On February 25-27, 2025, UCN hosted Linkages Thompson: Reimagine the North. In partnership with Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Province of Manitoba, and CEDF Look North, UCN Linkages is dedicated to tackling the challenges and opportunities shaping our region’s future. This recurring event facilitates productive and honest conversations about the North, in the North.
Key People and Conversations
This year’s conference attracted a powerhouse of decision-makers. Participants included Minister Renée Cable, Minister Jamie Moses, and several Assistant and Deputy Ministers, alongside community Elders and industry leaders.
Topics covered included northern workforce development, economic diversification, Manitoba’s Critical Minerals Strategy, Indigenous ownership, and economic reconciliation. These themes were threaded throughout three days of thought-provoking keynotes, panels, and presentations, all aimed at reimagining what’s possible for the North.
UCN Linkages Thompson kicked off with a keynote delivered by Eric Termuende. Termuende reminded attendees that while we can’t predict the future, we can build strong, adaptable teams capable of navigating change.
Ken Coates, historian and researcher, gave attendees a sobering call to action. He laid out the realities of the Northern region’s economic state and the steps needed to make meaningful progress. Coates’ keynote was complemented by Sven-Roald Nystø, retired Special Advisor. Nystø travelled from Norway to share lessons from Indigenous Sápmi communities. He explored topics of governance, resource extraction, and sustainable development.
Beyond the keynotes, a series of expert presentations and panels dug deeper into specific opportunities. First Nation Economic Strategic Planner and Negotiator, Christian Sinclair, provided inspiring insights into Indigenous economic development. Sinclair demonstrated how Northern Indigenous communities, like Marcel Colomb First Nation, are investing in their futures through strategic partnerships. UCN’s Tara Manych and Jamie Grant highlighted one of UCN’s key initiatives, the Mining Readiness Program, which is preparing northern workforces for opportunities in the mining sector.
Other highlights included:
- The rollout of Economic Development Winnipeg’s Work in Manitoba job portal
- CEWIL Canada’s exploration of work-integrated learning as a strategy to shape Manitoba’s future workforce
- Federated Cooperatives Limited’s mission of building sustainable communities across Canada
Several panel discussions brought together industry leaders and policymakers to explore big-picture challenges and solutions. Wednesday’s schedule featured a Deputy Ministers Panel, which discussed ways to empower Northern Indigenous communities through workforce development and economic opportunities. Thursday’s Ministers and Mayors Panel tackled strategies for collaboration in Manitoba’s northern mineral sector.
Beyond the Sessions: Meaningful Connections & Cultural Experiences
This year’s Linkages began with powerful and grounding Blanket Exercise. A pre-conference cultural session helped set the tone for open, honest discussions about reconciliation and Indigenous perspectives. Participants were also given a chance to tour UCN and RD Parker Collegiate or explore Thompson through a guided tour hosted by the City of Thompson.
Attendees engaged with local businesses and organizations through this year’s booth displays, which offered a space for one-on-one discussions. The Dine Around Networking Dinner was catered by Flin Flon’s Aurora + Pine. This evening gave participants a unique opportunity to sit down with different government officials and local leaders during each course of a three-course meal.
Looking Ahead
The strength of UCN Linkages is that the conversations don’t end when the conference wraps up. The ideas shared, partnerships formed, and strategies developed during these three days will shape policies, investments, and collaborations that drive the North forward. UCN remains committed to being at the center of these discussions, ensuring that Northern Manitoba’s workforce, industries, and communities continue to grow and thrive.
The next UCN Linkages event will take place in The Pas on October 21-22, 2025.