9th Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference

Working together with the land

June 18–20, 2025

Vancouver Island Conference Centre | Nanaimo, BC

Our Mission

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

Message from Conference Chair

Dallas W. Smith, President, Nanwakolas Council

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.

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.