Thank you to all Delegates, Tradeshow Exhibitors, Artisans, Speakers, Partners and Presenters for participating in this year’s Saskatchewan Links to Learning! Also, a big thank you to the Master of Ceremonies and our Elder for making this event a memorable one.


What is Saskatchewan Links To Learning?

This was the first year for the Saskatchewan Links to Learning Symposium and there was a lot of excitement built up as the event neared. The goal of the Saskatchewan Links to Learning event is to deliver a dynamic technical training forum for First Nation Economic Development Officers and Land Managers to enhance their ability to undertake successful lands and economic development ventures.

The event focuses on knowledge sharing and skills enhancement among practitioners at the community level. This forum delivers a series of workshops, led by experts in a range of economic and land development related disciplines, and offer opportunities for dialogue and networking.


Who is invited to Saskatchewan Links To Learning?

One Land Manager and one Economic Development Officer from each Saskatchewan First Nation.

Priority registration is for pre-approved community delegates.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Lightning at Danielle.lightning@edo.ca


When and Where?

March 28 - 30, 2017
Radisson Hotel Saskatoon
405 20th St E., Saskatoon, SK
S7K 6X6


If you have any questions, please contact:

Danielle Lightning
Special Projects Coordinator
CANDO

Danielle.lightning@edo.ca
780.990.0303  ext.229


Expense Claim and Travel:

Expense Claim  (Click Icon To Download)

Travel Policy  (Click Icon To Download)

* If there is a no-show fee for your room, this cost will be deducted from your final travel claim. If you have any questions, please contact Finance Officer Jessica Sanderson-Barry

The deadline to submit expense claims is Friday, April 14, 2017. Signature on expense claim is required. Any expense claims received any time after this date will not be processed.


Click the icon below to download a PDF of the full agenda:

Full Agenda  (Click Icon To Download)

Agenda at a glance:

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

7:30am - 8:30am
Michelangelo BC
7:00am - 4:00pm
Pre-Function Area
8:00am - 3:30pm
Pre-Function Area
8:30am - 10:30am
Florence Room
8:30am - 10:30am
Naples Room
10:30am - 10:45am
10:45am - 12:00pm
Florence Room
10:45am - 12:00pm
Naples Room
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Michelangelo BC
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Florence Room
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Naples Room
2:15pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Florence Room
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Naples Room


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

7:30am - 8:30am
Michelangelo BC
7:30am - 4:00pm
Pre-Function Area
8:00am - 4:30pm
Pre-Function Area
8:30am - 9:00am
Michelangelo BC
9:30am - 10:30am
Michelangelo BC
10:30am - 10:45am
10:45am - 12:00pm
Michelangelo BC
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Michelangelo BC
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Florence Room
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Naples Room
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Venice Room
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Picasso Room
2:15pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Florence Room
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Naples Room
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Venice Room
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Picasso Room
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Michelangelo BC
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Da Vinci Room


Thursday, March 30, 2017

7:30am - 8:30am
Michelangelo BC
7:30am - 4:00pm
Pre-Function Area
8:00am - 4:30pm
Banquet Foyer
8:30am - 9:00am
Michelangelo BC
9:00am - 9:30am
Michelangelo BC
9:30am - 10:30am
Michelangelo BC
10:30am - 10:45am
10:45am - 12:00pm
Florence Room
10:45am - 12:00pm
Naples Room
10:45am - 12:00pm
Venice Room
10:45am - 12:00pm
Picasso Room
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Michelangelo BC
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Michelangelo BC
2:15pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Michelangelo BC
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Michelangelo BC


If you have any questions, please contact:

Danielle Lightning

P. 1.800.463.9300
P. 780.990.0303  ext.229
F. 780.429.7487
Danielle.lightning@edo.ca


CANDO Course: ACED 161 Negotiations & Contract Management:

Tuesday, March 28 • 4 Sessions throughout the day   Florence Room

This course focuses on how to successfully negotiate in a variety of organizational situations. Participants learn the basic features of entering into, and successfully managing, a contract.

This course is targeted for those who are employed and/or have administrative experience.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Gayle Bedard

Gayle Bedard is an educator, workshop presenter, facilitator, mediator, and workplace conflict consultant. She is Tsimshian from the First Nations community of Lax Kw’Alaams (Port Simpson). She received her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1984 and her Masters of Education Degree in 1998 from the University of British Columbia. Gayle received her second Master of Art Degree (Conflict Analysis and Management) from Royal Roads University, Victoria, B.C. in 2015.

Gayle has twenty-eight years of education experience in elementary and secondary, kindergarten to grade 12. Her last 19 years have been in administrative and or management roles, providing leadership and positive role modeling to Aboriginal students, parents, colleagues, teachers and community members. Gayle also has three years of government experience.


COEMRP: Matrimonial Real Property Training:

Tuesday, March 28 • 4 Sessions throughout the day   Naples Room

The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (FHRMIRA) came into force on December 16, 2013 by Order in Council. The Act provides basic rights and protections to individuals on reserves during the relationship, in the event of a relationship breakdown, and on the death of a spouse or common-law partner regarding the family home and other matrimonial interests or rights.

This workshop will provide an understanding of the issues that led to the enactment of FHRMIRA, an explanation of the rights and protections available to individuals resident on reserves and the mechanism by which the First Nation can exercise its role in protecting the collective interest of the First Nation.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Kathy McCue

Kathy McCue is a member of the Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario. Since graduating from Trent University with a joint degree in Sociology and Native Studies, Kathy has acquired over 30 years of experience in various aspects of First Nation administration and governance.

Kathy has served as the Administration and Communications Coordinator for the Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property since 2013.


Presented by:  Christopher E. Angeconeb

Christopher E. Angeconeb is Anishinaabe from Treaty Three. Chris obtained his law degree from the University of Ottawa in 1994 and received his call to the Ontario Bar in January 1996. He has been employed as the Legislative Analysis Coordinator for the Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property for two and a half years.


Government Updates:

Wednesday, March 29 • 9:30am - 10:30am  Michelangelo BC


Presented by:  Rhonda Laing, Director, Policy, Planning & External Relations, Western Economic Diversification

Rhonda Laing began her federal public service career in April 1992 as a Labour Market Information Analyst at the North Battleford Canada Employment Centre.

Mrs. Laing joined Western Economic Diversification Canada in February 2006. During her time with WD, Mrs. Laing has served as a Senior Business Officer, Manager of Community Economic Development, and Executive Director of Saskatchewan Federal Council.

Mrs. Laing has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan.


Presented by:  Garry Best, Director, Lands Admin & ATR, INAC

Garry Best is currently the Director of Lands Administration and Additions-to-Reserve, Lands and Economic Development Sector, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. He has held departmental executive positions at both headquarters and in the Region in First Nations Land Management, Infrastructure Operations, Engineering and Technical Services, and Lands and Economic Development. Prior to joining the Public Service of Canada in 2006, Garry enjoyed a 22 year career in the Canadian Forces as a Maritime Engineering Officer.

He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Naval Architecture from University College London, England (1992) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture (Co-Op) from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1989). Garry is from Nunatsiavut (Labrador) and is a beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement


Presented by:  Peter Gosselin, Director, First Nations & Metis Economic Development

Peter Gosselin was raised in Regina, where he attended the University of Regina and graduated with a degree in Economics. For the past 15 years Peter has been working with the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada (SK&BC). At both levels of government Peter has been employed to support community engagement, corporate engagement and Investment attraction with First Nations and Métis. The 12 years prior to his time with government, Peter owned, operated and sold businesses in the construction, food service and IT sectors.

Peter has a broad knowledge and experience in business development and specific knowledge and experience with First Nations and Métis Investment Attraction.


Presented by:  Akbar Karsan, Manager of the Regina Office, NRCan

Akbar has over 30 years’ experience as a land surveyor working both in Government and Private practice. Currently, he is a manager of the Regina office of the Natural Resources Canada, Surveyor General Branch.


Facilitated Panel:

Wednesday, March 29 • 10:45am - 12:00pm  Michelangelo BC


Presented by:  Bob Dumur, GM, ProMetal Manufacturing, Pasqua First Nation


Presented by:  Ray Funk, General Manger, HLDLP - Nothern Wild Fishery, Hatchet Lake First Nation

Ray Funk has been active in economic development and training for over 40 years as an employee and through his company, Spruce River Research. Most of this work has been with First Nations and Metis communities in Northern Saskatchewan.

Ray has a BA in Sociology; and an MA in Adult Education. He was the Member of Parliament for Prince Albert/Churchill River from 1988 – 1093 where he served as a Critic for Co-operative and Community Development. He grew up north of Saskatoon and lives on a farm at Spruce Home north of Prince Albert.


Presented by:  Anne Robillard, CEO, Hatchet Lake Development LP

A resident and member of the remote community of Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, Anne has worked for the band in various capacities since 1986. She is currently the CEO of Hatchet Lake Development LP, which is essentially the business arm for Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation. In addition to her day job as a CEO, Anne is an experienced board member.

Anne has been on the Athabasca Basin Development Board since the company’s inception in 1999, serving as its board chair since 2010.


Presented by:  Derek McKay, Manager, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies


Presented by:  Ron Waddington, President, Yellow Quill Resources LP

Ron Waddington is the Managing Trustee to Yellow Quill Treaty Land Entitlement Trust, Director to Yellow Quill Holdings Inc., CEO to Yellow Quill Property Management Corp., and CEO to Yellow Quill Resources. Mr. Waddington has nearly twenty years experience in working with First Nations in varying capacities through positions with Government of Saskatchewan, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and direct consulting to First Nation communities throughout the province. Mr. Waddington is an alumnus of the University of Regina, Faculty of Business Administration. Ron is a band member of Yellow Quill First Nation and resides in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.


Economic Development Process Management:

Wednesday, March 29 • 1:00pm - 2:15pm  Florence Room

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Bob Dumur, GM, ProMetal Manufacturing, Pasqua First Nation


Designation & Leasing:

Wednesday, March 29 • 1:00pm - 2:15pm & 2:30pm - 3:30pm  Naples Room

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Emilie Garnier, Regional Program Development Advisor, Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Government of Canada

Emilie Garnier is a new Team member with the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in Regina, Saskatchewan. She works with the Economic Development Unit as part of the Leasing and Designation Team and she is the Major Project Officer for Saskatchewan.

She has worked for Industry Canada for the past 15 years in Québec, Ottawa, Halifax and Montréal. She has extensive experience in International Trade as well as Insolvency and Business Restructuring. She is also a certified mediator. Her education includes a B.A. in Architecture and an MBA in International Management, both from Laval University. She is married to Bruno Labbé, an RCMP officer teaching at “Depot” Division, and has 4 young children.


Presented by:  Colleen Thomas


Solid Waste Program:

Wednesday, March 29 • 1:00pm - 2:15pm  Venice Room

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Trevor Linford, Senior Environment Officer, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

Trevor Linford is a Senior Environment Officer at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and has experience in the Addition to Reserve, Contaminated Sites, Solid Waste, and Environmental Assessment/Site Assessment programs. Trevor has been with INAC for 13 years, the majority of which focusing Environmental Management, with stops in Governance and Capital along the way.


First Nation Land Management: Sectoral Self Government

Wednesday, March 29 • 1:00pm - 2:15pm & 2:30pm - 3:30pm  Picasso Room

This presentation will look at the History of First Nation Land Management, The Purpose of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, Pro’s and Con’s for First Nation Land Management.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Leah Bitternose

Leah is from the George Gordon First Nation in Treaty Four. She works for the First Nation Land Management Resource Center providing support to Developmental and Operational First Nations under the Framework Agreement for First Nation Land Management. Leah is also a lawyer with an office on English River Urban Reserve in Saskatoon and has a Masters in Law. She is also the Chair of the Aboriginal Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association for Saskatchewan and sits on other boards and committees.


Understanding / Accessing INAC’s Economic Development Funding:

Wednesday, March 29 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm & Thursday, March 30 • 10:45am - 12:00pm  Florence Room

The workshop will inform participants on the variety of programs available under the economic development arm of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The workshop will provide information on the different program eligible activities, funding rates, application processes, information requirements and project reporting for applicants.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Pearl Yuzicappi

Pearl is a Dakota/Lakota Sioux member of the Standing Buffalo First Nation. She received her Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina in 2002 and her Master of Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy in 2011. In 2016, she completed a Certificate in the Professional Director Program offered through the Brown Governance and Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. She is presently working on her Master of Business Administration at the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University and is expected to complete it in the fall of 2017.

For the past six years, Pearl has been working with the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, most recently as the Regional Program Development Advisor with the Economic Development unit.


Presented by:  Bill Bornyk

I have been involved with Aboriginal Economic Development for the past 19 years in different capacities from business plan assistance, Loans officer to Development officer.

At present I am a Development Officer with (INAC) Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for the Community Opportunities program assisting with implementation of the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP), Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) and Community Opportunity Readiness Program Prioritization Framework (CORP PF) which is the major projects program.


Presented by:  Sam Benesh

Samantha Benesh has been an employee with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) since July 2015 where she started working as an intern. Now as a Regional Senior Program Officer with the Community Opportunities team, she assists First Nations and organizations with projects focused on capacity building and business growth.

She has received a Masters of Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography from Simon Fraser University. Samantha has also worked in the non-profit world with community development projects focused on food security and at-risk youth in Saskatoon and Vancouver.


Environmental Assessments:

Wednesday, March 29 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm & Thursday, March 30 • 10:45 am - 12:00pm  Venice Room

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Evan Shaw


Presented by:  Joel Brimacombe, Senior Environment Officer, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Joel Brimacombe is a Senior Environment Officer at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada specializing in Environmental Assessment and Natural Resource Management. Joel has been working for various Federal Government Departments for the past 11 years in activities focusing within Environmental Management, such as Environmental Assessment, Contaminated Sites Management and Regulatory Compliance.


Support Organizations:

Thursday, March 30 • 9:00am - 9:30am  Michelangelo BC


Presented by:  Alex Fallon, President & CEO, SREDA

After living in the bright lights of London and Tokyo, Alex returned to Saskatoon to work for Cameco Corporation (Manager). From there he joined the Government of Saskatchewan (Director), then Rainmaker Global Business Development (Vice President) working on economic development projects in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 2014 Alex became President and CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA).


Presented by:  Shaun Soonias, Executive Director, SFNEDN

Shaun Soonias is a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan. He is Board Director with Red Pheasant`s Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN). Shaun has over 23 years of experience in social and economic development roles, having held senior positions with the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Justice, and Saskatchewan Advocate for Children & Youth. Shaun is a partner in two companies, NutraPonics Canada Corporation which focuses on food security through commercial, 100% organic vertical farming based on Aquaponics and Stonecutters Group which focuses on creating generational wealth by implementing Indigenous Sovereign Wealth Funds.

Shaun has worked with First Nations, municipal, provincial and federal governments on a number of key strategies and legislative processes and continues to work towards Indigenous inclusion in the economy from employment to economic development.


Presented by:  DonnaLyn Thorsteinson, Director, Programs & Operations, Square One

Born and raised in central Saskatchewan, DonnaLyn attended the University of Saskatchewan in the field of Agriculture. She was employed in that industry sector in various locations across the province for 10 years prior to assuming her appointment as Executive Director of the Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

In February, 2014, DonnaLyn moved to Saskatoon to assume a position with the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), leading the development of Square One, the Saskatchewan location of the Canada Business Network. Recently DonnaLyn was asked to take on the leadership role for SREDA in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Regional and Indigenous Affairs.


CEDI Overview and FCM Joint Economic Development Strategy Selection of BATC:

Thursday, March 30 • 9:30am - 10:30am  Michelangelo BC

Come hear what City of North Battleford and Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs are hoping to achieve together through the CEDI program. (www.ca.fcm/cedi). Hear about the challenges and opportunities possible when adjacent First Nations and municipalities collaborate and come prepared to ask questions of the panelists. Learn about resources available to you and how to join the movement of joint economic development across Canada. The First Nations-municipal CEDI is a joint initiative of Cando and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) that enhances the capacity of participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities to engage in joint CED planning.


Presented by:  Aaron Samuel

Aaron Samuel graduated from the Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia with a Juris Doctor degree. Previously, he had completed a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a minor in economics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. While in school, he has taken part in students’ affairs such as being part of the student executive as Director of Indigenous Affairs, as well as a member of Allard School of Law’s Indigenous Law Students’ Association and finally a member of the Student Ambassador program.

This summer, he will be a communications intern with First Nations - Municipal CEDI. He’ll be assisting with internal and external communications, culminating with the dissemination of the CEDI toolkit.


Presented by:  Jim Puffalt


Presented by:  Jennifer Niesink


Land Use Planning:

Thursday, March 30 • 10:45 am - 12:00pm  Naples Room

An overview of the Land Use Planning Initiative, including recent achievements and priorities for 2017-18.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Hugues Landriault, Acting Manager of the Land Use Planning Initiative, INAC

Hugues Landriault is the Acting Manager of the Land Use Planning Initiative within the Lands and Environment Management Branch of INAC. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa (2000) and has 15 years of experience working within Indigenous communities and organizations such as CANDO and NALMA on lands and economic development projects and initiatives.


Opportunities for Co-operative Development in Saskatchewan First Nations:

Thursday, March 30 • 10:45 am - 12:00pm  Picasso Room

Helping communities grow and thrive, Co-operatives First promotes the use of the co-operative business model to support and encourage business, community and economic development in western Canada’s rural and Indigenous communities. Based on research from the University of Saskatchewan Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, Co-operatives First is an initiative founded and supported by the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS) and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL).


Presented by:  Audra Krueger, Executive Director, Co-operatives First

Ms. Krueger has researched and written on Mexican agrarian co-ops, which earned her a Master Degree in Collaborative International Development from the University of Guelph. She is former vice-chair of Good Food Junction Co-operative, first director and treasurer of Saskatoon Car Co-op, director of Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Executive Director of the Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op. Before joining Co-operatives First, Ms. Krueger was Research Liaison at the University of Saskatchewan Centre for the Study of Co-operatives.


Presented by:  Julia Angus

Julia Angus is Cree, from the Thunderchild First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory and is the Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator for western Canada. Although Julia’s recent employment history is within the Child Welfare field, moving on to her new role with Co-operatives First has provided her with a new opportunity to engage and reconnect with the Indigenous communities to bring back the traditional utilitarian method of doing business using the Co-op business model.


Community Economic Development (CED) Intern Initiative:

Thursday, March 30 • 1:00 pm - 2:15pm  Michelangelo BC

Keewatin Career Development Corporation’s mission is to support sustainable socio-economic development in the region. To this end, KCDC has worked with northern First Nation and Metis communities to develop Community Economic Development (CED) intern training. The training provides youth with an orientation to the fields of economic development and geomatics technology used to support land management. The CED training and outcomes as well as community mapping data will be discussed. The workshop will include presentations from community based students as well.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Randy Johns, CEO, Keewatin Career Development Corporation

Randy Johns has worked in socio-economic development in northern Saskatchewan for over 35 years. He started with the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission (now Employment and Social Development Canada), and also spent time working for Northlands College before helping found Keewatin Career Development Corporation in 1996, and taking on responsibility as KCDC’s CEO.


Presented by:  Shavon Norman, Economic Development Intern, Keewatin Career Development Corporation

I am 19 years old and have lived on Flying Dust First Nation my entire life. My priorities in life are God, my beautiful family and my diverse community. I have a mother, father, sister and 2 brothers. Without my family’s constant support and wisdom I would not be who I am today. My dad has always been my biggest inspiration to become involved in business, he is a successful co-owner of Tawaw Cabins lake resort and Chief of Flying Dust. I enjoy reading, writing and watching hockey in my spare time. My goals for the future are to be accepted into a business college or university to do Business Administration and build a business on Flying Dust.


Community Development Initiative:

Thursday, March 30 • 2:30 pm - 3:30pm  Michelangelo BC

Community Development is an approach to recognize the goals and strengths of each First Nation, and empower the people themselves to communicate their priorities with each other partners. INAC has partnered with 18 First Nations in Saskatchewan since 2015-16 to support the development and implementation of Comprehensive Community Plans.

Full Workshop Presentation PDF  (Click Icon To Download)


Presented by:  Davy Coyle, Manager, Government Relations and Community Development, INAC

Davy Coyle is the Manager of Government Relations and Community Development for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (Saskatchewan Region) in Regina. Davy has served with INAC for the past decade in various programs, including Governance, Additions to Reserve and Urban Aboriginal Strategy. Prior to working with INAC, Davy worked with Service Canada and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for five years.

Davy is a graduate of the University of Ottawa (Joint Honours in Political Science and Philosophy) and an active community volunteer in Regina, where he has served on multiple boards.


Presented by:  Joey Tootoosis, CCP Community Planning Coordinator, Flying Dust


Event Master of Ceremonies:


Devon Fiddler

Devon Fiddler is a Cree Woman from the Waterhen Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan. Devon is a social entrepreneur, and the Chief Changemaker of SheNative Goods Inc, a brand of handbags and accessories. Devon has built SheNative to help empower and change perceptions of Indigenous Woman and girls.

Devon has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Aboriginal Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, and has completed numerous leadership, economic development, entrepreneurship and business certificate programs in the last five years, including Praxis School of Entrepreneurship and Netmaker Academy.

In 2016, Devon received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the under 29 category. Devon’s most recent achievement was becoming one of the top 5 She-eo Ventures of 2016.


Kendal Netmaker

Kendal is one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs and motivational speakers. He is an Indigenous Entrepreneur who grew up on Sweetgrass First Nation, SK. He grew up single-parented, living on welfare and no opportunity to be involved in after school sports. In grade 5, his best friend from South Africa gave Kendal a helping hand by giving him the opportunity to take part in soccer. He never forgot about what his friend had done for him when he later founded the popular clothing brand, Neechie Gear. A portion of profits help fund underprivileged youth to take part in sports.

After finishing two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Kendal grew the brand from a small 1 bedroom apartment to a small kiosk to several pop-up stores and recently opened a new headquarters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The brand is now sold to consumers across North America through other exclusive retail partners and online (www.NeechieGear.com). Kendal recently launched a new company, Netmaker Enterprises with a focus on helping others turn their passion into a business.


Event Elder:


Walter Linklater

Walter does work with various organizations and families in Saskatoon and area for the last 40 years. He is the Elder for the Saskatoon police service and other organizations and has been married 50 years and is a grandfather and great grandfather.


Other Presenters:


Ray Wanuch, Executive Director, CANDO

Ray Wanuch was Born in Edmonton, Alberta, raised on the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement and is of First Nations descent from the Ermineskin Cree Nation. He 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, Ray was the CEO of Settlement Investment Corporation. He then moved on to facilitate and manage the Métis Settlements Economic Viability Strategy, which received international recognition for sustainable development.


Robbin Lloyd, Manager of Lands, INAC


Donny Parenteau

Donny Parenteau is a versatile vocalist & multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, mandocaster, harmonica, acoustic and electric guitars.

Donny spent 12 years touring the world with Neal McCoy, recording on multi-platinum selling albums & played on numerous shows along with performances on The Grand Ole Opry & The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Alongside McCoy, Donny has shared the stage with country artists and genuine music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire and many more.

www.donnyparenteau.com


Opening & Closing Ceremony Dancers:

Lacey Albert
Jazz Roan
Landis Roan
Donnie Spiedel
TJ Warren

Drum Group:

Poundmaker Singers

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This year's Trade Show will feature Exhibitions from: