2025 Gathering Day 1 Program

Doors & Registration Open

Breakfast served

Program Starts

Opening comments from Rod Ruff, CEO & President, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

Keynote Speaker - Ross Pambrun

Ross ‘MEMPHIS’ Pambrun is an engaging Indigenous Métis business leader and as CEO of the cyber innovation company, The Memphis Group, he brings real-world experience in AI and environmental solutions. Ross emphasizes belonging and collaboration as key to impactful environmental action and strengthening Indigenous relationships. His diverse background, including work in AI, community safety, and Indigenous advocacy, offers unique insights into fostering inclusivity and driving innovation for a sustainable future.

Short Break

Take this time to grab a coffee or tea, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow attendees. Visit the booths to explore resources and opportunities, or relax and engage in meaningful conversations in the Gathering Lounge.

Keynote and Panel: Navigating Alberta's Green Building Landscape

This session explores Alberta’s green building industry, from some of its early work to its current policies and future trends. Panelists will discuss past leadership in sustainable construction, evolving regulations—including code adoptions and carbon policies—and the challenges of balancing business and environmental goals. The conversation will also highlight the role of Alberta Ecotrust and ENBIX in advancing the sector and fostering collaboration. Keynote: Andrea Linsky, Director, Emissions-Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation Panel: Audrina Lim, Director, Sustainable Construction (Chandos Construction), Melanie Ross, Research Chair (SAIT), Grace Gillman, Shift: Climate Transitions Program Lead (Biosphere Institute), Carleen Etmanski, Policy Analyst (City of Edmonton)

Breakout Session Previews

Before heading to your breakout sessions, take a moment to hear from each session host or coordinator as they deliver a brief 1-2 minute pitch about their session. These previews will help you choose the session that aligns best with your interests and goals for the conference. Time included to take a quick break and move to breakout rooms.

Breakout Session: Securing Funding for Climate & Environmental Initiatives: Funders’ Perspective

Join us for an insightful panel discussion with experienced funders on how to successfully secure funding for environmental projects and programs in Alberta. Our expert panellists will share insider perspectives on crafting strong proposals, navigating the funding process, and avoiding common pitfalls. We’ll also explore the unique challenges and opportunities shaping the environmental funding landscape in our province. Whether you’re new to securing funding or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable insights to help you strengthen your funding proposals. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from those who make funding decisions! Speakers: Elizabeth McCallion, Executive Director (Peter Gilgan Foundation), Karen Wilkie, Vice President (Carthy Foundation), Jerilynn Daniels, Regional Director (RBC Foundation), Gabriela Pino, Director of Development (Alberta Ecotrust Foundation)

Breakout Session: Power, People, and Policy: Demystifying Government Relations

This session will explore the importance of government relations (GR) in advancing environmental policies and projects, addressing common fears and misconceptions within the ENGO community. With insights from Counsel Public Affairs, participants will gain a better understanding of GR processes, how to effectively engage with government and senior bureaucrats, and why advocacy is a powerful tool for change. While rooted in water policy, the discussion will take a broader approach, making connections across environmental sectors. This session will serve as a teaser for future GR training opportunities and may link to municipal engagement strategies. Speaker: Jennifer Henshaw, Associate Vice President, Prairies (Counsel Public Affairs)

Breakout Session: Environmental Law and the Rights of Nature

Join Jason Unger, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Centre, for an engaging session on the emerging rights of nature movement. Explore how legal personhood for rivers and other innovations can bridge Indigenous and settler worldviews, reshape environmental governance, and drive reconciliation. Through interactive discussions, reflect on how this approach could transform your work and our relationship with nature. Speaker: Jason Unger, Executive Director, Environmental Law Centre

Breakout Session: Procurement and Circular Economy

Details to come. Speaker: Leor Rotchild, Senior Director, Upswing Solutions

Breakout session: Case Study of Co-Benefits: Home Upgrades Program

Details to come. Speakers: Kambo Energy Group and Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

Lunch

Plenary Session: Bridging Wisdom - An Interactive Drumming Experience

Experience the transformative power of drumming and storytelling in Bridging Wisdom, a 60-minute interactive workshop with Julien Lepage of Circles of Rhythm and Walter MacDonald White Bear, blending Indigenous teachings and community rhythms to inspire connection, balance, and environmental stewardship.

Breakout Session Previews

Before heading to your breakout sessions, take a moment to hear from each session host or coordinator as they deliver a brief 1-2 minute pitch about their session. These previews will help you choose the session that aligns best with your interests and goals for the conference. Time included to take a quick break and move to breakout rooms.

Breakout Session: Collaborative State of the Watershed Reporting for Shared Stewardship

This session will explore collaborative State of the Watershed reporting, featuring the newly released State of the Bow River Watershed Report by the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC). The report, developed with input from all sectors, serves as a key knowledge-sharing tool for researchers, industry, stewardship groups, and government. The session includes a demonstration of the online report, a discussion on the importance of collaboration in watershed reporting, and a panel with report contributors. Speakers: Mike Murray, Executive Director (Bow River Basin Council), Dr. Cathy Ryan, Hydrology and Water Quality Expert (University of Calgary), Dr. Pieter Aukes, Groundwater Expert, (SAIT), Wendell Koning, Limnologist Expert (Bow River Basin Council), Flora Giesbrecht, Executive Director (Elbow River Watershed Partnership) Moderator: Brooke Kapeller, Program Coordinator (Bow River Basin Council)

Breakout Session: The Power of Partnerships - How Collaboration Can Drive Environmental Projects

No single sector can tackle Alberta’s environmental challenges alone. This session will showcase three organizations with impactful projects that thrived through cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating how partnerships between non-profits, government, industry, and Indigenous communities drive real change. Speakers will highlight key success factors—trust-building, conflict resolution, and formalizing relationships—while exploring the broader social and economic benefits of working together. A moderated panel will dive deeper into the complexities of collaboration, including navigating different perspectives in an increasingly polarized world. Attendees will leave with inspiration and practical insights to foster meaningful partnerships in their own work. Speakers: Megan Evans, Executive Director (Alberta Native Bee Council), Marina Krainer, Executive Director (Ghost Watershed Alliance), Sabrina Huot, Communications and Engagement Specialist (Alberta Emerald Foundation)

Breakout Session: Deep Retrofits for Cost-Effective, Emissions-Neutral Buildings

The session explores the complexities of deep energy retrofits in everything from homes to large commerical buildings, featuring insights from Alberta Ecotrust and Retrofit Canada. Deeti will introduce retrofit initiatives, financing solutions, and partnerships, followed by Peter Amerongen presenting the Retrofit Roadmap—a practical guide to planning cost-effective, emissions-neutral building upgrades. Through real-world case studies, participants will gain strategies to streamline retrofits, avoid inefficiencies, and bridge technical challenges for successful project outcomes. Speakers: Peter Amerongen, Energy Conservation Consultant (Retrofit Canada), Deeti Makkar, Senior Program Manager, Retrofit Accelerator (Alberta Ecotrust Foundation)

Breakout Session: Building & Strengthening Partnerships with Municipal Governments to Maximize EV Impact

Municipalities play a key role in expanding EV infrastructure, yet collaboration gaps often slow progress. This session explores how non-profits, local governments, and industry can work together to accelerate EV adoption. Featuring case studies from BC and Alberta, including municipal peer networks and EV charging partnerships, speakers from Community Energy Association will share strategies for engaging municipalities, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and scaling impact. Participants will take part in an interactive partnership design sprint, leaving with practical tools to build stronger municipal relationships and drive transportation electrification efforts. Speakers: Maya Chorobik, Director of Climate Leadership (Community Energy Association) and Kate Letizia, Senior Community Energy Manager (Community Energy Association)

Breakout Session: Building Bridges - Practical Approaches to Communicating Climate (Alberta Edition)

Session details to come. Speaker: Amber Bennett, Executive Director (Re.Climate)

Short Break

Take this time to grab a coffee or tea, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow attendees. Visit the booths to explore resources and opportunities, or relax and engage in meaningful conversations in the Gathering Lounge.

Keynote Speaker: Cliffton Cross

Cliffton Cross, a Frog Lake First Nations (FLFN) Council Member, brings over 20 years of experience working with youth and previously served as FLFN's Youth and Recreation Director for 10 years. He is a driving force behind FLFN's involvement in industry projects such as green hydrogen and carbon sequestration. Councillor Cross focuses on Capacity Development, Research, and Sustainable Economic Development through the comprehensive Legacy Energy & Alternative Power (LEAP) Strategic Master Plan, which integrates energy, transportation, food, and water sovereignty. His commitment extends to building an Indigenous-led sustainable economy for current and future generations.

Closing Remarks and Day End

Networking Reception

Networking reception with live music, drinks, and light refreshments. Open for all conference attendees.

Optional social activity - Beading Class

Discover the art of peyote-style beading during this class! This hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of creating a stunning, handcrafted feather—perfect as a meaningful gift or a keepsake for yourself. Join us at Mount Royal University for this creative experience, hosted by Moonstone Creation. Sign up and payment required. See 'add-ons' under 'Get Tickets' on Eventbrite page to reserve your spot!

Optional social activity - Restorative Yoga and Sound Meditation

Awaken and invigorate the body, mind, and spirit with gentle guided movements and breathwork. This practice will work to encourage healing throughout the physical and emotional body. Movement will be followed by comfortable meditation to bask in the power of sound healing with quartz crystal bowls. The tones produced by crystal bowls are heard by the ear, and the vibrations are felt by the body, affecting the energy centres (chakras) for healing, balancing, and meditation. Join us at Mount Royal University for this peaceful practice, hosted by Mount Royal Recreation. Sign-up and payment are required. See 'add-ons' under 'Get Tickets' on Eventbrite to reserve your spot!

Optional social activity - Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, guided by team members who will be available for questions. Afterward, they will return to the event hall, where the experience continues with a curated flight of four beer tasters, accompanied by a guided sensory tasting, offering insight into each brew and its key ingredients. Hosted by Veranda at the Stables. Sign up and payment required. See 'add-ons' under 'Get Tickets' on Eventbrite to reserve your spot!

Conference Bar

Not interested in one of the social activities? Join fellow conference attendees at Veranda at the Stables on Thursday evening for a casual and fun networking experience! Enjoy great company, food, and drink specials—just mention you're with the conference. Don't miss this perfect chance to unwind and connect!