August 19–21, 2025

2^nd Cree Nation
Business Summit

Eeyou Entrepreneurship in Focus

Mistissini, Eeyou Istchee

Watch Bear Den Videos Explore the Summit

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Delegates40 youth, 60 entrepreneurs, 25 leaders & organizations

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SessionsWorkshops, presentations, panels & roundtables

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InvestedIn the Eeyou economy — food, décor, apparel, flights

About the Summit

Connecting Youth, Entrepreneurs
& Leaders for Eeyou Prosperity

Held in Mistissini from August 19–21, the 2nd Cree Nation Business Summit brought together youth, entrepreneurs, and leaders to connect, learn, and build a strong future for the Eeyou economy.

Youth Case Study Competition

Young Eeyou minds stepped up to the challenge in the Bear Den — pitching innovative business ideas and demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive our economy forward.

2025 Theme

Eeyou Entrepreneurship in Focus

With a sharp focus on homegrown talent and innovation, this year's summit spotlighted the ingenuity and resilience of Eeyou entrepreneurs from across Eeyou Istchee.

Business & Leader Exchange Days

Two full days of workshops, presentations, panels, and roundtables fostering meaningful dialogue between established leaders and emerging entrepreneurs.

First Regional Awards Gala

The Summit's inaugural Awards Gala celebrated outstanding contributions to the Eeyou economy, recognizing the individuals and businesses shaping our collective future.

Competition Results

2025 Eeyou Istchee
Bear Den Case Study Competition

Congratulations to everyone who participated! The judges were truly impressed by the heart, enthusiasm, and innovation that each team demonstrated, as well as the incredible creativity that came through in the promotional videos. The future of the Eeyou economy is bright!

Clearwater Plaza Bear Den video preview

1st Place Winner

Clearwater Plaza

Featured video preview from the winning team, spotlighting their pitch and entrepreneurial vision for Eeyou Istchee.

Eeyou and Me Bear Den video preview

2nd Place Winner

Eeyou and Me

A featured still from the runner-up team's video, highlighting their tourism-focused concept and presentation.

Big River Eeyou Centre Bear Den video preview

3rd Place Winner

Big River Eeyou Centre

An aerial preview from the third-place team's video, reinforcing place, community, and destination potential.

Clearwater Plaza video thumbnail

1

Clearwater Plaza

Bradley Mianscum
Cain Stewart
Clarissa Happyjack
Sara Dash
Savannah Jolly

Eeyou and Me video thumbnail

2

Eeyou and Me

Morning Star Fayard
Aaliyah Wapachee
Curtis Mark-Stewart
Freddie Dixon

Big River Eeyou Centre video thumbnail

3

Big River Eeyou Centre

Amanda Capassisit
Joshua Blackned
Georgina Chiskamish
Daniel Longchap

All Competing Teams

Eeyou Burials

Vincent RatteBurelle, Darius Shashaweskum, Koyesha IserhoC Coonishish, Hannah Desgagnes, Reshawn Matoush

Eenou-Edouwin

Elvis TrapperGunner, Jaylen Weistche, Roberta Blacksmith, Anthony Rombotis, Philip Brien

Eeyou Spa

Scott Serafinowicz, Tyra Moses, Kaynan Lafond, Farrah Salhi, Crystal Mianscum

Cree Motor Sports

Carol Ann Tanoush, Precious Shecapio-Blacksmith, Lindsay Kitchicappo, Ardurmus Mark Masty

Regional Awards Gala

Award Winners — Entrepreneurs with 40+ Years in Business

The inaugural Awards Gala honoured Eeyou entrepreneurs whose decades of dedication have built the foundation of our regional economy.

A.D.E.L.S. Restaurant

Annie Brien, Denise Coon-Come, Elizabeth Gunner, Laurie Brien, and Sharron Brien

Established 1971

Blackned Construction

James Blackned, Bert Blackned, and Emily Hester

Established 1975

Waswanipi Grocery Store

Sandra Happyjack and Delores Gull

Established 1978/79

Meechum Reg'd

Beverly Quinn

Established 1982

Natives Exploration Services

Sam R. Bosum

Established 1984

Download the Event Report

Explore the full story — sessions, insights, and highlights from three days of Eeyou entrepreneurship.

Download Report

Relive the Moments

Photos & Highlights

Wachiya to Our Supporters

Partners & Sponsors

The 2nd Cree Nation Business Summit was made possible by the generous support of partners and sponsors committed to strengthening the Eeyou economy.

Major Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Partners