—Presenters—
—Presenters—
Aneeka Anderson
Aneeka Anderson is Inuk from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, though she was born and raised on Algonquin territory in Ottawa, Ontario. She has been throat singing since her birth sister Charlotte taught her as a young girl. She is currently in her fifth year of her undergrad at McGill University where she studies Political Science and Anthropology.
Angaangaq (Uncle)
Angaangaq is an Eskimo Elder whose family belongs to the traditional healers of the Far North from Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland. His name means “the man who looks like his uncle”. He is a healer, storyteller, shaman, and activist.
Uncle, as he is frequently called, bridges the boundaries of cultures and faiths in people young and old. His work has taken him to five continents and over 40 countries around the world including South Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Arctic Europe, Russia, and Siberia.
As a traditional healer, storyteller and carrier of a Qilaut (drum), Angaangaq conducts Healing Circles, Intensives and sweat lodges integrating the wisdom of traditional Inuit teachings from the unwritten healing traditions of the Eskimo-Kalaallit people.
RoseAnne Archibald
National Chief RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, is a calm, respectful and heart centred leader, who has over 25 years of experience in First Nations politics.
RoseAnne has dedicated all of her adult life to serving and striving to create a better quality of life and future for First Nations people. Archibald was the first woman and youngest: Chief for Taykwa Tagamou First Nation (1990), Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (1991), Grand Chief for Mushkegowuk Council (1994). She is also the First member of her community to complete a Master’s Degree.
After a ground-breaking career in political leadership, RoseAnne began a successful consulting business in 2009.
Archibald holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree in Humanities from Laurentian University and has been awarded the prestigious “Canada 125 medal” for having “made a significant contribution to Canada” through Aboriginal leadership.
As Ontario Regional Chief, she was dedicated to empowering women and youth in seeking community based solutions that encourage capacity-building, leadership development and resiliency.
In July, 2021, Archibald was elected as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Donna Augustine
Donna Augustine was considered a spiritual Elder by the people from the age of thirty-five and has conducted ceremonies since she was twenty-three. Among her teachers were Mohawk, Ojibwe, Cree, Lakota, and Mandan spiritual Elders who were highly respected by their own People. She was a speaker at the United Nation Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Donna has re-buried hundreds of Indigenous Ancestors. She served a four-year term on the National NAGPRA Review Board Committee. She does opening prayers and conducts Ceremonies on behalf of many tribes and has helped to bring back many of the Ceremonial Ways of the Mi’kmaq People.
Laureen Blu Waters (they/them)
Istchii Nikamoon: Earth Song, Wolf clan. Cree/Metis/Micmac, Blu is a member of the Metis Nation of Ontario.Blu’s family is from Big River Saskatchewan, Star Blanket Reserve and Bra’dor Lake, Eskasoni First Nations, Cape Breton Nova Scotia, and the Red River. Blu is currently working at Seneca College as an Elder on campus providing traditional teachings and one-to-one counselling. Blu spent 2.5 years working for the National Inquiry for Murdered and Missing Women as a Grandmother to Commissioner Brian Eyelfson. Blu sits on the Thunder Women Healing Lodge as a Director of the Board. Blu also sits as the Ontario representative for Metis people with 2 Spirits In Motion Board. Blu also provides ceremony, teaching, and counselling for 2 Spirit People of the First Nations, in Toronto. Blu's gifts include: Traditional teachings, giving traditional spirit names, hand drumming, song writer, creative writings, and full moon conductor. Pipe ceremonies and sweat lodge ceremonies and Traditional counseling. Blu is a 2 spirit person, a mother of 3, a grandmother of 3, a sun dancer, and a pipe carrier.
Tabatha Bull
Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. As CCAB’s president and CEO she is committed to help rebuild and strengthen the path towards reconciliation.
Serving the Indigenous community through CCAB’s commitment to support the Indigenous economy, Tabatha works with government, notably through her role with the federal government’s recent COVID-19 Supply Council, and through her work with various organizations on Indigenous economic development. An electrical engineer, Tabatha informs Canada’s energy sector by participating on many boards including Ontario’s electricity system operator IESO, the Positive Energy Advisory Council, the MARS Energy Advisory Council, and the C.D. Howe Institute’s Energy Policy program.
As an appointee of the Catalyst CEO advisory board in Canada, Tabatha collaborates with some of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Also, a member of Queen’s University Circle of Advisors, Centennial College’s Indigenous Circle, and a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce board, Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities and business competitiveness across all industry sectors.
Abigail Carleton
Abigail Carleton is a throat singer of almost 14 years, taught by her older sister. Abigail loves any opportunity to share her culture with those who are willing to listen, especially if accompanied by her sisters, Aneeka and Charlotte. Abigail has her BSW, and would love to use it to help Indigenous people.
Gabe Calderon
Gabe A’tugwewinu Calderón (they/them, kiin/wiin) is nij-manidowag/îhkwew/ayakwew/puoin (two spirit/genderfluid/transgender), queer and Mi'kmaq/L’nu, Algonquin/Omamiwinini, Scottish and French Canadian thriving with disAbilities and neurodivergence. They currently live in Treaty 6 territory's Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) as an author, poet, mixed media artist, activist and educator. Gabe has achieved several literary and poetry awards, namely a Lambda Literary Award 2021, an Indigenous Arts and Stories from the Governor General’s Awards in 2019 and 2nd place at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Work 2019. Most notably known as the author of: Andwànikàdjigan in the anthology: Love After the End published by Arsenal Pulp Press and the poetry chapbook: Noojimo’ nishki’ biijina published by Moon Jelly House. Gabe is the recipient of the 2021 Stonewall Awards: Activist of the Year. Gabe single handedly launched their organization, the Mokinan Consulting Collective, with over 12 years of workshop education experience and consulting, which strives to empower, decolonize and educate.
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Senator Parm Burgie
Parm Burgie was born in the city Toronto Ontario, with her father and ancestors coming from the Metis community in Penetanguishene. Parm has made Ottawa her home for over 38 years and has connected with the Indigenous community.
Parm is a proud citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario, and has held the position of senator for the Ottawa Regional Metis Council with for over seven years and has been on the council for the past ten years.
In her role as senator, she helps foster bonds between community members at events and meetings, as well as helps to keep Métis culture vibrant in the city of Ottawa. By sharing stories and traditions of Metis life, providing cultural access for those in the city. When Parm isn’t busy within her own community, she volunteers with other Indigenous organizations and sits on community boards within the city of Ottawa.
Autumn Cooper
Autumn Sky Cooper is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong First Nation. Currently finishing her final year in the Trent University School of Education and Professional Learning, her future goal as a certified teacher is to support Indigenous students on their learning journeys while fostering identity, cultural pride, and well being. As the current Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Autumn is committed to carrying on the work started by her mother and grandmother as they work together for social justice.
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, C.M.
Jeannette Corbiere Lavell is an educator and lifelong advocate for Indigenous women's rights. Born into the Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, she completed business college in North Bay before moving to Toronto, where she worked for the Native Canadian Centre. In 1970, she lost her status under the Indian Act when she married a non-Indigenous man. Noting that the same did not apply to Indigenous men, she challenged the Indian Act. Although her initial challenge failed, it inspired further challenges, which ultimately succeeded. Corbiere Lavell has worked closely with many Indigenous organizations; she is a former President of the Native Women's Association of Canada and a co-founder and former president of the Ontario Native Women's Association. Corbiere Lavell has been awarded the Order of Canada, a Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, and honorary doctorates from York University and Nipissing University.
Reepa Evic-Carleton
Reepa was born in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, and then relocated to the community of Pangnirtung when she was 5 years old.
Ms.Evic-Carleton’s work experience included 10 years as a Housing Manager in Pangnirtung and one year as Community Social Worker in Child Protection. In 1989 she moved to Ontario.
In Ottawa, Reepa spent 7 years working as a Family Support Worker at Tungasuvvingat Inuit. She worked closely with shelter, the CAS Ottawa, and sat on the AIDS Committee of Ottawa.
Ms Evic-Carleton worked at Pauktuutit, the national Association for Inuit women. She coordinated national activities around the issues of substance abuse. She then co-founded the Mamisarvik Healing Centre, the first Inuit-specific trauma and addictions treatment centre in Southern Canada. She worked as a therapist and then as the Program Coordinator.
In 2017 Reepa joined the Innuqatiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth, and Families. Reepa works as a therapist and facilitates parenting programs and healing circles for the mothers.
Bob Goulais
Bob Goulais, an Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation, is a well-versed and experienced senior executive and consultant having provided over 25 years of service to industry, not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. He is a well-known speaker, traditional teacher, facilitator and Master of Ceremonies, providing cultural context, history and traditional knowledge to diverse audiences across Canada. Bob is President and Senior Principal of Nbisiing Consulting Inc. an Indigenous relations consulting firm that he founded in 2015.
Throughout his career, Mr. Goulais has excelled in situations requiring significant change management, organizational and policy development, human resource management and complex community engagement.
Rick Hill
Rick Hill is from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Naiton. He taught in Native American Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo for twenty years; Served as Museum Director, Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, then became Assistant Director of Public Programs at the National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC; developed and managed the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Six Nations Polytechnic, Ohsweken, ON; Currently is an independent scholar working on the use of traditional stories at the Everlasting Tree School, a Waldorf-based Mohawk language immersion school.
Elder Waasaanese (Alex Jacobs)
Elder Jacobs was born at Lake Penage on the Whitefish Lake First Nation Community. A Traditional Pipe Carrier, after completing his university degree, Elder Jacobs moved to Toronto where he worked for a number of Indigenous organizations, including: Anishnawbe Health Street Patrol, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. He currently works part-time with the Native Men’s Residence of Toronto.
Kendra Jessie
Kendra Jessie is a Cree and Ukrainian woman from Sucker Creek First Nation in traditional Treaty 8 Territory in northern Alberta. She is a fancy shawl dancer, certified fitness trainer and hockey coach, as well as an Nike N7 athlete and wellness advocate. She also has a Bachelor of Sport Management Honors degree from Brock University. Her passion for health, wellness and movement is driven by her childhood as an athlete where she played hockey for 15-years and competed at the university level. Through her work she has goals to inspire the future generations, and create inclusion and space for Indigenous people and their voices within the wellness and sport industries.
Greg Loft
In his own words, Greg Loft is, ‘a 68-year-old Mohawk man that has been walking on this red path for 46 yrs. I have in that time started to learn who I am and where I belong in Creation. I have been gifted the opportunity, over the years to work in drug & Alcohol rehabilitation, Corrections Canada with federal inmates, attend Men’s Wellness conferences and co-facilitate Men’s Wellness in Ontario.
I am a Fire Keeper for Tyendinaga, being given this responsibility by my community for the past 40 yrs.
I have been called upon to provide teachings, direction, and support as well as knowledge sharing, a position usually reserved for Elders.
I make no claim other than I am a Fire Keeper, no illusion of importance other than my responsibility to the fire and to the people that request it.’
Diane Longboat
Kahontakwas Diane Longboat, BA, BEd, MEd is a member of the Turtle Clan, Mohawk Nation at Six Nations Grand River Territory, Canada and a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Since 2013, Diane has served as Elder for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Diane led the development of the Ceremony Grounds for CAMH to establish the Sweat Lodge, Sacred Fire, and medicine gardens. Today, her role at CAMH is the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives.
Diane is founder of Soul of the Mother, a Healing and Teaching Lodge on the shores of the Grand River at Six Nations Grand River Territory. As well as the founder of First Nations House (Office of Aboriginal Student Services and Programs) at the University of Toronto.
In 2017 and 2018, Diane was the Indigenous Education Advisor to the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne and the Ontario Minister of Education.
Diane is a professional educator with an MEd who has lectured nationally and internationally. She has published extensively with many organizations, sits on many Elders councils and coaches many hospital CEOs on cultural safety, and anti-Indigenous racism in the healthcare system
Angeni Lovelady
Angeni Lovelady is a Two-Spirit undergraduate student of mixed Anishinaabe and Scottish ancestry currently living and learning as a guest on Michi Saagig territory in Nogojiwanong. Angeni is a poet, an advocate for local Two-Spirit youth, and an avid sci-fi nerd. They have worked with Two-Spirit and Indigenous youth for five years through different roles and have spent the last two years working as an Ishkodehwin Peer mentor through the First Peoples House of Learning. Their work focuses on supporting Indigenous students in navigating the intricacies of post-secondary life while connecting them with resources for academic, mental health, and 2SLGBTQ+ related issues. Through the First Peoples House of Learning, Angeni creates and facilitates Two-Spirit events focusing on education for the broader community and on support for Two-Spirit students.
Edna Manitowabi
Odawa/Ojibway from Wikwemikong First Nation. Edna is a gifted traditional singer, storyteller & Indigenous performance artist. As Professor Emeritus in the Indigenous Studies Faculty & as part of the Trent Traditional Advisory Council, she is called upon to lecture, & participate in workshops, conferences & symposiums within the undergraduate & graduate programs. She is also known as a drum carrier & the keeper of the Little Boy Water Drum. Many have traveled across Canada to participate in Edna's Medicine Camps. These Medicine Camps are another place of learning where she takes the university back to the land reconnecting learning and teaching to our Mother. In 2005, Edna's longstanding commitment to building Indigenous performing arts and the local communities was fully realized in the creation of Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space. As an educator, lecturer, medicine keeper & ceremonialist, Edna continues this work today, carrying & sharing Indigenous knowledge.
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Sylvia Maracle
Sylvia Maracle (Skonaganlehra) is Wolf Clan Mohawk from Tyendinags Mohawk Territories. Recently, retired after 42 years with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres primarily as Executive Director. Recipient of a Doctor of Laws' from Trent, Queens, York and Guelph Universities. A sought after commentator on Indigenous issues and traditional knowledge keeper. Long time participant in the Trent Elders Conferences.
Cora McGuire-Cyrette
Cora McGuire-Cyrette is a proud member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation). She lives in Thunder Bay with her husband, three children and grandchildren.
Cora joined the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) in 2006, serving as Executive Director since 2015, tripling programs, increasing the association’s employment 400% and increasing services to over 30,000 people across the province during the pandemic. Cora champions the rights of Indigenous women to speak on their own behalf as the knowledge holders in their lives.
As a role model in Indigenous women’s leadership Cora was involved in the development of the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and currently serves as Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and Co-Chair of the Indigenous Women's Advisory Council of Ontario.
Notorious Cree
Notorious Cree is a men’s fancy Powwow dancer and among the top 3 world hoop dancers who also plays the flute and hand drum. Notorious Cree blends traditional, modern and contemporary arts mixed with comedy to showcase a high energy performance.
Shina Novalinga
Not available at time of posting
Melanie Omeniho
Melanie Omeniho is a descendant of the historical Métis community of Lac Ste Anne and is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. As a young person, Melanie attended meetings with her mother and other strong Métis women role models who set the stage in creating spaces for Métis women’s voices to be heard. Her political and advocacy career led her to play a role in the development and incorporation of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) and to her four terms as President, elected by Métis women across the homeland. Melanie has been the President of Edmonton Métis Local 1886 for nearly thirty years. She is also a former President of Women of the Métis Nation in Alberta.
Melanie has extensive experience; she has developed many community programs and advocates on behalf of her community and Métis women to effect changes to the various social programs to better meet the needs of the Indigenous community.
Melanie sits on the Board of Governors of the Métis Nation and ensures that Métis women are considered in every decision. She was also key in the development of Nation priorities to be addressed at the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism table between the Métis Nation and Canada. Melanie has been lead on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks on behalf of the Métis Nation and is Chair of the Métis Nation working group leading the development of the Métis Nation’s plan “Weaving Miskotahâ.
Liz Osawamick
Elizabeth (Liz) Osawamick (Giniw Miigwan) is Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Indigenous Studies, Trent University, President, Anishinaabemowin Teg. Liz, an Anishinaabe Midewiwin-kwe community leader, Water Walker and activist, jingle dress dancer, devoted parent and professional teacher. She is of the Anishinaabe and Odawa Nation and is originally from Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation located on Manitoulin Island. She currently resides with her family in Hastings, Ontario. She is of the beaver clan. She is currently teaching Anishinaabemowin at Trent University. Liz utilizes Indigenous knowledge and ceremonies as a core component in her teaching methods and community work facilitating various language Immersion programs and cultural teachings within First Nation communities. Originally inspired by the late Nokomis Josephine Mandamin-ba, she is a leader of the Kawartha Lakes area Water Walks under the guidance of her aunt/elder Dr. Shirley Williams. She has been walking for the water in the Mississauga territories of the Kawartha Lakes region for twelve years now along with other Anishinaabe-kwewag. Liz has dedicated her life to her people, her language, the lands, and the waters.
Dr. Pamela Palmater
Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Ugpi’gan’jig (Eel River Bar First Nation). She has 4 university degrees, including a Doctorate in Law from Dalhousie University specializing in Indigenous law. She currently holds the position of full Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University.
Pam was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other movements focusing on social justice and human rights. She is frequently called as a legal expert before Parliamentary, Senate and United Nations committees dealing with laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples and is considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post.
Niigaan Sinclair, PhD
Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe (St. Peter’s/Little Peguis) and is a researcher and teacher who holds the Faculty of Arts Professorship in Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics at the University of Manitoba, where he is also currently Acting Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies. A former secondary school teacher, Niigaan is also an award-winning writer, editor and activist who was named by Maclean’s magazine to their “Power List” as one of the most influential individuals in Canada. In 2018, he won Canadian columnist of the year at the National Newspaper Awards for his bi-weekly columns in The Winnipeg Free Press and is a featured member of the Friday "Power Panel" on CBC's Power & Politics. In 2019, he won Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Teddy Syrette
Teddy Syrette (Ozhawa Anung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman) is a 2-Spirit Anishinabe person, from Baawaating/Batchewana First Nation. They grew up in Rankin Reserve. Their experiences of being a brown, feminine, First Nation child growing up on a reserve, within the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario created a world of art and healing. Teddy graduated from Sault College with a diploma in Social Service Work - Indigenous Specialisation in 2012. Ozhawa Anung was recognized for their advocacy for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ people in 2021 by the International 2Spirit Gathering Committee as one of two recipients with the title of International 2Spirit Warrior 2021-2022.
Grandmother Renee Thomas-Hill
Renee is of the Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. As an Haudenosaunee Woman, she is responsible to carry on the teachings of "Our" Way of Life. She is to carry on the message of Peace Power and Righteousness (Sacredness). She shares this in the following ways: as an Indigenous Women, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother; Educator, Historian, Artisan F.N. Doll Maker; Carrying on the Stories of Our Ancestors; Holder of Names (Genealogy Researcher), Storyteller; Traditional/Golden Age Smoke Dancer; Traditional Counsellor/Healer (Addiction Treatment Centre); Traditional knowledge of our plants/foods/medicine; An agriculturist – the continuation of our seeds; Grieving Support and most of all a “Spiritual Being”.
Renee is also a grandmother and auntie to many. "My walk in life, is to share awareness and the uplifting of the spirit through the teachings of Our Mother, the Earth and the Understanding of the Good Mind."
Morgan Turcotte
Alo/Aaniin! My name is Morgan Turcotte, and I am a Metis Nation of Ontario Infinite Reach Facilitator at Trent University this year! I am a Métis student in my third year studying Indigenous Studies. My role as an Infinite Reach Facilitator is to aid in the growth of a Metis community on campus, as well as to bring awareness of Metis people to all students through bringing students together while also learning about Metis culture! I have had the pleasure of being an active part of my community and have found my love for all Metis art forms through this!
Zhaawnong Webb
Zhaawnong Webb is a member of the Crane clan in the Anishinaabek Nation and is from Kitigan-Zibi First Nation, as well as a proud Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe inini born and raised in the Kawartha Nishnawbe community in Burleigh Falls Ontario. He is in his second year of the Indigenous Studies program at Trent University. Zhaawnong began his social media journey in September of 21’ while starting his academics and reconnecting with his Anishinaabe culture and ceremonies. Since then, he has gained significant momentum in his social media journey. With his new found passion for content creating, Zhaawnong hopes to connect more with his Anishinaabe culture and show Indigenous youth to be proud of who they are.
Veda Weselake
Not available at time of posting
Doug Williams
A Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg and former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation. He is currently Co-Director and Graduate Faculty for the Indigenous Studies PhD. Program and oversees the cultural and spiritual components of the program. He is a member of the Pike Clan, and was one of the first graduates of what is now called Indigenous Studies at Trent University in 1972. He is a Pipe Carrier, a Sweat Lodge Keeper, and Ceremony Leader. He is a language speaker and considers himself a trapper, a hunter, and fisherman. Beyond his work in the academy, he is active at the community level and works to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge is maintained within the community. Doug is also the author of the book, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory.
Shirley Williams
Shirley is a member of the Bird Clan of the Ojibway and Odawa First Nations of Canada. Her Anishinaabe name is Migizi ow Kwe meaning Eagle Woman. She was born and raised at Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island and attended St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario. After completing her NS diploma, she received her BA in Native Studies at Trent Univer-sity and her Native Language Instructors Program diploma from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Shirley received her Master’s Degree from York University in Environmental Studies. In June of 2004, Shirley retired from the Indigenous Studies Department and now holds the title, Professor Emeritus.