Programs and Events

Connect. Innovate. Transform: Experience Luminary Events.

As a Charter for Change member, you gain access to Luminary’s curated special events, bringing together leaders, innovators, and community voices from across the country. These exclusive gatherings are designed to spark meaningful dialogue, share knowledge, and strengthen connections that drive lasting impact.

Luminary 2^nd Annual International Indigenous Innovation Summit 2026

Fueling Indigenous-Led Innovation. Powering Economic Transformation.
McGill Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, September 22-24, 2026

The 2nd Annual Luminary International Indigenous Innovation Summit will spark the next wave of Indigenous-led economic action, research advancement, and collaborations, building on the momentum of our inaugural gathering in Phoenix, Arizona (January 22–24, 2025, in partnership with Gila Indian Community, Northern Arizona University).

The Summit will bring together academic leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovation practitioners with three core goals:

1. Mobilizing Indigenous Knowledge
2. Showcasing and Growing Indigenous Innovation
3. Igniting Research and Economic Solutions

Rooted in Indigenous teachings and storytelling, the Summit is a live, in-person network where tradition meets disruption and innovation ignites wellbeing.

IGNITE Academic Forum

IGNITE Academic Forum is an online national gathering of leaders, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous Faculty, Deans, Associate Deans, Provosts, VPs of Research & Innovation, Indigenous Advisors, and Indigenous business leaders. The topics address real-time issues and priorities as institutions face new challenges and are seeking to advance reconciliation efforts against a global backdrop of uncertainty and change.

Webinars & Learning Opportunities

Food Sovereignty – Growing an Indigenous Seaweed Industry for Canada

How can Indigenous-led innovation in seaweed transform food sovereignty, sustainability, and economic development in Canada?

✨ In this Luminary webinar, we will:

Explore how Indigenous knowledge and science can drive a thriving Indigenous seaweed industry
Highlight opportunities for seaweed to strengthen food security, climate resilience, and new market development
Share how Luminary’s research and innovation agenda is advancing Indigenous-led solutions in agri-food, ocean industries, and beyond.

Hear from Indigenous leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are pioneering this fast-growing sector. They’ll share lessons from global seaweed industries, the role of Indigenous knowledge in sustainable harvesting, and the partnerships needed to scale a uniquely Indigenous-led seaweed economy in Canada.

Why Luminary?

Our Research & Innovation Agenda directly supports Indigenous-led projects that bring together traditional knowledge and modern science. Seaweed is a perfect example of how Indigenous innovation can act as a driver, accelerator, and multiplier effect—boosting economies, creating jobs, and advancing community wellbeing while protecting the environment.

Who should attend?

Indigenous business and community leaders in food and ocean sectors
Researchers and academics in agri-food, marine science, and sustainability
Policymakers, NGOs, and investors focused on food sovereignty and climate action

Join us as we chart the future of an Indigenous-led seaweed industry for Canada.