2020 Youth Summit Artisans, Entertainment & Presenters
Final Youth Summit Agenda
(PDF download)
Cultural Showcase
Vanessa Beaudry
Vanessa Beaudry is from Mosquito First Nation, a Cree community in Saskatchewan. Music has always been a passion for Beaudry. She is not only an accomplished singer/songwriter but her skills as a guitarist have allowed her to travel to many First Nation communities across Canada. Her music is a mix of contemporary, soul and blues.
Tammy Lamouche
Tammy Lamouche grew up in Gift Lake, a Métis Settlement in Northern Alberta, Writing and singing her own music has always been a passion for Lamouche. Her music style is described as a mix of Contemporary, soul, and R&B.
An Inland Tlingit Dance Group of Northern Canada
The Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, are a National Award winning Inland Tlingit dance group based out of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. They focus on reclaiming their languages and traditional values through their inherent art form of singing, drumming, dancing, and storytelling. They strive to present their performance with the outmost respect to cultural protocol and with the highest form of artistic integrity. Since forming in the community of Carcross in 2007, they have grown from 6 to 30 members and with the addition of a children’s group, the Dakhká Khwaán Jrs. Members of the group originate from all of the Interior Tlingit Nations as well as other welcomed Nations from the Southern Yukon and elsewhere.
Dakhká Khwáan means Inland People/Nation, a name given to them by the late Dakla'weidi elder, Mrs. Eliza Bosely. They are members of the Dakla’weidi, Yan Yedi, Ganaxteidi, Deisheetaan, Ishkihittaan, Kookhittaan, Lukaax.ádi and Wolf Clans.
The group is led by Marilyn Jensen, who has danced since she was 2 years old in the group her Late Mother started in the 1970s, The Skookum Jim/Keish Tlingit Dancers. In addition, they are advised and guided by their loving group Elders and through the knowledge passed on from their Ancestors. Members of the group are the descendants of renowned Yukon Indigenous elders: Peter and Agnes Johns, Angela Sidney, Dora Wedge, Johnny Johns, Patsy Henderson, Louise Dickson, Tommy Smarch, Antonia Jack and numerous others. They share a passion for expressing our identity through the arts and absolutely love to sing, drum, learn language, make regalia and dance.
Together, they have danced across Canada, the US, New Zealand, Taiwan, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and the Pam Am Games in 2015. The group received the 2014 National Aboriginal Cultural-Tourism Award and have been nominated for a Indigenous Music Award for their first album called Reconstruct/Deconstruct which they produced in collaboration with DJ Dash.
Lakota Tootoosis - Hoop Dancer
Lakota Tootoosis is plains Cree from the Poundmaker Cree nation. Lakota has been hoop dancing for nine years, he’s performed in Taiwan, Alaska and travels extensively throughout North America entertaining audiences at various venues. The hoop dance is a formation storytelling dance, you will see formations like the butterfly, eagle and the world to name a few. You can use your imagination to see a variety of images transform throughout his performance.
Jen McGillivray
Marcus Pahtayken
Artisans & Entertainment
Cheekbone Beauty – www.cheekbonebeauty.ca
*Cheekbone Beauty will provide a draw prize for the event.
Kihew and Rose - www.kihewandrose.com
*Kihew and Rose will provide a draw prize for the event.
SheNative - www.shenative.com
*SheNative will provide a draw prize for the event.
JShine Designs - www.jshinedesigns.ca
*JShine Designs will provide a draw prize for the event.
Savage Rose Earrings - www.savageroseearrings.com
*Savage Rose will provide a draw prize for the event.
Mobilize - www.mobilizewaskawewin.com
*Mobilize will provide a draw prize for the event.
Brent Hardisty - www.brenthardisty.com
@4bhardisty - Instagram
*Brent Hardisty will provide a draw prize for the event.
Michelle Nieviadomy - MC
Michelle Nieviadomy is nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) with a passion for wellness, social justice & community development.
Michelle is a member of Kawacatoose First Nation and while her roots are in Saskatchewan, she has called Edmonton home for the past 20 years.
Michelle 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!
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias - MC
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias is a Cree woman with roots from both Canoe Lake Cree First Nation on Treaty 10 Territory and, Little Pine First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory. Currently, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance at the Edwards School of Business. Within her campus community, Aubrey is the Vice-President of Charity with the Edwards Business Students’ Society, the co-founder of the Indigenous Business Students’ Society, and previously held positions on the Edwards JDC West Not-For-Profit Academic Team and the Finance Students’ Society.
Aubrey also brings her experience working with Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority in Procurement and Corporate Affairs, Indigenous Clean Energy in the Communications and Strategic Partnership area and sits on the Board of Directors with CANDO as the National Student Director. She is also an advocate for Indigenous rights and her passions include Indigenous economic development and the empowerment of women in leadership.
Aubrey’s involvement with CANDO began just over a year ago when she began learning more about all that this organization does. She was a delegate at the 2nd Annual Cando Economic Development Youth Summit in Edmonton, Alberta and went on to be part of the 15th Annual National Youth Panel in Gatineau, Quebec.
Kiya Bruno - Will sing O’Canada in Cree
Kiya Bruno Is a 14 year old from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis Alberta. She comes from a cultural upbringing in the Plains Cree Nehiyaw traditional community, where she incorporates the cultural knowledge into her home and everyday life.
Kiya is an actress, artist, advocate, athlete, traditional vocalist, jingle dancer and she competes competitively in Jazz and musical theater. Kiya is also a performer, she performs her traditional jingle dress dance and sings the National Anthem in Cree and English at many sporting, community and school events. Kiya has had many incredible opportunities for her young age from pursuing modeling in New York where she was casted to model and film in the 2019 Girlish Line campaign. Kiya also traveled to Bali Indonesia in March of 2020 where she was asked to perform and speak at the Global Climate Conference, she also had the opportunity of traveling to Toronto in June of 2019 where she sang the Canadian National Anthem in Cree and English at the Toronto Bluejays game in honor of National Indigenous People's Day, this was the first time the Canadian National Anthem was sang in a bilingual version of Cree and English.
Kiya must recently had the privilege of singing the Canadian National Anthem in Cree and English in February at the Edmonton Oilers game for Hockey Day in Canada 2020 in honor of people of the north and First Nations people. She also had the honor sharing her language by singing the Canadian National Anthem all in Cree for CBC The National Canada Day Special 2020.
Stan Wesley - Pan-Deadly Gameshow
Stan Wesley Pan-Deadly Gameshow isn’t just a typical gameshow, it’s online and straight up DEADLY. A fun hour filled with enough action to rival a night of jigging at your Aunties house. Get ready to test your knowledge of trivia for bonus points for your team.
For over 21 years, Stan Wesley has engaged and entertained audiences with his
unique style of presentations, keynotes, emcee and facilitation services. Working
at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, he speaks on a variety of
issues with a focus on celebrating success and advancing good, healthy relations
among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
With his high-energy, sincere, professional approach, he is considered by many to
be one of the top speakers in the country today.
Stan currently lives in Six Nations Territory with his beautiful wife, Mandy, and
their incredible daughters Maya and Tenona.
Stan Wesley, National Speaker
- Born in raised in Moose Factory.
- Loves what he does.
- Has a lot of energy, some would say too much.
- Whether it’s a group of 4 or 23,000, he gives it everything he has.
- Has been traveling around for the last 30 years doing this kind of work.
- Channels his ancestors and loves telling stories.
- Prides himself on his good reputation.
Keynote Speaker:
Steven McCoy
Steven McCoy is the President and founder of Gencity Consulting which evolved from his own part-time consulting business he started under his own name in 2012. His Anishnawbe name is Mishkwanakwet (Red Cloud), is a member of Ketegaunseebee (Garden River First Nation) and is a member of the Mukwa (Bear) Clan. He specializes in economic development, business management, marketing, communications, energy, housing and negotiations. Steven has worked with numerous entrepreneurs, small and medium sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, Chief and Councils and private corporations providing a variety of business services such as strategic planning, business plan writing, funding applications, contract review, website development and management, social media development and management and community liaison.
Stevenhas additional work experience in the areas of economic development, marketing and sales, particularly with First Nation entities where he has experience negotiating and dealing with First Nation communities, Chief and Councils, Managers, Presidents and CEO's of multi-million-dollar corporations, and various Federal and Provincial Ministries and First Nation Political Organizations. Steven has developed partnerships with various service suppliers and experienced professionals to accommodate clients needs and has developed a vast network of contacts across Canada and can provide expert referrals and trusted guidance for clients. Steven has over 15 years experience in customer service management and over 6 years of work experience in marketing management and economic development roles.
Steven has an educational background in business, marketing, finance and hospitality with many years of work experience in the same fields. He completed a Honours Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing at Algoma University and he also graduated with a Diploma from Sault College in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In addition, he completed the Canadian Securities Course which is required to work with stocks, bonds, mutual funds and derivatives in Canada along with the Life License Qualification Program which is required to work with life, accident and sickness insurance in the province of Ontario.
Stevenhas work experience in many administrative, marketing and development roles such Business Development Officer, Marketing Liaison Manager, Marketing Director and Anishinaabe Events Coordinator. Steven currently does motivational speaking around his community to help inspire others take control of their lives and pursue their dreams. Steven also worked many years in the customer service and sales industry where he received world-class training from well-established hospitality firms and has experience interacting with a wide range of people and personalities from around the globe for over 20 years.
Steven is also involved with several community organizations.
Introduction to Ec Dev:
Shawna Morning-Bull - Cando Director - Alberta
Shawna Morning Bull is a member of the Piikani First Nation located in Southern Alberta. Shawna is presently employed as the Manager Business Development at Community Futures Treaty Seven (CFT7) in Calgary, Alberta. In this capacity she is responsible for the overall direction, evaluation, and operations of the various development initiatives which the Community Futures Treaty Seven is currently involved in or wishes to pursue. Shawna has been employed by Community Futures Treaty Seven for the past 9 years. Prior, she was a Business Loans Manag-er with Alberta Indian Investment Corporation and a Business Support Officer with Indian Business Corporation, but her career in business began with Peace Hills Trust in 1997. She is a graduate of Lethbridge College with Busi-ness Management and Criminal Justice. Presently, she is the Secretary for Piikani Resource Development Limited Board of Directors, an entity operating on the Piikani Nation to develop, design and implement projects, pro-grams and services for the benefit of her First Nation economy. In 2015, Shawna joined the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Indigenous Opportunities Sub-Committee. Shawna, also is on the Board of Directors on her second term with CANDO as the Alberta Representative and is the 2018 recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Award, she was presented this award by Mayor Nenshi in June 2018 for her efforts to build bridges in and around Calgary between indigenous and non-indigenous people and entities.
Shawna is married to Wade and together they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys attending her chil-dren’s activities such as college basketball, hockey, mixed martial arts, wrestling and they all enjoy hitting the powwow trail, where Shawna is a traditional dancer.
Cando TAED NIEEF Panel
Stan Barnaby - JEDI
Meet Stanley Barnaby of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation. Stanley plays an integral role here at the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) as he has been the Finance and Operations manager for the last three consecutive years. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring that all financial operations run smoothly. We recently had the chance to sit and chat with Stanley to discuss his aspirations, hobbies, and to really get to know him.
He went to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton for his Bachelors in Business with a concentration in accounting. From there, he received his Technological Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) and Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) certification through Cando, and he also has his First Nation Business Administration certificate from UNB through the Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Institute (MMI).
Stanley's first job was working at a seafood restaurant. He worked there for two years in high school and he really wanted to get into restaurant management so that’s why he pursued a degree in business. The reason Stanley got into accounting was because he was enrolled in the Job Readiness Program offered through the Listuguj Migmaq Development Center in Listuguj. He had a job placement at the Migmawei Mawiomi Secretariat (MMS) working in the Finance Department and that’s where he found out that he enjoyed doing accounting, from there it came naturally. He was also able to work at the MMS during the summers while he was in University.
Anita Boyle - Certfification Coordinator (East) Cando
Anita Boyle is from the Metepenagiag Mik’maw First Nation in New Brunswick and works as the certification coordinator for eastern Canada and works with individuals who wish to pursue their Technical Aboriginal Economic Development (TAED) and their Professional Economic Development, (PAED) Certification.
Anita earned a B.A., B.Ed. and a Masters in Adult Education at the University of New Brunswick. Anita is a former economic development officer for her community and has spent her entire career working in the field of economic development and education.
Anita is the certification coordinator for eastern Canada for Cando.
Carmelle Nepoose - Certfification Coordinator (West) Cando
Carmelle Nepoose is from Samson Cree Nation of Maskwacis, Alberta.
She has Business Administration Accounting Diploma from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She was previously employed with Samson Cree Nation for the last four years, where she was a dedicated employee in the Residential Development department as a CMHC Coordinator. She is very passionate about helping her Nation and Nation members by providing the best resources for programs available.
For the last 2 years, Carmelle was the Special Projects Coordinator, where she overseen the regional events before she was transferred into the role of Certification Coordinator (West). She looks forward to having the opportunity to work with many accomplished indigenous Economic Development Officers and Land Managers from across Canada. Working in this position she has gained valuable work experience and enjoys networking with professionals in the field of Economic Development.
EDO Panel
Byron Gourley
Working with his Band Office and the Federal Government has given Byron opportunities and experience that have helped him exceed at what he loves to do.
Helping First Nations has been a goal of Byron's for many years and having that opportunity has given him a greater appreciation for his current and past Chiefs and Council.
Previously, Byron was working as a Business Development & Leasing Manager specializing in the Warehouse, Office, Commercial, Industrial, and Mature Living Residential markets.
Byron had managed 35 commercial properties throughout the Moncton Industrial Park, Caledonia Industrial Park, Amherst Industrial Park, and the Victoria Industrial Park. He is dedicated to providing clients with the highest quality service, and being a graduate from NBCC, he is also dedicated to the success of local and international entrepreneurs.
Byron had joined Atlantic Commercial Properties Inc. (New Brunswick) Inc. in July 2015 as a Business Developmen and Leasing Specialist. Byrin brought with him more than 20 years’ experience in many different industries.
Prior to joining ACP, Byron held a banking position with a RBC based in Atlantic Canada. Before that, Byron also held several management positions in NB and Quebec.
Chief Christopher Derickson
Chief Derickson has been involved in his community for the past 20 years working with youth, serving on boards and commissions and brings 7 years of Council experience prior to being elected Chief in 2019.
He is also a founding Partner of Alderhill Planning Inc. where he worked on business development and operations, and with Indigenous communities and organizations from across Canada. He is also a regular speaker at conferences and workshops on the topic of Indigenous planning, governance, and economic development. Aside from his professional commitments, Chris is also an active board member having served as Secretary and Treasurer on the All Nations Trust Company Board of Directors and was an inaugural member of the Premiers Selection Committee for the BC Medal of Good Citizenship. He is currently serving his second term as the Chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors. Chris is also on faculty at the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute, the Banff Centre, and is a lecturer at SFU’s Beedie School of Business. Chris holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Sciences from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. He is also the recipient of several academic awards and a recipient of the Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award.
Internal Committees:
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Community Consultative Group - Alternate Council Representative
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Public Art Committee: Alternate Council Representative
External Committees:
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Okanagan Nation Alliance Chiefs Executive Council - Council Representative
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Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission - Council Representative
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Okanagan Regional Library Board - Council Representative
Dustin Fiddler
Dustin Fiddler was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 Territory. He has lived all across Western Canada but his home has always been in the boreal forests of Northern Saskatchewan. Through his upbringing he was taught traditionally from his elders as well as his strong mentor and uncle, Sidney Fiddler, a former Chief of Waterhen Lake First Nation.
Currently, Dustin is a Band Councillor in his home community of Waterhen Lake First Nation where continues to strive for stronger education, better communication and to further economic development. He remains a strong Indigenous male role model for the youth in his community through a connected approach and healthy lifestyle. His biggest motivation is building and setting up success for the community’s youth. He hopes that he can spark a genuine interest in leadership and business within that next generation.
A few of the main priorities over his term in council have been building the First Nation’s capacity through working on various acts and policies that will govern the nation. Dustin also works on various portfolios including communications, justice & policing, education, and economic development. Dustin recently became a Fellow with Action Canada – a National Public Policy Forum leadership program. Dustin was also previously a panelist for Cando’s 2017 Annual National Youth Panel, Meadow Lake Tribal Council’s Youth Leadership Panel, and The Federated Sovereign Indigenous Nations Youth Legislative Assembly Young Community Leaders Panel.
Entrepreneurial Panel
Joella Hogan - The Yukon Soaps Company
Joella Hogan lives in the heart of the Yukon in Northern Canada. She lives surrounded by the boreal forest, at the confluence of the Stewart and Mayo Rivers and in the traditional territory of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun. Her grandmothers traditional language is Northern Tutchone and she is incorporating learning the language into soapmaking and cultural activities.
She creates soap that honours indigenous ways of knowing and being, is made with plants from the boreal forest and supports community.
Joella believes in striving for zero waste, being aware of the products we use, supporting local and building community. She is proud to be the creator of simple & natural soaps found in so many Yukon showers.
Jennifer Harper - Cheekbone Beauty
An award-winning social entrepreneur, Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC. Cheekbone Beauty is a digitally native direct to consumer brand that is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while using the concept of a circular economy in the brands ethos and in developing their latest line of products. Creating a new segment in the beauty industry - Sustainable Socially Conscious Beauty.
Jennifer Harper has been making a name for herself in the beauty industry for a number of years but has been gaining popularity quickly after being on the hit CBC show, Dragons Den. Cheekbone Beauty is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand.
During the development of Cheekbone Beauty, Jenn researched the current makeup landscape as well as charities that are helping close the educational funding gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. After in depth research, the Cheekbone team found the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (FNCFCS) and the connection between their mission and Jenn’s family experience was serendipitous.
Cheekbone Beauty continues to support the FNCFCS today by donating 10% of the profits to Shannen’s Dream. During Cheekbone’s infancy, Jenn endured a heavy personal loss with the suicide of her brother B.J. This loss, though difficult, has remained a driving force behind the desire to see Cheekbone Beauty succeed with its mission, to empower Indigenous youth.
In addition to Cheekbone’s mission, she strives to educate as many people as possible about the Residential School System and the effects it has had on my family and friends through decades of generational trauma. She speaks regularly to university, college and high school students about social entrepreneurship, empathy and the history of her First Nations family. She has also been invited to speak to various entrepreneur groups, women in business associations, Apple Canada and First Nations organizations.
In 2019, Jenn was named ‘Women of the Year’ by Chatelaine Magazine.
Dusty LeGrande - Owner/Creative director for Mobilize ᐊᐧᐢᑲᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ
Mobilize is storytelling through streetwear. Art to empower, educate, create identity, and to evolve perspective. I tell this story simply from my own perspective and pass teachings and knowledge through the clothing I create. I have always believed that clothing is much more; clothing is meant to be your voice when you feel silenced, to be an item that brings self-worth, and to act as an extension of your own story. As a father and a community member who has worked alongside our youth for most of my life, I feel a responsibility to create change for generations to come.
Lands Panel
James Roach
Land Use Planning Coordinator, National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
James Roach is the Land Use Planning Coordinator at the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA).
James is an Ojibway of Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario.
Over the last 10 years, he has worked with the private sector, First Nation governments and not-for profit organizations. James’ areas of expertise include community land use planning and engagement, economic and sustainable development, lands management and developing strategic partnerships.
James holds a Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University, a Diploma in Urban Planning and G.I.S. from Mohawk College and a Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan.
Justin Gaudet
Chief Administrative Officer, Métis Settlement General Council
Justin Gaudet is Chief Administrative Officer, Métis Settlement General Council.
Justin is experienced at overcoming obstacles. They say if life gives you lemons, make lemonade...well that is what Justin does. Justin is a triple threat; he has overcome three different forms of cancer, but he does not let that define him. He is an accomplished “foody” with a Hospitality Management diploma from NAIT and has often tempted all and sundry with his cooking creations posted to Facebook. He is an avid movie-watcher (quote a line from a movie and see if he can name the movie), enjoys reading non-fiction, and travels when possible.
Justin believes that education is a lifelong journey, and in keeping with his philosophy, obtained a Bachelor of Management degree from University of Lethbridge. This degree opened doors and allowed him to exercise his understanding of stakeholder management, in an administrative setting, as the Consultation Coordinator of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement.
Justin is Metis, born and raised in Paddle Prairie, and has close ties to his community. He is currently employed by Metis Settlements General Council, in Edmonton, as the Chief Administrative Officer and finds his career challenging and rewarding. Justin adheres to the adage that any obstacle in life is simply an opportunity to learn and grow and works to the best of his ability to succeed as an individual and a professional.
“Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.”
– Peter F. Drucker
Debra Campbell
Master Instructor, National Aboriginal Lands Managers’ Association
Debra Campbell is a member of the Musqueam Indian Band, a Coast Salish Community located in Vancouver, BC. She attained her post-secondary education at Langara College, Vancouver, BC in the Business Administration Program, earned certification as a Facilitator of Adult Learning from Loyalist College, Belleville, ON, received certification as a Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) from Cando and achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Governance at Ryerson University, Toronto, ON.
She is currently working on a master’s degree in Education at Athabasca University. Debra has been working in First Nation land management and economic development for 40+ years mainly for First Nations across Canada and participated in many projects, boards and commissions, nationally, provincially and regionally. For the past 15 years she has worked with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association as the Master Instructor for the Professional Lands Management Certification Program.
CEDI Panel
Marissa Lawrence - CEDI Senior Program Officer
Marissa works for Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) as the Senior Program Officer for the First Nation – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). Her role includes working with First Nation – municipal partnerships across Canada to establish sustainable and respectful relationships and to develop joint community economic development initiatives and land-use plans.
Marissa has a rich background of designing and convening community-bridging intercultural dialogue and educational programming. Marissa holds a BA in Communications, Minor in Dialogue from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Dialogue and Civic Engagement Certificate from SFU, and is a Cando-certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).
Keith Matthew - Seklep Business Services
Keith Matthew is a member of the Simpcw First Nation and is a former chief of the Simpcw First Nation. He served for five years as chief and five years as Councilor up until December 2010. He has his own company Seklep Business Services and works with First Nations’ communities to negotiate agreements with companies that require certainty of tenure from major projects on unceded traditional territory. As well he has two joint venture companies and is a principal with both Skeetch Arrowhead Contracting Ltd. and Skowtum Services Ltd. Skeetch Arrowhead is involved in mine heavy construction and was awarded a major contract with New Gold Inc. and have finished their second season and has successfully delivered the contract on time and on budget. Skowtum Services specializes in survey, road and bridge design contract work and is currently working on Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
Keith was awarded his Certified Aboriginal Economic Developer Certification by Cando at a ceremony in Winnipeg at their annual general meeting in 2013. He also successfully completed BCIT’s Associate Certificate, Venture Program, in 2012.
Kyle White - Co-operatives First
Kyle is the Education and Engagement Lead with Co-operatives First. His work focuses on developing and delivering educational and development services for Co-operatives First.
Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Kyle has worked his way across Canada focusing on community economic development in rural and Indigenous communities. With degrees in Geography and Public Policy, Kyle’s educational background has focused on community development, governance, and organizational policy. Aside from his work with Co-operatives First, Kyle is an active volunteer with several Saskatoon-based non-profits and serves on a variety of boards.
Trista Pewapisconias - Co-operatives First
Trista Pewapisconias is a member of the Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan and Indigenous Relations Lead 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.
Delilah Mah - Entrepreneur
Delilah Mah is a member of Keeseekoose First Nation Treaty No.4 Territory, Saskatchewan. She is married into Treaty No.6 her husband is from Alexander First Nation. Delilah received her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta in 2008. She has over 17 years of experience in education, business, and community economic development.
She cannot help be acknowledged by the women who gave her life- her teachers, healers and achievers. Today, these teachers remain her greatest motivation for stepping into entrepreneurship. She is owner of BravHer Consulting and Mah Art & Photography. This fall she will be starting her Master's in Business Administration in Community Economic Development through Cape Breton University (MBA CED). You can find Delilah working behind the scenes or in the community connecting and collaborating with others and on Instagram posting some pretty Indigenous art, photos, business things or on Facebook for more pretty pictures.
Check out Delilah's website: www.delilahmah.com
Ray Wanuch - Executive Director, Cando
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, raised on the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, Ray is of First Nations descent from the Ermineskin Cree Nation.
Ray obtained a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1989; and also possesses the Technician and the Professional Level Certification from Cando.
Prior to working with CANDO, was the CEO of Settlement Investment Corporation. Then moved on to facilitate and manage the Métis Settlements Economic Viability Strategy, which received international recognition for sustainable development. Also managed and taught a self‐employment program for the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Volunteer work includes being appointed to the Alberta Water Council by the Métis Settlements General Council; as well as serving as the former Cando Co‐President and Director representing Alberta.
Married to Nola Wanuch from the Enoch Cree Nation, together they have three wonderful kids: Wendell, Natasha and Sydney, and three wonderful grandsons: Aiden, Nashua, and Taye.
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Stanley
Email: danielle.stanley@edo.ca
Phone Number: 780-990-0303 ext 229
Fax Number: 780-429-7487
