Indigenous peoples speak thousands of languages.
Of more than 130 clinically useful major prescriptive drugs that are derived from plants over 70% came to the attention of pharmaceutical companies because of Indigenous peoples use in traditional forms of medicine.
Motivation
Andrea MenardActor + Singer + Writer + Messenger
A Canadian Aboriginal Icon, Andrea Menard has performed for Royalty, Prime Ministers, Premiers, Ambassadors, Governor Generals, and even sang her song Peace to NATO’s Generals. From five-time Gemini-nominated actor to multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, Andrea’s electrifying, spiritual and heartfelt performances surpass the boundaries of culture and language and capture audiences of all ages and nations.
Clifford Nae'oleTourism + Hospitality + Cultural Advisor
Clifford Nae’ole has been a key force of energy and wisdom for the revival of the Hawaiian culture for more than thirty years. He has worked alongside Deepak Chopra, Tony Robin, participated in the Indigenous Advisory Committee to President Barak Obama, and spent quality time with his Holiness the Dalai Lama. His extraordinary ability to convey the sacredness of the Hawaiian culture, his determination to educate and to mentor has carved him a place of respect in the hospitality industry where he has won numerous accolades and recognitions including the Meeting Professional International (MPI) award.
Colette BourgonjeTriumph + Perseverance + Inspiration
Colette Bourgonje’s story compels us to persevere. Her “Attitude is Everything” approach is why she was ranked one of the world’s foremost Paralympian’s. Nine time medalist in both summer and winter games, inductee into the Canadian Disability and Saskatoon Hall of Fame and winner of both Saskatoon and Saskatchewan’s Female Athlete of the Year, Colette’s career exemplifies that “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
Dallas SooniasAthlete + Inspirational Keynote
Role Model, International Volleyball Star and Proud Aboriginal Canadian, Dallas Soonias means it when he says ‘Never Stop Reaching for New Heights’. Never taking life too seriously yet Dallas puts everything he has into what he does. This is all part of what Dallas passes on when helping youth realize their unlimited potential. Dallas’s fearless comic approach to life and sport keeps his audience on their toes and smiling.
Eddy RobinsonEducator + Dancer + Drummer
Featured in CBC’s Moccassins & Concrete documentary and having performed with the likes of Serena Ryder, Andrea Menard, Plex and many others, Eddy Robinson’s perspective and drum beats are highly sought after.
Eddy Robinson is a caring and motivated educator, speaker, and life changer. He speaks to the need for understanding the benefits of knowing your culture. Eddy will enlighten and entertain with passionate, personal narratives, along with a depth of insight into indigenous culture and knowledge.
Ernie LouttitHonesty + Integrity + Leadership
Award winning Author of "Indian Ernie: Perspectives on Leadership and Policing" and "More Indian Ernie: Insights from the Streets", Louttit gives an honest and insightful look into his world. Ernie blows the lid off of taboo topics around policing, racism, and violence. Sharing his stories, some dark, and some humourous, with the goal of inspiring leadership in each and every one of us.
Jack SaddlebackGender Equality + Education + Identity
Riveting, captivating, real, insightful, grounded, illuminated are just a few words to describe Jack Saddlebacks presentation of his life as a Cree Two-Spirited Champion. Jack’s life story embodies how one man’s spirit can help transform a community as well as individuals. We all need his message of self awareness, identity and embracing our authentic self. Jack Saddleback is a true gift to our society; he tears down the barriers that divide us all.
Jorgina SunnSinger + Songwriter + Motivational Speaker
Jorgina Sunn has won the hearts of many through her authentic story of rising from the bottom and finding light in the darkness. Having lived a hard life on the streets with drugs and gangs to becoming an Aboriginal Order of Canada recipient and a Canada's Everyday Political Citizen Award runner up, Jorgina Sunn knows this road less travelled.
JP GladuBusiness + Partnerships + Education
President & CEO of the Canada Council of Aboriginal Business, JP Gladu is sought after around the world, to provide real leadership that inspires partnerships between Industry and Indigenous people. Bringing his experience mentoring and enhancing relationships with all stakeholders, Gladu reveals how to motivate conversations and create opportunities that spark real change in the business landscape. Bridging the gap between educational institutions, business, government, and indigenous communities, JP Gladu translates ideas into mutually beneficial prosperity and development.
Julie BullPassionate + Visionary + Change-Maker
Julie Bull’s presentations educate and inspire her audience with the message of reconciliation, health, leadership, and empowerment. Her wealth of expertise in the fields of Indigenous research, education, ethics, and indigenization, are part of the reason she is a highly sought-after speaker in Canada and around the world. Recipient of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award, Julie Bull is an Award-Winning Indigenous Scholar with over 15 years’ experience in community-based research, involving Indigenous people.
Kainoa HorcajoMessenger + Cultural Advisor + Visionary
Meeting Kainoa Horcajo is like standing next to the spirit of King Kamehameha. Just as his King united the Hawaiian Islands, Kainoa uses his cultural understanding to help bridge the gap between cultures. Renowned Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Emmy winning Television personality, TedxMaui Host and next generation Maui Maverick Leader, Kianoa Horcajo is championing Hawaiian perspectives to the world. Weaving cultural values into personal development, motivational messages, and productivity training, Kainoa invites his audience to embrace their personal gifts through a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian teachings.
Keolu FoxGeneticist + Researcher + Surfer
Featured on the BBC, CBC, NPR, The Atlantic, Forbes, Wired and more, TED Fellow, Dr. Keolu Fox has garnered international attention, for his breakthrough idea that 'Genetics needs to be more Native'. With over 95% of genetic research and trials being conducting on only people of European descent, we are missing out. Our genetic ancestry plays a huge role in what diseases we get and what ones we don’t. Dr. Fox proves that genetic studies should include all demographics.
Lori CampbellEducation + Two Spirit + Identity
After a 25 year search for her biological mother, Lori Campbell was faced with a new challenge, finding the six unknown siblings she discovered in her quest. Covered extensively by national media, Lori’s story echoes the journey of thousands Indigenous adults who were taken shortly after birth, in Canada's '60’s Scoop Era.' Lori’s incredible journey of self-discovery inspires her listeners while stimulating compassion and strengthening reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Madelaine McCallumResilience + Healing + Growth
Gracing the stage with her graceful, gentle and powerful presence, Madelaine takes her audience through an extraordinary journey of transformation and healing. Through dance and the spiritual teachings of her father, Madelaine has found a compelling way to share her culture.
Madelaine’s life story is all about discovering “the Fire Within.”
Michael EtheringtonKindness + Humour + Insight
Sought after at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, Michael Etherington has captivated audiences such as the United Nations, Canadian Government, Pan Am Games, and many other large corporate and educational venues.
Rooted in the Indigenous perspective, Michael focuses on relationship building, promoting awareness and cultivating sensitivity with the “Truth and Reconciliation” recommendations as his platform.
Michael LinklaterHealthy Lifestyles + Youth Empowerment + Motivation
Ranked the #1 Basketball Player in North, South and Central America and #7 Player in the world for 3 on 3 in the International Basketball Federation, Michael Linklater has taken basketball to new heights. But these achievements were not easy. Michael came from humble beginnings and had to rise above the many easy solutions and temptations, and really get to know the ‘Power of the Mind’. Today Michael shares his inspiration with audiences of all ages helping them go beyond.
Michelle ThrushCaring + Creative + Inspiring
Gemini Award winning Actress, and multi-award nominee, including Best Lead Actress and Best Actress in a TV series, powerhouse celebrity Michelle Thrush knows what it takes to light up a stage. Wit, humour, passion, and creativity are just a few of Michelle’s attributes, outside of celebrity, that draw her to stages world-wide. Whether she is speaking from her heart, hosting galas, or breaking down the barriers of stereotypes, Michelle engages, captivates, and moves audiences to feel and see her unique vision of life.
Ngahihi BidoisBusiness Leadership + Environment + Inspiration
Multi-award winning International Leadership Speaker and Author, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois is known as "The Face of New Zealand" inspires with the timeless wisdom from the Maori culture. This Modern day warrior’s presentation on "Ancient Wisdom Modern Solutions" is why he is the recipient of the National Professional Speakers Association, New Zealand Inspirational Speaker of the Year. A Maori leader, Ngahi combines centuries of tradition, along with his hands-on business experience, and academic qualifications to bring a message that transcends cultural boundaries.
'K.A.S.P' Rob SawanMusician, Speaker, Storyteller
Award winning Hip Hop artist, KASP engages his audiences with stories, messages, and performances about the importance of culture, and knowing and respecting yourself. 2015 Nominee for West Coast Rap Album of the Year, he passionately shares his life story of growing up with addictions, foster care, and gangs. KASP is a cutting edge performer with the talent to perform with DMC from Run DMC and has the courage and honesty to share his heart and experiences with any audience.
'Savvy' Savannah SimonMotivational + Entrepreneur + Visionary
Named one of Canadian Livings Top 40 Female Change Makers, Savvy Simon is a global Positivity Powerhouse. Creator of the #SpeakMikmaq Revolution, and Youth Leader from Mi`kmaq tribe of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Savvy`s positive approach to culture, language and life in general has generated a following in the tens of thousands.
Susan AglukarkSinger + Songwriter + Inspirational Artist
Canadian Icon, three time Juno Award winner, Order of Canada recipient, and multiple Honorary Doctorate degree recipient, Dr. Susan Aglukark is a highly sought after motivational speaker. Susan has preformed for HRH Queen Elizabeth, Jean Chrétien, Brian Mulroney, Nelson Mandela, Billy Graham, and The Countess Of Wessex. Her award winning and chart topping music created out of her passionate appeal to the heart of humanity is why Susan created held a number one song in Canada and a top forty hit in North America.
Wayne D. Garnons-WilliamsLegal + Environment + Storyteller
From the Court room to the theatre, Wayne Garnons-Williams engages his audience to see another perspective. Specializing in Aboriginal and Environmental issues, Wayne is an expert in Corporate, Commercial and Trade Law. With experience from Corporate, government and Indigenous worlds Wayne brings a wealth of insight and depth of knowledge to his audience. Wayne takes complex historical and legal problems and transforms them into future possibilities for all.
'Zoey' Zondra RoySocial Entrepreneurism + Inspiration
Energetic, passionate, driven, and an award winning social entrepreneur, Zondra (Zoey) Roy thrills audiences with her stories, experiences, and insights in her personal journey of bringing change to our world. Zoey has changed the world with “Rock the Vote” 2011 and has been recognized for her incredible efforts to bring social change. She also performs and inspires with spoken word poetry and hip hop.
Featured Speakers
Deanna Burgart
Self-proclaimed ‘Indigeneer’, Deanna Burgart dedicates her career to combining Engineering principles and commitments with an Indigenous respect for Mother Earth, to find solutions to today's challenges. She focuses on the power of integrating Indigenous worldviews, to assist both industry wants and the public needs. Deanna is a highly sought after expert in uniting diverse communities, through understanding each other and identifying common goals.
Joel Pedersen
There is only one First Nations Chief Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, and Joel Pedersen is it. As most senior non-commissioned officer appointed by the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, Joel Pedersen is the embodiment of what it takes to reach the top and never give up. Decorated soldier, Police Sergeant and Fitness Guru. Joel inspires audiences to do more than what is expected, to appreciate your strengths and limitations and to develop their leadership potential.
Joseph Wabegijig
What if together Industry and Indigenous communities could create a safer, natural, and more effective means to reclamate land?
Joseph Wabegijig has experience doing just that! As Vice-President of the Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle (AELC) and the Indigenous Projects Advisor for Hatch, one of the world’s largest Engineering firms, Joseph shares with you his expertise from working on major projects all over the world. Joseph’s knowledge and experience of solving complex environmental and engineering problems, is matched by his passion and ability to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal people, government, and industry.
Julie Ann Wriston
Julie Ann Wriston was one of the youngest, female, aboriginal CEOs of a multimillion dollar corporation in the mining sector in Saskatchewan. Her expertise and perspective on corporate development, strategic planning, and community engagement are second to none. Whether for-profit or non, Julie Ann provides the leadership and knowledge to expand your impact and sustainability. Her inspirational story and corporate success will capture your heart and inspire audiences to excel.