Registration is Now Open
The gathering we've been working toward is here.
We're inviting Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs, youth leaders, innovators, policy-makers, funders, and allies to join us in Whitehorse, Yukon this August for three days of connection, knowledge sharing and more!
August 24-26, 2026 | Whitehorse, Yukon
This year, the Empowering Innovation Spirit Conference will be hosted on the breathtaking traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council.
Whitehorse isn't just a location. It's a vibrant Northern capital and growing hub for Indigenous tourism, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It's the ideal setting for this gathering of 250+ attendees who are building businesses rooted in who they are and where they come from.
What We're Building Together
The concept for the Empowering Innovation Spirit Conference comes from a clear gap: Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs were left out of travel expo programming in the North, designed uniquely for Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators. EntrepreNorth set out to change that.
The inaugural conference was hosted in Yellowknife in 2025, marking the first event of its kind in the region. In 2026, we're building on that momentum by bringing together Indigenous entrepreneurs, youth leaders, policy-makers, funders, and allies from Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, the Circumpolar Arctic, and beyond.
Together, participants will explore entrepreneurship as a pathway toward economic self-determination and thriving Northern communities.
Three Days of Connection, Learning, and Community
Through immersive cultural programming, keynotes, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops, the conference will create space to share knowledge, build relationships, and create new opportunities that support Northern Indigenous economic futures.
The three-day experience includes:
Inspiring speakers and storytellers
Workshops and hands-on learning
Cultural experiences and performances
And more!
Who This Gathering Is For
We're bringing together 250+ people who believe in economic resilience rooted in identity, community wellbeing, and responsibility to the land:
Entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey
Innovators building new pathways
Youth Leaders shaping the future
Policy-makers committed to systemic change
Funders investing in community-rooted ventures
Allies supporting Indigenous economic self-determination
Register by August 10, 2026
Registration closes August 10, 2026. Don't wait to secure your spot.
August 24-26, 2026. Whitehorse, Yukon. We'll see you there.
Partner With Us
Your sponsorship is a tangible way to demonstrate a commitment to TRC Call to Action #92 and support economic reconciliation. By partnering with us, you help ensure this event remains accessible, culturally safe, and Northern-led.
Where Your Support Takes Root:
Removing Barriers: Providing travel subsidies and accommodations for Indigenous entrepreneurs from remote Northern communities.
Honouring Indigenous Expertise: Providing fair compensation for Indigenous Knowledge Holders and facilitators.
Strengthening Local Economies: Prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous-owned caterers, technicians, and artists.
Investment Opportunities
We offer several tiers of engagement, ranging from The Seed ($5,000+) to our premier North Star ($50,000+) presenting partnership. Whether you wish to sponsor a cultural tour, fuel our networking sessions, or support a specific entrepreneur's journey, we can customize a package that aligns with your organization's social impact goals.
In-Kind Support: We also welcome contributions of travel, logistics, and cultural hospitality to offset the unique costs of hosting a premier event in the North.
As a registered charity, EntrepreNorth is pleased to provide tax receipts for all eligible contributions. Contact our team to request the full 2026 Sponsorship Package and discuss how we can work together.
Email: events@entreprenorth.ca