Published 8:19 am Monday, August 17, 2026 By Jill Westerman Northern News Services ‘Listening to the North’ is the message behind this year’s Kivalliq Trade Show, as organizers prepare to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, governments, Inuit organizations and industry representatives to help shape the region’s future. “There’s a lot of talk about trade, tariffs and Arctic sovereignty,” said Robert Connelly, president of the Kivalliq Trade Show Society. “We want people to come and not just talk to people but listen. Listen to what Inuit, our leadership, our communities and our organizations have to say.” The 17th annual Kivalliq Trade Show will be held in Rankin Inlet from Sept. 21-23, while the Kivalliq Entrepreneur Program, a five-day business development workshop, runs Sept. 19-23. This year’s trade show theme is Naalagit, an Inuktitut word meaning ‘listen.’ Connelly said the theme reflects growing national discussions around Arctic development, trade and Canada’s North, while emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from Nunavummiut. “There’s an increased focus on the tremendous resources that we have in the North, particularly mineral resources, and there’s a tremendous amount of talk about Arctic sovereignty,” said Connelly. “We want to make sure that people who come to the Kivalliq Trade Show know that it’s important to come and listen.” The trade show launched in 2010 as an initiative by organizations focused on economic development in the Kivalliq. A few years later, the organizers formed the Kivalliq Trade Show Society, whose membership now includes organizations such as the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Sakku Investments Corporation, Nunavut Development Corporation, the Government of Nunavut, Atuqtuarvik Corporation, Nunavut Arctic College, the Kivalliq Business Development Centre and other regional partners. Connelly said the event has grown steadily over the past 17 years and has become one of the territory’s largest business gatherings. “We’re at our maximum capacity every single year,” he said. “Our biggest challenge continues to be hotel space.” Organizers are expecting more than 250 delegates, over 50 exhibitors and up to 30 artists this year. Events will take place in the Agnico Eagle Arena complex and other venues in Rankin Inlet. A major component of the week is the Kivalliq Entrepreneur Program, an intensive workshop designed to help aspiring and established business owners. The program covers topics ranging from branding and networking to business plan development and accessing funding opportunities. Participants also meet with funding agencies, Inuit organizations and experienced business mentors while attending many of the trade show’s sessions and events. Applicants must be at least 19 years old, live in the Kivalliq region during the program, and be available to travel to Rankin Inlet from Whale Cove, Chesterfield Inlet, Naujaat, Arviat, Baker Lake or Coral Harbour. Airfare and accommodations are provided. Connelly said the entrepreneurship program has expanded well beyond the annual trade show. Several years ago, organizers began delivering the program directly in Kivalliq communities so entrepreneurs could participate closer to home. “We’ve been to every Kivalliq community at least once,” he said. “Some communities we’ve been to two and three times already.” The society has also partnered this year with Ilitaqsiniq, formerly the Nunavut Literacy Council, to help deliver portions of the entrepreneurship program and artist training workshops. The partnership will support artists who attend the trade show to sell their work while also developing business and marketing skills. This year’s keynote speakers include Canada’s Arctic ambassador Virginia Mearns, Nunavut Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Gloria Uluqsi. Panel discussions will focus on listening to communities, businesses, and organizations involved in Northern development. Connelly said the trade show continues to measure success by the connections it creates. “Every year we see announcements, deals being made and new partnerships,” he said. “The success is seeing all of that activity and what comes after — new businesses being created and development moving forward.” While presentations are reserved for registered delegates, many activities — including the arts market, fashion show, community entertainment evening and live performances — will be open to the public.
Kivalliq Trade Show returns with focus on entrepreneurs and Northern voices
