World Indigenous Business Forum – October 26-28, 2026

BORN IN WINNIPEG, NOW HOSTED HERE: WORLD INDIGENOUS BUSINESS FORUM (WIBF) MAKES HISTORIC FIRST APPEARANCE IN WINNIPEG

Treaty No. 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — Thursday, April 16, 2026

A press conference will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM, where media, partners, and community members are invited to celebrate the official announcement of this highly anticipated global event. The conference will provide an overview of what to expect at this year’s Forum and highlight key announcements, partnerships, and programming.

The WIBF, an international gathering and the only one of its kind globally, will bring together Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, innovators, and allies, to share knowledge, build relationships, explore opportunities for economic growth and collaboration, this Fall, October 26-28, 2026.

This year’s Forum will feature strong international participation, with up to 1,000 delegates, with some already registered from Nepal, Colombia, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, the United States, and Canada to name a few. This global representation highlights the Forum’s growing influence as a premier gathering for Indigenous business and economic collaboration worldwide.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of programming and thoughtprovoking discussions from speakers representing over 10 countries. Key topics will include Indigenous women in business, investment and Indigenous economies, technology and AI, Indigenous tourism, global trade and commerce, food sovereignty and resource wealth, among many others that reflect the priorities and opportunities shaping Indigenous economies today.

Organizers are proud to highlight the partners helping bring WIBF to Winnipeg, including Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, the City of Winnipeg, Government of Canada and Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund, with more sponsors and collaborators to be announced in the coming weeks as planning continues. “The World Indigenous Business Forum was born here in Winnipeg, making this a truly special moment,” said Rosa Walker, President and CEO, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc. and WIBF. “After hosting the Forum across nearly every continent, we are incredibly proud and excited to host it at home for the very first time.”

“We look forward to welcoming the World Indigenous Business Forum to Winnipeg,” said Natalie Thiesen, Vice President of Tourism, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “With more than 1,000 delegates from over 20 countries expected to gather here, this forum represents far more than its economic impact. It’s an opportunity to position Winnipeg as a global gathering place for Indigenous business and to demonstrate how reconciliation can be advanced through meaningful collaboration, partnership and economic inclusion. Hosting this forum in Winnipeg reflects years of relationship-building and a shared commitment among Indigenous leaders, community partners and governments—and we are proud to help bring this important global conversation to our city.”

Media are invited to attend the April 23 press conference for exclusive insights, interviews, and announcements related to the Forum.