Reg Potts & Associates

08/26/2026

The Indigenous Trailblazers Hub is honoured to welcome , Member of Parliament for Edmonton Northwest, as the Keynote Speaker at our Fundraising Gala on October 6, 2026.

Born and raised in Edmonton and a proud member of Enoch Cree Nation, Billy brings a distinguished record of Indigenous leadership, economic development and public service.

From 2015 to 2022, Billy served three terms as Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, becoming the youngest Chief in the Nation’s modern history at 28 years old. His leadership helped advance economic self-sufficiency, modernize governance, attract investment and expand partnerships across the energy, hospitality and infrastructure sectors.

Throughout his career, Billy has remained committed to ensuring that economic growth creates meaningful benefits for Indigenous people and communities through employment, improved services, stronger infrastructure and opportunities for future generations.

Now representing Edmonton Northwest in the House of Commons, Billy continues to advocate for practical solutions that strengthen communities, support businesses, advance reconciliation and expand economic participation.

Please join the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub Board of Directors in welcoming Billy Morin as we gather to honour Indigenous CEO leadership, celebrate economic achievement and officially launch the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub.

We look forward to welcoming you, Billy, and hearing your keynote address.

08/20/2026

On October 6, 2026, the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub will honour four accomplished Indigenous CEOs whose leadership has strengthened businesses, created employment and contributed to the long-term prosperity of their communities:

🌟Tom Jackson — CEO, Goodfish Lake Business Corporation
🌟Aaron Lepine — CEO, Mikisew Cree First Nation
🌟James Blackman — President & CEO, Primco Dene Group of Companies
🌟Ian Arcand — President & CEO, Alexander Business Centre LP

Each of these leaders has helped build successful Indigenous enterprises, strengthen organizational and community capacity, develop meaningful partnerships and create opportunities for Indigenous people. Their achievements demonstrate the important role Indigenous leadership plays in advancing economic development, community self-determination and prosperity for future generations.

Their success has also been supported by the relationships developed throughout their careers. We warmly invite their past, current and future partners—including colleagues, employees, clients, suppliers, industry representatives, community leaders and friends—to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and celebrating the positive impact they continue to make.

Join us in honouring these exceptional leaders, reconnect with familiar partners and build new relationships during an evening dedicated to Indigenous leadership, achievement and economic success.

We look forward to celebrating with you on October 6, 2026.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.indigenoustrailblazers.ca/event-details/indigenous-trailblazers-hub-gala or contact [email protected]

08/19/2026

Why is it important to contract the right Indigenous Relations professional?

Because Indigenous relations directly affects a company’s relationships, reputation, credibility and ability to create meaningful opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses.

This work involves much more than arranging meetings, attending events or providing access to a contact list. It requires experience, cultural awareness, sound judgment, integrity and consistent follow-through.

The wrong approach can damage trust, create unrealistic expectations and expose both companies and communities to unnecessary risk.

Companies should look for a professional who:

• Has demonstrated experience working directly with Indigenous communities, leadership and businesses
• Understands that every community has distinct governance structures, protocols and priorities
• Can connect relationship-building to procurement, employment, economic development and project objectives
• Communicates honestly and manages expectations on both sides
• Respects Indigenous data, confidentiality and community control over information
• Discloses conflicts of interest and is transparent about whom they represent
• Provides clear work plans, measurable deliverables and meaningful reporting
• Produces outcomes—not simply a list of meetings attended

Identity, visibility, political connections or the size of someone’s network should never replace qualifications, integrity and accountability.

The right Indigenous Relations professional can work effectively between community and corporate environments without compromising the trust of either. They listen before acting, respect community priorities and help transform introductions into practical, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships.

Companies should invest in professionals who understand that trust is earned through honesty, consistency and action—not promised through access.

Work with a knowledgeable professional! Now accepting new clients.

08/18/2026

The Indigenous Trailblazers Hub is honoured to introduce Ian Arcand, President & CEO of Alexander Business Centre LP, as an Indigenous CEO Honouree at our upcoming Fundraising Gala on October 6, 2026.

A proud member of Alexander First Nation, Ian has more than 20 years of experience as a CEO and is a proven leader in First Nation economic development and Nation-owned enterprises.

Under his leadership, Alexander Business Centre LP—a wholly owned corporation of Alexander First Nation—has grown to include 14 successful and diversified subsidiary companies since its inception in 2018. Ian’s work has helped establish strong business governance structures, generate millions of dollars in own-source revenue and create hundreds of employment opportunities for Nation members.

His leadership reflects a deep commitment to building wealth, prosperity and lasting opportunities for Alexander First Nation and the next seven generations.

Please join our Board of Directors in welcoming Ian as we recognize his leadership, accomplishments and contributions to Indigenous economic development.

We look forward to celebrating and honouring you, Ian.

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

The Indigenous Trailblazers Hub is honoured to welcome James Blackman, Chief Executive Officer of the Primco Dene Group of Companies as an Indigenous CEO Honouree at our upcoming Fundraising Gala on October 6, 2026.

James’s achievements extend well beyond those highlighted in his CEO feature. He is the founder of Denergy Solutions, Co-Founder and long-standing Board Chair of Seven Lakes Oilfield Services, and a Director of Etthen Energy—the first 100% Cold Lake First Nations-owned oil company to successfully drill and operate its own wells.

He has established partnerships with more than 10 Indigenous communities across five provinces, cultivated industry relationships lasting more than 20 years, and championed Indigenous engagement training across his management team.

James has also contributed his experience to organizations including the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Circle for Aboriginal Relations, the Primrose Lake Trust Fund Board and the Dene Tse Edi Society.

His leadership has earned recognition through the Aboriginal Role Model Award, the Iyiniw Education and Training Institute Excellence Award, the inaugural Global Petroleum Show Award for Indigenous Engagement, and recognition as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist.

Please join our Board of Directors in welcoming James as we celebrate his accomplishments and continued commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous communities.

We look forward to celebrating and honouring you, James.

08/13/2026

The Indigenous Trailblazers Hub is honoured to introduce Aaron Lepine, Chief Executive Officer of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, as an Indigenous CEO Honouree at our upcoming Fundraising Gala on October 6, 2026.

A member of Mikisew Cree First Nation, Aaron is a respected leader whose work reflects a strong commitment to effective governance, organizational excellence and creating positive outcomes for his Nation and its members.

Please join our Board of Directors in welcoming Aaron to this special evening as we recognize his leadership, accomplishments and contributions to Indigenous community and economic development.

We look forward to celebrating and honouring you, Aaron.

08/13/2026

We are pleased to welcome as a Wolf Sponsor and valued Investing Ally of the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub Fundraising Gala.

MNP’s support reflects a meaningful commitment to celebrating Indigenous success, building stronger relationships and creating pathways to collaboration and economic opportunity.

We are grateful for their investment in the Hub’s vision and their role in bringing this important event to life.

Learn more: www.mnp.ca

08/12/2026

Why support the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub Fundraising Gala?

First and foremost, the Gala is an opportunity to celebrate and honour our distinguished Indigenous CEOs—the leaders whose vision, determination and accomplishments continue to strengthen Indigenous businesses, communities and economies.

Their leadership also reflects what we consistently hear from grassroots Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals: greater visibility is needed, along with easier access to financing and business supports, stronger procurement and partnership connections, greater inclusion in technology and emerging sectors, meaningful follow-through after introductions, continued support before and after events, and greater control over how Indigenous information is collected, shared and used.

Driven by the grassroots, for the grassroots, the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub will help alleviate these barriers by connecting—not replacing—existing organizations, services and resources.

By participating in the Gala, you will help celebrate Indigenous leadership while investing in the future of our national Indigenous-led not-for-profit. Funds raised will help position the Hub to begin developing its national database platform, launch programs, build strategic partnerships and increase the visibility of community-owned enterprises, entrepreneurs, technology professionals and consultants.

Together, we can honour the Indigenous leaders who have helped create pathways to success while turning what we have heard from the grassroots community into practical action, stronger connections and measurable opportunities.

Purchase your ticket(s) today at https://www.indigenoustrailblazers.ca/event-details/indigenous-trailblazers-hub-gala

08/11/2026

With sincere appreciation, we thank our friends at Graham for their strong and consistent commitment to Indigenous business growth and their generous investment as a Bear Sponsor of the Indigenous Trailblazers Hub Fundraising Gala.

This sponsorship represents allyship through action and supports our work to increase Indigenous business visibility, strengthen relationships and create meaningful economic opportunities.

We are truly grateful to Graham for believing in our vision and helping make this important event possible.