September is here, and we have lots to look forward to at Aksis!
We’re especially excited for our Annual Aksis Golf Tournament, one of our biggest events of the year. We can’t wait to welcome our members, sponsors and partners for a great day of connection, community and golf. Thank you to everyone helping make this year’s tournament possible!
We also have a busy fall ahead with new collaborations, member opportunities, business showcases and events designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals connect and grow.
On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, honouring Survivors, the children who never returned home, their families and communities. We encourage everyone to take time to listen, learn and reflect.
As we move into fall, we’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to have our members and community alongside us. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout September and in the busy months to come!
Upcoming Events:
TOPONA
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: September 23, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 – 106 Street
To register click the link:https://luma.com/9suaboft
Aksis & RunWithIt Synthetics – Indigenous Economic Data Roundtable
Who gets to tell the story of Indigenous economic impact?
Right now, too much of our story is being told through data that doesn’t see us, doesn’t count us, and doesn’t always reflect how Indigenous businesses & professionals actually contribute to the economy.
Aksis is intent on changing that. Join us for the Aksis Indigenous Economic Data Roundtable, a half-day, participatory working session exploring how Indigenous economic impact is measured, what current data misses, and what we could build differently.
We’ll share what we’re learning from our current business data project (in partnership with RunWithIt), look at how Indigenous businesses are represented in public economic data, and explore Indigenous-controlled approaches to ongoing economic measurement.
This isn’t a research presentation, and you’re not coming just to listen. It’s a working session to help shape the questions, the approach and what comes next.
If you’re an Indigenous business owner, entrepreneur, professional or economic development leader in the Aksis network, we want your perspective in the room.
Most importantly, we’re looking for your feedback.
- What should Indigenous economic data capture?
- What barriers make indigenous entrepreneurs/professionals/businesses hesitant to participate?
- Is there interest in building a longer-term Indigenous-owned economic data initiative?
Date: September 28, 2026
Time: 9 – 12PM
Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 – 106 Street
RSVP > Aksis Indigenous Economic Data Roundtable · Luma
This is not just a showcase..
Your Business. Their Purchasers. One Opportunity.
We’re kicking off Small Business Month with one of the most significant member opportunities we’ve been able to offer.
On October 6, Aksis members will have exclusive, face to face access to the people involved in procurement and supply chain opportunities at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), including procurement leads, prime contractors and major subcontractors.
This is the kind of access that matters.
For Indigenous businesses looking to grow, getting in front of major purchasers and understanding how to enter larger supply chains can be difficult. Through this collaboration, Aksis is helping bring our members directly into the room with the people making those decisions.
Members will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses, build relationships with purchasers, learn about potential procurement opportunities and position their companies for future work with YEG and its partners.
But the opportunity goes even further. Aksis members will also have a voice in shaping future YEG initiatives and contributing to their Reconciliation Action Plan, helping ensure Indigenous businesses are represented in conversations about future economic opportunities.
This is exactly what Aksis membership is about. Creating access, opening doors and connecting Indigenous businesses with opportunities to grow.
October 6, 2026 | Edmonton International Airport
Participation is FREE and exclusive to Aksis members, with complimentary parking and lunch included.
Space is limited. Email mec@aksisyeg.ca to secure your spot.
Indigenous Excellence:
Member Spotlight – Raven Drone Services
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Darrell Pendry of Raven Drone Services, a proudly Métis owned business based in Edmonton that is changing the way organizations see and understand their assets from above.
Raven Drone Services provides much more than aerial photography. Using advanced drone technology, thermal imaging and precision mapping, Darrell helps businesses and organizations safely access valuable information for building and roof inspections, construction documentation, infrastructure projects, mapping, 3D modelling and more. The focus is on giving clients useful information that can help reduce risk, improve safety and make better informed decisions.
Raven Drone Services is also exploring some exciting ways to use this technology within Indigenous communities, including digital heritage preservation, 3D mapping and immersive virtual experiences that can support education, tourism and the preservation of Indigenous history.
As the business continues to grow, Darrell is looking forward to connecting with fellow Aksis members, developing new partnerships and creating more opportunities within Indigenous procurement across Alberta and Canada.
We’re also so grateful to have Darrell as part of the Aksis community. He continues to show up, get involved and support the work we’re doing, and that kind of engagement is what makes our network so special. We’re excited to see what’s ahead for Darrell and Raven Drone Services and proud to have them as part of Aksis!
Calgary & Surrounding Event:
The Indigitech Summit is celebrating five years of connecting people with technology, innovation and meaningful opportunities. The event brings together youth, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders for a day of practical learning, relationship building and future focused opportunities.
This year’s Summit will highlight community led innovation, future ready skills and real pathways into technology, with hands on learning and opportunities to connect across generations.
Click here for more information & tickets> Indigitech Summit 2026 – TELUS Spark Science Centre – Calgary – Sep 23, 2026 · Showpass
Event Details
Event: Indigitech Summit 5th Anniversary
Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: TELUS Spark Science Centre, Calgary, Alberta
Business Resource Centre Updates:
Roots & Relations
Our first group of participants have registered for Roots & Relations: A Pathway into Indigenous Entrepreneurship with the University of Alberta and are getting started! We’re excited to bring everyone together in September for an in person gathering to connect, share experiences and talk about what they’re learning throughout the program.
BDC Fundamentals of Business
Our members have also been busy working through the BDC Fundamentals of Business course at their own pace. We’re looking forward to getting this group together in September for an in person roundtable to talk about key takeaways, share ideas and continue the conversation together.
If you’re interested in either or both of the free programs above, it’s not to late!
Email us > mec@aksisyeg.ca
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:
September 2, 2026 – IndigiRise Pitch Night & Networking Event | 4:00PM – 7:45PM | 10107 Jasper Ave true Edmonton, AB T5J1W8
September 3, 2026 – Elder-in-Residence – Visit Kokum Lorette Goulet | 1:00PM – 3:00PM or 5:00 PM – 7:00PM | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
September 11, 2026 – PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN Open House and Community Tea | 1:00 PM – 6:00PM | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
September 13, 2026 – Qulliq Lighting & Teachings | 1:00 PM – 3:00PM | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
September 26, 2026 – BBMA Creating Possibilities 25th Anniversary Celebration | 3:45PM – 9:00PM | 11834 Kingsway Ave Edmonton, AB T5G 3J5