Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association

🌿 BMG at the OFNEDA Conference in Thunder Bay! 🌿 We’re excited to share that Dino DiMarco A.I.C.B. CFP. PFP / CSI, BMG’s Financial Services Expert, recently attended the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association(OFNEDA) Conference in Thunder Bay. Dino had the honour of representing both Barnes Management Group (BMG) and Catalyste+, two organizations deeply committed to supporting Indigenous communities in building sustainable economic futures. The conference brought together inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development officers to explore new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and community impact. Together, we continue to learn, engage, and work alongside Indigenous partners to create meaningful and lasting change. 🌎🤝 #BMG #consulting #OFNEDA #IndigenousEconomicDevelopment #CommunityImpact #Partnerships #ThunderBay #training #management

Still feeling humbled and grateful after the last two days at the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association Conference. From meeting leaders, heroes, and community champions to reconnecting with partners and working alongside colleagues in person, every moment was a reminder that this work is, first and foremost, about people and relationships. So many teachings and conversations to carry forward. Miigwetch to all who shared their time, wisdom, and stories.

JLR is proud to be participating in OFNEDA’s 14th Annual First Nations Economic Advancement Conference in Thunder Bay this week. Our Director of Indigenous Relations, Grant Campbell, P.Eng., is on-site with Mathieu Guenette to connect with peers and clients, engage with expert voices, and learn from the communities we serve. Organized by the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), this conference focuses on advancing Indigenous-led economic growth and opportunity. It brings together Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development professionals to share knowledge, build partnerships, and explore new opportunities. At JLR, we are committed to building relationships with Indigenous communities based on trust, respect, and understanding. Through meaningful collaboration, we support sustainable, community-driven development across the province. Visit Booth E12 in the Scandia Room to meet Grant and Mathieu and learn more about how JLR is supporting Indigenous-led projects throughout Ontario. #JLR #TeamJLR #OFNEDA #FNEAC2025 #IndigenousRelations #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #IndigenousEconomicDevelopment #ThunderBay #CommunityDrivenGrowth

It’s been great to attend my first OFNEDA conference. It’s the 14th Annual with inspiring speakers and a wonderful opportunity to connect with past and new friends. Jenn Harper gave a powerful keynote at the Gala & Awards ceremony…https://lnkd.in/gYpBnWUU Congratulations to Kylee Tarbell, Akwesasne Economic Development Agency for being nominated as the EDO of the Year and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation for winning Project of the Year award. Congratulations 🎉 Nish King was a fun end to a long day of informative discussions and break out sessions. Happy Planview Utility Services and GTel joined me to connect with EDO’s working across Ontario. So many highlights… #FNEAC2025 #IndigenousEconomicDevelopment #OFNEDA

Was thrilled to attend and be part of OFNEDA’s 14th First Nations Economic Advancement Conference — Ready, Set, GROW! https://lnkd.in/gD_frFsq This uplifting event, surrounded by incredible people, helped me grow too 🌱 Learning from leaders, doers, and creators was powerful — essential guidance for the work we can do together across Ontario and beyond. 🔥 Powerful stories were shared about never giving up. I could feel the tenacity — alongside the fierce potential of Indigenous entrepreneurs, economies, businesses, and ideas. 🤝 Partnerships were key. And with so many people dedicated to listening, talking, and working together — I can see how much more is possible. 🎤 Featuring outstanding leaders like Dawn Madahbee Leach, trailblazer Jenn Harper and entrepreneurial headliner Sarah Hopkins. 🏭 Site visits with Thunder Bay’s incredible Indigenous-owned businesses WARRIOR OFFICE and Ingaged Creative Productions, plus the glowing Ontario booth filled with Amethyst and support — made for a super week! 🙌 Huge credit to OFNEDA for creating this space. By valuing what matters most and investing in people, they’re building capacity, know-how, and can-do. 📢 Ontario’s investment in OFNEDA for the next three years will amplify this impact even further. 👏 Tremendous accolades and gratitude to Peggy Domingue, Ryan Moore, Reema Chopra and the whole #OFNEDA team for an incredible week. 🏆 Congrats to Kylee Tarbell of Akwesasne Economic Development Agency — EDO of the Year! And to Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation for winning Project of the Year. 💬 I was honoured to be part of the Panel Session on Indigenous Procurement with passionate voice of Desiree Norwegian, CPA and others! 🎙️ I also joined @Laura Duncan on stage to share a quick update on IAFNER’s Economic Development aims and our commitment to partnership with OFNEDA. 💡 Also valued supporting Cullen Price and the strong platform underway with the Ontario Securities Commission's (OSC) Action Plan for Truth and Reconciliation. Was great to hear truly thought provoking insights from Jason Rasevych and the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (Northern Ontario). Thank you for this growth opportunity — can’t wait to do more together! #FNEAC2025 #IndigenousLeadership #EconomicDevelopment #OFNEDA #IndigenousEntrepreneurs