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A two-day youth conference bringing Red River Métis culture, technology, & innovation together.
Registration Details
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A focused, high-energy gathering designed for Red River Métis Youth to explore AI, technology, and new career paths while staying grounded in culture and community. Registration is free for Red River Métis Youth ages 15-29. Travel supports may be available through the Métis Employment & Training (MET) Department.
Where
Wyndham Garden Hotel
460 Madison St., Winnipeg, MB
When
February 28 - March 1, 2026
Starts: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Ends: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Ends: Sunday, March 1, 2026
For
Red River Métis Youth Ages 15-29
Youth under 18 travelling from outside Winnipeg, MB, with hotel accommodations must attend with a chaperone.
Featured Speakers
Meet the Innovators
Leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology creators shaping the future for Red River Métis Youth.
Conference Agenda
Two packed days of keynotes, hands-on workshops, youth voices, and networking. All times are local (Winnipeg, MB).
Day One - Saturday, February 28
Morning
8:00 - 9:00 AM60 min
Breakfast & Registration
9:00 - 9:30 AM30 min
Opening Prayer & Welcome Remarks
Opening Prayer - Elder Oliver Boulette • President David Chartrand • Minister David Beaudin • Minister Richard Genaille
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Bingo Mingle Icebreaker
Get to know your fellow attendees in this interactive kick-off activity.
10:00 - 10:45 AM45 min
History of Technology
Adam Blanchard - Sr. Director of IT, Manitoba Métis Federation
Keynote
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 - 12:00 PM60 min
From Idea to Impact: Build like a Founder
Ryan St. Germaine - Founder & CEO, Indigenous Tech Circle & Josh Nilson - Founder, Maskwa Games
PRESENTATION & INTERACTIVE SESSION
Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
Afternoon
1:00 - 1:45 PM45 min
Keynote Speaker: AI, Jobs & Digital Opportunity
Mark Patterson - Executive Director, TMU Magnet
An interactive session exploring how AI is changing jobs, creativity, and income. Includes live AI tool demos and practical advice for building opportunities in a digital-first world - no tech background required.
Keynote
1:45 - 2:00 PM
Q&A
2:00 - 2:45 PM45 min
Fireside Chat
Moderated by Emily Madden - Senior Director, TMU Magnet
A candid conversation on career journeys, digital entrepreneurship, and the strengths Red River Métis Youth bring to the future of technology and work.
Featured Panelists:
FIRESIDE CHAT
- Darian Kovacs - Founder & Partner, Jelly Marketing & Jelly Academy
- Lesley Klassen - Senior Manager of AI Initiatives & Services, New Media Manitoba
- Christian Dandeneau - Co-Founder & CEO, ID Fusion Software
Networking & ENGAGEMENT
3:00 - 4:30 PM90 min
Youth Tech Connect
Enjoy live music from DJ Douzie, explore interactive tech stations, connect with our presenters, and take some time to relax and network with others.
Complimentary snacks and refreshments!
SOCIAL Networking
Day Two - Sunday, March 1
Morning
8:00 - 9:00 AM60 min
Breakfast & Registration
9:00 - 9:45 AM45 min
Built for our Homeland: Red River Métis Innovation in Motion
Adam Blanchard
INTERACTIVE Demo
9:45 - 10:15 AM30 min
Youth Voice: Finding Your Path in Tech
Matthew Carriere - Cybersecurity Analyst, Deloitte
Youth Speaker
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 11:00 AM30 min
AI Tools for Everyday Life
Christian Dandeneau - Co-Founder & CEO, ID Fusion Software
Keynote
11:00 - 11:45 AM45 min
Indigenous Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Angie Saltman - Founder & CEO of Saltmedia and IT Horizons Inc.
Keynote
Closing
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45 - 1:00 PM
Prize Giveaways
Minister Richard Genaille • Minister David Beaudin
1:00 - 1:15 PM
Closing Remarks & Closing Prayer
Minister David Beaudin • Elder Oliver Boulette
Contact Us
x 204-586-8474 ext. 2731
A MET@mmf.mb.ca
