Presenter: Shannin Metatawabin

Shannin Metatawabin is Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation and is the father of four children.

He is 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.

Shannin is a tireless advocate for meaningful economic reconciliation, creating investment vehicles such as the Indigenous Growth Fund and Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to connect private and philanthropic investors with Indigenous projects. Prior to joining NACCA, he served as Manager of the Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability with DeBeers and Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.

Event

The Indigenous-Led Economy

April 1, 2025, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Indigenous communities are blazing the trail for the sustainable economic growth, partnership-building and innovative leadership essential to reaching our shared goals for the future. But amid the fast and sweeping transformations of today’s economy, we know that equity, capital, and own-source revenue are indispensable to the sustainability of nations and communities. Removing barriers to access is the next major hurdle in our national project of reconciliation.

One year after the introduction of the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and as provincial and other programs move deeper into implementation, where do Indigenous communities stand on accessing capital? What challenges persist in building equity and attracting investment? And what partnerships and projects are on the cutting edge of building true economic self-determination?

Canada2020 – Indigenous-Led Economy Summit. May 30, 2024

On April 1, 2025, join Canada 2020 at The Indigenous-led Economy: 2025 Economic Reconciliation Summit, our annual summit bringing together industry innovators, community leaders, and Indigenous innovators exploring best practices in trade, security, and economic development, building social and political solidarity, and leading the way on thoughtful policy-making toward economic reconciliation.

The Indigenous-Led Economy: 2025 Economic Reconciliation Summit

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Westin Ottawa
Ottawa, ON

General Admission: $239
Full Table (7 Tickets): $1,575

→ Register Now

Past speakers at this important annual gathering have included National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, former National Chief Phil Fontaine, President of the Métis National Council Cassidy Caron, Haisla Nation Chief Crystal Smith, Fort Nelson Chief Sharleen Gale, past President of the Canadian Medical Association Alika Lafontaine, Chair of the Squamish Nation Council Khelsilem, Ministers Dan Vandal, Marc Miller, Patty Hajdu, and Seamus O’Regan, Canada 2020 Advisory Board Chair Mark Carney, along with many more leading voices.

We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa for the next steps in these vital conversations and action.

For summit sponsorship opportunities please email Carolyn Smith at [email protected]

Canada2020 – Indigenous-Led Economy Summit. May 30, 2024

Featured Participants

Natan Obed

President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Biography

Natan Obed
Natan Obed is serving his third term as President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization working to ensure that Inuit in Canada prosper through unity and self-determination. He is originally from Nain, Nunatsiavut, and currently lives in Ottawa. A skilled negotiator and consensus builder, Obed is the architect of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee, a collaborative leadership table devoted to addressing the most urgent policy challenges facing Inuit, and creating conditions for Inuit to thrive. He has devoted his career to working on behalf of Inuit. Working with Inuit Treaty Organizations, he led the development and implementation of national strategies intended to bring about transformational change in the areas of suicide prevention, research, food security and climate change, and is now forging a path to build an Inuit Nunangat University. He is a graduate of Tufts University, holds honorary degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Northern British Columbia, and is the father of two teenage boys, Panigusiq and Jushua Obed.
Victoria Pruden

President, Métis National Council
Biography

Victoria Pruden
Victoria Pruden is a proud Michif Iskwew (Métis woman) and mother with deep ancestral roots in the Métis Nation. She traces her heritage to influential Métis leaders, including Cuthbert Grant and Pierre Falcon, who were friends, brother-in-laws, and leaders in the Battle of Seven Oaks. Her family was deeply involved in the Batoche Resistance, with plans for the movement taking shape at her ancestor Abraham Montour’s cabin in 1884 where a plan to return Louis Riel to Canada from Montana was launched. Born in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), Victoria is the seventh generation of a large Métis family whose legacy includes her forefather, an HBC Chief Factor who named Edmonton. Victoria has dedicated much of her life and career to advocating for Métis citizens and uplifting her community, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as President of the MNC. Victoria held leadership roles with the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) in Women, Elders, Employment, Child and Family Services, and Veterans ministries, and has served her Métis community in Victoria, British Columbia as President, Vice-President, and Director for over ten years. As a strong matriarch, Victoria served as Women’s Representative of the Métis Provincial Council of MNBC. Most recently, Victoria joined the Métis National Council as Senior Director of Strategic Policy in April 2024 until she was confidently appointed Chief Executive Officer (Interim) in October 2024. In addition to raising her son, Victoria has dedicated her life to championing ethical leadership and elevating the voices of Métis women and Knowledge Holders. She is deeply committed to fostering lateral kindness, trauma-informed practices, and true reconciliation. Her advocacy focuses on ensuring Métis citizens are represented with integrity and in alignment with Métis values as we walk our paths of self-government and treaty rights. Victoria is committed to strengthening the Métis National Council during a time of change in the Métis Nation’s political landscape. “In our old days, we appointed leaders for a period of time, for a specific purpose, to see a hunt, a battle, or a task through. In that spirit, I am proud to let my name stand for this position during this period of challenge at this moment in time, knowing that all of my experiences as a Métis person, a Métis citizen, a Métis leader, and a Métis technician will come into play.” - Victoria Pruden, December 9, 2024 With a strong belief in ethical principles, Victoria is dedicated to reforming the Métis National Council to meet the evolving needs of the Métis Nation. She approaches her role with gratitude, courage, warmth, and a commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and the revitalization of Métis culture and heritage for generations to come. Victoria resides on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, home to the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations. She is honoured to serve the Métis Nation and to carry forward the vision of past leaders in the spirit of wâhkôhtowin with respect, dedication, and reform.
Tabatha Bull

President & CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Biography

Tabatha Bull
Tabatha, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, holds the distinction of being named CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023, and named as Top 100 Lobbyist in Canada four years in a row. As the President and CEO of CCIB, she is dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the path towards reconciliation and fostering a prosperous Indigenous economy for the benefit of all Canadians. With a background in electrical engineering, Tabatha is committed to promoting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada’s energy sector. In her role at CCIB, Tabatha serves the Indigenous community by supporting the Indigenous economy and sits on various boards, including the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Catalyst CEO Advisory Board in Canada, among others. Tabatha's dedication to diversity extends to her efforts in removing systematic barriers to enhance opportunities for Indigenous businesses and women across all industry sectors. She was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Loyalist College in Applied Arts and Technology in recognition of her leadership and contributions to Indigenous economic growth. Additionally, she has earned her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, further strengthening her expertise in corporate governance and board leadership.
Sharleen Gale

Executive Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Biography

Sharleen Gale
Sharleen Gale has served as the chair of the board of directors for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) since 2017, overseeing growth of the organization and promoting economic inclusion of First Nations to the regional, national, and international stage. Sharleen was elected to the council of Fort Nelson First Nation, serving 15 years with 8 of those years as Chief. Sharleen’s experience as a community leader is furthered by her corporate experience in the oil and gas, renewable energy, and forestry sectors. During the 2020 global pandemic, Sharleen served the Province of BC as a member of the Premier’s Economic Recovery Task Force. She was also previously appointed to serve on the Canada Electricity Advisory Council and on the International Energy Agency’s Global Commission. Sharleen is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded in recognition for her dedication to public service and leadership in economic development.
JP Gladu

Principal, Mokwateh
Biography

JP Gladu
JP Gladu is currently Principal of Mokwateh and previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for approximately eight years. Mr. Gladu has over 30 years of experience in the natural resource sector including working with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada and the globe. Mr. Gladu serves on the boards of Suncor, the Institute of Corporate Directors and BHP’s Forum for Corporate Responsibility. He has completed a forestry technician diploma from Sault College, obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, holds an Executive MBA from Queens University, an ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto and an honorary doctorate in law from Carleton University in 2024. He is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and served as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo from 2017 to 2020. JP’s achievements have been recognized by the Public Policy Forum as a prestigious 2024 Honouree.
Shannin Metatawabin

CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Assoc.
Biography

Shannin Metatawabin
Shannin Metatawabin is Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation and is the father of four children. He is 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. Shannin is a tireless advocate for meaningful economic reconciliation, creating investment vehicles such as the Indigenous Growth Fund and Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to connect private and philanthropic investors with Indigenous projects. Prior to joining NACCA, he served as Manager of the Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability with DeBeers and Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
Scott Alanen

VP, Investments, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)
Biography

Scott Alanen
Scott Alanen is the VP, Investments for the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). Scott brings experience, expertise and leadership capabilities around structuring, financing, and negotiating Indigenous partnerships in Alberta, including several deals directly involving AIOC. Scott’s previous experience positioned him as a principal architect of AIOC's first investment, Cascade Power. Scott has directly supported a large number of Indigenous Communities across Western Canada in the equity ownership of major assets including renewable and non-renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen and critical minerals, oil and gas infrastructure, carbon capture utilization and storage and agriculture, in addition to key land acquisitions directly for Alberta Indigenous Communities. Scott’s previous experience spans Alberta economic sectors including energy, oilfield services, real estate, manufacturing, and international trade. Scott holds a CPA designation and is accredited as a Chartered Business Valuator and Chartered Financial Modeller. He is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors education program.
Dallas Smith

Founder, President and CEO, Nanwakolas Council
Biography

Dallas Smith
Dallas Smith is the founder, president and CEO of the Nanwakolas Council - a cutting edge First Nations organization that protects and manages First Nation cultural values while building strategic opportunities and partnerships with both Government and Industry to increase sustainable opportunities and employment for the region. Dallas comes from the Tlowitsis Nation on northern Vancouver Island, where his 30+ year career started in supporting a land-use planning process for his Nation. Today Dallas continues to work representing multiple First Nations interests in navigating complex negotiations with crown governments, building partnerships with industry and environmental groups, and pushing for new large-scale collaborative governance agreements to catalyze land and marine protection and improved management in the Great Bear Rainforest and Sea. Dallas also has served on many boards and committees ranging from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust, Coast Funds, and GeoScience BC, as well as advisory committees like the Premiers Council on the Environment and the Ministers Council on Employment for Peoples with Disabilities. Dallas has roots from all four corners of the Kwak̓wala speaking peoples with his mother coming from Haxwa’mis (Wakeman Sound) and Tsakis (Fort Rupert) and his father coming from G̱wayasdums (Gilford Island) and Qalagwees (Tourner Island). He’s spent the majority of his career working to bring greater human well-being and capacity to the Nations of the Great Bear Rainforest (GBR). As one of the architects of the GBR agreements and as the Founder and President of Na̲nwak̲olas Council he has built positive working relationships with all levels of government, industry, and the philanthropic community to find balance between conservation and sustainable economic development. His pragmatic and straight forward style has made him a welcome addition to many boards and committees and even led to him running as a candidate in the 2017 provincial election in the North Island riding. He lives in Duncan with his wife Toni and three beautiful daughters.
Bill Lomax

President & CEO, First Nations Bank of Canada
Biography

Bill Lomax
Bill Lomax is a member of the Gitxsan Nation. Bill grew up in Terrace, B.C. and studied in Vancouver before heading south to spend 22 years working on Wall Street and in Private equity in the United States. As a graduate of UBC’s law school and after obtaining his MBA at Columbia University, Mr. Lomax began his career as a lawyer facilitating land claim negotiations for the British Columbia Treaty Commission. He later worked for the Canadian Federal Department of Justice before entering the investment sector in the United States, working for firms such as Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. Lomax believes the First Nations Bank of Canada will be a catalyst to create economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable in Indigenous Nations and communities. His deep experience in the US will serve him well. He worked with Native American Tribes across the US and was entrusted with managing multi-billions in Indigenous assets over the course of his career.
Joss Reimer

President, Canadian Medical Association
Biography

Joss Reimer
Dr. Joss Reimer served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Before this, she worked as medical lead and official spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce and as the medical director of public health for Winnipeg. She has expertise in health equity, immunizations, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections and harm reduction. Dr. Reimer spent nine years as director of population health for undergraduate medical education at the University of Manitoba, where she developed and directed the four-year population health course still used today. She also maintains a clinical practice in maternity care, labour and delivery at Women's Hospital. Voted Humanitarian of the Year by Doctors Manitoba, Dr. Reimer is passionate about physician wellness and public health. Dr. Reimer grew up in rural Manitoba. She completed medical training at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University, training several years in obstetrics and gynecology before finishing a public health specialty. She completed a master’s in public health degree with a project focused on health communication in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Reimer speaks three languages and has received several additional awards including the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Government of Manitoba's Pandemic Medical Hero Award and the St. John Ambulance Pandemic Medallion.
Tiara Folkes

Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy
Biography

Tiara Folkes
Tiara’s life story is as colourful and culturally diverse as the land she calls home. A member of Piikani Nation in Treaty 7, she was raised on the rugged coast of Newfoundland. Tiara uses her lived experience on and off reserve to bridge the gap between First Nations people and Canada. Tiara has a wealth of experience in Indigenous Relations, consultation and policy. As a policy advisor to the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations Tiara oversaw the signing of the Western Inter Lake District Water project, bringing clean drinking water to Alexis Nakota Sioux and Alexander First Nations and the Lubicon Lake settlement agreement. Tiara is mother to a very active three year old and an 8 month old.
Misko Kijig McGregor

Associate Director, Debt Capital Markets, Cedar Leaf Capital Inc.
Biography

Misko Kijig McGregor
Misko Kijig McGregor, Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi and Aamjiwnaang First Nations. Misko has a passion for economic reconciliation, community development, and social finance. Misko has worked with a variety of organizations including Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, NACCA, KPMG Canada, CPA Canada, and the First Nations Financial Management Board. Additionally, Misko gives his time by volunteering as a board director for the Ashbury College Foundation and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Currently, Misko works as an Associate Director in Debt Capital Markets at Cedar Leaf Capital, which is the first Indigenous majority owned and lead institutional investment dealer in Canada.
Claudette Commanda

First Nation appointed Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Biography

Claudette Commanda
Claudette Commanda is an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation located in the province of Quebec. An alumna of the University of Ottawa faculties of Law and Arts, Claudette has dedicated the last 35 years promoting First Nations people, history, culture and rights in various capacities as a University of Ottawa student, professor, member and chair of the Aboriginal education council, and via public speaking events. She is the chief executive officer of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, a national organization that protects and promotes First Nations culture, languages and traditional knowledge. She is also the CEO of Maclean Day Schools Settlement Corporation. Ms. Commanda has taught at the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Women’s Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law and the Indigenous Studies Program, teaching courses on First Nations Women, Native Education, First Nations People and History, Indigenous Traditions, and Decolonization. She was inducted into the Common Law Honour Society, served two terms on the Board of Governors for the First Nations University of Canada and three terms on the Kitigan Zibi band council. In 2017, Claudette was the first appointed First Nation Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, and the first person of a First Nation heritage to be complete a full term on the Board of Governors for the University of Ottawa. She was also the Special Adviser on Reconciliation, for the Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section). Claudette is a proud mother of four and a grandmother of 10. In March 2020, Claudette received the 2020 Indspire Award for culture, heritage, and spirituality.

April 1, 2025, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Summit Featured Partner

Summit Partner

Session Partner

Event

The Indigenous-led Economy

May 16, 2023, 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Canada 2020 is looking ahead to a fairer, greener, more prosperous future for Canada. And we know that continued work toward reconciliation must be central to that vision. Key to this ongoing project is a deeper understanding of economic inequality faced by Indigenous communities across Canada, the people and projects that are working toward closing the gap, and the opportunities this shift can foster for the Canadian economy.

On Tuesday, May 16, join Canada 2020 for our next annual economic reconciliation summit. Building on insights and expertise from last year’s successful summit, this event will bring together Indigenous leaders from across sectors to reflect on the importance of economic reconciliation to their communities, as well as showcase specific projects that demonstrate the unquestionable value of Indigenous leadership, stewardship, creativity, and innovation. Our shared conversations will explore best practices for building wealth and well-being for Indigenous people and communities from coast to coast to coast.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 10:00 to 16:45 ET

(*note time adjustment)

The Westin Ottawa | Governor General Ballroom

Ottawa, ON

Event cost: $150 (includes lunch and light breakfast)

Table cost (6 tickets): $900 (includes lunch and light breakfast)

Featured Speakers

Mark Podlasly

Chief Sustainability Officer, First Nations Major Project Coalition
Biography

Mark Podlasly
Mark Podlasly, a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the First Nations Major Project Coalition, a 140 Nation organization dedicated to ensuring Indigenous environmental and economic values are incorporated into projects in traditional territories. Mark is also a director at Hydro One and a managing trustee of his First Nation’s mining revenue trust fund. Mark’s international experience includes the planning, permitting and construction of large capital projects related to energy, resource development and community infrastructure around the world. He has designed and delivered corporate strategy, leadership and globalization programs for a client list that includes GE, Unilever, General Mills, Clorox, Goldman Sachs, and Praxair. He is a frequent commentator about industry-Indigenous economic reconciliation, with writings covering ESG, climate change, economic wellbeing and governance. Mark holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
Hon. Marc Miller

Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
Biography

Hon. Marc Miller
The Honourable Marc Miller was first elected in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs, in Montréal. He has previously served as Minister of Indigenous Services. Before entering politics, Minister Miller was a practising lawyer. He specialized in mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on international and commercial law, and worked in Montréal, Stockholm, and New York City. Previously, he served as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces. Minister Miller made history in 2017 when he delivered a statement in the House of Commons entirely in Mohawk, marking the first time the language had been spoken in either the House of Commons or Senate since Confederation. He has also been a forceful advocate for increased federal investment in affordable housing, public transit, and the Canada Child Benefit. Minister Miller has been involved in several charitable and pro bono legal initiatives. He has also authored articles on constitutional and human rights law. Minister Miller is a graduate of the Université de Montréal, where he earned Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science. He also graduated from McGill University with degrees in Common Law and Civil Law. Minister Miller was born and raised in Montréal.
Hon. Patty Hajdu

Minister of Indigenous Services
Biography

Hon. Patty Hajdu
The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North in 2015. Appointed to cabinet by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately after the 2015 election, she has served as Minister of Status of Women, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Minister of Health, and is currently the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Highlights of her work in her cabinet roles include launching the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; the establishment of a National Strategy to End Gender Based Violence; the creation of legislation to protect federal workers from harassment and violence in the workplace, modernization of the Federal Labour Code, the establishment of pay equity legislation for federal workers; leading Canada’s efforts through the Covid-19 pandemic; and most recently, reaching an historic agreement-in-principle for the compensation of Indigenous children harmed by the inequities in the child welfare system. Before entering politics, Minister Hajdu was the Executive Director of Shelter House Thunder Bay, launching the SOS Street Outreach Service during her tenure and was the author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. She also worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development, and homelessness. Her core values centre around compassion, equity, and the conviction that Canada is stronger when everyone has a fair chance to succeed. She is known for her honest and direct advocacy on behalf of her constituents and stakeholders. Focused on improving opportunities, strengthening relationships, and healing systemic issues at a grassroots level, Patty will tell you that each and every one of us has the power to make our communities stronger, fairer and kinder.
Shannin Metatawabin

CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Assoc.
Biography

Shannin Metatawabin
Shannin Metatawabin is Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation and is the father of four children. He is 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. Shannin is a tireless advocate for meaningful economic reconciliation, creating investment vehicles such as the Indigenous Growth Fund and Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to connect private and philanthropic investors with Indigenous projects. Prior to joining NACCA, he served as Manager of the Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability with DeBeers and Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine

President, Canadian Medical Association
Biography

Dr. Alika Lafontaine
Dr. Alika Lafontaine (MD, FRCPC) is an award-winning physician, social innovator, and the first Indigenous doctor listed in Medical Post’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors. He was born and raised in Southern Saskatchewan with a mixed Indigenous ancestry of Metis, Anishinaabe, Cree and Pacific Islander. Alika has served in provincial and national medical leadership positions for almost two decades. In August 2022, he became the first Indigenous physician to serve as President of the Canadian Medical Association, the national voice of Canada’s physicians. From 2013 to 2017 Dr. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance project, one of the most ambitious health transformation initiatives in Canadian history. Led politically by Indigenous leadership representing more than 150 First Nations across three provinces, the alliance successfully advocated for $68 million of federal funding for Indigenous health transformation in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. He was recognized for his work in the alliance by the Public Policy Forum, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented the award. In 2020, Dr. Lafontaine co-founded Safespace Networks with his brother Kamea, an Indigenous dentist and software developer. Safespace Networks is a Web 3.0 learning platform for safe and anonymous reporting of healthcare harm and waste. Patients and providers use the platform to share their lived and observed experiences, providing insights into healthcare systems without risk of retaliation. These insights can be used by patients to better navigate health systems, or by decision-makers, advocates, and funders to make better informed decisions. Dr. Lafontaine continues to practise anesthesia in Northern Alberta.
Chief Crystal Smith

Chief, Haisla Nation
Biography

Chief Crystal Smith
Crystal Smith has served the Haisla people for 12 years through her work with Haisla Nation Council, starting as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council from 2009 to 2013, then being elected Chief Councillor in 2017. She holds business certificates from Northwest Community College and Thompson Rivers University. In November, 2019, she was named Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a group committed to encouraging First Nations development of the LNG industry to provide employment and other sustainable benefits for BC’s aboriginal people. She advocates for Haisla Nation-owned joint venture partnerships which allows for participation in major projects in Haisla territory. Using those opportunities provides a doorway for members to find rewarding work and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and improve social conditions in Haisla communities. Ultimately, she wants the work done today by her and all of the Council to benefit today’s 1700 Haisla people but future generations as well.
Mihskakwan James Harper

Business Development Manager, NRStor Inc.
Biography

Mihskakwan James Harper
Mihskakwan James Harper is a proud citizen of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8, Alberta. He is currently the Business Development Manager at NRStor Inc., where he champions developing large-scale energy storage and clean microgrid projects in a way that empowers communities and contributes to meaningful climate action. He holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba and has recently completed a Masters of Science in Renewable Energy from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Ecole Polytechnique, with entrepreneurial training from ESADE Business School. He is a part of the SevenGen council, an organization that develops and leads programs for Indigenous youth to lead in clean energy and climate action. He also is a co-host for the podcast, Decolonizing Power, a series that aims to amplify voices worldwide on how clean energy enables authentic community empowerment. This experience combined with the 20/20 Catalyst program, he is passionate about the carbon free future, particularly within the power and mobility sectors. He loves his family and his community now and generations ahead, which inspires him to work with youth to build a future that is sustainable and empowers all.
Hillary Thatcher

Managing Director, Indigenous and Northern Investments, CIB
Biography

Hillary Thatcher
Hillary Thatcher leads the CIB’s Indigenous and Northern Infrastructure investments team. She is part of the CIB’s senior team that provides advice to Indigenous and northern leaders, and structures investments that are consistent with the CIB’s focus on infrastructure in priority sectors – clean power, green infrastructure, transit, trade and transportation and broadband. Hillary joined the CIB from her role as the head of Innovation at Indigenous Services Canada. Prior to joining ISC, Hillary spent 15 years with the Ontario Public Service in senior roles across Indigenous Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure and Natural Resources. With significant experience in Indigenous relations, public policy and program delivery, Hillary has a proven track record of building linkages among government, industry and Indigenous interests. Hillary’s Métis heritage is from northern Alberta and has been an active member of the urban Indigenous community of Toronto through her volunteer roles at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Red Sky Performance and the Downie Wenjak Fund. Hillary graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and attended the Indigenous Governance graduate studies program at the University of Victoria.
Khelsilem

Chairperson, Squamish Nation
Biography

Khelsilem
Khelsilem is a prominent Indigenous leader and current Chairperson of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). First elected to Council in 2017, Chairperson Khelsilem was an official Spokesperson and active in leading work on various projects and initiatives, including developing an affordable housing not-for-profit that is building 1,000 units of subsidized affordable homes and the 6,000-market apartment development at his Nation’s Sen̓áḵw lands, the largest Indigenous housing development in Canadian history. Chairperson Khelsilem’s lifelong work has focused on progressive social change, including climate justice, social democracy and gender equity. Chairperson Khelsilem brought this passion for change when he became leader of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) in 2021. Chairperson Khelsilem has been a strong advocate for democratic reform, good governance, and policy change that addresses the material needs & conditions of his people. Chairperson Khelsilem sits on numerous boards and advisory committees for foundations and governments. He was previously a board member with Vancity Credit Union and a member of the BC Climate Solutions Council as well as the Co-Chair of the City of Vancouver’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Taskforce. Chairperson Khelsilem is a fluent speaker of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – the Squamish People’s original language, and before serving the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), he was a Lecturer at Simon Fraser University in an Indigenous Language Education program he built to help train a new generation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language speakers. Chairperson Khelsilem currently resides in Vancouver.
Angel Ransom

Senior Vice-President, Environmental Services, FNMPC
Biography

Angel Ransom
Well known for her proactive, holistic & culturally sensitive perspective, Angel Ransom is a member of the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation and part of the Kwun Ba Whut’en Clan. Aside from being a principal to her consulting firm, she is also the Director of Operations and Impact Assessment Lead for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and an Adjunct Professor with the School of Environmental Planning at the University of Northern British Columbia. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning (First Nations Planning) her skills, knowledge and experience include land use planning; environmental assessments; communication and facilitation; technical research, analysis and writing; and resources management.
Chief Ghislain Picard

Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador
Biography

Chief Ghislain Picard
Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador Mr. Ghislain Picard is Innu from the community of Pessamit. He has been the AFNQL Regional Chief since 1992. As AFNQL Chief, he sits on the Assembly of First Nations’ Executive Committee and Management Committee and he is the spokesperson for the Comprehensive claims, Urban population and International Issues portfolios.
Cole Crook

Vice President, Indigenous Relations, ATCO Group
Biography

Cole Crook
Vice President, Indigenous Relations, ATCO Group
Joe Dion

Former Chief of Kehewin; CEO & Director, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group;, and Former Chairman & CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources
Biography

Joe Dion
Former Chief of Kehewin; CEO & Director, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group;, and Former Chairman & CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources
Misko Kijig McGregor

Associate Director, Debt Capital Markets, Cedar Leaf Capital Inc.
Biography

Misko Kijig McGregor
Misko Kijig McGregor, Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi and Aamjiwnaang First Nations. Misko has a passion for economic reconciliation, community development, and social finance. Misko has worked with a variety of organizations including Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, NACCA, KPMG Canada, CPA Canada, and the First Nations Financial Management Board. Additionally, Misko gives his time by volunteering as a board director for the Ashbury College Foundation and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Currently, Misko works as an Associate Director in Debt Capital Markets at Cedar Leaf Capital, which is the first Indigenous majority owned and lead institutional investment dealer in Canada.
Karen Restoule

Co-Founder, BOLD Realities; Creator, Whose.Land; Board at Banff Forum & Canadian Club Toronto; & VP, Crestview Strategies
Biography

Karen Restoule
Karen Restoule is a Vice President at Crestview Strategy. Karen is an expert at fostering collaboration among parties by identifying common goals and objectives to bring divergent views together to develop partnerships and shared success. She offers expertise in organizational governance, transformational leadership, change management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining Crestview Strategy, Karen led an environmental consulting firm working with Indigenous communities towards self-determination, building on a previous role serving First Nations leadership at Chiefs of Ontario where she advanced innovative policy solutions to legacy challenges. She also recently led the modernization of Ontario’s administrative justice system at Tribunals Ontario. Karen is committed to advancing projects to create a brighter economic future for the country. She co-founded BOLD Realities, leading initiatives to advance economic reconciliation. In 2018, they partnered with TakingITGlobal to launch www.whose.land, a web-based mobile app that provides users with information about Indigenous territories. A graduate of the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa’s French Common Law Program, Karen was the youngest and most recent graduate to be inducted into the Faculty of Law’s Honour Society in 2014 for using legal education as a foundation for making significant contributions to society. She was named Public Policy Forum’s 2018 Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow and received CivicAction’s 2018 Emerging Leader Award. Karen sits on governance boards for the Banff Forum and Canadian Club Toronto, and advisory bodies for the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase, and Connected North. She serves on juries for both The Donner Prize and The Hunter Prize and is a contributing writer at thehub.ca Karen is Ojibwe from Dokis First Nation and a beneficiary of the Robinson-Huron Treaty, 1850.