BCIROC – Working Together with the Land

Registration Now Open

June 3–5, 2026

Nanaimo, B.C.

Working Together With The Land

The Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference is committed to celebrating accomplishments and fostering meaningful, equitable partnerships that support Indigenous-led economic participation in B.C.’s Natural Resource Sector.

Our objective is to facilitate building enduring partnerships between Indigenous communities and the resource sector through sustainable and respectful resource development. By building these relationships, IROC seeks to promote inclusivity, self-determination, economic empowerment, and the protection of Indigenous rights and culture at all stages of resource development.

Celebrating Indigenous-led success stories

Supporting Indigenous-led resource projects

Building respectful, equitable partnerships

Dallas W. Smith, President, Nanwakolas Council

Message from the Conference Chair

Welcome Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, resource developers, businesses and Government representatives to the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference.

We are excited to again host this First Nations-led conference with a focus on sharing success stories of First Nations, resource developers and the Government working together to advance positive projects. Since the launch of the original series conference, many successful partnerships now exist that are bringing significant benefits to First Nations, resource developers, businesses and all levels of Government. When First Nations communities are healthy and have opportunities, we all benefit.

The conference lays the foundation for future partnerships and resulting benefits for First Nations and the resource sector.

Keynote and Panel discussions will focus on topics such as:

Economic Development & Partnerships

Exploring business growth, capital access, Indigenous-owned enterprises, and partnership models across industries and regions.

Energy, Resources & Environmental Leadership

Covering clean energy participation, forestry, LNG, carbon offsetting, and Indigenous involvement in environmental assessment processes.

Food Sovereignty, Land & Resource Stewardship

Addressing Indigenous food security, aquaculture, resource management, and community well-being rooted in connection to the land.

Governance, Reconciliation & Community Prosperity

Highlighting Indigenous governance, economic reconciliation, and the policies shaping self-determination and long-term community success.

Our History

2008

Informal discussions initiated between the Nanwakolas Council, Vancouver Island Indigenous leaders, community interests, and BC government representatives emphasized the value of sharing success stories of collaboration.

2009

The first Aboriginal Peoples Resource Opportunities Conference was held at the Wei Wai Kum Nation, garnering strong support and interest.

2010-2011

The success prompted the expansion of the event, with subsequent conferences held at the Vancouver Island Convention Center in Nanaimo, BC.

2019

The conference relaunched with a renewed focus on highlighting successful partnerships that deliver substantial benefits to Indigenous communities and all stakeholders.

2020-2021

Adapting to global circumstances, the conference successfully transitioned to a virtual format while maintaining its core mission.

Present

Today, IROC offers an exceptional platform for Indigenous voices and their invested partners to celebrate and share stories of collaboration and success. Delegates will hear directly from Indigenous leaders, as well as representatives from provincial and local governments, resource developers, and business leaders.