet the specific needs of businesses operating in the Nunavik region. Led by the Indigenous People’s Economic Autonomy Study Centre of the Université du Québec à Montréal, in collaboration with the Makivvik Corporation, this initiative seeks input from local entrepreneurs on how best to provide advocacy, networking, and essential services to overcome challenges like high costs, limited resources, and other barriers to growth.
Speakers: Emilie Fortin-Lefebvre
Duration: 30 minutes