Sara started her career within the Public Service at Indigenous and Northern Affairs ten years ago. At present she supervises the Central Lands Unit in Lands and Economic Development Services in the SK Region. Prior to this, she worked for eight years as a Lands Officer with numerous First Nation communities in the Northern and Central regions of the province supporting their Chief & Councils and Lands department with all aspects of land and resource management and development on reserve. The Land Operations team administers the department's national land management regimes under the Indian Act and First Nations Land Management Act, respectively; the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) and First Nations Land Management (FNLM). These regimes aim to promote responsible land and environment stewardship inherent to Indigenous people by providing resources, training and tools. By investing in community readiness, First Nations are better equipped to assume greater control over their lands to ensure they are well positioned to succeed in their various economic development ventures.

Janet was born and raised in Saskatchewan in a small french community close to Batoche. She has worked for the Federal Government for 27 years. In March of 1993, she started her career with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in Prince Albert. At present, she is a Lands Officer working with multiple First Nation communities in the Northern region of the Province. As a Lands Officer, she works closely with the First Nation Land Managers providing support with respect to all land management activities. Some of the First Nations she's working with are currently pursuing the First Nation Lands Management (FNLM) and the Reserve Lands and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) Regimes

Vesna is a Lands Officer with the Lands and Economic Development Services at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in the Saskatchewan Region. Over the past eleven years Vesna has worked with various First Nations communities in the northern and central regions of the province.

Vesna holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also obtained a Geographic Information Science (GIS) for Resource Management Certificate from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST).

Member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. Land Manager of all 8 communities and 44 Reserves. Worked for PBCN since 2012. Attended SIAST 25 years ago in Meadow Lake taking Integrated Resource Management (IRM). Most recently attended U of S Indigenous People's Resource Management Program in 2015 (Now called Kanawayihetaytan Askiy) and the Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP) in 2016. Ted is continuing studies in Aboriginal Land Governance at the U of S this year while continuing his duties for his First Nation.

Rainy Crane is a certified Lands Manager from The Key First Nation trained in Environmental Site Assessments. He is passionate about First Nation Lands as the key to sovereignty and sustainability for future generations and believes the Seahawks are headed to the Superbowl.

Rainy Crane is a certified Lands Manager from The Key First Nation trained in Environmental Site Assessments. He is passionate about First Nation Lands as the key to sovereignty and sustainability for future generations and believes the Seahawks are headed to the Superbowl.

Member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. Land Manager of all 8 communities and 44 Reserves. Worked for PBCN since 2012. Attended SIAST 25 years ago in Meadow Lake taking Integrated Resource Management (IRM). Most recently attended U of S Indigenous People's Resource Management Program in 2015 (Now called Kanawayihetaytan Askiy) and the Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP) in 2016. Ted is continuing studies in Aboriginal Land Governance at the U of S this year while continuing his duties for his First Nation.

Thomas Benjoe is the President & CEO for FHQ Developments and is from the Muscowpetung First Nation. Thomas is a founding Board of Director’s member for FHQ Developments and served 6 years on the Board. FHQ Developments is the Economic Development Corporation for the File Hill’s Qu’Appelle Tribal Council that manages Partnerships and new Business Ventures on behalf of its shareholders the 11 First Nations of FHQTC. FHQ Developments also provides services to its shareholders through Community Economic Development and through their Labor Services Division.

Amber Sangwais is a proud member of the Sakimay First Nations and had just been re-elected to her second straight term as councillor -and her mandate in 2015 was Corporate Affairs & Enterprise which involved the on and urban reserve economic and business development. She currently sits on the Board of Director for Four Horse Developments Ltd (FHDL). This entails the creation of viable and sustainable development of prime land surrounding the City of Regina and within the City of Yorkton.

Mr. Keith Henry is a Métis person that was born in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Mr. Henry began his career in 1995 with teaching positions and has become well known for his strategic administrative and negotiations skills. Since 1998 Mr. Henry has led numerous provincial, federal and industry negotiations on a variety of issues. He has been directly responsible for financial administration of a number of Aboriginal non-profits and has a proven track record of success.

Mr. Henry has become an international Aboriginal cultural tourism leader receiving Aboriginal/Indigenous recognition as the former CEO for Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC). In April 2014, the inaugural World Indigenous Tourism Alliance award recognized the work of AtBC and Mr. Henry’s leadership. Mr. Henry has been spearheading the growth of authentic Aboriginal tourism in Canada as he worked to redevelop the national Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada as elected chair when this organization incorporated in April 2015. In October 2015 Mr. Henry took the full-time role as the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada’s CEO.

Eric brings 27 years of experience in the Oil and Gas business in various negotiation and commercial roles such as Land Negotiator, Joint Venture Negotiator, Commercial Lead and Land Manager at companies, such as Norcen, Amoco, Suncor, Apache and Shell. In addition from 2002-2011, Eric taught Negotiations in the Land Management program at Mt. Royal University in Calgary.

Eric holds a BSc (Geol), diploma in Petroleum and Mineral Resource Land Management, an MBA and he’s currently an active member in the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL) and Petroleum Joint Venture Association (PJVA).

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. As a Councilor and Chief with his community he was responsible for economic development and was instrumental developing a business relationship with Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and helped negotiate ownership in a $7 million heli-skiing lodge. He was the chief negotiator with Kinder Morgan Canada and Canadian Hydro Developers and delivered impact benefit agreements to his community with those companies. He also led discussions on a forest and range agreement that provides fibre and resources for the Simpcw First Nation and its legal entities. More importantly these agreements have provided employment and training opportunities in major projects that the community members wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to compete for and work with companies that were formerly beyond their capacity.

Kevin Turner is the Regional Director, Office of Small & Medium Enterprises (OSME) of Public Services & Procurement Canada. The office’s role is to help Western region companies learn what products & services the Government of Canada buys and how the procurement processes work. OSME is also responsible for the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) which helps companies bridge the pre-commercialization gap by procuring and testing late stage innovative goods and services within the federal government before taking them to market.

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.

Deanne is a senior advisor and acting manager for Service Delivery Partners in the Saskatchewan Regional Office of Western Economic Diversification Canada. Deanne Joined WD in 2001 and worked in Regina with various programs before moving to Saskatoon in 2008. Deanne has worked for the Government of Saskatchewan and the Countryside Agency of England in various roles, all with a focus on economic development and diversification.

Keith Landra joined the National Energy Board (NEB) as Chief Safety Officer and Professional Leader of Safety in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in chemical engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and a Master of Science (Applied) degree in Occupational Health from McGill University.

Keith’s experience includes nineteen years in upstream oil and gas (both onshore and offshore) with Chevron and Petro-Canada in the disciplines of safety, environmental protection, and engineering, and over eight years with the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and the NEB. Keith is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional.”

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.

Mr. Tratch is passionate for life. He has international experience with diverse types of organizations and clients. He is recognized as a leading expert in Management Systems and Water Utility Technologies. He speaks at University Masters Courses, Colleges, conferences, seminars and Government Trade Delegations. His direct work experience includes: finances, environment, construction, education, software, agriculture and human health. He has degrees in Science and Agriculture and is a certified Professional Agrologist, PMP, ISO 9000 Auditor, Six Sigma, Journeyman Carpenter, Wastewater Operator, Market Entry Strategist, and others that you will need to check at his website: www.jasontratch.com

Wayne is Plains Cree Indian, the founding President of International Inter-tribal Trade Organization, Senior Lawyer and Principal Director of the law firm Garwill Law Professional Corporation specializing in Tribal Economic Development, as well as Chair of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Appeal Tribunal. He is a board member of Three Feather Corporation, owned by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. He is past-Chair of the National Council for Aboriginal Federal Employees and is an active member in the Indigenous Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Canadian Council on Aboriginal Business.

Verona has provided management, marketing and business development services to the not-for profit sector in Saskatchewan for over twenty years. Committed to building and maintaining resilient and vibrant communities, Verona has a proven record in capacity building and opportunity identification, and has worked with inner city as well as rural interests.

Verona views economic development as an inclusive process that embraces all aspects of community as well as participation in the global marketplace. Brokering partnerships and maintaining vital linkages between people, communities and sectors is her passion.

Shaun Soonias is a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan and Board Director with Red Pheasant`s Economic Development Corporation. Shaun is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) which proudly hosted the World Indigenous Business Forum in Saskatoon in August 2016. 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.

Evan, a member of the Moosomin First Nation, joined the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation in April 2017 to take on the role of Business Development Officer to assist in their grant department. He brings a diverse background of working in Aboriginal owned and operated businesses, first as a Live Games Dealer and Supervisor at the Dakota Dunes Casino, then as an Evening Announcer at Missinipi Broadcasting Network. Soon afterwards, Evan began his career in the financial industry as a Customer Services Representative with BMO, and soon afterwards, an Advisor with TD Canada Trust for 3 years. It wasn’t until he came to SIEF that he found a way to accommodate both his passions, finances and assisting First Nations individuals. Today, Evan helps First Nations entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through the SIEF Contribution Program.

Jim Puffalt is originally from Broadview, Saskatchewan and has a lengthy career in Municipal Government with stops as Municipal Administrator/City Manager in Elrose, Wilkie, Estevan, Saskatchewan as well as Dauphin, Manitoba. Jim has been the City Manager of North Battleford since February, 2014.

Jim holds a MBA – Foundation from the University of Canada West, Local Government Leadership Coaching Certificate from the University of Royal Roads, an Advanced Municipal Management Certificate from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma of Applied Arts – Business Administration from SIAST as well as three levels of Saskatchewan Municipal Certificates of Qualification. Jim was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 and is a long standing member of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.

Kathy Kissick is the Chief Financial Officer at BATC Inc. and is responsible for overall financial operations of the organization and its subsidiaries. Kathy was hired as the Director of finance in May 2011 and was named C.F.O. in January 2017.

Kathy has her bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and received her Chartered Accountant designation in 2007 and is now a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Saskatchewan.

Tanya joins the Cando family as the Program Coordinator, CEDI, Western Region from the GNWT; a strategic specialist, she has successfully contributed to government-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with government and department business goals and strategies.

As an adult educator developing Business Administration programs tailored to Indigenous Entrepreneurs for over 10 years, she has the ability to transfer knowledge effectively and instill motivation and confidence in the learner. Tanya has achieved Land Management Certification and has a strong background in continuous improvement methodologies, change management, project management, and ICT initiatives.

Terra attended the University of Regina and received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography. In 2014, she achieved a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation with the PMI. In 2015, Terra became a Certified Environmental Site Assessor (CESA) – Phase I from the AESAC. Currently, she is in the process of completing her final examinations for a PRINCE2 designation with APMG.

Terra has worked with the Government of Canada since 2002. Her Federal Departmental work experience includes Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Health Canada and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Her career with the Federal government has enabled her to enhance her skill set in Project Management.

Kyle is the Education and Engagement Lead with Co-operatives First. His work focuses developing and delivering educational and development services for Co-operatives First, a non-profit business development organization in Saskatoon. 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 educational background has focused on community development, governance, and organizational policy. Aside from his work with Co-operatives First, Kyle is a volunteer with a Saskatoon Lions Club and serves on the boards of two housing corporations.

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. “This model is something I truly believe will assist our Nations in bringing in the services that are lacking back to the grassroots level. If we all work together we will see the changes in our communities as our successes will be attributed to our efforts.” Julia is of the firm belief that the Co-operative Business model is the business model that is a “global fit for all Indigenous people”.

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.

Ken Johnson is a recycling and waste management professional working for GFL Environmental Inc. in Saskatoon, SK. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and has been active in recycling and hazardous waste management in Saskatchewan for over 10 years. Ken is currently responsible for the delivery of household hazardous waste collection services to municipalities throughout the Province, and has been providing hazardous waste collection, recycling and disposal services to First Nations for the past two years.

Rhonda Laing began her federal public service career in April 1992 as a Labour Market Information Analyst at the North Battleford Canada Employment Centre. Over the next 14 years, Mrs. Laing worked in a variety of positions with Employment and Immigration Canada, Human Resources Development Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Service Canada. These positions included Labour Market Information Analyst, Project Officer, Operations Officer, Service Delivery Manager, Corporate Services Manager, Aboriginal Policy Consultant, and Senior Project Officer.

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.

Cheri Moreau was appointed to the position of the Director of Lands and Economic Development at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in Regina, Saskatchewan in March 2013. In this role, Cheri has led the collaborative negotiation between Canada and Saskatchewan to develop two key pieces of federal regulation through the First Nations Commercial Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA) for the operation and management of large complex projects on reserve, which are estimated to generate nearly $2 billion in revenues for the partners.

Prior to assuming this role, Cheri was the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at INAC and in this capacity she worked to build collaborative partnerships with other government departments, provincial governments, industry and the private sector to support improved socio-economic conditions on-reserve, with the culmination of her work highlighted in the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between Canada, Saskatchewan and First Nations for reduced income assistance dependency in Saskatchewan

Dianne has been involved in community economic development for 30 + years as a practitioner and as a volunteer. Through the years she has served on municipal council, been an active member of various local and provincial boards and agencies and owned several businesses of her own. In 1988 she became employed with Sagehill Community Futures Development Corporation as a Business Development Officer and in 1994 assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

She is a strong advocate for small business, a promoter for rural Saskatchewan and a staunch supporter of our local communities and their volunteer base. In April 2017, together with Cherylynn Walters (CHS Enterprises/Marieval Center) Sagehill was awarded the contract to provide Indigenous Business Development Services throughout Saskatchewan.

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

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.

Nicole Robertson has dedicated her life to creating awareness about Indigenous Peoples through the media. Nicole’s career has taken her across North America and the United Kingdom, writing, directing, producing, and reporting on issues that encompass Indigenous communities.

Her on-air work experiences include working with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), A-Channel, Global, CBC and CTV in the capacity as of reporter, video journalist, producer, anchor, associate producer and writer. In 2002, Nicole created and established “Muskwa Productions & Consulting”, which specializes in communication advisory services that include; media and public relations, media training, marketing, social media, event and video productions, public speaking, speech writing, cross-cultural communications training and strategies.