By MPDA staff
On September 10, nearly 100 people gathered at the Manitoba Legislative Building for MPDA’s sold-out Manitoba Mineral and Supply Chain Exchange. First Nations leaders, mineral development companies, suppliers, investors, government representatives and Manitoba businesses came together to make connections that can lead to real economic opportunities.
The event reached capacity quickly, which tells us something important: people are actively looking for ways to connect. Manitoba has the resources, businesses, workforce and knowledge to create significant economic opportunities, and those openings move forward when the right people are in the same room and relationships turn into action. That is why MPDA created the Exchange. Our goal was never to simply trade business cards. We want these introductions to become meetings, partnerships, contracts and long-term economic opportunities.
The day showed the breadth of Manitoba’s mineral supply chain, from transportation and construction to environmental services, technology, training and procurement. It also reinforced what MPDA is working toward: First Nations participating as leaders, decision-makers, business owners, suppliers and equity partners, and Manitoba businesses well positioned to take part across this growing sector.
Opening the day in a good way
Elder Barbara Nepinak opened our gathering with prayer, accompanied by a drum song from Derek Hotomani. We are grateful to both.
Partnership makes opportunity possible
Our sponsors and partners helped make these conversations possible. Thank you to our event sponsors:
- Lunch Sponsor: Canadian Dewatering LP
- Cultural Sponsors: T2 Metals Corporation and HUB Technology Solutions
We also thank the MPDA annual partners whose year-round support helps us bring people together across Manitoba:
- Leadership Circle Member: Sio Silica Corporation
- Corporate Partners: Quadra Group, Hudbay Minerals Inc., Tria Products Ltd.
- Industry Supporters: WSP in Canada, Keen Transport & Logistics Inc., Sigfusson Northern Ltd., Alamos Gold Inc.
A special thank you to Supply Chain Manitoba for presenting the Exchange with MPDA and helping connect mineral development with Manitoba’s businesses, services and workforce.
Our speakers
Thank you to MPDA President Terry Brown; MPDA CEO Renee Greyeyes; the Honourable Jamie Moses; Supply Chain Manitoba CEO Richard Reid; and Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry K. Daniels. A special thank you to MPDA Board Member Jason Combe for serving as our MC.
Thank you as well to our volunteers, members and guests for making the day possible.
The conversation continues in November
The strong response showed that Manitoba is ready for these conversations. The next opportunity to keep building is MPDA’s State of the Nations Address on November 16 at Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. This premier gathering brings together First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous leadership alongside government, industry, and investors—one day, one room, one future. Register Here.