October at Aksis 🍂
October is here, and there’s lots happening across the Aksis community!
We’re still reflecting on the great conversation we had last week at our Indigenous Economic Data Roundtable with RunWithIt Synthetics. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their experiences, ideas and perspectives. We’re looking forward to seeing the findings from those conversations and exploring where this work can go next.
Coming up on October 8 is our YEG Member Showcase, where Aksis members will have the opportunity to get face to face with purchasers, procurement teams and business partners at Edmonton International Airport. We’re incredibly excited to see our members in the room, showcasing their businesses and making valuable new connections.
October is also an important month for reflection. On October 4, we recognize Sisters in Spirit Day and the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and standing alongside families and communities calling for continued awareness and action.
We’re looking forward to another month of connection, opportunity and meaningful conversations at Aksis. 🧡
Upcoming Events:
This Is More Than a Showcase. It’s Access. ✈️
On October 8, Aksis members will step into a room that Indigenous businesses do not always have easy access to.
Through our collaboration with Edmonton International Airport, YEG, members will connect face to face with procurement leads, prime contractors, major subcontractors and the people involved in purchasing and supply chain decisions.
And our members won’t simply be attending.
Each participating business will have their own table to showcase who they are, what they do and what they can offer. It’s an opportunity to put their business directly in front of potential purchasers and partners, share their services and capabilities, make introductions and start conversations that could lead to future opportunities.
For Indigenous businesses, getting through the door and in front of major purchasers can often be one of the biggest challenges. This showcase is about helping change that by creating direct access, meaningful connections and relationships that can continue well beyond October 8.
Members will also have the opportunity to learn more about procurement at YEG and contribute their perspectives to conversations around YEG’s future initiatives and Reconciliation Action Plan.
This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want Aksis membership to create: opening doors, creating access and making sure Indigenous businesses have a seat at the table.
October 8, 2026 | Edmonton International Airport
We are incredibly proud to bring this opportunity to our members and cannot wait to see Aksis businesses represented, showcasing what they have to offer and making connections in the room.
Questions? Email us at mec@aksisyeg.ca
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: October 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 – 106 Street
To register click the link:
Member Spotlight: Spirit North
One of the things we value most at Aksis is the incredible range of people and organizations within our membership and the different ways they are creating impact in Indigenous communities.
This month, we’re proud to feature Aksis member Gary St Amand and the team at Spirit North, a national charity creating opportunities for Indigenous children and youth to experience the joy of sport, play and connection to the land.
Founded in 2017 by Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion Beckie Scott, Spirit North works in partnership with Indigenous communities to create sport and play programming that reflects the priorities, culture and strengths of each community.
And their impact continues to grow.
Last year alone, more than 16,600 youth participated in Spirit North programs across 95 urban and rural communities.
From cross country skiing and snowshoeing to mountain biking, canoeing, lacrosse and traditional games, programs are offered in schools and after school, completely free of charge. This helps remove barriers to participation and brings opportunities directly to youth in their own communities.
What really stands out about Spirit North is how they work. Rather than bringing in a standard program, they work alongside communities, schools, leaders and local organizations to build on the knowledge, strengths and good work already happening within each community.
And there is clearly a demand for more. Spirit North currently has over 40 communities waiting for programming, with the goal of reducing that number to zero so even more Indigenous children and youth can access consistent, community led sport and play opportunities.
We’re proud to have Gary and Spirit North as part of the Aksis community and even prouder to highlight the meaningful work they are doing with Indigenous youth across the country.
Thank you, Gary, for being part of Aksis and for giving us the opportunity to share the incredible work happening at Spirit North.
Check out their website and donate to the amazing programs they offer to our youth!
Spirit North – Empowering Indigenous youth through sport & play
Business Resource Centre Updates:
Roots & Relations
Our Roots & Relations: A Pathway into Indigenous Entrepreneurship participants are now underway with the University of Alberta program!
It’s been great to see members taking advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, explore entrepreneurship and learn alongside others in the community. We’re looking forward to continuing to connect with participants as they move through the program and hearing more about their experiences and what they’re taking away from it.
BDC Fundamentals of Business
Our BDC Fundamentals of Business program is also underway, with participants working through the course at their own pace and building practical skills in areas like business planning, marketing, financial management and operations.
One of the best parts is the flexibility. Lessons can be completed when it works for you, making it an easy way to add professional development and practical business knowledge to your schedule.
And there’s still time to join us!
Both programs are completely FREE, and you can still register and take advantage of these learning opportunities.
Interested in one or both? Contact mec@aksisyeg.ca and we’ll help you get started.
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:
October 2, 2026, | 7 PM | Must Be Nice Indigenous Comedy Showcase | 9641 102A Avenue
October 7, 2026 | 8AM – 1 PM | Indigenous Tech Circle — Edmonton Launch | University of Alberta – Glacier Room at the Lister Centre – 87ave and 116st
October 8, 2026, | 10AM – 3PM | Indigitech Summit Circle | Aksis Office, Unit 300, 10055 106 St
October 13, 2026, | 12 PM | Indigenous Parents Circle/Group | 9613 111 Avenue
October 15, 2026, | 5-7 PM | Elder-in-Residence – Visit Kokum Lorette Goulet | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
October 23, 2026, | 10 AM | Apeetogosan Indigenous Trade Show | 4440 Gateway Boulevard
October 29, 2026, | 11:30 AM | Indigenous Ignite Link-Up Luncheon | 11834 Kingsway