FORT McMURRAY — It’s a busy month ahead for the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association as the organization closes out the year with a full slate of events, training sessions and community gatherings aimed at strengthening Indigenous businesses across the Wood Buffalo region.
NAABA is preparing for its annual Making Spirits Bright holiday luncheon on Dec. 4, a seasonal networking event at the Fort McMurray Golf Club that brings members together for conversation, games and year-end celebration. The association will then host its December membership meeting on Dec. 17, presented by Brignall Equipment Solutions, followed by the next SOAR seminar on Dec. 18 focused on brand building and marketing strategies.
The end-of-year rush comes as NAABA ramps up planning for Indigenous Business Week 2026, scheduled for Jan. 26 to 30. The week-long showcase will feature tradeshows, networking sessions, workshops and cultural events designed to highlight Indigenous entrepreneurship and expand procurement connections between local companies and industry partners. Signature events include a Certified Full Aboriginal Member tradeshow, Quick Connect networking, a Ladies Luncheon focusing on women in business and an artisan market featuring Indigenous creators.
NAABA is also encouraging businesses to take advantage of new sponsorship opportunities tied to Indigenous Business Week, offering packages that include event tickets, tradeshow space, signage, golf teams and promotional visibility across the region.
The organization continues to spotlight member success stories, including Indigenous-owned Canadian Refreshments Ltd., which provides workplace beverage and refreshment services to major industrial operators across Alberta. NAABA is also promoting a community survey from SevenFire AI Solutions, which is gathering input to shape future AI-driven tools for Indigenous businesses.
Members are being invited to participate in several upcoming partner events, including a BGIS Indigenous vendor engagement workshop on Dec. 10 and the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division’s April 2026 career fair, which seeks to connect Indigenous businesses with students exploring future job paths.
In addition to events, NAABA is highlighting a wide range of training and business supports, including the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship program, Alberta’s Cutting Red Tape initiative, workplace safety certification pathways, academic programs at Keyano College and funding opportunities through AMII for businesses exploring artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
The association continues to promote resources such as the CanadaBuys procurement portal, the NAABA Job Board and member benefits offered through HUB International.
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