Seeds to Sovereignty

14sep(sep 14)3:00 pm16(sep 16)4:00 pmSeeds to SovereigntyBC Indigenous Cannabis Conference

Event Details

Seeds to Sovereignty: BC Indigenous Cannabis Conference

Empowering Indigenous Leadership in Cannabis

Join us at Seeds to Sovereignty — a powerful exploration of the past, present, and future of Indigenous cannabis entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community innovation.

Co-hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) and the New Relationship Trust (NRT), this unique event brings together Indigenous leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, health professionals, and community advocates for three powerful days of learning, networking, and collaboration.

What to Expect:

  • Thought-Provoking Presentations & Panels
    Engage with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and changemakers as they share insights on cannabis policy, sustainable business practices, and pathways to sovereignty.
  • Cannabis Farm Tours
    Experience local cannabis operations up close and learn about sustainable cultivation practices through guided farm tours with round-trip transportation provided.
  • Networking Opportunities
    Build meaningful connections with Indigenous entrepreneurs, allies, and leaders driving change across BC and beyond.

Keynote Speaker: Manjit Minhas

We are thrilled to welcome Manjit Minhas, renowned entrepreneur and star of Dragon’s Den, as our keynote speaker. From a $10,000 startup to a global empire of 90+ brands, Manjit’s story is a testament to bold vision and entrepreneurial resilience.

Conference Details:

Dates: September 14|16, 2025
Location: Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo
General Registration: $499
(Includes 2 nights’ accommodation, all meals, speaker sessions, workshops, and farm tour transportation.)

Free for Indigenous participants and representatives!

Be Part of the Movement

Seeds to Sovereignty is more than a conference — it’s a collaborative space to uplift Indigenous voices, foster economic development, and build a shared vision for the future of cannabis in our communities.

Stay Connected

📧 Email: mary@nedc.info
📞 Phone: 250-735-8871

Time

September 14, 2025 3:00 pm - September 16, 2025 4:00 pm(GMT-07:00)

Buy Tickets

Tickets are no longer available

Organizer

NEDC

Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)

Learn More

Coast Bastion Hotel | Nanaimo, BC

Speakers for this event

  • Alannah Davis

    CEO

    Dabble Cannabis

  • Albert Eppinga

    Founder

    BC CANN

  • Chelsea Strang

    Cannabis Nurse Consultant

    The Holistic Cannabis Nurse

  • Chief Don Tom

    Vice-President

    Union of BC Indian Chiefs

  • Daniel Penny

    Chief Operating Officer

    Sugar Cane Cannabis

  • David Brown

    Founder

    StratCann

  • David Pellmann

    Director General of the Licensing and Medical Access Directorate

    Health Canada

  • Dr. Michelle Corfield

    Founder

    BC CANN

  • Heber Eppinga

    Operations Specialist

    BC CANN

  • Ian Simpson

    Chief Executive Officer

    Petroglyph Development Group

  • Jennifer Gallic

    Business Development Officer

    NEDC

  • Jennifer MacMillan

    Director of Indigenous Government Relations

    BC Cannabis Secretariat

  • Manjit Minhas

    Co-founder & Chief Excecutive Officer

    Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries

  • Marc Storms

    BC Indigenous Cannabis Fund Navigator

    New Relationship Trust (NRT)

  • Merle Alexander

    Principal

    Miller Titerle + Company

  • Philippe Lucas

    Director of Research and Safe Access

    Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

  • Ron Arcos

    Business Development Officer

    Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)

  • Sarah Petrescu

    Director of Policy

    BC Cannabis Secretariat

  • Sherri Brown

    Medical Cannabis Formulator

    Sherri Brown Skin Care

  • Vinay Neermul

    Senior Program Officer

    Health Canada

Schedule

    • Day 1
    • Day 2
    • Day 3
    • September 14, 2025
    • 3:00pmHotel Check-In & Registration3:00pm - 4:30pm
    • 4:30pmBallroom Opens for Dinner4:30pm - 7:00pm
    • September 15, 2025
    • 8:00amBreakfast Buffet Opens8:00am - 8:30am
    • 8:30amWelcome & Cannabis Industry Scorecard8:30am - 9:00am
      Speakers
      Dr. Michelle Corfield
    • 9:00amGrowing Opportunities: The Indigenous Cannabis Fund9:00am - 9:30am
      Speakers
      Marc Storms
    • 9:30amGetting Started in the Cannabis Industry9:30am - 10:00am
      Speakers
      Ian SimpsonRon Arcos
    • 10:00amCoffee Break10:00am - 10:15am
    • 10:15amFunding, Legalities, and Regulation Presentations10:15am - 11:15am
      Speakers
      Chief Don TomJennifer GallicMerle Alexander
    • 11:15amHealth Canada: Navigating the Federal Cannabis Licensing Process11:15am - 12:00pm
      Speakers
      David PellmannVinay Neermul
    • 12:00pmLunch12:00pm - 1:00pm
    • 1:00pmMedical Cannabis in Canada: Exploring Its Past, Present, and Future1:00pm - 2:00pm
      Speakers
      Chelsea StrangPhilippe LucasSherri Brown
    • 2:00pmBC's Cannabis Sector and Supports for Indigenous Governements and Businesses2:00pm - 2:30pm
      Speakers
      Jennifer MacMillanSarah Petrescu
    • 2:30pmCoffee Break2:30pm - 2:45pm
    • 2:45pmLooking Ahead: Future Trends & Opportunities in the Cannabis Sector2:45pm - 4:00pm
      Speakers
      Alannah DavisAlbert EppingaDaniel PennyHeber Eppinga
    • 4:30pmNetworking Reception4:30pm - 6:00pm
    • September 16, 2025
    • 8:00amBreakfast & Farm Tour8:00am - 1:30pm

      Enjoy the breakfast buffet and then meet us in the lobby to board the tour bus for visits to three thriving Indigenous-owned cannabis businesses: Dabble Cannabis, BC CANN, and Coast Salish Canna.

      The bus will leave promptly at 9:00 am, so please be on time. Be sure to pick up your bagged lunch at the breakfast buffet before boarding.

      We expect to return to the hotel around 1:30 pm, though timing may vary depending on traffic and other factors.