Speakers

Join us for a wealth of knowledge!

Explore diverse perspectives with our 15+ speakers at the forefront of their fields.

ASP Liason Officer

First Peoples Development Inc.

Derek Ross

Derek Ross, born August 5, 1964, is a Cree professional from Norway House, Manitoba. With a Business Administration Certificate, he has worked at TD Bank and Peace Hills Trust, and currently serves as Program Coordinator at First Peoples Development Inc. Committed to empowering First Nation communities, Derek enjoys sports, including hockey and golf at St. Boniface Golf Club since 1999.

Senior Business Development Manager

Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program (IESP)

Noah Wilson

Noah, an Indigenous finance professional and Senior Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada, leads the Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. Co-Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Noah is recognized on The Peak’s 2023 Emerging Leader’s List. He's dedicated to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, providing mentorship for young entrepreneurs, and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Director of Corporate Responsibility

The North West Company

Andrew Thunder

Andrew, Director of Corporate Responsibility at The North West Company, leads ESG initiatives and Indigenous reconciliation efforts. Hailing from Sachigo Lake First Nation, Treaty 9, he brings a unique cultural perspective. Andrew collaborates with corporate leaders to drive meaningful change and foster relationships with Indigenous Nations. He shares his expertise as a breakout session speaker, highlighting opportunities for Indigenous leaders to embrace self-determination.

President & CEO

Astoria Wealth

Dylan Spence

Dylan, a Certified Financial Planner Professional and Registered Retirement Consultant with 15+ years of investment experience, holds certifications in Responsible Investment, Executor Advisory, and Real Wealth Management. Starting his finance journey at 14, he managed investments, insurance, tax, and financial planning for clients by age 22. Recognizing the need for a more personalized approach, he founded Astoria Wealth Management, focusing on upgraded technology, streamlined processes, and client-centric services. Dylan specializes in tax planning strategies while pursuing additional industry designations.

Owner & CEO

Dreamcatcher Promotions/Indigenous Nations Apparel Company/Dreamcatcher Executive Offices

Michelle Cameron

Michelle Cameron, a proud treaty status woman and member of Peguis First Nation, is the owner and founder of Dreamcatcher Promotions, INAC, and Dreamcatcher Executive Offices. Beginning with Dreamcatcher Embroidery in 2011, the company later expanded into Dreamcatcher Promotions, offering a range of promotional products and apparel. Despite early struggles, Dreamcatcher Promotions has grown into the largest Indigenous-owned promotional company in Canada, with Michelle overseeing its success and 56 staff members.

Motivational Speaker & Inspirational Storyteller

Earl Lambert

Earl Lambert, a Cree-Dene motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, and comedian, captivates audiences with his blend of humor, music, magic, and uplifting activities. He holds a Commerce degree with double minors in First Nations studies and political science from the University of Northern British Columbia. Lambert, a certified Life-Coach, is CEO and President of three successful companies, including PROUD TO BE Apparel. Committed to inspiring positive life choices, he shares his passion for laughter, music, and motivation across Canada.

National & Provincial Director (MB & NW ON)

Indigenous Services

Rob Campbell

Rob, MNP’s National and Provincial Director of Indigenous Services, is a trusted executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in community, economic, and business development. Hailing from the Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House), he brings a deep understanding of Indigenous issues to his role, overseeing MNP’s services for Indigenous communities. With over three decades of experience, Rob is a Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer and Project Management Professional, recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Executives.

Chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Chief Ted Williams

Ted is a First Nation Chief and leader with over 40 years of sales experience. He excelled in the automotive and real estate industries, achieving his goal of building a dream home on a golf course. Ted became a golf professional and entrepreneur, shining in softball and hockey. He also built a $200 million enterprise, generating $500 million yearly as Vice President of HR and Corporate Giving for 5 years.

Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band

Chief Clarence Louie

Clarence Joseph Louie, since his election as Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in 1984, has focused on economic development to improve his community's standard of living. Under his leadership, the Band has become a multifaceted corporation with various businesses, joint ventures, and over a thousand employees. Chief Louie emphasizes the importance of balancing economic development with preserving Okanagan language and culture. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and achievements in economic development and community building. Louie advocates for incorporating First Nations' language and culture into all socioeconomic initiatives to protect and improve their heritage.

Owner

Red Rebel Armour

Sean Rayland

Red Rebel Armour, founded in 2019 by Sean Rayland-Boubar, an ex-gang member turned social entrepreneur. Streetwear became his outlet and a source of income as he pursued sobriety and supported his family. Wanting to reduce barriers for Indigenous people reentering the workforce, he studied Social Innovation and Community Development at RRC Polytech, graduating in Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship. His brand combines streetwear and social enterprise to uplift his community through his story of healing and resilience.

Partner

Taylor McCaffrey Lawyers

Katherine Bayer

Katherine specializes in corporate and commercial law, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and various related matters. Her expertise includes negotiating purchase and sale agreements, shareholder agreements, and corporate restructuring. She also handles complex cross-jurisdictional transactions, particularly in Manitoba, involving public-private partnerships and project financing. Alongside her legal work and parenting responsibilities, Katherine is dedicated to community service, volunteering with organizations like St. John's Ambulance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

Partner

Taylor McCaffrey Lawyers

Ryan Turner

Ryan specializes in corporate and commercial law, advising clients on business acquisitions, agreements, financing, and real estate matters. He is a founding member of the Legal Start team, providing legal services to local small businesses. Outside of work, Ryan is involved in the community as a director of Kid Sport Winnipeg and the Fort Garry North Hockey Association, and he coaches his son’s hockey team.

Business Development Representative

Me-Dian Credit Union

Sheldon Bayer

Sheldon Bayer is the Business Development Representative at Me-Dian Credit Union, where he has worked for 2 years. With 8 years of experience in Sales and Finance, he understands the importance of financial literacy, especially for Manitoba's indigenous community. Sheldon is dedicated to supporting indigenous events and local businesses. Me-Dian's Fresh Start program uniquely helps individuals rebuild credit by addressing debts in collections, offering a path to financial stability.

Director Indigenous Education

Assiniboine Community College

Kris Desjarlais

Kris Desjarlais, Nehiyaw and Red River Métis, is the Director of Indigenous Education at ACC. Kris provides leadership and coordination of Assiniboine’s Indigenization strategy, supervising cultural supports for students. He guides the college community in building stronger relationships with Indigenous partners, nations, and industry. Kris is in his third term as a city councillor and chairs the Brandon Urban Aboriginal People's Council.

Business Consultant and Facilitator

SEED Winnipeg

Priscila Calderon

Priscila Calderon, a Law and Human Resources professional specializing in corporate law and business development, serves as a Business Consultant at Seed Winnipeg. She also oversees operations at Umina Flooring Solutions, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. Actively engaged in Canadian culture, she volunteers as President of the Ecuadorian Association of Manitoba and serves as Professional Director at Manitoba Woman in Construction. Her seven-year journey in Winnipeg reflects her commitment to community involvement and leadership in the construction industry.

Welder/Steam Fitter Apprentice

Servco Canada (Local 254)

Kayne Fozzno

Kayne Robert-Charles Fosseneuve is an Ojibwe Welder and Steam Fitter Apprentice. He began his training six years ago at the Piping Industry Technical College (PITC Local 254) in partnership with First People’s Development Inc (FPDI). Kayne has gained significant welding experience, allowing him to challenge his Welding Red Seal and Welding Pressure Tickets. Concurrently, he embarked on a Steam Fitting Apprenticeship, aiming to inspire Indigenous youth by showcasing equal opportunities in trades.

Scout

Winnipeg Jets

Sydney Daniels

Sydney Daniels, a member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation, excelled in ice hockey at Harvard University, earning NCAA Hockey All-Academic, All-NCAA Hockey, and All-Ivy League honors. As captain, she led her team to success. Sydney later played professionally for the Boston Pride and coached at Harvard, winning championships. She became an NHL scout for the Winnipeg Jets, the first female from Treaty 6 Territory in this role. Passionate about empowering Indigenous youth, Sydney and her father founded Daniels Hockey, hosting camps to develop skills and create inclusive spaces.

Manager of Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Louis Riel Capital Corporation

Shaun Hampton

Shaun has 27 years of business development experience, starting with Junior Achievement of Manitoba. He then spent 12 years with the province of Manitoba, supporting entrepreneurship and career development. In 2015, he joined LRCC as the Commercial Credit Manager and later created the Metis Entrepreneurship Initiative for the MMF. Shaun has launched over 800 businesses and aims to build a culture of entrepreneurship wherever he works.

Chief Executive Officer

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund

Fabian Sanderson

Fabian Sanderson is the Chief Executive Officer of First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF). He provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership, working closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership. With previous roles as a Loans Account Manager and Business Contribution Fund Analyst, Fabian has a background in personal and small-business lending and investment. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and a Business Administration Diploma from Red River College Notre Dame Campus.

Executive Director/President & Quality Manager

Piping Industry Technical College/UA Local 254

Steve Ducharme

Steve Ducharme is a Red Seal Steamfitter, Red Seal Plumber, a gasfitter, and a project manager. He started 14 years ago to create Piping Industry Technical College or PITC to deliver high-quality training for the piping industry. Steve has worked hard to develop partnerships with the Seven Oaks School Division over a decade ago. First, Peoples Development Inc. PITC is currently delivering pressure welding testing for the Province of Manitoba.

President

Amphibious Construction Ltd.

James Leclair

James Leclair, a Cree man from the One Arrow Band in North Central Saskatchewan, was born in Winnipeg, MB. A former hockey player, he entered the Commercial Diving industry at 22 and founded Amphibious Construction Ltd. in 2018. James has worked across Canada, USA, Central America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, specializing in projects that provide fresh drinking water to First Nations communities.

Senior Account Manager

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Jeremy Lai

Jeremy Lai has spent the last 14 years supporting entrepreneurs in various roles at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Currently, he is a Senior Account Manager with a focus on providing financing and advisory services to support entrepreneurs. He joined BDC in 2010 after graduating from the University of Manitoba with a major in Economics. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys playing basketball and taking his dog to the park.

CEO

Wakopa Financial

Richard Tuck

Richard is a Red River Métis serial entrepreneur and award-winning academic based on Treaty One Territory. He focuses on the intersection of social finance and impactful entrepreneurship, developing programs at post-secondary institutions nationwide. Richard is CEO of Wakopa Financial Workers Co-op and Manitoba Lead at Startup TNT. He volunteers with organizations like Propel Impact and Pride at Work Canada, supporting Indigenous community groups and entrepreneurs.

Indigenous Relations Advisor

FWS Group

Ryan Merasty

Ryan is an Indigenous Relations professional at FWS, leading the Indigenous Relations Program in Canada and the USA. With 13 years of RCMP service, he focuses on advancing Indigenous Peoples, and implementing Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action. Ryan forges connections and fosters employment and training in Indigenous Nations, cultivating innovative and impactful programs.

Procurement Assistant

Procurement Canada

Daisy Truong

Daisy Truong graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018 with a Bachelor of Commerce in finance. She started her career at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in 2017 as a Procurement Assistant, later becoming a Procurement Officer. In 2022, Daisy joined Procurement Assistance Canada as a Procurement Outreach Specialist, focusing on supporting businesses and promoting federal opportunities.