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.
Together Indigenous peoples are the largest minority group in the world.
Oil, Gas and Mining
Clayton DesjarlaisLeadership + Diversity + Collaboration
As one of Canada’s premier consultants between government, industry and Aboriginal communities, Clayton Desjarlais speaks with authority on the topics of Duty to Consult, Collaborative Conflict Resolution, Leadership Development, Cultural Diversity, and Growing our Aboriginal Leaders-G.O.A.L
Clayton’s personal story will challenge the stereotypes of an Aboriginal high school dropout. A consultant and business owner since 1996, Clayton`s message is one of courage, determination and understanding, that success is achieved by embracing and reframing the adversity you experience.
Deanna BurgartDiversity + Education + Mentorship
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.
Joseph WabegijigEnvironment + Engineering + Collaboration
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.
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.
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.
Stephanie SeymourReconciliation + Natural Resources + Government Relations
What if we could solve our energy needs using a scientific and holistic approach to resources? This is the question that 'Fueled the Fire Within' for Stephanie Seymour and motivated her PhD studies at Lakehead University. Stephanie Seymour is raising the consciousness of cleaner energy possibilities for industry and individuals alike. Helping us to see the forest through the trees, Stephanie builds bridges between communities and industry. Explore what a world of renewable energy sources really looks like.
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.
Featured Speakers
Eddy Robinson
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.
Jaris Swidrovich
Named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s "Future 40", Dr. Jaris Swidrovich is Canada's first self-identified First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy. As President of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists, and member of numerous other boards Swidrovich brings his successful multiversity experience of bridging organizational needs with Health Care mandates. Passionate about health, education, and how Indigenous and marginalized people are impacted at local, provincial, national, and international levels, Dr. Swidrovich delivers powerful presentations illustrating how we can all be part of the cure and partake in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.
Michelle Thrush
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 Bidois
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.