Workshops | Pathways to Self Determination Conference & Trade Show

Conference Workshops

Become a part of the Pathways to Self Determination Conference by leading a workshop. Share your expertise, connect with attendees eager to develop personal and professional skills, and contribute to meaningful growth. Join us in fostering knowledge and inspiring success through hands-on learning experiences.

Our Event Workshops

Our workshops are designed to provide valuable insights, practical skills, and expert guidance to help you succeed. Led by industry professionals, these sessions cover essential topics such as financial literacy, career development, entrepreneurship, and workplace inclusion. Through engaging discussions and hands-on learning, you'll gain the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your personal and professional journey.

All workshops are included with your ticket purchase, ensuring you get the most out of your event experience.

Entrepreneur Essentials: Finances, Marketing & Networking

Tannis & Rayel Smoke

An insightful workshop led by Tannis and Rayel Smoke, founders of Niña Waṡte Events and The Smoke Sisters. Gain practical financial management strategies from Tannis, a business accountant with 12 years of experience. Explore essential marketing principles with Rayel, including storytelling, social media strategies, and recommended starter tools. Additionally, discover the power of networking through real-world insights, interactive demonstrations, and actionable advice designed to empower entrepreneurs for success.

Skilled Trades for Success

Darion Ducharme

Success isn’t just found in universities—skilled trades offer real financial independence, job security, and a pathway to entrepreneurship. But making money is only part of the journey—knowing how to manage it, stay safe online, and navigate life in the city is what truly leads to long-term success. This session will also cover financial excellence principles (budgeting, credit, and smart money moves), city life skills (negotiating pay, avoiding financial traps), and cyber safety (avoiding scams that target workers and entrepreneurs). Whether you’re exploring a career in the trades or already working, this talk will give you the tools to build a secure, independent, and thriving future.

Forging Successful Partnerships

Brett Hargreaves

This presentation will provide entrepreneurs with insights to foster and create meaningful relationships in order to expand your business. Gain insights and tactical information to help overcome barriers and challenges and prepare for discussions with businesses you are looking to partner with. This presentation provides practical, useful tips on what to expect when entering into discussions with new business prospects. This workshop will conclude with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity to ask questions relating to the buying and selling of goods, contracts, and terms of doing business.

Rewriting Indigenous Employment in Corporations

Ryan Merasty

This presentation explores the barriers Indigenous Peoples face in trades and corporate employment, including stereotypes, transportation challenges, housing instability, and skills gaps. It highlights practical strategies for corporations to improve recruitment, retention, and workplace inclusion through culturally informed hiring, training, and mentorship programs. Attendees will gain insights into systemic challenges and actionable steps to foster meaningful Indigenous engagement in the workforce. The session concludes with a discussion and Q&A, empowering organizations to move forward with impactful change.

Reconciliation In Action

Jennefer Nepinak & Janice Gladue

This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to explore what Reconciliation is and how it begins with each one of us. Of particular focus, will be sharing incredible journey of TIPI Group of Companies as it embarks upon its own Truth and Reconciliation journey as it commits to ‘walking its talk’. By sharing dialogue - like understanding shared history, identifying personal and institutional biases, and developing actionable plans for change within an organization or community, participants will share insights on how to take concrete actions to address historical injustices and build better relationships between different groups, with a specific focus on Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations.