Call for Presenters!
• Are you a subject-matter expert in one or more of the fields listed?
• Are you interested in expanding your audience and reach to include economic development professionals throughout Canada?
• Do you deliver training that creates impact?
Consider becoming a presenter with Cando’s Links to Learning weekly webinar series. Honourarium/financial incentive provided.
If you’re interested, please contact:
Elsie Moar: elsie.moar@edo.ca
OR
Danielle Lightning: danielle.lightning@edo.ca
Upcoming Sessions:
December 6, 2023
2:00PM PT / 3:00PM MT / 4:00PM CT / 5:00PM ET
Topic: Become an Indigenous Consultant
Description: Indigenous Peoples are the fastest growing demographic in Canada and there has never been a better time to become your own boss. Full-time employment is becoming more and more scarce due to lack of job security and continual change. No one is safe from being "Let go". Kendal takes you into the world of what it takes to launch your own consulting business (even while you work full-time). As a 4 time entrepreneur of the year, recipient of over 25 awards in business and mentor to hundreds of Indigenous Business leaders, Kendal will share everything he has learned to ensure you have what you need to launch your own business. The future requires us to become independent. Become your own consultant today!
Speaker: Kendal Netmaker
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdeqgqjwtE9avd07Zmqb1AylEJOPIg9ra
Kendal Netmaker is one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs and speakers, from Sweetgrass First Nation, SK. He was raised by a single mother who cared for Kendal and his three younger sisters while growing up in poverty and few chances for opportunity.
In grade 5, Kendal’s life changed forever when his best friend from South Africa helped him to play soccer by paying for his soccer fees and driving him to games/practices. This act of kindness opened up a whole other world for him that he would have never otherwise experienced. Two years later, when the family was relocating, they gave Kendal’s family their car; it was a life-changing gift that helped his mother access all kinds of basic necessities that had previously been difficult – and meant that Kendal and his sisters could now take part in after school sports.
The incredible generosity of his childhood friend’s family inspired Kendal to give back when he launched his company, Neechie Gear® – a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth through sports. A percentage of all Neechie Gear® profits go toward funding underprivileged youth to take part in sports. While finishing two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Kendal worked on growing the brand, which was founded out of Kendal’s small, one-bedroom apartment. After graduation, Kendal opened several stores while sharing his story as keynote speaker. The brand is now sold to consumers across North America through exclusive retail partners and online.
To date, Kendal has founded and invested in 5 businesses, the author of Driven To Succeed and won over 25 business awards, including runner-up at the YBI Global Entrepreneur of the Year & one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®. Kendal speaks professionally to thousands of people each year on resilience, leadership and the power of telling your story.
He lives with his wife and two children in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he continues to run his company and provide executive leadership coaching to organizations.
Kendal is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and leaders around the globe by demonstrating that regardless of where you come from and what you have gone through in your life, you have the power to enact change. Become who you were born to be!
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Past Sessions:
November 29, 2023
Topic: Proposal Writing Part II: Budgeting and Reporting
Description: This webinar will cover a comprehensive range of topics related to proposal writing and budgeting, aiming to enhance understanding and efficiency in these essential aspects.
There will be general discussions of:
- Types of proposals you may see in your work
-Assembling Financial Information for Budgets
-Understanding revenues and their stack ability
-Determining the funding “ask” and building the “ask” for requested revenue
- How to ensure you can complete your reporting requirements by being pro-active”
can complete your reporting requirements by being pro-active”
Speaker: Sherry Jimmy and Paul Marjerrison
Sherry Jimmy
For the last sixteen years, I have worked almost exclusively with First Nations communities to help with governance, healthcare and economic development. My background in municipal politics and government has helped me to earn my stripes. One of my favourite things to hear is "Sherry understands how our community works. "Building capacity and leaders within our communities is a passion for me - I can see that our work directly impacts people's lives. As I work at the community level, oversee planning and write project proposals, my goal is to build partnerships between First Nations, municipal governments and the larger society. I believe that we need to work together as people of this province and country. The team at Morris Interactive help me to enhance the quality of my work and the outcomes for our clients.
Paul Marjerrison is a Chartered Professional Accountant with 15 years of experience in financial planning and analysis, management accounting and financial reporting, and corporate finance. Paul assists clients with budgeting and budget to actual comparisons, building business cases, financial models and projections, and addressing issues with respect to financial systems and financial reporting. As a part-time Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Paul provides support for the financial management of organizations and is an integral part of the organization’s management and financial future. Areas of expertise include operational and financial analysis support for projects and transactions, budgeting and forecasting for future operations, and management through growth or financial distress and cash flow shortages, and the development of business cases and ongoing financial strategy assistance with Indigenous communities, private organizations and not-for profits. For the past six years, Paul has served as a CFO for private and public companies. Prior to his work as a CFO, Paul assisted clients to sell and acquire businesses, raise capital from investors, and secure or refinance bank loans over four years with MNP Corporate Finance in Vancouver. Paul managed audits, reviews and tax services over five years with MNP LLP in Saskatoon and Vancouver. Paul co-managed Jan Lake Lodge near Pelican Narrows over three years with his wife. In his spare time, Paul enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing, and playing the drums.
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November 22, 2023
Topic: Basics of Land use Planning
Description: This webinar will cover the basics of land use planning.
- Community based
- Environmental management / Surveys
- How it relates to economic development
- Utilization of Band Land
- Traditional Lands
Speaker: Sarah Jerome
Sarah Thomas-Jerome is a First Nations Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, Quebec. She has studied Forestry at the University of New Brunswick for 3 years and continued her education at the Vancouver Island University and graduated with Professional Indigenous Lands Management. She currently works for her Nations at the Micmac’s of Gesgapegiag as the Lands Officer for the past 3 years.
She is part of the First Nations Lands Managers association for Quebec and Labrador (FNLMAQL) and has been on the youth panel discussion for National Aboriginal Land Managers association (NALMA) in 2023 National Gathering.
She is looking to grow her platform as a Lands Officer and would like to share her experience she has gained in the field. Networking with others and sharing stories to understand the world with (two-eye seeing) one eye with the strengths of Indigenous background and one eye with the western world as we see today.
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November 15, 2023
Title: Community over Competition: Building Supportive Networks of Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Description: In this empowering workshop, Jordyn Hrenyk (Métis Nation Saskatchewan) will demonstrate through her research findings, how Indigenous entrepreneurs can build supportive business communities, while maintaining successful, values-aligned organizations. The goal of this workshop is to demonstrate how Indigenous business leaders can – and do – build businesses that exemplify Indigenous values and share value among all relations in their supply chains. In this workshop, we will re-define the purpose of business from an Indigenous perspective, and we will explore how values like balance, wholism, and reciprocity can become the foundation for a successful organization. Whether you own a business, are thinking about starting one, or you support Indigenous entrepreneurs and organization leaders, you will come away from this workshop with the practical knowledge of how to apply Indigenous values to drive well-being in our communities through business. Together, we will explore the deep intersections of business, community, and reciprocity from an Indigenous lens.
Speaker: Jordyn Hrenyk
Jordyn Hrenyk is a Michif researcher and PhD Candidate in the area of Business and Society at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Her research is focused on Indigenous entrepreneurship and values-aligned business, and she specifically studies how Indigenous entrepreneurs build mutually-supportive networks through their organizations. Before graduate school, Jordyn worked with leading Indigenous entrepreneurs in a variety of industries including media, technology, and education to refine their business models and seek business funding. Jordyn is a member of Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Local #7. While she was born on her home territory in Treaty 6, she is grateful to live on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Territory today in order to attend SFU.
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November 8, 2023
Topic: Indigenous Entrepreneurship – Success Story
Description: The story of Michelle Cameron CEO and Founder of Dreamcatcher Promotions, INAC and Dreamcatcher Executive Offices. Born and raised in a single mother household in Winnipeg Manitoba. An early on entrepreneur who has strived and persevered though the hardships, financial strain, and sacrifices to run successful businesses. Despite all the odds against Michelle being an Indigenous woman without a mentor to guide her - she has become a success story for many. After 10 years of business Michelle knows what it takes to start, run, and maintain a successful business with the now knowledge to guide others to also own their own business. Dreamcatcher Promotions is Canada’s largest Indigenous owned promotional company.
Speaker: Michelle Cameron
Bio: My name is Michelle Cameron, I was born and was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With strong pride, I am a treaty status woman, a band member of Peguis First Nation, and a mother of five beautiful children. I am the owner and founder of Dreamcatcher Promotions, INAC and Dreamcatcher Executive Offices.
In 2011, I started my first business Dreamcatcher Embroidery as a home-based business. In 2013, Dreamcatcher Embroidery was changed to Dreamcatcher Promotions to better establish and describe Dreamcatcher Promotions as a business which offered much more services beyond embroidery. We broadened our services’ which included a variety of printed promotional products and apparel for businesses, agencies, and organizations.
The first five years of business were difficult, and we were met with many struggles, and many days were often filled with self-doubt. There were times of financial strain, long hours, self and family sacrifices and feelings of wanting to give up. Thankfully we persevered throughout the hardships and put in the hard work and stayed committed to keep growing and turn into the successful company I knew we could become.
In 2018, Dreamcatcher Promotions was gaining strong brand awareness, and increasing its client base and became well recognized within the Indigenous and non-Indigenous business community. We launched our Dreamcatcher Promotions website for online ordering and were focused on advertising and promoting our products and services through social media.
To date, Dreamcatcher Promotions continues to be successful. I continue to be the sole proprietor and manage the day-to-day operations, with 56 staff members. Dreamcatcher Promotions has evolved into becoming the largest Indigenous owned promotional company in Canada and is one of the largest promotional companies in Winnipeg.
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November 1, 2023
Topic: Historical and Current Colonial Impact on Indigenous Economies
Description: This webinar discusses how colonial history and legislation has limited the development of Indigenous economies. Indian Act legislation such as the pass system, permit system, severalty, peasant farming, and the residential school system are examples as to how First Nation economies have been systematically suppressed, restricting growth. The webinar will explain how this understanding can inform economic development plans and approaches to First Nation organizational leadership.
Speaker: Jimmy Thunder
Jimmy Thunder, MBA, CAPM, BA is an Oji-Cree Asper MBA graduate from Sachigo Lake First Nation, Ontario. He is currently working as the director of economic development for Norway House Cree Nation, which is the 2023 recipient of the CANDO Economic Developer of the Year Award. Jimmy teaches Indigenous Economic Leadership at the University of Manitoba and is a trained facilitator with the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute. He actively encourages public engagement with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action as adjunct professor at Horizon College & Seminary and via social media as co-founder of Reconciliation Thunder Inc. As a result of speaking publicly in these contexts, he has been invited into post-secondary institutions and community organizations as a consultant on matters related to economic development, leadership, cultural awareness, and anti-racism. (more at www.jimmythunder.ca )
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October 25, 2023
Topic: Best Practices to Incorporating Indigenous Inclusion
Description: Indigenous Inclusion is crucial to successful community economic development. As community economic development officers or advisors, we need to continue to educate, enlighten and encourage best practices of Indigenous Inclusion to our Non-Indigenous stakeholders and counterparts. We need to continue to create an understanding and awareness of our grassroots people, communities and the innate and inherent value we bring to our economy. This presentation will provide community economic development officers and non-Indigenous stakeholders with Indigenous Inclusion strategies, tools, resources and best practices that create value, empower and fuel our Indigenous peoples and economies.
Speaker: Ruby Littlechild
Ruby Littlechild, MBA, M.Ed. BA
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As a former CANDO National Student Director, Ruby Littlechild has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, a Master’s in Education and an MBA – Masters Degree in Business Administration. Ruby has previously worked at the Alberta Legislature Building for the Government of Alberta, APEGA – Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, a former manager of the Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre at NorQuest College and is now National Director of Indigenous Relations for SNC-Lavalin.
Ruby believes training, education, healing, reconciliation, respectful relationships, business development, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the understanding of historical and cultural awareness are key factors in |
successful Indigenous Community Economic Development and to the alleviate systemic inequality and oppressive living conditions that First Nations people live under.
Ruby advocates to encourage Indigenous inclusion in all industries that impact the economy. Shifts in social consciousness, higher education and ethical practice are vital to sustainable development in our Indigenous communities in order alleviate the prevalent inequality and uneven development across Canada.
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October 18, 2023
Topic: Exporting 101 with FITT (Sponsored by EDC)
Description: In this comprehensive introduction to exporting, you’ll learn how to assess whether exporting is right for your business and which key strategies can help you go global successfully. There are many benefits for Canadian companies to sell their goods and services internationally. In fact, research shows exporting can increase business profitability by 121%, productivity by 30%, and innovation by 25%. If you aren’t already exporting, the idea of expanding beyond borders can be daunting, and you may not know how to get started. The FITT Exporting 101 session provides a comprehensive introduction to exporting, and is delivered by a CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) working with EDC and the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).
· The seven key considerations of exporting you need to learn to plan for international business growth:
The FITT-Exporting 101 webinar is a good introduction for companies planning to move into exporting, and provide the basics of where to start in building an export plan. FITT also offers a wide range of additional courses and on-line training through their website.
| Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) (fittfortrade.com)
Speaker: Tammy Bombardier
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Tammy Bombardier is a Certified International Trade Professional – CITP® | FIBP® and a global entrepreneur who has driven sales growth and strategic achievements across more than 30 countries. She has cultivated business successes for SMEs in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. Before returning to Canada, she spent six years in Sweden, where she directed global growth for a prominent US-based distributor. This tenure included coaching both large and small retailers as well as consumer product manufacturers on strategies for Europe. Her efforts at JPMorgan Chase included new business development for their international services and SAAS products. During a time of new technology adaptation in Hong Kong, she managed commercial launches for the region’s largest computer products distributor. She is a proud graduate of the University of Waterloo and received her MBA from the University of Cumbria in the UK. Today, as an International Business professor, she is known for her ability to |
ignite inspiration from her experiences. Outside of the classroom, she trains and coaches individuals and groups on harnessing strategic intelligence to support business success. Her expertise and global perspective are a driving force for organizations navigating the intricate and ever-evolving terrain of international business.
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October 11, 2023
Topic: Communicating/Public Speaking
Description: Good communication is the key to every good relationship and the lack of good communication is the cause of most relationship break-downs.
Communication includes words, actions, expressions, and emotions and developing good communication skills takes practice.
Come learn the keys to great communication and how to become a great communicator.
Speaker: Angela Adsit
Angela Adsit is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation, the CEO of ICDPRO (Indigenous Community Development & Prosperity), a Principal of Emerge Engagement Corp, is a professional public speaker, and has held several Executive level positions in both for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations. She also is an instructor with several Indigenous and non-Indigenous training/educational organizations and develops culturally-aware curricula in Indigenous entrepreneurship, and community and business development.
Angela sat on her Nation’s Government Board of Directors who oversee all the economic development within the Tahltan territory in northern BC.
Growing up ‘in both worlds’, she understands the need to integrate both societies and the various components of a community so the community is built holistically, strategically, and with the local Indigenous ways of ‘being and doing’ at the centre.
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October 4, 2023
2:00PM PT / 3:00PM MT / 4:00PM CT / 5:00PM ET
Topic: Business Model Canvas - Setting the Stage (Part II)
Description: The Business Model Canvas is a tool that helps you understand a business model in a straightforward, structured way. It's easy to use, visual and allows you to gain a better understanding of your business model.
In Part Two of this two-part series, individuals will move forward with putting the plan into action by:
• Review the 9 building blocks of the Business Model Canvas
• Identify Key Activities, Resources and Partners
• Identify cost structure
• Have a concrete idea of next steps for your completed business model
Speaker: Colleen Nolan
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kduyhpzgsEtDu6qe5T24bBso9BOTEau-b
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Colleen Nolan is an Anishinaabe woman, originally from Garden River First Nation, Ontario. With over 20 years experience in community and business development, she has worked in the areas of employment and training, economic development and Indigenous tourism where she has supported and guided job seekers and entrepreneurs. Her specialty includes community engagement, program development and facilitation. She has facilitated numerous workshops, programs and training sessions targeting Indigenous people including Business Model Canvas, Entrepreneurship, Women’s Empowerment, Business Planning, to name a few. As a coach and mentor for Indigenous businesses, she is passionate about community development, capacity |
building and networking. She is an entrepreneur and continues to provide service to assist local entrepreneurs including consultation and business plan writing.
When the pandemic hit, stress and anxiety took a toll and she found comfort and solace in our culture. Smudging daily, drinking cedar tea and giving thanks, it grounded her. She also found a new skill – moccasin making and since the onset of the pandemic, has taught over 1000 Indigenous to make their own pair of moccasin and mitts. She continues to teach this and pass on to Indigenous people around Ontario and virtually as far as Edmonton and California.
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September 27, 2023
Title: Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: 5 C’s Coaching/Capital/Connections/Climate/Culture
Description: As community economic development officers or advisors, our roles are varied and we need to be able to navigate many waters (including entrepreneurship questions) and guide individuals to the resources and networks available to your community members. Entrepreneurship Ecosystems are full of connections, contacts, organizations, and resources. Think of the ecosystem as the community that surrounds the individual and their business within a geographical area that includes all the activities within the circle of the 5 C’s. This presentation will provide community economic development officers the resources and connections available regionally, provincially and nationally.
TOPICS
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
• Regional, Provincial, National Supports
• Otipêmisiw “their own boss”
• Open discussion
Speaker: Patricia Crowe
Patricia A Crowe is a Métis-Cree woman originally from Northern Saskatchewan (Buffalo Narrows) who has been immersed in economic development activity throughout the province as former Co-Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Ex-officio Board Member of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance where partnerships, relationships and strategies assist in providing opportunities that contribute to economic independence and individual livelihood of Indigenous Peoples.
Working currently within Treaty 4 Territory as an Indigenous Economic Development Specialist, Patricia connects with communities and economic and business development corporations as a pathfinder to resources specifically with the twenty-four First Nations, three Tribal Councils and Western Region III of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. Previously as a Business Advisor, Economic Development with File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council’s FHQ Developments, Patricia’s role included the advancement and promotion of entrepreneurial pursuits and she continues to provide pathfinding resources, including promoting and supporting Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (IWE) events, and Women Entrepreneurs Knowledge Hub (WEHK) regional meetings and business bootcamps, start-up events and programs like Raising Their Voices, a Northern Saskatchewan networking group for Indigenous Women. Patricia believes in mentorship and empowering future leaders and has shared her experience and knowledge with Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island participating in national and international cohorts including an across Canada Indigenous Women’s Leadership Initiative hosted by Indigenous Leadership Institute Inc. and Indigi-X, a global virtual exchange of Indigenous Professionals where she created a video on how our inherent ways of being and living on the lands and waters created a structure of trade and commerce and now an ecosystem for entrepreneurship where we all have the ability to continue to take care of ourselves.
Patricia shares her lived experience, leadership and vision to create and organize forums, events, webinars, leadership circles and other professional opportunities that increase capacity building, networking, communication and partnerships in economic development as a specialist, advisor, moderator, speaker and advocate.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-a-crowe-saskatchewan
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September 20, 2023
Topic: Business Model Canvas - Setting the Stage (Part I)
• Be provided with an overview of the 9 building blocks of the Business Model Canvas
• Set the stage and identify the product value and customer segments
• Determine relationships and channel streams
• Identify revenue streams
Participants will be provided with a fillable pdf form of the Business Model Canvas.
Speaker: Colleen Nolan
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Colleen Nolan is an Anishinaabe woman, originally from Garden River First Nation, Ontario. With over 20 years experience in community and business development, she has worked in the areas of employment and training, economic development and Indigenous tourism where she has supported and guided job seekers and entrepreneurs. Her specialty includes community engagement, program development and facilitation. She has facilitated numerous workshops, programs and training sessions targeting Indigenous people including Business Model Canvas, Entrepreneurship, Women’s Empowerment, Business Planning, to name a few. As a coach and mentor for Indigenous businesses, she is passionate about community development, capacity |
building and networking. She is an entrepreneur and continues to provide service to assist local entrepreneurs including consultation and business plan writing.
When the pandemic hit, stress and anxiety took a toll and she found comfort and solace in our culture. Smudging daily, drinking cedar tea and giving thanks, it grounded her. She also found a new skill – moccasin making and since the onset of the pandemic, has taught over 1000 Indigenous to make their own pair of moccasin and mitts. She continues to teach this and pass on to Indigenous people around Ontario and virtually as far as Edmonton and California.
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September 13, 2023
Title: Motivation 101
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Michelle Nieviadomy is Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) with a passion for wellness, social justice & community development. She is a member of Kawacatoose First Nation and while her roots are in Saskatchewan, she has called Edmonton home for the past 20 years. She is the Assistant Director at the Edmonton Native Healing Centre. She is an entrepreneur with her own business called Iskwew Health promoting health & wellness in various capacities! (Zumba, meditation, bootcamp, fitness kickboxing, wellness retreats) She believes movement is medicine & connection is everything! |
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September 6, 2023
Title: Cando Indigenous Private Sector Business Category Award Winner: Bayside Development Corp.
Description: Join this webinar to hear from Rose Paul, CEO of Bayside Development Corporation, the business arm of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, and recent winner of the Cando Economic Developer of the Year Award for Indigenous Private Sector Business. Rose will discuss the significance of the award and highlight the successes of Bayside Development Corporation.
Speaker: Rose Paul
Rose Paul
As CEO of Bayside Development Corporation, the business arm of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, that commitment has fueled a vision to maximize future employment and business creation for Paqtnkek community members and beyond. Rose worked hard with her leadership and teams to develop the first ever tripartite agreement with the Provincial and Federal governments and got awarded the multi-million-dollar highway interchange site. With the completion of Phase One (development of the Bayside Travel Centre), she’s now focused on Phase Two of the highway showcase and working towards the construction of a new business centre. An essential element of the community’s long-term economic vision is their strategic partnerships with corporate stakeholders, such as industry leader Everwind Fuels in a billion-dollar industry with production of Green Hydrogen & Ammonia. It’s an alliance that will drive them towards ‘energy sovereignty’ and becoming a net zero contributor in the fight against global warming and working on the Truth to Reconciliation in building business and sector industry partnerships such as Maritime Launch Services, Signal Gold, and Clearwater Seafoods. Rose became the first Mi’kmaq person to join the board of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce. Generous with her time, Paul has been a speaker at national events all over Canada and is a volunteer for roundtables that explore the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
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August 30, 2023
Title: Proposal Writing
Description: Join us in this webinar on Proposal Writing. Within this webinar you will cover: • Understanding Grants & Proposals • 12 Step Process in Writing Proposals • Best Practices to be successful in securing proposal and grant funding.
Speaker: Sherry Jimmy, Principal Consultant, Strategy & Governance MSA, BSW, MSGov
Sherry Jimmy
For the last sixteen years, I have worked almost exclusively with First Nations communities to help with governance, healthcare and economic development. My background in municipal politics and government has helped me to earn my stripes. One of my favourite things to hear is "Sherry understands how our community works. "Building capacity and leaders within our communities is a passion for me - I can see that our work directly impacts people's lives. As I work at the community level, oversee planning and write project proposals, my goal is to build partnerships between First Nations, municipal governments and the larger society. I believe that we need to work together as people of this province and country. The team at Morris Interactive help me to enhance the quality of my work and the outcomes for our clients.
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August 2, 2023
Title: Nation Building for Community Economic Development
Description: The presentation will explore strategies for structuring community owned businesses (limited partnerships) while ensuring that individual community members can pursue self-employment through entrepreneurship.
Speaker: Jason Rasevych
Jason Rasevych is a Partner at Deloitte Canada and National Leader of the Indigenous Services team. Jason also leads Deloitte’s Indigenous Wealth Management service line which supports First Nations and Trustees to manage approximately $1 Billion in invested funds, and supports the growth, education and development of First Nations and its members. Jason is an Anishnawbe from Ginoogaming First Nation, a Treaty #9 signatory in Northwestern Ontario. Jason has over 20 years of marketing, finance, strategy, governance, economic development, and management experience with various First Nations across Canada. He is recognized as one of Canada’s top economic developers and has secured more than $500 million for capital projects, legacy infrastructure, and business expansion with Indigenous groups. Jason has deep knowledge of First Nation rights and the natural resource sector through his involvement in complex negotiations between First Nations, industry, and governments. This journey of promoting social license and consent of Indigenous peoples has led to precedent setting agreements in the mining, forestry and energy sectors resulting in Indigenous equity in natural resources and ownership of enabling infrastructure. Jason has served on the boards of several Indigenous organizations and professional and non-profit associations including Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Regional Economic Strategic Planning Committee, the Oshki-WenJack Business Advisory Committee, and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) task force for natural resource development. In 2019 he co-founded the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association to advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous business in pursuit of economic reconciliation of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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July 26, 2023
Title: Financial Wellness: When was the last time you asked yourself
“how is my relationship with money?”
Description: If that question made you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. In fact, 61% of women would rather talk about their own death than money. Talking about money is essential but for many of us, it’s the last thing we feel comfortable talking about. Every decision we make in our personal (and business) journeys has a financial impact. These decisions are guided by how we perceive and define our relationship with money, and how that shapes our attitudes, decisions and behaviours when it comes to managing money. Understanding our relationship with money can help us be aware of how we interact with our – from how we earn, save, spend, borrow, and invest it to how we use it to meet our commitments and take care of the things and people that matter most. It's time to break this last taboo so we can build a better path to financial wellness. In this webinar, Shannon will have you connect to your money mindset and look at your relationship to money in new ways.
Speaker: Shannon Pestun
Shannon Pestun
Shannon is a proud Cree Métis woman entrepreneur and courageous leader who is breaking barriers to advance an inclusive and sustainable economy. Recognized for creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo, Shannon is one of Canada’s most sought-after finance consultants and a trusted voice on women’s entrepreneurship for educators, government, industry and the media. She was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel. Shannon is the Co-founder of The Finance Cafe, the CEO of Pestun Consulting and the Senior Advisor for Business and Finance for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. Shannon is committed to bolstering Indigenous economic prosperity and wellness by driving regional economic growth and bringing an Indigenous-centred approach to her work. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, the first community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurship and has raised over $120,000.
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July 19, 2023
Title: Economic self-sufficiency through Forest Carbon.
Description – A walk though of how forest carbon supports community, including the potential of generating own source revenue. Looking at the basics of how Forest Carbon Offset Projects work, exploring the types of Forest Carbon Markets, where various opportunities lay, and steps involved in developing a Carbon Offset Project.
We have presented to quite a few First Nations, Metis communities, and Indigenous groups and have landed on the following points.
- Introduction
- Benefits of Carbon Projects
- Forest Carbon Fundamentals
- Potential Opportunity
- Improved Forest Management (IFM) Carbon Project Development
- Questions and discussion
Speaker: Jacob Handel
Jacob Handel – Director of Forest Carbon Origination
Jacob is part of the Finite Carbon Canadian team as Director of Forest Carbon Origination. He brings over two decades of experience working in Indigenous relations and his background provides a wealth of knowledge and involvement in engaging Indigenous people in resource industries throughout North America. Jacob has supported and guided strategic direction in the environmental field, Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, strategy development, regulatory processes, and negotiation. This has included working for a leading Canadian paper and forest products manufacturing company, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous governments, industry in the resources and energy sector and nonprofits.
Jacob supports and guides the design and implementation of strategic carbon initiatives that unlock substantial value for Finite’s clients, while also meeting Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) objectives and tackling climate change.
Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, supporting his enduring desire of interweaving stakeholder and Indigenous relations and the environment.
“The opportunity to work with Finite Carbon highlighting values and core principles that aligns, stakeholders, Natural Climate Solutions and forest carbon activities is highly rewarding. The natural resources sector and ways to address climate change is continuing to grow and there’s a need for forestry and forest-related products, values, and ecosystem services, and for Finite Carbon to play an important role in that equation. It is vital that stakeholder and Indigenous groups and communities are part of this growing economy - their active participation is crucial for the success and overall health of Canada and U.S.”
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July 12, 2023
Title: From Understanding to Action - YEG's Flight Path to Economic Reconciliation
This session will highlight YEG's work to build relationships with Indigenous communities to create opportunities, support the Indigenous economy, raise awareness of cultural and tourism impacts and foster an environment of inclusion. What can we learn from each other? Where can you start?
Chelsey Quirk
Manager, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations
Edmonton International Airport
Chelsey is focussed on making space and cultivating change. As a proud Métis woman, she has spent much of her career advocating for Indigenous rights and diversity, equity and inclusion, though non-profit, government and private sector positions.
Chelsey joined the team at Edmonton International Airport in 2015 and focuses on creating meaningful and collaborative relationships that drive economic growth and reconciliation for the Edmonton Metro Region. Most recently, she led the opening of the first-of-its-kind, Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre at YEG, shining a spotlight on the vibrant Indigenous history, culture and retail offerings in and around the region.
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June 14, 2023
Title: Co-operatives First and Your Way, together – supporting co-operatives since 2016
Description: Co-operatives First launched in the summer of 2016 to create awareness and assist co-op development in Indigenous and rural communities throughout Western Canada. Since its inception, Co-operatives First has supported 173 projects, incorporated over 80 co-operatives, created online courses, delivered workshops, and business support with three websites for co-op development.
In 2021, the Your way, together program was launched for Indigenous communities, leaders, and entrepreneurs interested in co-operatives. Your Way, together includes a website, a guidebook to Indigenous Co-op development, a newsletter, and a new Facebook Page. In this webinar, Trista will cover the products, services, and educational tools that are offered by Co-operatives First and a sneak peek at the relaunch of the Your way, together program.
Speaker: Trista Pewapisconias
Registration Link:
Trista Pewapisconias is a member of the Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan and Director of Indigenous Relations for Co-operatives First. In her role with Co-operatives First, Trista works alongside community members to form new businesses based on the co-operative model. Her support with business development and planning helps guide groups through the process of starting a successful business. Trista’s professional experience includes various marketing roles, as well as writing business plans for Indigenous start-up companies. A tireless advocate for Indigenous business, Trista is also a founding board member of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce of Saskatchewan and holds an MBA from Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.
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June 7, 2023
Title: Starting a Business: Part 2 (June 7)
This workshop builds off the first one by explaining the importance of a developing business plan and examining the main elements that go into the design of a business plan. The workshop also explains how to gauge the potential success and risks of a business through feasibility studies that investigate the prospective target audience, market size, competition and the ability to secure a portion of the marketplace.
Bio: Steven McCoy & Gencity Inc.
Steven McCoy is an Ojibwe member of Ketegaunseebee (Garden River First Nation) and a life-long resident from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. His Indigenous name is Mishkwanakwet (Red Cloud) and he is a member of the Mukwa (Bear) Clan.
Steven McCoy is the CEO and founder of Gencity Inc. which evolved from his own part-time consulting business he started in 2012. He then rebranded his business into Gencity Consulting in 2018 which he recently incorporated into Gencity Inc. in 2022. Gencity was awarded Indigenous Business of the Year in 2021 from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. McCoy specializes in marketing, communications, consulting, public speaking, events management and Indigenous liaison. In addition, Steven is a journalistic writer who highlights Indigenous leaders in business and entrepreneurship across Canada.
Steven works with numerous First Nation communities, associations, politicians, non-profit organizations, and large private corporations providing a variety of business services such as strategic planning, speech writing, business plan writing, funding applications, website development and management, social media development and management and Indigenous liaison services. Some of his clients, both past and present, include Batchewana First Nation, Pic Mobert First Nation, Sault College, the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund and former Ontario Regional Chief Roseanne Archibald to name a few.
In 2022, Steven was contracted by Sault College to work internationally as an Indigenous business mentor to Indigenous Canadian and Mexican students who were taking part in a first-of-its-kinds exchange program where students were paired up in teams to assist small Indigenous business owners in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
https://youtu.be/4RIGTBPRn-4
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May 31, 2023
Title: Starting a Business: Part 1 (May 31)
This workshop explores the topic of starting a business beginning with a reality check and self-assessment to help understand what is takes to become an entrepreneur and what to expect along the journey. The workshop also examines what a competitive advantage is and why it is key in developing a compelling backstory. In addition, the workshop goes over a start-up checklist with suggested steps to complete when starting a business.
Speaker: Steven McCoy
Bio: Steven McCoy & Gencity Inc.
Steven McCoy is an Ojibwe member of Ketegaunseebee (Garden River First Nation) and a life-long resident from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. His Indigenous name is Mishkwanakwet (Red Cloud) and he is a member of the Mukwa (Bear) Clan.
Steven McCoy is the CEO and founder of Gencity Inc. which evolved from his own part-time consulting business he started in 2012. He then rebranded his business into Gencity Consulting in 2018 which he recently incorporated into Gencity Inc. in 2022. Gencity was awarded Indigenous Business of the Year in 2021 from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. McCoy specializes in marketing, communications, consulting, public speaking, events management and Indigenous liaison. In addition, Steven is a journalistic writer who highlights Indigenous leaders in business and entrepreneurship across Canada.
Steven works with numerous First Nation communities, associations, politicians, non-profit organizations, and large private corporations providing a variety of business services such as strategic planning, speech writing, business plan writing, funding applications, website development and management, social media development and management and Indigenous liaison services. Some of his clients, both past and present, include Batchewana First Nation, Pic Mobert First Nation, Sault College, the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund and former Ontario Regional Chief Roseanne Archibald to name a few.
In 2022, Steven was contracted by Sault College to work internationally as an Indigenous business mentor to Indigenous Canadian and Mexican students who were taking part in a first-of-its-kinds exchange program where students were paired up in teams to assist small Indigenous business owners in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
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May 24, 2023
Title: Back to the Basics of Personal Budgeting
Description: Developing a successful Personal Finance Plan can help self, loved ones and communities reach financial stability, security, autonomy, abundance, and peace of mind. A critical step in the process of developing a successful Financial Plan is the use of a Personal Budget. A Personal Budget created with meaningful goals and relatable to one’s personal circumstances is the launching point for other financial successes, such as creating savings, growing assets and reducing debt and liabilities. Think of a Personal Budget as a “Money Map” for one’s hard-earned dollars. With the right preparation and actions, a Personal Budget can help one safely and successfully reach many financial destinations. Yet despite the benefits of this financial tool, many people from all walks of life still do not have or use a Personal Budget.
This Webinar Wednesday session aims to change that. Scout Financial Solutions will walk attendees through this knowledge sharing session entitled Back to The Basics of Personal Budgeting. With just a small investment of one’s time and attention, Scout provides attendees with information on creating and maintaining a Personal Budget that works in today’s fast paced environment. This will include an overview of the 5 Key Steps to creating a Personal Budget. Scout takes it one step further by sharing the 4 areas where one’s money should be directed in order to achieve financial stability and abundance. This is a session no one can afford to miss. Attendees will gain a healthy money skillset as well as added confidence in moving towards their Financial Wellness.
Speaker: Cate Morris
Cate Morris, Founder of Scout Financial Solutions
Cate Morris is a Dakota Winyan (woman) and registered band member of the George Gordon First Nation located in Treaty Four territory. She resides in Regina, Saskatchewan where she is an active community member, passionate Entrepreneur and Financial Literacy advocate. Cate is the Founder of Scout Financial Solutions, a financial literacy education and consulting business that provides Personal Finance Life Skills. With an emphasis of knowledge sharing in the Indigenous community, vital financial wellness content is shared through engaging and memorable group workshops and individual consultations.
Armed with relatable life experiences and backed by extensive formal education, this “Money Scout” walks her talk. Cate holds a Business Administration degree, two Financial Educator certifications as well as numerous professional and personal development certificates that include economic development, entrepreneurship, procurement, public service and of course, personal finance! Cate and Scout’s goals are many but on the forefront are world peace, sharing knowledge to empower others and ending cyclical poverty one inspiring sharing at a time. Find and follow Scout Financial Solutions at www.moneyscout.ca, on Facebook at Scout Financial Solutions or on Twitter at #MoneyScout4U.
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May 17, 2023
Title: Entrepreneurship Pathfinding: Supporting & Promoting Entrepreneurs in Your Community
Patricia A Crowe is a Métis-Cree woman originally from Northern Saskatchewan (Buffalo Narrows) who has been immersed in economic development activity throughout the province as former Co-Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Ex-officio Board Member of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance where partnerships, relationships and strategies assist in providing opportunities that contribute to economic independence and individual livelihood of Indigenous Peoples.May 10, 2023
Title: Shannon Pestun: Helping Indigenous Women realize & Achieve their true Economic Potential
Description: In this fireside chat, Michelle sits down for a conversation with Shannon Pestun to talk about her work in Helping Indigenous Women Realize & Achieve their true Economic Potential.
Once told she is 'bad with numbers", Shannon has become one of today's most sought after financial consultants and recognized for championing equity, diversity and inclusion in business and finance.
Shannon and Michelle will talk about overcoming trauma, finding light in darkness, how others helped her rise and why she is committed to helping indigenous women realize and achieve their true economic potential. Through this real and heartfelt fireside chat, Shannon participants will see what makes Shannon a role model and influential disruptor and why she is on a mission to help other Indigenous women achieve abundance and prosperity through entrepreneurship.
Speaker: Shannon Pestun
Shannon Pestun
Shannon is a proud Cree Métis woman entrepreneur and courageous leader who is breaking barriers to advance an inclusive and sustainable economy. Recognized for creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo, Shannon is one of Canada’s most sought-after finance consultants and a trusted voice on women’s entrepreneurship for educators, government, industry and the media. She was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel. Shannon is the Co-founder of The Finance Cafe, the CEO of Pestun Consulting and the Senior Advisor for Business and Finance for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. Shannon is committed to bolstering Indigenous economic prosperity and wellness by driving regional economic growth and bringing an Indigenous-centred approach to her work. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, the first community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurship and has raised over $120,000.
https://youtu.be/mN_C1gK8Xgw
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May 3, 2023
Title: How to Develop Business Opportunities for Remote Communities
Description: This workshop will review remote Community Facts, discuss what is working well to develop First Nation remote community economies, what can be done better to develop First Nation remote community economies, Community Economic Development Planning, and Institution Building best practices. Learning Outcomes: Participants of this exciting workshop will learn about national research identifying common needs for remote communities, learn about what is working well to advance remote First Nation community economic development, community economic development planning and institution building to grow a diversified, resilient, and vibrant local economy.
Bios: Laara E. Yaghujaanas, M.A., owns and operates Carden Consulting, which she established in 1997. Laara is from the yaghu ‘jaanas clan of the Haida Nation and carries her great grandmothers name “Kun Gaadaas”. Laara has more than a quarter of a century of experience supporting First Nations community economic development, business development, and institution building utilizing Nation Rebuilding approaches. Laara holds a master’s degree from Royal Roads University, was awarded the Royal Roads University Founders Award, has completed the Justice Institute Conflict Resolution and Negotiation course, is a CTT Certified Consultant (Level 2), a member of the Council of Native Development Officers (CANDO), a member of the New Relationship Trust Economic Development Support Team, and is an Advisor for the Indigenous Business Awards. Laara is currently initiating her PhD in Indigenous Governance.Mark F. Salter joined Carden Consulting in the summer of 2017 as a business and life partner with Laara. Mark has worked with First Nations for more than ten years’ including management services and developing intergovernmental partnerships. Mark has also completed the Justice Institute Conflict Resolution and MediationProgram, has been recognized by the Capital Regional District and Lieutenant Governor General for Environmental Leadership (benefitting the regions of Southern Vancouver Island), and is currently completing his AIP3 Certification with the International Association of Public Participation Practitioners, and is committed to maximizing First Peoples benefits from UNDRIP, DRIPA and FPIC.================
April 26, 2023
Title: Data Sovereignty
Description: Join SVS’s Jeff Hackett in this first session of our Data Sovereignty webinar series. Jeff will explore the complex topic of Indigenous Data Governance and Management, what needs to be protected, and why.
Reclaiming the control, protection, and management of your Indigenous Nation’s data can support your assertion of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights, and can be central in your journey towards self-determination. Having GIS and values data, lands management data, oral history recordings, agreements, and other important information at your fingertips can be a game changer in lands and band management, as well as in negotiations with proponents and governments.
Speaker: Jeff Hackett
Jeffrey Hackett, BA MSc MPhil, Client Liaison, Senior Advisor
Jeffrey has over 10 years experience in capacity development, outreach and engagement, business and partnership development, environmental and technical programming, qualitative research, and technical writing. He has extensive industry experience with Indigenous Nations and organizations, private-sector, and government in the resource development sector.
His resource development projects have included pipelines, like TC energy east and Coastal GasLink, as well as major gold mines across the country.
Since 2019, most of Jeff’s projects have involved capacity development initiatives that focused on developing methods, tools, platforms, curriculum, and trainings around Traditional Use Studies and Indigenous-led research.
No recording is available for this session.
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April 19, 2023
Title: Perfecting Your Business Pitch
Description: Have you ever wondered about the most effective approach to dazzle an audience when presenting your business? In today’s media rich environment, capturing peoples’ attention is both an art and a science.
Learn how to perfect your business pitch and deliver a compelling message that impresses customers, investors and/or potential partners in this upcoming webinar. Discover the key elements of a successful business pitch, from crafting a compelling story to delivering it with confidence and conviction.
We will discuss common mistakes to avoid, adapting your pitch to different audiences and situations, and strategies for overcoming nervousness and projecting confidence. You'll also learn tips for engaging and connecting with your audience and strategies for handling questions and objections.
Join this interactive session to get personalized feedback and advice on your own pitching challenges and goals. Register now for "Perfecting Your Business Pitch" and start crafting the perfect pitch today!
Speaker Bio: Loa Fridfinnson
Loa Fridfinnson
Loa has 20+ years of entrepreneurial, marketing, technology and sales expertise through her marketing agency Activ8, consulting for emerging private and public companies (Indigenous and non), and not-for-profit organizations in Canada. She also works with progressive Indigenous communities in B.C. passing along marketing, digital media and sales knowledge to Indigenous entrepreneurs who want to startand grow companies that they are passionate about.Loa created a 15-course business training program that gives Indigenous adults and youth the professional and personal development tools and skills needed to succeed in today's digital economy. Many of her participants are operating thriving businesses who have been recognized for their achievements at B.C.’s Indigenous Business Awards in Vancouver. Read more about Loa on LinkedIn.
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April 12, 2023
Title: Food sovereignty: “Building Sustainable Food Security in Indigenous Communities
Description: Food security is an issue with many Canadian Indigenous peoples and communities as it is in many communities around the world.
There ARE solutions to food insecurities as has been proven by several Indigenous communities, globally.
In this webinar, we will explore some of the food security solutions other Indigenous communities have incorporated with great success and how these solutions may be part of the answer to Canada's food insecurities.
Speaker: Angela Adsit
Bio: Angela Adsit
Angela is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation, the CEO of ICDPRO (Indigenous Community Development & Prosperity), a Principal of Emerge Engagement Corp, is a professional public speaker, and has held several Executive level positions in both for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations. She also is an instructor with several Indigenous and non-Indigenous training/educational organizations and develops culturally-aware curricula in Indigenous entrepreneurship, and community and business development.
Angela sat on her Nation’s Government Board of Directors who oversee all the economic development within the Tahltan territory in northern BC.
Growing up ‘in both worlds’, she understands the need to integrate both societies and the various components of a community so the community is built holistically, strategically, and with the local Indigenous ways of ‘being and doing’ at the centre.
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Suggest a webinar topic or recommend a presenter or for more information,
please contact:
Elsie Moar
Email: elsie.moar@edo.ca
OR
Danielle Lightning
Email: danielle.lightning@edo.ca
