Celebrate 40 Years of Ulnooweg
November 16-17, 2026 @ Halifax Convention Centre
Two days of learning, celebration, and community.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Ulnooweg and the people, partnerships, and communities that have shaped our journey. Together, we’ll honour our history, celebrate today’s achievements, and look ahead to the future.
About the Event
For 40 years, Ulnooweg has worked alongside Indigenous communities by creating opportunities through economic development, education, and philanthropy.
Day One: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Join us for a day of conversations across generations, exploring Indigenous leadership, opportunity and what helps our communities thrive.
We begin by hearing directly from young Indigenous leaders about their experiences, the work they are doing today and what they see for the future.
Throughout the day, participants can choose from conversations exploring:
- Indigenous youth perspectives and leadership
- Education and opportunities for Indigenous youth
- Indigenous entrepreneurship and access to capital
- Charitable options for First Nations and access to philanthropic funding
- Land Back, stewardship and connection to land
- Culture and language revitalization
- Indigenous philanthropy and funding relationships
- Leadership across generations
The day closes with bringing together Elders to share their experiences and reflections on leadership, culture, rights and community.
The evening will celebrate Indigenous leadership, achievement and community impact through the Ulnooweg 40th Anniversary Awards.
Day Two: Honouring 40 Years, Shaping the Next 40
Day Two looks back at where we started, how Indigenous communities and opportunities have changed over the past 40 years, and where we go from here.
Through fireside conversations and a facilitated engagement session, we will explore:
- The people and ideas that helped shape change over the past 40 years
- Where Indigenous communities, leadership and opportunities are today
- The progress made and challenges that remain
- Priorities and opportunities for the next 40 years
- A shared vision for 2066
Participants will have an opportunity to share their perspectives and help shape the conversation about what comes next.
Speakers and additional program details will be announced as they are confirmed.
Reserve Your Spot
If you have any questions about tickets, please reach out to our team at events@ulnooweg.ca.
Community access pricing is available for Indigenous individuals, and staff of Indigenous communities, organizations, or small businesses. Eligible guests can register using the community access registration link.
Our Story
Forty years ago, Indigenous leaders gathered at Liscombe Lodge with a shared vision of creating opportunities and strengthening Indigenous communities through economic development.
Over the past four decades, that vision has grown. Today, the Ulnooweg family of organizations works alongside Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada by supporting entrepreneurship and business development, advancing education and youth opportunities, and fostering philanthropy that invests in Indigenous-led priorities.
Our work is rooted in relationships, guided by community, and strengthened through partnership. While our programs and services have evolved, our commitment remains the same: creating opportunities that empower Indigenous people and communities to thrive.
This November, we invite you to gather with us as we celebrate 40 years of progress and explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
The Awards
Honouring Indigenous Excellence Across Generations and Sectors
As we mark Ulnooweg’s 40th anniversary, we are proud to expand our legacy of recognition by introducing new award categories that reflect our broader mission and the growing impact of our charitable sister organizations — the Ulnooweg Education Centre and the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation.
What began as an annual celebration of Indigenous entrepreneurship has now grown into a full-circle recognition of leadership in business, education, and philanthropy. These awards celebrate the people and projects uplifting Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada.
Award Categories
Showcase Your Business, Program or Initiative
Be part of Ulnooweg’s 40th Anniversary Awards & Conference!
We’re inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists, makers, organizations and community initiatives to take part in our event marketplace. Whether you’re looking to sell products, showcase your business, or share a program, service or initiative, this is an opportunity to connect with attendees from across Atlantic Canada.
November 16–17, 2026 | Halifax Convention Centre
Interested in taking part? Contact marketing@ulnooweg.ca for more information.
Questions or Interested in Sponsorship?
We’d love to hear from you!
If you have any questions about the nomination process, the 40th Anniversary Awards, or if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or partner, please reach out:
General Inquiries & Nominations Support
marketing@ulnooweg.ca
Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn more about how your organization can support this milestone celebration and align with Indigenous excellence, contact:
Andrea Durfee
adurfee@ulnooweg.ca | (902) 893-7379 Ext 103
Together, we can uplift and honour the leaders shaping the future of our communities