Indigenous-owned businesses from across the region will gather at Thompson Rivers University this Friday for the second annual Indigenous Vendor Showcase, an event designed to strengthen relationships and build new business opportunities between Indigenous vendors and public- and private-sector buyers.
Hosted collaboratively by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, City of Kamloops, Thompson Rivers University, Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation, and Peter Lucas Project Management, the showcase will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7 in the TRU Conference Centre’s Grand Hall. The event is supported by Métis Nation BC and the Provincial Health Services Authority.
Refreshments will be provided for attendees, who are invited to explore the more than 45 Indigenous-owned businesses participating this year — from artisans and creatives to trades, consulting, and professional services. “Last year’s showcase really highlighted how valuable it is to create space for these kinds of connections,” said Jenny Miles, BCLC’s Manager of Social and Sustainable Procurement. “We heard from both buyers and Indigenous businesses that they wanted more time and more space to meet, so this year we’ve expanded the event and moved it to TRU to accommodate even more vendors.”
The inaugural Indigenous Vendor Showcase, held in 2024 at BCLC’s Kamloops headquarters, quickly filled to capacity. Organizers say the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and helped shape this year’s expanded format.
Miles explained that the idea for the event emerged from ongoing work between BCLC’s procurement team, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc’s Economic Development team, and other local partners. “It really started with conversations about how we could advance Indigenous procurement opportunities within our organizations,” she said. “From those discussions came the idea to hold a showcase — an event that’s exactly what it sounds like: an opportunity for Indigenous-owned businesses to showcase what they do and for organizations to come and make meaningful connections.”
While the showcase is not a marketplace for direct sales, it’s a chance for vendors to display their capabilities and for businesses, institutions, and government agencies to learn how they might collaborate in the future.
Jake Tourand, BCLC’s Senior Specialist of Indigenous Relations, said this year’s lineup represents a broad cross-section of Indigenous entrepreneurship in the Kamloops region. “We’ve got more than 45 vendors this year, which is fantastic,” Tourand said. “There’s a really wide range — everything from artisans and creative industries to trades, flooring, electrical, and consulting services. It’s a great opportunity for organizations like BCLC, TRU, and the City of Kamloops to see firsthand the depth and diversity of Indigenous-owned businesses right here in our community.”
Tourand added that the event aligns with broader goals of economic reconciliation by creating genuine, sustainable connections between Indigenous entrepreneurs and the organizations that purchase goods and services locally. “People are often surprised by how many Indigenous-owned businesses are out there and by the range of what they offer,” he said. “Whether you’re a buyer, a business owner, or just someone curious to learn more, it’s a great chance to meet people, network, and start building those relationships.”
The afternoon will include a brief welcome followed by open networking, allowing attendees to visit vendor tables at their own pace. Parking is available in nearby TRU lots, with daily rates of $5 for Economy and $6.50 for General parking.
Space for vendors is limited, and registration is required to secure a free table. Those interested in attending or learning more can contact the event organizers through the Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation or BCLC websites.
Event Details
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thompson Rivers University, Conference Centre – Grand Hall (Campus Activity Centre), 1055 University Drive, Kamloops, BC
