For over a decade, TEDxWinnipeg has been a beacon for big ideas, captivating audiences with thought-provoking talks and fostering meaningful discussions. But this year, it’s going even bigger — literally.
On May 29, TEDxWinnipeg will take the stage at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Concert Hall, marking the first time in the event’s history that it’s being held at a major university venue. With 13 speakers, interactive networking opportunities, and a brand-new Innovation Lounge presented by North Forge, attendees can expect a full day of inspiration, engagement, and transformative thinking.
A Festival of Ideas
Matthew TenBruggencate, TEDxWinnipeg’s First Officer, describes the event as “a festival of ideas.” The format is simple: each speaker gets 10 to 12 minutes to share an idea worth spreading. In between talks, attendees are encouraged to connect, reflect, and explore new perspectives.
“Expect ideas that will come at you, that will challenge you, that will move you… not just intellectually,” TenBruggencate said. “There's a lot of great thinking that’s shared, while still sharing their personal stories about how they're connected to community, how they've changed who they are as a result.”
TEDxWinnipeg has come a long way since its inaugural event in 2011. With more than 140 talks delivered over the years, this independently organized TED event continues to serve as a platform for the city’s most compelling voices.
This year, interest in TEDxWinnipeg reached an all-time high, with nearly 200 people pitching ideas. “It’s a real challenge, when you have so many great pitches,” said TenBruggencate. “We could’ve put on three or four TEDx events from the quality of pitches we received.”
Bringing Innovation to TEDx
Among the selected speakers is North Forge’s own Dana Driedger, Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives. A Cree woman from the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation, with Norwegian ancestry on her father’s side, Driedger will share her perspective on Two-Eyed Seeing, a concept introduced by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall that integrates Indigenous ways of knowing with Western ways of understanding.
“My mom grew up in the residential and day school system, where she was taught to value Western perspectives over her Indigenous heritage,” Driedger said. “Because of that, we didn’t openly identify as Cree or talk about spending summers on the reserve. It felt like we had to hide part of who we were. But if you only see the world through one eye, you miss its full depth. True understanding comes when you embrace both perspectives—seeing with both eyes.”
Her talk will explore how this approach can bridge cultures, foster healing, and transform how we think about inclusion and knowledge-sharing.
At North Forge, Driedger applies this mindset to entrepreneurship. “When people talk about funding opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, the traditional Western system that’s in place is really not built for Indigenous people,” she said. “So, being able to look at unique funding models, or even our programming [at North Forge]… we’re incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing so it’s more well-rounded and you’re seeing things through both eyes, not just through a Western colonized perspective.”
For Driedger, TEDxWinnipeg is a natural fit.
“A TED Talk is about sharing an idea — whether through storytelling, a personal journey, or a powerful message. It’s not just about what you say, but how you educate, inspire, and help people see the world in a new way,” she said. “Another perspective is that Indigenous people very much value storytelling and oral history, so TED Talks are kind of that: a way to pass on an idea to another generation, or a way of seeing the world.”
Get Your Tickets
North Forge, a longtime champion of innovation in Manitoba, is stepping up as the sponsor of this year’s Innovation Lounge. Designed as a welcoming space for attendees to gather, reflect, and connect, the lounge embodies the TEDx spirit — sparking creativity and fostering meaningful discussions.
With a fresh venue, an outstanding lineup of speakers, and an ever-growing community of engaged attendees, TEDxWinnipeg 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting one yet. Tickets go on sale to the public on March 3, with a discount available for University of Manitoba students. Parking is covered, a shuttle will transport attendees from the lot to the venue, and food trucks will be on-site to accommodate various dietary needs.
“We really want to make it effortless for people to attend, so they can engage fully with the ideas,” TenBruggencate said.
An event fueled by curiosity, creativity, and community, TEDxWinnipeg 2025 is ready to inspire. The only question left is: are you?
For more details and ticket information, visit tedxwinnipeg.ca. For more information on North Forge and its free programming for startups, visit northforge.ca.
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