# Forward Summit East Advances Indigenous Economic Participation in Ontario

Forward Summit East convened September 23-24, 2026, at Casino Rama Resort near Orillia, Ontario, as a pivotal forum to expand Indigenous ownership, investment, and procurement opportunities across defence, critical minerals, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The event brought together Indigenous leaders, government officials including Ontario's Minister Greg Rickford, financial institutions such as Scotiabank and RBC, and industry executives to discuss and promote Indigenous equity participation in major projects. Key programs highlighted include Ontario's Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, the Federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Indigenous Equity Initiative, all designed to facilitate Indigenous stakes in infrastructure and resource developments.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should recognize the growing emphasis on Indigenous economic participation as a strategic priority in government and industry projects, particularly in Ontario.
- Indigenous-owned businesses and contractors can leverage financing and partnership programs to increase their involvement in defence, critical minerals, and infrastructure procurements.
- Organizations involved in infrastructure and resource sectors should consider Indigenous equity and partnership requirements when planning bids and project development.
- Financial institutions and service providers have opportunities to support Indigenous investment initiatives aligned with government-backed programs.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Policy
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of Ontario
- Canada Infrastructure Bank

### Vendors
- Scotiabank (Senior Executive Participant)
- BMO (Senior Executive Participant)
- CIBC (Senior Executive Participant)
- RBC (Senior Executive Participant)
- Hydro One (Senior Executive Participant)

### Key Quotes
> Indigenous economic participation increasingly means ownership, investment and a meaningful role in determining how major projects move forward.
> — Miki Reeder, CEO, Connect Partnership Group

### Sources
- [Forward Summit East Returns to Rama First Nation near Orillia as Economic Participation Expands Across Defence, Critical Minerals and Infrastructure](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/forward-summit-east-returns-to-rama-first-nation-near-orillia-as-economic-participation-expands-across-defence-critical-minerals-and-infrastructure-892447020.html) - PR Newswire Canada