Indigenous Leadership & Business: Legal Update 2026 for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario

This seminar is specifically designed for leaders of Indigenous Nations and their associated entities in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

The half-day, in-person session will explore pertinent topics related to specific claims litigation; labour and employment; child and family services; and economic development, structuring and operations.

The topics presented at the session will offer practical guidance for managers, human resource professionals and leaders within Indigenous organizations and communities. Participants will receive comprehensive presentation slides that will serve as valuable ongoing resources for individuals and their organizations.

The agenda will include time for questions and answers and allow for networking over the lunch break and before and after the seminar.

On the agenda:

• Indigenous Specific Claims

  • Negotiation and litigation
  • Making land-based claims
  • Treaty benefits: annuities, agricultural benefits, ammunition and twine, suits and salaries

• Labour and Employment

  • Jurisdiction and operations governed by provincial and federal employment standards legislation
  • Requirements and best practices for employment contracts
  • Creating and following a progressive discipline policy and termination of employment

• Child and Family Services

  • Overview of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Bill C-92)
  • Making Indigenous child and family well-being laws
  • Drafting and negotiating Coordination Agreements and Fiscal Arrangements

• Economic Development, Structuring and Operations

  • Corporate structuring and partnership models
  • Operational strategies for Indigenous economic ventures

Speakers:

• Anna Beatch
• Drew Lafond
• Allie Moar
• Melinda Moch
• Josh Morrison
• Brent Ross
• Sydney Thomson
• Todd Thomson
• Devin Wehrle

Event details:

• Seminar: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 10 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.
• Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.
• Held in-person at the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport, Long Plain First Nation
• Cost: $100 per person plus taxes
• Cancel before April 3 for a full refund. Contact Angela Leflar to inquire about a refund.
• Late registrations will be accepted as space permits.
• Space is limited. We reserve the right to decline registrants.