b'WELCOME MESSAGEWELCOME MESSAGEA word from Connect PartnershipGroup CEO Miki ReederW elcome to the launch edition of Forward Magazine. We are humbled to bring you this written version and physical manifestation of ForwardSummit. Forward Summit was born in 2017 out of a desire to embody the Truth MIKI REEDER and Reconciliation of Canadas Call to Action #92, and to amplify the brave and Connect Partnershipsometimes lonely voices of reconciliation that have been active for many decades. Group CEO Our mission was to create a psychological safe space where Indigenous peoples could share their truths with corporate Canada and create meaningful and respectful partnerships with each other. Through a humbling and continuous journey of unlearning and learning, of discovering the disastrous effects of colonialism and the economic inequality that plagues many communities, we were blessed to be surrounded and accepted by many gentle, patient and wise guides who have now become firm friends. Through their lived experiences and stories, we were able to produce the inaugural Forward Summit with over 100 knowledgeable speakers and an audience made up of hundreds of Indigenous thought leaders and curious allies. This magazine is designed to be a continuation of this journey. Forward Magazine celebrates equitable partnerships, highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship, explores the role of economic development agencies, champions Indigenous youth and, through story telling, allows non-Indigenous entities to challenge themselves and prevailing corporate cultures. Please enjoy articles from expert contributors in this edition of Forward Magazine and join us on our respectful and continuing quest to make recommendation #92 a reality for all non-Indigenous entities.Respectfully,Miki Reeder CEO, Connect Partnership Group Published by: JUNIOR DESIGN SPECIALISTPublished May 2022LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Bethany Giesbrecht Publication Mail In the spirit of respect, reciprocity Agreement #40787580 and truth, we honour and NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVESacknowledge Mohkinsstis, and www.mediaedgepublishing.com Dawn Stokes, Nolan Ackman,All rights reserved. the traditional Treaty 7 territory David Tetlock, Ashley Huston The contents of this publicationand oral practices of the Blackfoot 33 South Station Streetmay not be reproduced by anyconfederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Toronto, OntarioM9N 2B2PRESIDENTmeans, in whole or in part,Piikani, as well as the yxe FORWARDToll Free: 1-866-480-4717Kevin Brown without the prior written consentNakoda and Tsuutina nations. robertt@mediaedge.ca of Forward Magazine. We acknowledge that this MAGAZINE NATIONAL DIRECTORSENIOR VICE PRESIDENTterritory is home to the MtisOF PUBLISHINGRobert ThompsonForward Magazine is printedNation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Maurice P. LaBorde DIRECTOR, on 10% post-consumer FSCMtis homeland. Finally, we EDITORBUSINESS DEVELOPMENTcertified paper using soya basedacknowledge all Nationsis published twice a year inJustyne Essery Michael Bell inks. When necessary to mail anIndigenous and nonwho live, collaboration with Forwardissue in an enclosure, we use anwork and play on this land, Summit. DESIGN SPECIALISTBRANCH MANAGERenvironmentally-friendly, 100%and who honour and celebrate Marisa Giesbrecht Nancie Priv oxo-degradable poly-wrap. this territory.6 FORWARD MAGAZINE | VOLUME0 221 20226 FORWARD MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1 2'