Ryan’s Roundup to Showcase Indigenous Business and Culture in Calgary

CALGARY, AB – April 28, 2026 – An evening dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, and leadership is set to bring Calgary’s business community together on May 7. Ryan’s Roundup, an annual networking event hosted at Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall, aims to create a dynamic space for meaningful connection and conversation, building on a successful gathering last year that drew more than 500 attendees.

Organized by local marketing firm WJ Agency, the event is intentionally designed to be more than a typical business mixer. With free admission to ensure broad accessibility, it serves as a vibrant platform for elevating Indigenous voices and fostering economic opportunities.

A Platform for Economic Reconciliation

The event arrives at a crucial time for Alberta's economy. Indigenous entrepreneurship is a significant and rapidly growing force in the province, with Indigenous-owned businesses being created at nine times the rate of their non-Indigenous counterparts. However, this growth often occurs despite systemic barriers, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and traditional business networks.

Ryan’s Roundup directly addresses these challenges by creating an environment where relationships can be forged and Indigenous businesses can thrive. “I started Ryan’s Roundup because I believe in the power of bringing people together," said Ryan Townend, CEO of WJ Agency, in a statement. "When you get the right people in the room, real conversations happen, relationships are built, and that is where momentum begins, especially around conversations as important as Indigenous business, culture, and leadership.”

The event’s structure facilitates this momentum. A dedicated marketplace will feature Indigenous vendors showcasing and selling authentic, locally made goods, from art and fashion to unique consumer products. This provides attendees with a direct channel to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and connect with the creators behind the brands, turning the principles of economic reconciliation into tangible action. This model aligns with a broader movement in Calgary, where initiatives like the City of Calgary’s developing Indigenous Procurement Program aim to reduce barriers and integrate Indigenous-owned businesses more fully into the local economy.

Spotlight on Indigenous Voices and Innovation

A key draw of the evening is its powerful lineup of Indigenous talent, representing the forefront of creativity and thought leadership in Alberta.

The main stage will feature a live performance by Jaiden Riley, an Albertan Métis singer-songwriter whose music captures the "heart of the prairies and old soul storytelling." Known for her blend of folk, classic country, and bluegrass, Riley has become a rising star in the provincial music scene. Her recent win as the 2025 Ranchman's Country 105 Rising Star secured her a spot at the Country Thunder Alberta 2026 festival, and she has graced prominent stages like the Calgary Stampede and the historic King Eddy. Her performance is expected to bring a layer of fearless vulnerability and rich narrative to the event.

The evening will also feature a pivotal conversation with Jordan Baptiste, Partner and President at Creative Fire. Baptiste is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous economic reconciliation and corporate strategy. He leads what is described as Canada's only 100% Indigenous community-owned, rights-based strategy and creative firm, a powerhouse of purpose-driven innovation. As a trusted advisor to executive boards and Indigenous governments, Baptiste offers a grounded perspective on business, policy, and community impact. Rather than a scripted presentation, the event will foster an authentic dialogue with him about the current state and future of Indigenous economic sovereignty and representation.

Furthering the theme of innovation, a fashion showcase will highlight a new generation of Indigenous designers. The collections of Daanis Demeria, Taylor Bottle, Cieran Starlight, and Sienna Prince McPherson will be featured, positioning them not just as designers but as "storytellers, culture carriers, and innovators." This showcase taps into a growing appreciation for Indigenous fashion, which blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. It reflects a wider trend seen in Calgary, such as a 2025 exhibit at Southcentre Mall that successfully brought the work of ten Indigenous designers to a mainstream audience, opening dialogue through the powerful medium of apparel.

Building an Inclusive Community

By offering free admission, Ryan's Roundup actively removes financial barriers, encouraging a diverse mix of business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and community members to participate. This inclusive approach is central to its mission of fostering genuine understanding and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The expected increase in attendance this year signals a strong public appetite for events that blend social networking with meaningful cultural exchange.

The event is part of a larger tapestry of reconciliation efforts woven throughout Calgary. It complements initiatives like the annual Walk for Reconciliation, the work of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, and the ambitious project to establish an Indigenous Gathering Place in the city by 2027. These collective efforts demonstrate a city-wide commitment to moving beyond acknowledgment and toward active partnership and empowerment.

Ryan's Roundup is positioned as a catalyst in this movement, providing a welcoming, high-energy environment where business and culture intersect. It offers a model for how communities can come together to celebrate heritage, support local economies, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future. The evening promises to be a convergence of commerce, creativity, and community, fostering connections that will resonate long after the final song is played.