A Month of Remembrance, Connection and New Opportunities
As we welcome November, we have another exciting month ahead at Aksis, filled with opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate our Indigenous business and professional community!
November is also a time for reflection and remembrance. On November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day, and November 11, Remembrance Day, we honour the courage, service and sacrifices of all Veterans, with special recognition of the Indigenous men and women who served our country, often while facing significant barriers and discrimination. We also recognize Louis Riel Day on November 16, honouring his legacy and contributions to Métis history, rights and identity.
There’s plenty happening at Aksis this month! We’re looking forward to bringing Indigenous women together for another Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle on November 5, followed by TOPONA on the Road in Spruce Grove on November 18. We’re also excited to welcome NorQuest College on November 24 for a Social Media Marketing Workshop, offering our members another valuable opportunity to strengthen their skills and grow their businesses.
This month, we’re also excited to feature Aksis member Melissa Minks, founder of Awe-Sum Bookkeeping & Business Solutions, in our Member Spotlight! Be sure to read her story and learn more about her business, her involvement in the Indigenous community and her goals for the future.
As we prepare to say goodbye to our current office space, we’re looking forward to a new chapter filled with opportunities to connect with our members throughout the community!
And the celebrations don’t stop there! 🎄 Our Mix N’ Jingle is coming up on December 3, so make sure to RSVP for a relaxing evening filled with connection and fun!
As always, thank you for being part of Aksis. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build meaningful connections throughout our community.
Here’s to a November filled with learning, remembrance and connection!
A Message from the Aksis Team: Closing One Chapter, Opening New Doors
As we prepare to say goodbye to our current Aksis office, we want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories, connections and relationships we’ve built along the way.
Our office has been more than just a workspace. It’s been a place where Indigenous entrepreneurs, professionals and community partners have come together to share ideas, celebrate successes and build meaningful relationships. From TOPONA gatherings and Women’s Leadership Circles to workshops and conversations over Bannock and tea, we’ve truly enjoyed welcoming you into our space.
To everyone who has walked through our doors, thank you for making this space so special!
While our office is closing, Aksis isn’t going anywhere! Our team will be transitioning to working remotely, and we’re excited about the opportunities this brings to connect with our members and community in new ways.
In fact, we’d love to come to you!
Whether it’s hosting TOPONA at your business, bringing workshops and events to different communities, visiting members at their workplaces or meeting with community partners, we’re looking forward to getting out and strengthening connections across the Greater Edmonton area and beyond.
Have a space you’d like to welcome Aksis into? We’d love to hear from you! We’re always looking for opportunities to collaborate with our members and community partners.
Although we’re closing one chapter, we’re excited for what comes next. Our commitment to supporting Indigenous businesses and professionals, creating opportunities and bringing people together remains unchanged.
The office may be closing, but our community and connections will continue to grow!
With gratitude,
The Aksis Team
Upcoming Events:
Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle: A Special November Gathering
We’re changing things up for our November 5 Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle, and we have something wonderful planned!
We’re excited to welcome Aksis member Ashley Cardinal, who will be guiding us through a 45-minute singing bowl relaxation experience. Between work, family and everything else life throws our way, how often do we actually take a moment for ourselves?
As Ashley says, “Give yourself permission to slow down.”
Along with this special experience, we’ll still have our Women’s Circle discussion, providing an opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas and connect with other Indigenous women in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Time: 9:30AM-12:00PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 106 ST
RSVP Here ➡️ https://luma.com/2ca98v17
You do not need to be an Aksis member to attend! We warmly welcome Indigenous women from across our community, whether you’ve joined us before or are attending for the first time.
TOPONA on the Road: We’re Coming back to Spruce Grove!
We’re hitting the road again, and this time we’re heading to Spruce Grove!
Aksis is excited to bring TOPONA on the Road to Spruce Grove on Wednesday, November 18, in collaboration with the City of Spruce Grove, Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre, and the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
TOPONA is all about bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for conversation and connection. We’re looking forward to meeting new people, reconnecting with familiar ones and strengthening relationships within the Indigenous and broader business and professional communities.
And of course, there will be Bannock and tea!
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional or simply looking to make new connections, we invite you to join us for a welcoming afternoon of conversation, community and relationship building.
We’re grateful to our wonderful partners for helping us bring TOPONA beyond Edmonton and create more opportunities to connect.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Location: 414 King Street, Spruce Grove
Click here to RSVP ➡️ https://luma.com/bg71x3ul
We hope you’ll join us! After all, some of the best connections happen over a cup of tea and a piece of Bannock.
Social Media & Digital Marketing workshop at the Aksis Office
Looking to grow your business and strengthen your social media presence? 📱
We’re excited to welcome NorQuest College to the Aksis office on November 24 for an in person Social Media Marketing Workshop!
Social media plays an important role in how businesses connect with customers, build their brand and create new opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current marketing efforts, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and insights from NorQuest College.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have NorQuest College share their expertise with our members, and we encourage you to take advantage of this learning opportunity!
This is also what makes being an Aksis member so valuable! Through partnerships and collaborations like this, we’re able to connect our members with professional development opportunities, resources and knowledge that support their businesses and continued growth.
📅 Tuesday, November 24, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
📍 Aksis Office, Edmonton
🎓 Facilitated by NorQuest College
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your business!
🔗 Register here: Social Media Marketing Workshop with NorQuest · Luma
Mix N’ Jingle: Let’s Make This One to Remember!
SAVE THE DATE because It’s almost time to Mix N’ Jingle!
If you joined us last year, you know what a fantastic time we had! From the great conversations and laughter to the wonderful connections made, it was such a memorable evening. And this year, we’re planning to make it even better!
Join us on December 3 for a afternoon and evening of festive fun, networking and celebrating another wonderful year with our Indigenous business and professional community. It’s a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy some time together before the holiday season gets into full swing.
This year’s Mix N’ Jingle is also especially meaningful, as it will be our very last event at the current Aksis office! This space has been home to so many gatherings, conversations and connections over the years, and we can’t think of a better way to say goodbye than by filling it with the people who have made it so special.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 106ST
Members: RSVP link will be sent to your email!
If you are not yet an Aksis member but would like to attend please email mec@aksisyeg.ca for the link.
Let’s make our final gathering at the Aksis office our best one yet. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Member Spotlight: Melissa Minks
Founder of Awe-Sum Bookkeeping & Business Solutions
This month, we’re excited to feature Aksis member Melissa Minks, founder of Awe-Sum Bookkeeping & Business Solutions, an Indigenous-owned business established in June 2026.
With over 25 years of bookkeeping and entrepreneurial experience, Melissa brings valuable knowledge and a passion for helping businesses succeed.
Awe-Sum Bookkeeping specializes in supporting nonprofit organizations, particularly Indigenous organizations and businesses that work to benefit Indigenous communities. Melissa is passionate about being involved in the Indigenous business community and helping organizations stay financially organized so they can focus on the work that matters most.
From managing day-to-day financial records and cash flow to budgeting, reporting and helping business owners better understand their numbers, Melissa’s goal is to take some of that financial stress off their shoulders so they can focus on what they do best: running and growing their businesses.
And we love her approach! Melissa offers a friendly, no-pressure conversation to help business owners understand where their finances stand and what support they might need.
Melissa has big plans for the future. Her goal is to continue growing Awe-Sum Bookkeeping, eventually building a team of two to three employees and establishing a dedicated office space.
We’re happy to have Melissa as part of the Aksis community and look forward to seeing her business grow!
Learn more about Awe-Sum Bookkeeping & Business Solutions:
Visit Melissa’s Website
Members only:
🏒 Exclusive Edmonton Oilers Offer for Aksis Members!
Looking to catch an Edmonton Oilers game this November? Aksis members can enjoy exclusive discounted ticket pricing, plus free pizza! 🍕
Check your email for the November game dates, ticket details and your exclusive discount code.
Another great benefit of being part of the Aksis community!
Stay Connected
Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates, events, and initiatives.
🌐Website: www.aksisyeg.ca
📘Facebook: Aksis Edmonton
📸Instagram: @aksis.ca
🔗LinkedIn: Aksis Edmonton
Community Events:
November 3, 2026, | 6:30PM-8:00PM | Tea & Bannock – Practices of Quieting in Preparation for Winter | 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
November 4, 2026, | 4:30-5:30PM | Sacred Pathways Youth Program | Jasper Place, 9010 156 Street
November 12, 2026, | 1:00-3:00PM | Elder-In-Residence – Visit Kokum Lorette Goulet | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Centennial Plaza
November 13-15, 2026, | A Very Indigenous Holiday Market | Alberta Aviation Museum (11410 Kingsway
November 15 & 16 , 2026, | Louis Riel Commemoration | Check link for full details
November 17, 2026, | Metis week Kitchen Party | 4:30PM-7:30PM | 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
November 19, 2026, | 11:30-1:30PM | Indigenous Ignite Link-Up Luncheon | 4440 Gateway Blvd
November 26, 2026 | 9:00-4:00PM | Indigenous Awareness Cultural Teaching | 10010 105 Street