Presenters
Embracing Change - A Prosperous Indigenous Economy
2024 Presenters
2024
Presenters
Jody Anderson
Born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Jody is Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3 and a proud member of Couchiching First Nation. As the Strategy & Partnerships Advisor, Jody is responsible for the design and development of strategic initiatives and building and advancing relationships with First Nations who are pursuing development and prosperity for their communities. Her role is to educate, advocate and advance partnerships for the mandate and services offered by the FNFA for First Nations clients throughout Canada. She has attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and is a Business Administration graduate (Human Resources Management) from Fleming College. She has also received her Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada. Jody has recently been appointed as community trustee for Couchiching First Nation Legacy Trust Fund. In her spare time, Jody volunteers with various community initiatives, boards and loves being active with her family. She currently resides in Ottawa with her husband and two sons.
Holly Atjecoutay
Holly is the Director of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program at Futurpreneur. She is Cree and Saulteaux from Cowessess First Nation in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan and is proud to call Mohkinstsis (Calgary) in Treaty 7 territory her home. Holly’s background is in Oil and Gas, Non-profit, Legal and Community Economic Development, and she has always worked within and alongside rural and urban Indigenous Communities, in addition to starting her own business as an entrepreneur. Holly relies heavily on her team to provide invaluable support, resources, and programming to Indigenous Young Entrepreneurs nationwide. She guides the team to success, maintains important relationships with partners, and ensures all Indigenous communities in Canada are aware of Futurpreneur’s services. Holly’s passion is challenging stereotypes of First Nations peoples and encouraging education and involvement in Indigenous economic development.
Céline Auclair, PhD
Dr. Céline Auclair is a co-founder and the executive director of the First Peoples Innovation Centre and the general manager of Onaki FabLab. She has a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and a master’s degree in regional development from Université Laval. Her areas of expertise are governance structures, human rights and First Peoples history. Since 2006, Céline has been a commissioner for the First Nations Tax Commission of Canada.
Co-fondatrice du Centre d’Innovation des Premiers Peuples et gestionnaire principale du FabLab ONAKI, madame Auclair détient un doctorat en Relations Internationales de l’Institut des Hautes Études Internationales de Genève et d’une maîtrise en développement régional de l’Université Laval de Québec. Son expertise porte sur les structures de gouvernance, les droits de la personne et l’histoire des Premiers Peuples. Depuis 2006, Dr. Auclair est commissaire au sein de la Commission de la Fiscalité des Premières Nations du Canada.
Jennifer Brennan
Jennifer joined Mastercard Foundation in 2018 and serves as Director, Canada Programs. She leads a dedicated team engaged in collaborative programming across Canada involving multiple sectors with Indigenous youth and their communities. As part of the Foundation’s Senior Leadership team, she engages with peers across country teams throughout Africa in service of the Young Africa Works strategy and youth-led transformation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jennifer led key public policy negotiations on behalf of Indigenous Nations, advancing issues like education and land rights. She worked within and for Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada for twenty years, serving as Chief of Staff at the Assembly of First Nations and Director of Strategic Policy. Jennifer brings a strong sense of the importance of community participation, consensus building and a commitment to the affirmation and recognition of Indigenous rights and community-led direction. She serves on the Governing Council of the Royal Society of Canada and boards of several Indigenous charities. Jennifer holds Honours and Masters degrees in Political Science.
Laurel Broten
Laurel is currently the CEO of Invest in Canada, Canada’s national investment attraction and promotion corporation. From 2015 to 2022, she was the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), the agency responsible for investment attraction and export development for the Province of Nova Scotia. Laurel is a seasoned executive, public policy expert, former senior Ontario Cabinet Minister, lawyer, legislator and advocate. Prior to her current role, she provided strategic advice on complex public policy challenges and conducted a comprehensive review of Nova Scotia’s taxes and regulations as President and CEO of Broten Public Policy International Inc. from 2013-2015. Laurel has also served in the Government of Ontario in various ministerial roles from 2003-2013. She is an award-winning CEO, recognized for her achievements including being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Laurel lives in Halifax with her husband and twin teenage sons.
Carey Calder, MBA
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. Carey holds her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with corporate financial expertise and solid governance understanding.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions to Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming where she supported a wide range of priorities, including research, vetting, and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business
development in Canada, US and New Zealand.
Carey holds a passion for team building and sees a direct connection between progressive Human Resource (HR) management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has over 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations and specializes in not-for-profit (NFP) organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, focusing on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement with the National Association
of Friendship Centres and she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and fully renovate a building to operate core programming, providing stability to services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure she advocated and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and completely overhaul
new space as expansion of services for Indigenous child care.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Dr. Wendy Cukier
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, and academic research director of the Future Skills Centre. She has written many articles, co-authored the bestseller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation. She is the academic director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), a national network and accessible digital platform supported by the Government of Canada that addresses the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs across regions and sectors. With 10 regional hubs and over 250 partner organizations, WEKH spreads its expertise from coast to coast, enabling service providers, academics, government and industry to enhance their support for women entrepreneurs.
Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is the traditional name given to the National Indigenous Hub for WEKH. Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is working toward building an inclusive innovation ecosystem for Indigenous women entrepreneurs nationally. Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is housed at one of WEKH’s Regional Hubs, the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, which is located on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, and on the Homeland of the Métis Nation. The Diversity Institute and WEKH work closely with Indigenous organizations to lead research. Projects include reports with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, including Breaking Barriers: A Decade of Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada, and Skills for Inclusive Workplaces and the Advancement of Indigenous Peoples, as well as analyses within reports that include insights on Indigenous Peoples, like Greening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Women Entrepreneurs and the Path to Net Zero and State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada. Upcoming is an analysis of Indigenous women in WEKH’s See It. Be It. database, an anti-stereotyping campaign that features award-winning women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Wendy has been recognized with many awards and has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, one of the “100 Alumni who shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto and an International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference.
Brian Davey
Brian Davey is the Chief Executive Officer for NADF in Thunder Bay Ontario, an Indigenous Financial Institution that serves 88 First Nations. Prior to working with NADF, Brian held senior positions with Matawa First Nations Management, First Nations Equity, Economic Renewal Initiative, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and had his own private management consultant business. Brian has over 35 years of experience working in the public and private sectors on First Nation business and economic development as an elected First Nation’s leader, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Manager, and management consultant. Much of his experience is focused on northern Ontario in the resource sector, infrastructure development and financing of small businesses. He has also been a director a several boards, both public and non-profit. Brian is also in the Real Estate business and owns several residential properties that he manages throughout the Thunder Bay area.
Brian is a Native Studies graduate from Trent University. He was born in Moose Factory, Ontario and is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation.
Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Soraya Martinez Ferrada is Canada’s Minister of Tourism, and also serves as Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. Born in Chile, she came to Canada as political refugee and grew up in the east end of Montreal. After a career in the community and cultural sector, Minister Ferrada entered politics as a Montreal city councillor in 2005. In 2019, she was elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Hochelaga and re-elected in 2021. After serving as Parliamentary Secretary to several Ministers, Minister Ferrada was appointed Minister of Tourism in July 2023. She has spent the past months touring the country, supporting the industry while encouraging more visitors choose Canada. As Minister, she’s focussed on helping Canadian tourism reach its full potential, supporting the growth of Indigenous tourism and overcoming challenges like housing, labour, transportation and the threat of climate change.
Minister Patty Hajdu
The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North in 2015. She has previously served as Minister of Health, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Minister of Status of Women.
Minister Hajdu is a strong advocate for women’s rights, youth employment, and affordable housing.
Before entering politics, Minister Hajdu was the Executive Director of Shelter House Thunder Bay and a co-author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. She also previously worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development, and homelessness.
She is a compassionate advocate for Thunder Bay—Superior North and all of Canada, believing that a more inclusive country benefits everyone. As Member of Parliament, she remains firmly focused on ensuring every Canadian has a fair shot at success.
Minister Hajdu is a graduate of Lakehead University and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
Justine Hendricks
Justine Hendricks is President and Chief Executive Officer at FCC. She comes to FCC after 17 years with Export Development Canada (EDC) and seven years with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). She is an impactful strategist whose diverse experience includes delivering financial services on the front line, leading successful organizational transformations, evolving risk management capabilities, spearheading the development of innovative financial products, and developing and executing corporate strategies. Much of her career has been focused on lending to and supporting Canadian businesses across critical export sectors, including agriculture and agri-food.
In her time at EDC, Justine was responsible for several different business functions, including business development in the resources, forestry, seafood, agricultural equipment, light manufacturing and extractive sectors, and the transformation of the Financing and Investment Group. Her most recent role saw her responsible for aligning the corporate strategy with evolving business principles and practices focused on the environment, human rights and innovation. Justine has received several awards for her leadership and is well known for mobilizing and listening to her teams while putting the client at the centre of decisions. Justine is a member of the University of Ottawa Board of Governors and currently sits on their Audit Committee. She also volunteers extensively and currently serves as Chair of the Digital Opportunity Trust. Justine earned an MBA from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University.
Alison Kirkland
A leader in the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Alison was named WEOC’s inaugural CEO in 2019. Since then, she has guided WEOC’s growth from Board-run initiative to integral resource within the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A longtime advocate for increased access to capital for women entrepreneurs, Alison oversees the $30 million WEOC National Loan Program, which was announced by the Government of Canada in 2022. Working closely with national loan fund partners, the program supports entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses, offering funding alongside crucial wrap- around services. A sought-after speaker and collaborator for both government and industry, Alison leads from experience, with 20-plus years in communications management and a decade as a certified small business counsellor. A respected member of the business community, Alison recently sat on the Province of Manitoba Economic Competitiveness Committee and is currently part of the Canada 51 venture capital initiative, The Forum’s AFIA working group, and is the Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors.
Mairead Lavery
Mairead Lavery, President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC) since 2019, has placed values and ethics at the forefront of her leadership since joining the organization in 2014. She champions trade, environmental, social, and governance responsibility, and inclusion, diversity, and equity. Under her leadership, EDC has experienced robust growth, facilitating business for Canadian companies in over 200 markets worldwide and generating $100 billion in trade and investment annually. Notably, EDC is the largest financier of Canadian cleantech and a supporter of women-owned and led businesses. Mairead also serves as Board Chair for FinDev Canada and sits on various advisory boards, leveraging her extensive executive experience, including roles at Bombardier. A native of Northern Ireland, Mairead holds a degree in Management and Accounting and is the first woman to hold EDC’s CEO position in its 80-year history. She became a Canadian citizen in 2015.
Andrew Leach
Andrew Leach is a proud member of the St’at’imc Nation from the Interior of BC. He was raised by his grandparents on the Squamish Reserve in Upper Squamish. He has been Chair of Tale’Awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation since 2004. Andrew is also former Chair of NACCA, 2015-2019. Andrew got his MBA in 2000 and since has worked as a senior manager and consultant for for over 150 First Nation organizations and businesses across Canada.
Sarah MacNeil
Sarah leads external partnerships, investor relations, governance, and communications for the Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF). IGF is the second investment fund that she has played a key role in standing up. She began her career working to operationalize the Community Forward Fund Assistance Corp, the first non-profit securities registered Fund Manager in Canada, where she spent 7 years. In March 2020 she joined NACCA to administer its first grant program, structuring the IGF and readying IFIs to access more capital, unlocking pent-up loan demand for new and expanding SMEs. She holds a BA in English Literature from Carleton University.
Dawn Madahbee Leach
Dawn Madahbee Leach is the Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board. She is a proud member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Central Canada, where she has served on the community council. Since 1988, she has been the General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, an Aboriginal Financial Institution that has invested over $100 million in 3,500 successful Aboriginal businesses.
Dawn has been instrumental in developing the OECD’s first international Indigenous report and leading the creation of the National Aboriginal Economic Benchmark Report and follow-up progress reports. She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Economic Developers Program and holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Law. Dawn serves on the boards of Peace Hills Trust and NioBay Minerals Inc. and has been recognized with numerous national awards. She has also been an international speaker on Indigenous economic development.
Griffin Marsh
Griffin Marsh is the Consulting Program Director for the Economic Well-Being programs with the Martin Family Initiative. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Griffin has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University with a Minor in Indigenous Studies. Prior to joining MFI, Griffin served three federal Ministers in a variety of senior roles, including as the Director of Policy to both the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Indigenous Services, continually focused on relationship building and policy development with Indigenous communities. Griffin has a passion for community development that is innovative, resilient, and inclusive and has previously worked in political organizing, and in youth empowerment, literacy, and leadership initiatives.
Shannin Metatatwabin
CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), an organization representing a national network of 58 Indigenous Financial Institutions that spur economic growth through loans to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses. Informed by his vision of Indigenous self-reliance, Shannin has increased support to the Indigenous lending network by over half a billion dollars during his tenure at NACCA. He is firmly grounded in his Cree worldview and language and has served as an entrepreneur, commercial lender, business/community developer, and management consultant, assisting with well-over 300 Indigenous business start-ups and expansions.
Patrice Mousseau
Patrice Mousseau is the Founder and CEO of Satya Organic, and a member of Fort William First Nation. Patrice’s daughter, Esme, was diagnosed with eczema at 8 months old and prescribed a topical steroid. Desperate to find a steroid-free solution for her child, Patrice, a former broadcast journalist, utilized her research skills and dug into traditional medicine, medical research, and academic studies to find something to help her little girl. Patrice then gathered the best organic ingredients possible, bought a $15 crockpot off of Facebook, and started experimenting—and eventually, success! Satya Organic was born—a botanically based balm that would clear Esme’s eczema up in just two days.
Today, Satya’s product line has expanded and is sold in thousands of stores, including in Hong Kong, the USA, and across Canada. Satya is also the first Indigenous brand on the shelf at Shoppers Drug Mart and is sold in over 1100 of their stores across the country.
Laura Mueller
Laura Mueller is the owner and creator of Matriarch Media. The company embodies a deep belief in the enduring strength of cultural heritage. They envision a world where Indigenous traditions thrive seamlessly in the fast-paced digital era, coexisting with ancestral wisdom and business acumen. Their mission is to empower Indigenous communities through an integrative business and marketing approach, fostering not just survival but flourishing in the modern world.
Behind Matriarch Media’s success lies a journey shaped by the invaluable support of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre (ABDC) and the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (IWE) Mentorship Program. The ABDC provided a solid foundation, offering guidance, resources, and a supportive network to navigate entrepreneurship complexities. This, coupled with mentorship and business development services, created a conducive environment for our founder’s business growth.
David Pereira
David Pereira is the Chief Operating Officer at Animikii and brings a rich blend of entrepreneurship, business acumen, and a deep-rooted passion for economic empowerment through technology. Born and raised in New Zealand as a proud Samoan, David embarked on a global journey that took him from New Zealand to the US, Asia and Canada, acquiring diverse experiences that have shaped his approach to business and technology.
Before joining Animikii, David spent nearly five years at Shopify where he honed his expertise in Capital and Financial products, aided global startups in their growth, and led an all-Indigenous team dedicated to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship worldwide. David has been pivotal in scaling Animikii’s reach in the international market.
Magnolia Perron
Magnolia is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration from Carleton University and is currently completing her Master’s in Indigenous Nationhood at the University of Victoria.
Julie Pottier
Julie Pottier, Senior Vice-President at Export Development Canada (EDC), leads the Small Business and Partnerships division, including insurance operations. Her focus is on aiding Canadian companies in expanding globally. She manages teams catering to all customer segments, from budding exporters to established ones. Her duties encompass small business sales, insurance underwriting, working capital solutions, customer care, partner channels, and alliances. These teams played a crucial role during the pandemic and continue to support economic recovery efforts. Julie has been with EDC since 1992, holding various leadership roles and spearheading significant organizational transformations, including leading national business development, overseeing regional underwriting for Quebec, and negotiating strategic partnerships.
Bobbie Racette
Bobbie is a distinguished figure in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus and VG OnDemand, she has earned a reputation as a trailblazer deeply committed to creating a more equitable future for all. As an Indigenous Cree-Métis and 2SLGBTQIA entrepreneur, Bobbie possesses a unique perspective on the challenges marginalized communities face in business, society and the workforce. Bobbie also serves as Board Chair for the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation.
Lora Rigutto
With over 20 years of international business development experience, Lora Rigutto is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) and ICC certified Incoterms® 2020 Trainer. As an Adjunct Professor at Durham College and member of the Program Advisory Committee, she shapes future professionals’ academic experiences. Passionate about diversity, Lora is an active member of OWIT and serves as the Partnerships and Community Lead at FITT, where she forges strategic alliances and fosters a supportive community in global trade.
Steven Stark
Steven Stark’s life has been marked by remarkable resilience in the face of immense adversity. Born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, he overcame a turbulent childhood marred by family instability, abuse, and challenges like deafness.
Facing expulsion from his home at 15, Steven’s path led him into addiction and trouble. However, through determination and mentorship, he found recovery and rebuilt his life.
Today, Steven is a prominent employer and legislator within the Tsawwassen First Nation. He champions the well-being of children and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Sharing his inspiring story, Steven encourages others facing adversity to pursue their dreams. His journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the transformative potential of second chances.
Jennifer Tetrault
As the Senior Human Resources Manager, Jennifer is responsible for guiding and managing the overall provision of Human Resource (HR) services, policies, and programs for FMB. Since joining FMB in January 2020, Jennifer has built strong relationships with FMB employees and stakeholders while supporting the extensive growth of FMB staff numbers.
Jennifer is actively committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and ensuring FMB is an employer of choice. As the lead in FMB’s commitment to a national DEI Code, put forth by the CFA Institute, she is committed to integrating DEI best practices to further develop FMB’s recruitment, processes, and policies. Jennifer obtained a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Calgary, is a member of CPHR of BC and Yukon, and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations at Athabasca University.
Minister Rechie Valdez
The Honourable Rechie Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville in 2021. She is a mother of two, wife, Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet. Before politics, Minister Valdez owned and operated a small bakery business and was the host of a TV show that shares the stories of entrepreneurs, creators and artists. Prior to that, she worked in corporate banking for 15 years. Born and raised in Zambia, Minister Valdez immigrated to Canada with her family in 1989.
Edgard Villanueva
Edgard Villanueva, a Tahltan youth entrepreneur co-owning Turtle Island Connection, merges Indigenous wisdom with modern tech to enhance economic sustainability for Indigenous communities. Advocating for systemic change, he collaborates with the North West Indigenous Council and other alliances, aiming to uplift Indigenous youth in British Columbia through innovative governance and leadership. Passionate about education and building relationships, Edgard leverages mentorship and community engagement to address challenges and foster innovation. His work at the Bears Lair Youth Dream Camps, developing youth leadership models, and entrepreneurial endeavours underscore his commitment to empowering Indigenous youth and nations through entrepreneurship, economic development and relationship building.
Jean Vincent
Jean Vincent played a pivotal role in establishing NACCA and continues to serve as Board Chair In addition, he also serves as a board member for both the Native Commercial Credit Corporation (SOCCA) and the Aboriginal Savings Corporation of Canada (ABSCAN). Prior to his current roles, Vincent held the position of Vice-Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation from 2008 to 2018. Jean Vincent is a trustee of the First Nations Market Housing Fund and was a founding member of the Native Financial Officers Association of Canada, where he served as vice-chair of the board of directors.
Stan Wesley
For over 30 years, Stan has engaged and entertained audiences with his unique style of presentations, keynotes, emcee and facilitation services. Working at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, he speaks on a variety of issues with a focus on celebrating success and advancing good, healthy relations among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. With his high-energy, sincere, professional approach, he is considered by many to be one of the top speakers in the country today. Stan currently lives in Six Nations Territory with his beautiful wife, Mandy, and their incredible daughters Maya and Tenona.
Kallie Wood
Kallie Wood is the President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) and is a proud member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation located on Treaty Four Territory in Saskatchewan. Kallie was formerly the Senior Indigenous Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. She holds a Master of Leadership and Management studies degree and is a mother to four beautiful children and kokum to four grandchildren. As a foster parent, Kallie has many children who call her mom. Kallie has her feet planted firmly on Mother Earth and realizes that the Creator has blessed us with the gift of each day. She is a life-long learner with 35-years of experience in leadership roles with experience in organizational change, strategic planning, and program delivery with extensive experience in relationship building, reconciliation, and education. Kallie also sits on several Board of Governors across the nation, sharing a voice for Indigenous engagement and building relationships. Having grown up in a small community surrounded by friends and family in agriculture, Kallie is excited about the journey in supporting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples in sustainable agriculture and food opportunities through listening, learning, and implementing change. Bringing together voices and a community of partners through the sharing of agriculture practices and business knowledge from Indigenous leaders, geographical, intergenerational, and industry-wide representation to support business creation, advance capacity building through education and training, and connect Indigenous Peoples to valuable networks, resources, and funding opportunities while honouring their tradition, lands, and Mother Earth is a recipe for success in economic growth for the good of all. Kallie has received numerous awards for her time commitment to reconciliation, most recently awarded as one of the twenty-two most empowered and influential women internationally in 2023. She is a recognized and sought after keynote speaker and Indigenous Advisor on Indigenous issues. She is a recognized advocate, researcher and transformational change leader driven by harnessing the intrinsic value of every voice that fosters deeper conversations and a sense of belonging and appreciation in many contexts globally. She has a palpable ability to inspire and ignite a brighter future through Indigenous histories, stories, ways of knowing and being towards a better future for our children, grandchildren and those not yet born.
Embracing Change - A Prosperous
Indigenous Economy
2024 Presenters
2024
Presenters
Jody Anderson
Born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Jody is Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3 and a proud member of Couchiching First Nation. As the Strategy & Partnerships Advisor, Jody is responsible for the design and development of strategic initiatives and building and advancing relationships with First Nations who are pursuing development and prosperity for their communities. Her role is to educate, advocate and advance partnerships for the mandate and services offered by the FNFA for First Nations clients throughout Canada. She has attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and is a Business Administration graduate (Human Resources Management) from Fleming College. She has also received her Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada. Jody has recently been appointed as community trustee for Couchiching First Nation Legacy Trust Fund. In her spare time, Jody volunteers with various community initiatives, boards and loves being active with her family. She currently resides in Ottawa with her husband and two sons.
Holly Atjecoutay
Holly is the Director of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program at Futurpreneur. She is Cree and Saulteaux from Cowessess First Nation in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan and is proud to call Mohkinstsis (Calgary) in Treaty 7 territory her home. Holly’s background is in Oil and Gas, Non-profit, Legal and Community Economic Development, and she has always worked within and alongside rural and urban Indigenous Communities, in addition to starting her own business as an entrepreneur. Holly relies heavily on her team to provide invaluable support, resources, and programming to Indigenous Young Entrepreneurs nationwide. She guides the team to success, maintains important relationships with partners, and ensures all Indigenous communities in Canada are aware of Futurpreneur’s services. Holly’s passion is challenging stereotypes of First Nations peoples and encouraging education and involvement in Indigenous economic development.
Céline Auclair, PhD
Dr. Céline Auclair is a co-founder and the executive director of the First Peoples Innovation Centre and the general manager of Onaki FabLab. She has a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and a master’s degree in regional development from Université Laval. Her areas of expertise are governance structures, human rights and First Peoples history. Since 2006, Céline has been a commissioner for the First Nations Tax Commission of Canada.
Co-fondatrice du Centre d’Innovation des Premiers Peuples et gestionnaire principale du FabLab ONAKI, madame Auclair détient un doctorat en Relations Internationales de l’Institut des Hautes Études Internationales de Genève et d’une maîtrise en développement régional de l’Université Laval de Québec. Son expertise porte sur les structures de gouvernance, les droits de la personne et l’histoire des Premiers Peuples. Depuis 2006, Dr. Auclair est commissaire au sein de la Commission de la Fiscalité des Premières Nations du Canada.
Jennifer Brennan
Jennifer joined Mastercard Foundation in 2018 and serves as Director, Canada Programs. She leads a dedicated team engaged in collaborative programming across Canada involving multiple sectors with Indigenous youth and their communities. As part of the Foundation’s Senior Leadership team, she engages with peers across country teams throughout Africa in service of the Young Africa Works strategy and youth-led transformation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jennifer led key public policy negotiations on behalf of Indigenous Nations, advancing issues like education and land rights. She worked within and for Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada for twenty years, serving as Chief of Staff at the Assembly of First Nations and Director of Strategic Policy. Jennifer brings a strong sense of the importance of community participation, consensus building and a commitment to the affirmation and recognition of Indigenous rights and community-led direction. She serves on the Governing Council of the Royal Society of Canada and boards of several Indigenous charities. Jennifer holds Honours and Masters degrees in Political Science.
Laurel Broten
Laurel is currently the CEO of Invest in Canada, Canada’s national investment attraction and promotion corporation. From 2015 to 2022, she was the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), the agency responsible for investment attraction and export development for the Province of Nova Scotia. Laurel is a seasoned executive, public policy expert, former senior Ontario Cabinet Minister, lawyer, legislator and advocate. Prior to her current role, she provided strategic advice on complex public policy challenges and conducted a comprehensive review of Nova Scotia’s taxes and regulations as President and CEO of Broten Public Policy International Inc. from 2013-2015. Laurel has also served in the Government of Ontario in various ministerial roles from 2003-2013. She is an award-winning CEO, recognized for her achievements including being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Laurel lives in Halifax with her husband and twin teenage sons.
Carey Calder, MBA
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. Carey holds her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with corporate financial expertise and solid governance understanding.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions to Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming where she supported a wide range of priorities, including research, vetting, and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business
development in Canada, US and New Zealand.
Carey holds a passion for team building and sees a direct connection between progressive Human Resource (HR) management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has over 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations and specializes in not-for-profit (NFP) organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, focusing on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement with the National Association
of Friendship Centres and she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and fully renovate a building to operate core programming, providing stability to services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure she advocated and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and completely overhaul
new space as expansion of services for Indigenous child care.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Dr. Wendy Cukier
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, and academic research director of the Future Skills Centre. She has written many articles, co-authored the bestseller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation. She is the academic director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), a national network and accessible digital platform supported by the Government of Canada that addresses the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs across regions and sectors. With 10 regional hubs and over 250 partner organizations, WEKH spreads its expertise from coast to coast, enabling service providers, academics, government and industry to enhance their support for women entrepreneurs.
Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is the traditional name given to the National Indigenous Hub for WEKH. Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is working toward building an inclusive innovation ecosystem for Indigenous women entrepreneurs nationally. Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is housed at one of WEKH’s Regional Hubs, the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, which is located on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, and on the Homeland of the Métis Nation. The Diversity Institute and WEKH work closely with Indigenous organizations to lead research. Projects include reports with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, including Breaking Barriers: A Decade of Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada, and Skills for Inclusive Workplaces and the Advancement of Indigenous Peoples, as well as analyses within reports that include insights on Indigenous Peoples, like Greening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Women Entrepreneurs and the Path to Net Zero and State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada. Upcoming is an analysis of Indigenous women in WEKH’s See It. Be It. database, an anti-stereotyping campaign that features award-winning women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Wendy has been recognized with many awards and has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, one of the “100 Alumni who shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto and an International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference.
Brian Davey
Brian Davey is the Chief Executive Officer for NADF in Thunder Bay Ontario, an Indigenous Financial Institution that serves 88 First Nations. Prior to working with NADF, Brian held senior positions with Matawa First Nations Management, First Nations Equity, Economic Renewal Initiative, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and had his own private management consultant business. Brian has over 35 years of experience working in the public and private sectors on First Nation business and economic development as an elected First Nation’s leader, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Manager, and management consultant. Much of his experience is focused on northern Ontario in the resource sector, infrastructure development and financing of small businesses. He has also been a director a several boards, both public and non-profit. Brian is also in the Real Estate business and owns several residential properties that he manages throughout the Thunder Bay area.
Brian is a Native Studies graduate from Trent University. He was born in Moose Factory, Ontario and is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation.
Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Soraya Martinez Ferrada is Canada’s Minister of Tourism, and also serves as Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. Born in Chile, she came to Canada as political refugee and grew up in the east end of Montreal. After a career in the community and cultural sector, Minister Ferrada entered politics as a Montreal city councillor in 2005. In 2019, she was elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Hochelaga and re-elected in 2021. After serving as Parliamentary Secretary to several Ministers, Minister Ferrada was appointed Minister of Tourism in July 2023. She has spent the past months touring the country, supporting the industry while encouraging more visitors choose Canada. As Minister, she’s focussed on helping Canadian tourism reach its full potential, supporting the growth of Indigenous tourism and overcoming challenges like housing, labour, transportation and the threat of climate change.
Minister Patty Hajdu
The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North in 2015. She has previously served as Minister of Health, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Minister of Status of Women.
Minister Hajdu is a strong advocate for women’s rights, youth employment, and affordable housing.
Before entering politics, Minister Hajdu was the Executive Director of Shelter House Thunder Bay and a co-author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. She also previously worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development, and homelessness.
She is a compassionate advocate for Thunder Bay—Superior North and all of Canada, believing that a more inclusive country benefits everyone. As Member of Parliament, she remains firmly focused on ensuring every Canadian has a fair shot at success.
Minister Hajdu is a graduate of Lakehead University and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
Justine Hendricks
Justine Hendricks is President and Chief Executive Officer at FCC. She comes to FCC after 17 years with Export Development Canada (EDC) and seven years with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). She is an impactful strategist whose diverse experience includes delivering financial services on the front line, leading successful organizational transformations, evolving risk management capabilities, spearheading the development of innovative financial products, and developing and executing corporate strategies. Much of her career has been focused on lending to and supporting Canadian businesses across critical export sectors, including agriculture and agri-food.
In her time at EDC, Justine was responsible for several different business functions, including business development in the resources, forestry, seafood, agricultural equipment, light manufacturing and extractive sectors, and the transformation of the Financing and Investment Group. Her most recent role saw her responsible for aligning the corporate strategy with evolving business principles and practices focused on the environment, human rights and innovation. Justine has received several awards for her leadership and is well known for mobilizing and listening to her teams while putting the client at the centre of decisions. Justine is a member of the University of Ottawa Board of Governors and currently sits on their Audit Committee. She also volunteers extensively and currently serves as Chair of the Digital Opportunity Trust. Justine earned an MBA from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University.
Alison Kirkland
A leader in the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Alison was named WEOC’s inaugural CEO in 2019. Since then, she has guided WEOC’s growth from Board-run initiative to integral resource within the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A longtime advocate for increased access to capital for women entrepreneurs, Alison oversees the $30 million WEOC National Loan Program, which was announced by the Government of Canada in 2022. Working closely with national loan fund partners, the program supports entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses, offering funding alongside crucial wrap- around services. A sought-after speaker and collaborator for both government and industry, Alison leads from experience, with 20-plus years in communications management and a decade as a certified small business counsellor. A respected member of the business community, Alison recently sat on the Province of Manitoba Economic Competitiveness Committee and is currently part of the Canada 51 venture capital initiative, The Forum’s AFIA working group, and is the Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors.
Mairead Lavery
Mairead Lavery, President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC) since 2019, has placed values and ethics at the forefront of her leadership since joining the organization in 2014. She champions trade, environmental, social, and governance responsibility, and inclusion, diversity, and equity. Under her leadership, EDC has experienced robust growth, facilitating business for Canadian companies in over 200 markets worldwide and generating $100 billion in trade and investment annually. Notably, EDC is the largest financier of Canadian cleantech and a supporter of women-owned and led businesses. Mairead also serves as Board Chair for FinDev Canada and sits on various advisory boards, leveraging her extensive executive experience, including roles at Bombardier. A native of Northern Ireland, Mairead holds a degree in Management and Accounting and is the first woman to hold EDC’s CEO position in its 80-year history. She became a Canadian citizen in 2015.
Andrew Leach
Andrew Leach is a proud member of the St’at’imc Nation from the Interior of BC. He was raised by his grandparents on the Squamish Reserve in Upper Squamish. He has been Chair of Tale’Awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation since 2004. Andrew is also former Chair of NACCA, 2015-2019. Andrew got his MBA in 2000 and since has worked as a senior manager and consultant for for over 150 First Nation organizations and businesses across Canada.
Sarah MacNeil
Sarah leads external partnerships, investor relations, governance, and communications for the Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF). IGF is the second investment fund that she has played a key role in standing up. She began her career working to operationalize the Community Forward Fund Assistance Corp, the first non-profit securities registered Fund Manager in Canada, where she spent 7 years. In March 2020 she joined NACCA to administer its first grant program, structuring the IGF and readying IFIs to access more capital, unlocking pent-up loan demand for new and expanding SMEs. She holds a BA in English Literature from Carleton University.
Dawn Madahbee Leach
Dawn Madahbee Leach is the Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board. She is a proud member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Central Canada, where she has served on the community council. Since 1988, she has been the General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, an Aboriginal Financial Institution that has invested over $100 million in 3,500 successful Aboriginal businesses.
Dawn has been instrumental in developing the OECD’s first international Indigenous report and leading the creation of the National Aboriginal Economic Benchmark Report and follow-up progress reports. She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Economic Developers Program and holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Law. Dawn serves on the boards of Peace Hills Trust and NioBay Minerals Inc. and has been recognized with numerous national awards. She has also been an international speaker on Indigenous economic development.
Griffin Marsh
Griffin Marsh is the Consulting Program Director for the Economic Well-Being programs with the Martin Family Initiative. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Griffin has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University with a Minor in Indigenous Studies. Prior to joining MFI, Griffin served three federal Ministers in a variety of senior roles, including as the Director of Policy to both the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Indigenous Services, continually focused on relationship building and policy development with Indigenous communities. Griffin has a passion for community development that is innovative, resilient, and inclusive and has previously worked in political organizing, and in youth empowerment, literacy, and leadership initiatives.
Shannin Metatatwabin
CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), an organization representing a national network of 58 Indigenous Financial Institutions that spur economic growth through loans to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses. Informed by his vision of Indigenous self-reliance, Shannin has increased support to the Indigenous lending network by over half a billion dollars during his tenure at NACCA. He is firmly grounded in his Cree worldview and language and has served as an entrepreneur, commercial lender, business/community developer, and management consultant, assisting with well-over 300 Indigenous business start-ups and expansions.
Patrice Mousseau
Patrice Mousseau is the Founder and CEO of Satya Organic, and a member of Fort William First Nation. Patrice’s daughter, Esme, was diagnosed with eczema at 8 months old and prescribed a topical steroid. Desperate to find a steroid-free solution for her child, Patrice, a former broadcast journalist, utilized her research skills and dug into traditional medicine, medical research, and academic studies to find something to help her little girl. Patrice then gathered the best organic ingredients possible, bought a $15 crockpot off of Facebook, and started experimenting—and eventually, success! Satya Organic was born—a botanically based balm that would clear Esme’s eczema up in just two days.
Today, Satya’s product line has expanded and is sold in thousands of stores, including in Hong Kong, the USA, and across Canada. Satya is also the first Indigenous brand on the shelf at Shoppers Drug Mart and is sold in over 1100 of their stores across the country.
Laura Mueller
Laura Mueller is the owner and creator of Matriarch Media. The company embodies a deep belief in the enduring strength of cultural heritage. They envision a world where Indigenous traditions thrive seamlessly in the fast-paced digital era, coexisting with ancestral wisdom and business acumen. Their mission is to empower Indigenous communities through an integrative business and marketing approach, fostering not just survival but flourishing in the modern world.
Behind Matriarch Media’s success lies a journey shaped by the invaluable support of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre (ABDC) and the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (IWE) Mentorship Program. The ABDC provided a solid foundation, offering guidance, resources, and a supportive network to navigate entrepreneurship complexities. This, coupled with mentorship and business development services, created a conducive environment for our founder’s business growth.
David Pereira
David Pereira is the Chief Operating Officer at Animikii and brings a rich blend of entrepreneurship, business acumen, and a deep-rooted passion for economic empowerment through technology. Born and raised in New Zealand as a proud Samoan, David embarked on a global journey that took him from New Zealand to the US, Asia and Canada, acquiring diverse experiences that have shaped his approach to business and technology.
Before joining Animikii, David spent nearly five years at Shopify where he honed his expertise in Capital and Financial products, aided global startups in their growth, and led an all-Indigenous team dedicated to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship worldwide. David has been pivotal in scaling Animikii’s reach in the international market.
Magnolia Perron
Magnolia is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration from Carleton University and is currently completing her Master’s in Indigenous Nationhood at the University of Victoria.
Julie Pottier
Julie Pottier, Senior Vice-President at Export Development Canada (EDC), leads the Small Business and Partnerships division, including insurance operations. Her focus is on aiding Canadian companies in expanding globally. She manages teams catering to all customer segments, from budding exporters to established ones. Her duties encompass small business sales, insurance underwriting, working capital solutions, customer care, partner channels, and alliances. These teams played a crucial role during the pandemic and continue to support economic recovery efforts. Julie has been with EDC since 1992, holding various leadership roles and spearheading significant organizational transformations, including leading national business development, overseeing regional underwriting for Quebec, and negotiating strategic partnerships.
Bobbie Racette
Bobbie is a distinguished figure in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus and VG OnDemand, she has earned a reputation as a trailblazer deeply committed to creating a more equitable future for all. As an Indigenous Cree-Métis and 2SLGBTQIA entrepreneur, Bobbie possesses a unique perspective on the challenges marginalized communities face in business, society and the workforce. Bobbie also serves as Board Chair for the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation.
Steven Stark
Steven Stark’s life has been marked by remarkable resilience in the face of immense adversity. Born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, he overcame a turbulent childhood marred by family instability, abuse, and challenges like deafness.
Facing expulsion from his home at 15, Steven’s path led him into addiction and trouble. However, through determination and mentorship, he found recovery and rebuilt his life.
Today, Steven is a prominent employer and legislator within the Tsawwassen First Nation. He champions the well-being of children and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Sharing his inspiring story, Steven encourages others facing adversity to pursue their dreams. His journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the transformative potential of second chances.
Lora Rigutto
With over 20 years of international business development experience, Lora Rigutto is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) and ICC certified Incoterms® 2020 Trainer. As an Adjunct Professor at Durham College and member of the Program Advisory Committee, she shapes future professionals’ academic experiences. Passionate about diversity, Lora is an active member of OWIT and serves as the Partnerships and Community Lead at FITT, where she forges strategic alliances and fosters a supportive community in global trade.
Jennifer Tetrault
As the Senior Human Resources Manager, Jennifer is responsible for guiding and managing the overall provision of Human Resource (HR) services, policies, and programs for FMB. Since joining FMB in January 2020, Jennifer has built strong relationships with FMB employees and stakeholders while supporting the extensive growth of FMB staff numbers.
Jennifer is actively committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and ensuring FMB is an employer of choice. As the lead in FMB’s commitment to a national DEI Code, put forth by the CFA Institute, she is committed to integrating DEI best practices to further develop FMB’s recruitment, processes, and policies. Jennifer obtained a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Calgary, is a member of CPHR of BC and Yukon, and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations at Athabasca University.
Minister Rechie Valdez
The Honourable Rechie Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville in 2021. She is a mother of two, wife, Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet. Before politics, Minister Valdez owned and operated a small bakery business and was the host of a TV show that shares the stories of entrepreneurs, creators and artists. Prior to that, she worked in corporate banking for 15 years. Born and raised in Zambia, Minister Valdez immigrated to Canada with her family in 1989.
Edgard Villanueva
Edgard Villanueva, a Tahltan youth entrepreneur co-owning Turtle Island Connection, merges Indigenous wisdom with modern tech to enhance economic sustainability for Indigenous communities. Advocating for systemic change, he collaborates with the North West Indigenous Council and other alliances, aiming to uplift Indigenous youth in British Columbia through innovative governance and leadership. Passionate about education and building relationships, Edgard leverages mentorship and community engagement to address challenges and foster innovation. His work at the Bears Lair Youth Dream Camps, developing youth leadership models, and entrepreneurial endeavours underscore his commitment to empowering Indigenous youth and nations through entrepreneurship, economic development and relationship building.
Jean Vincent
Jean Vincent played a pivotal role in establishing NACCA and continues to serve as Board Chair In addition, he also serves as a board member for both the Native Commercial Credit Corporation (SOCCA) and the Aboriginal Savings Corporation of Canada (ABSCAN). Prior to his current roles, Vincent held the position of Vice-Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation from 2008 to 2018. Jean Vincent is a trustee of the First Nations Market Housing Fund and was a founding member of the Native Financial Officers Association of Canada, where he served as vice-chair of the board of directors.
Stan Wesley
For over 30 years, Stan has engaged and entertained audiences with his unique style of presentations, keynotes, emcee and facilitation services. Working at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, he speaks on a variety of issues with a focus on celebrating success and advancing good, healthy relations among Indigenous and
non-Indigenous peoples. With his high-energy, sincere, professional approach, he is considered by many to be one of the top speakers in the country today. Stan currently lives in Six Nations Territory with his beautiful wife, Mandy, and their incredible daughters Maya and Tenona.
Kallie Wood
Kallie Wood is the President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) and is a proud member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation located on Treaty Four Territory in Saskatchewan. Kallie was formerly the Senior Indigenous Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. She holds a Master of Leadership and Management studies degree and is a mother to four beautiful children and kokum to four grandchildren. As a foster parent, Kallie has many children who call her mom. Kallie has her feet planted firmly on Mother Earth and realizes that the Creator has blessed us with the gift of each day. She is a life-long learner with 35-years of experience in leadership roles with experience in organizational change, strategic planning, and program delivery with extensive experience in relationship building, reconciliation, and education. Kallie also sits on several Board of Governors across the nation, sharing a voice for Indigenous engagement and building relationships. Having grown up in a small community surrounded by friends and family in agriculture, Kallie is excited about the journey in supporting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples in sustainable agriculture and food opportunities through listening, learning, and implementing change. Bringing together voices and a community of partners through the sharing of agriculture practices and business knowledge from Indigenous leaders, geographical, intergenerational, and industry-wide representation to support business creation, advance capacity building through education and training, and connect Indigenous Peoples to valuable networks, resources, and funding opportunities while honouring their tradition, lands, and Mother Earth is a recipe for success in economic growth for the good of all. Kallie has received numerous awards for her time commitment to reconciliation, most recently awarded as one of the twenty-two most empowered and influential women internationally in 2023. She is a recognized and sought after keynote speaker and Indigenous Advisor on Indigenous issues. She is a recognized advocate, researcher and transformational change leader driven by harnessing the intrinsic value of every voice that fosters deeper conversations and a sense of belonging and appreciation in many contexts globally. She has a palpable ability to inspire and ignite a brighter future through Indigenous histories, stories, ways of knowing and being towards a better future for our children, grandchildren and those not yet born.