March brings a shift in energy. After winter, this is the season where connections start moving again, turning meetings into ideas and ideas into action. Throughout the month, we remain focused on strengthening relationships, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals, and creating spaces where collaboration happens naturally.
March also carries important moments of reflection for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous languages are living knowledge systems. On March 31, National Indigenous Languages Day, we recognize the importance of Indigenous languages that hold teachings, history and our ways of knowing… Language carries teachings, history, and connection, and its revitalization remains vital to sustaining community. On March 20, the Spring Equinox, many Indigenous traditions mark a time of balance and renewal. It represents the changing of seasons and reminds us to check our direction and reconnect to the land and to one another.
As we move into this new season, we thank you for being part of Aksis and for helping grow a network grounded in shared prosperity.
Sugar Moon (Ziissbaakdoke Giizas – March): With the running of maple sap, Sugar Moon teaches us balance, much like regulating our own energy.
Regional Leadership in Action – Spruce Grove Collaboration
On February 12, Aksis leadership met with Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Aker and City Manager Dean Screpnek alongside our Board and leadership team for a forward-looking conversation about Indigenous economic participation in the region.
What stood out immediately was a shared understanding: Indigenous economic development is not transactional but relational. It requires long-term commitment, trust, and ongoing collaboration.
More than 87,000 Indigenous people live and work across the greater Edmonton region, contributing every day as entrepreneurs, professionals, creators, and leaders. Yet there has been no coordinated municipal approach dedicated specifically to
Indigenous economic participation across urban municipalities. Recognizing that gap was an important starting point.
Together, we discussed:
• immediate ways to strengthen communication and coordination
• exploring a sustainable regional approach to Indigenous economic inclusion
• building partnership grounded in reciprocity and practical collaboration
This work directly connects to municipal priorities including economic growth, business development, workforce participation, and community wellbeing.
We left the meeting encouraged by the openness and leadership shown by the City of Spruce Grove. Conversations like this move reconciliation from intention into practical action. As this work develops, Aksis looks forward to continuing discussions with other regional partners. Stay tuned!
Indigenous Excellence: A Day in the Life of an Aksis Professional – Jordy Thibert
Jordy Thibert, Director of Indigenous Relations at IT Partners Inc., brings his Métis heritage into his professional life through relationship-building and collective responsibility.
For Jordy, success is not individual, it is shared.
He approaches his work with a long-term mindset, focusing on impact, sustainability, and creating pathways for others.
A core teaching that guides him is relational accountability. How you show up matters as much as results. He prioritizes trust, listening, and respect in his work with partners, clients, and colleagues.
Jordy’s days begin by reviewing priorities and identifying his top three tasks. He balances meetings, business development, LinkedIn engagement, conferences, and project management. Jordy supports Indigenous businesses through IT strategic roadmaps and masterplans, contributes to internal initiatives, and works toward Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) through the CCIB. He is also developing plans for an Indigenous charity foundation.
Jordy feels most energized when building connections, sharing stories, identifying mutual ties, and developing solutions. He navigates capacity demands and imposter syndrome by staying clear on priorities and grounded in family and identity.
Jordy joined Aksis seeking community and found belonging, mentorship, and shared purpose. He views networks like Aksis as critical for creating access, visibility, and leadership opportunities for Indigenous professionals while centering culture and identity.
His message to the next generation:
Take up space confidently. Lead authentically. Stay grounded in who you are and where you come from.
Upcoming Aksis Events:
TOPONA: The Original Peoples of North America Gathering
Aksis warmly invites Indigenous business owners and professionals to join us for Tea & Bannock — a casual gathering where we come together to build connections and strengthen community.
This gathering is a space to:
🔹Connect with fellow members
🔹Share insights and experiences
🔹Engage in knowledge sharing
🔹Increase visibility within the Indigenous business network
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 – 106 Street
To register click the link: https://luma.com/r518ch2v
Upcoming Aksis Members Only Events:
Through our new Indigenous Business Resource Centre, Aksis has launched a monthly Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle: a space created in direct response to member feedback.
Across the Indigenous business landscape, women frequently lead initiatives and carry significant responsibilities yet rarely have dedicated spaces designed for their professional growth and peer support.
The Aksis Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle:
• Supports the unique needs of Indigenous women entrepreneurs and professionals
• Provides guidance and lived experience to shape Aksis programs
• Creates pathways for mentorship, collaboration, and visibility.
• Strengthens leadership pathways for Indigenous women in business where support has long been missing.
If you’re interested in joining the Circle, please RSVP to the link sent via email by March 3. For any further questions please email info@aksisyeg.ca
This Circle welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous Aksis members only. If you’re interested in joining but are not yet a member, we’d love to welcome you into the Aksis Community. https://members.aksisyeg.ca/join/
Next Circle: Thursday March 5, 2026 | Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
AKSIS Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace
Reminder: Set Up Your Profile
The Aksis Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace is a public-facing platform showcasing Indigenous businesses and professionals across the Edmonton region.
The Directory has been in pilot mode since April 2025. As we move further into 2026, it will transition to a core member benefit available to registered businesses.
Please check your email (and junk folder) for your registration instructions. You can choose how much contact information you want publicly displayed while still maintaining a presence.
Need help? Contact info@aksisyeg.ca, we are here to assist!
We’re excited to feature your business in the new Directory!
Follow Us
Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates, events, and initiatives.
🌐 Website: www.aksisyeg.ca
📘 Facebook: Aksis Edmonton
📸 Instagram: @aksisyeg
🔗 LinkedIn: Aksis Edmonton
Community Events
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March 7: Metis Sash Beaded Earrings | Saturday, 10AM-3PM | 9 Mission Ave, St. Albert
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March 12: Bannock Fest | Thursday, 5:30PM-8:30PM | Telus World of Science
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March 25-28: 2nd Annual Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week | 1920 Street Fort Edmonton Park Edmonton
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March 7,14,21: Indigenous StoryTelling Series | Session 1: 10:30AM-12:00PM | Session 2: 1:00PM-2:30PM | Clerks’ Quarters, Fort Edmonton Park