September 21-23, 2026 | Fredericton, NB

Designed for organizational leaders, managers, and decision-makers, this event focuses on strengthening organizational capacity and resilience in a changing funding environment. Through a keynote presentation and facilitated discussions, participants will explore sustainable funding practices, including diversifying revenue streams, strengthening community partnerships, and developing long-term approaches that support mission-driven work.

As funding landscapes continue to shift and evolve, this event will provide practical insights to help organizations adapt, plan strategically, and build sustainable funding models for the future.

Agenda

Download the agenda

Meet the presenters

Pierre Wijdeness

Pierre is a coach, consultant, and entrepreneur with a strong background in business and innovation. Holding a PhD in Engineering from the University of Calgary, he co-founded and led a deep-tech company focused on healthcare and women’s health, driving innovation with societal impact.
As Lead Consultant at Scale, Pierre specializes in business strategy, revenue diversification, capital raising, risk analysis, and decision support. He has helped organizations develop sustainable funding models and optimize operations for long-term impact. His leadership experience includes operational management and building high-performing teams through shared vision and aligned values.
Pierre’s coaching approach is rooted in data-driven insights, innovation, and financial sustainability. He helps organizations unlock growth opportunities, navigate complex challenges, and scale solutions that create lasting social value. Some of his favorite reads that influenced his leadership philosophy: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, and Measure What Matters by John Doerr.

Ron Tremblay, spasaqsit possesom

Ron Tremblay is his colonial birth name but is known as “spasaqsit possesom” (spuz-akw-zid buz-za-zum) – “morningstar burning” in his traditional circles. He is a citizen of Wolastokuk (Wa-lus-da-gook) and lives in Eqpahak (e-kw-ba-hug), Fredericton. Being the youngest of 10 children of the late Doris Sappier and Raymond Tremblay, Ron grew-up surrounded by Wolastoqey (Wa-lus-do-kway) Language spoken fluently. He credits his Mother Doris and Grandparents Madeline LePorte and Louise Sappier for his genuine love of Wolastoqey Language and he also acknowledges that They provided him the True Teachings of Life.
After moving to Fredericton in 1991 he befriended several Elders from the local area. The two main Elders Harry LaPorte (Ulsonuwit Sqot) and Gwen Bear (Sagatay) guided him deeper into his Wolastoqey Spiritual Ways. After years of involvement in various ceremonies with his teachers Ron gained wisdom and knowledge of “Wolastoqey Way of Life”.
In November of 2016, Ron was installed as Traditional Wolastoqewi-Grand Chief. The mandate of Wolastoqey Grand Council is to protect and preserve Wolastokuk, their non-ceded traditional homeland, waterways, ceremonies and language.

Any questions? Contact Nicole O’Connor, Learning Lead at noconnor@araisa.ca