More than 250 founders, investors, and tech professionals will gather at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel next week for what organizers are calling Canada's largest Indigenous tech conference. The two-day event, put on by the Indigenous Tech Circle, aims to showcase how Indigenous-owned technology companies are being built, financed, and scaled—and position technology as a driver of Indigenous economic sovereignty.

The timing reflects momentum in the sector. The Indigenous Tech Circle has seen roughly 200 per cent year-over-year growth, and organizers say the Indigenous Tech Conference will demonstrate the ecosystem's strength through founder showcases, panels on data sovereignty and AI, and the announcement of finalists in the Indigenous Venture Challenge, which awards a $50,000 investment prize.

Speakers include Bobbie Racette from Virtual Gurus, Anita Pawluk from RaceRocks 3D, Shauna McAllister from R8dius, and Jeff Ward from Animikii. They'll discuss scaling ventures, mentorship, and navigating global markets. Workshops will cover investment readiness, cybersecurity, e-commerce for creators, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Candice Loring, ITC board chair and director of Indigenous relations at Genome BC, says the conference addresses what can feel like isolation for Indigenous leaders in tech. "We are not just building successful businesses; we are forging a strong, visible pathway for the next generation, ensuring they enter a vibrant ecosystem grounded in our values and ready for their leadership."

For Ryan St. Germaine, CEO and founder of ITC, Indigenous founders are proving they can build globally competitive solutions without losing cultural grounding. "This conference is on the national stage where we are demonstrating that Indigenous innovation is not just an emerging niche, it is a driving force of Canada's future economy," he said.

The event includes separate streams for founders, investors, and ecosystem members, with a focus on building relationships that extend beyond the two-day gathering.