From Vision To Reality: Vision Quest Conference 2008

FOR RELEASE
April 9, 2008

Winnipeg MB — The 12th annual Vision Quest Conference happens May 13 to 15 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss and promote Aboriginal business, community and economic development.Vision Quest provides opportunities for learning, networking, information sharing, and partnership building, combined with cultural awareness, celebrations, and entertainment. This year’s program was announced today during a media conference at The Radisson – Vision Quest’s host hotel for 2008 – and offers an exciting line-up of speakers, workshops, exhibitors, artistic programming, and practical presentations.

Visit www.vqconference.com for online registration, exhibitor applications, and more information

KEY NOTE SPEAKER – ADAM BEACH

Special key note speaker Adam Beach will address Vision Quest on May 14 as part of the Opening Ceremonies, sharing insights into his career as an award-winning actor. Currently starring in the television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Adam has poured his talents into memorable characters for such films as Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Windtalkers (2002), and others. He is also an accomplished stage actor, inspiring speaker, and inspiration to everyone pursuing their own business success stories.

SPECIAL MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION – KIGEET

It is said that at the moment of death, your life flashes before your eyes, your soul leaves your body, and you meet everyone that has gone before you. When Joe commits suicide, it’s his moment to remember those from his past who have affected him. Produced and written by Chris Beach and directed by Derek Quill, Kigeet is a touring multi-media stage play meant to bring awareness to suicide prevention. The presentation during Vision Quest on May 14 will feature a special “live” performance by Adam Beach, as he interacts with “taped” performances by Don Burnstick, Joy Keeper, Rose Marsden, and others.

TECHNOLOGY ROOM

A brand new feature of Vision Quest, the Technology Room offers businesses the opportunity to exhibit technology services and share information. Scheduled presentations take place throughout two days, covering topics like video conferencing, computer software, efficiency programs, information protection, e-commerce, blogging, messaging, digital printing, and more.

YOUTH PROGRAM

This year’s Youth Program offers a youth reception on May 13, featuring dance party with DJ Hooligan, and concert by RedNation. Special workshops and awards ceremonies during the conference are geared towards youth, while Graffiti Gallery programming provides an artistic outlet for delegates young and old.

Vision Quest Chair Kim Bullard from the Dakota Ojibway Community Futures Development Corporation is looking forward to this year’s conference: “Now in our 12th year, Vision Quest promises to build on previous success, and continue to be an even bigger and better opportunity for Aboriginal business and economic development.”

Delegates to previous events have come from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northern Ontario, Alberta, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. Delegates include Aboriginal business owners and operators, community leaders, economic development officers, investors and financial institutions, government agencies, Aboriginal youth, and individuals and businesses interested in working with Aboriginal communities and organizations.

Vision Quest Conferences Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization formed through partnerships with six Community Futures Development Corporations (Cedar Lake CFDC, Dakota Ojibway CFDC, Kitayan CFDC, Northwest CFDC, North Central CFDC, Southeast CFDC). Vision Quest thanks the following sponsors for their generous support: Indian Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), MTS All Stream, Manitoba Hydro, All Nations Printing, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, Winnipeg Convention Centre, and The Radisson.

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FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Lisa Hill, Conference Coordinator
Phone 204-942-5049 or 1-800-557-8242 / Email visionquest@mts.net

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES AND ACCREDITATION:
RoseAnna Schick, RAS Creative
Phone 204-783-7600 / Email rascreative@yahoo.ca