Indigenous students build connections at CCIB Central Business Forum
For Indigenous students at the University of Waterloo, attending the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Central Business Forum was more than a professional development opportunity, it was a moment of connection, inspiration and possibility.
With support from the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR), students attended the national forum on February 25–26, 2026, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The two-day event immersed students in Canada’s Indigenous business ecosystem through panels, breakout sessions, an Indigenous artisan marketplace and an evening Awards Gala.
“By attending the conference, I was able to get a broader scope of the opportunities available to Indigenous people,” said Hannah Van Esch, an Arts Honours student in Anthropology. “Getting to see and speak to the hundreds of entrepreneurs and professionals actively building their enterprises around Indigenous talent gives me confidence that there are countless opportunities open to me.”
Students heard from Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs reflecting on the forum theme, Rooted in Purpose. Growing Through Connection. Mainstage “Lightning Talks” featured speakers including Jen Harper (Cheekbone Beauty) and Clint Davis (Cedar Leaf Capital), who spoke candidly about leadership, perseverance and community.
Science and Business student Ethan Pruchnicki said the experience made business feel both accessible and inspiring.
“Getting to talk to all of these successful Indigenous people really inspired me and got my mind thinking about future careers,” he said. “Seeing how open they were about their paths made me feel much more confident about pursuing business in my own way.”
Students connected with speakers, employers, CCIB staff and fellow attendees throughout the forum. These interactions helped students see themselves reflected in professional spaces that may once have felt out of reach.
“It made me feel very proud to be Indigenous,” Pruchnicki said. “Being part of this network of leaders and entrepreneurs is very beneficial, and I love that Indigenous people and companies are supporting one another.”
The forum also highlighted Waterloo connections, with CCIB President and CEO Tabatha Bull, a Waterloo alum, moderating a mainstage panel, and University of Waterloo Board of Governors member Tracy Primeau in attendance.
The Centre for Extended Education (CEE) and the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) supported student participation, helping remove financial barriers and create meaningful pathways for Indigenous students to connect with leaders shaping Indigenous economic futures.