2023 Speakers.

Starr Acko was elected to the Doig River First Nation council in November 2021. Starr completed the Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator training in 2015. A few years later, in 2020, she completed the First Nations Administration program through Tulo and Thompson River University. Currently, she is working on a Bachelor of Commerce, with a focus on Finance, through Athabasca University. She is keen to help empower community members by assisting them with identifying their interests and passions as they work towards achieving career goals. Additionally, she looks to work with youth in her community, to ensure they take advantage of learning opportunities and recognize the importance of their roles as future leaders.

Owner and operator of successful businesses, Charlene helped start from the ground up: Eaglestar Productions – Grip equipment rental company for the film industry, Red Raven Catering Co., Chief Dan George Production Co. (two other companies she had but later dissolved). Charlene has forever been an advocate for the people of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and environment in all the things she has done in her life. Charlene currently works as a spokesperson for TWN’s Sacred Trust Initiative, and has been a core team member of Sacred Trust, with revolving responsibilities and titles over the past 8 years. This included meeting and speaking with Company Executives on NYC Wall Street, Switzerland, Germany, and England, regarding their investment in the TransMountain pipeline and Tanker expansion project.

Kareem is a partner at Fairview Strategy. With two decades of private and public sector experience in public affairs, Kareem has fostered a unique understanding of Canada’s Chinese, South Asian and Indigenous communities while developing policy expertise in the energy, health and transportation sectors. Recently, Kareem successfully managed the Kevin Falcon for BC Liberal Leader Campaign and the ABC Vancouver Municipal Campaign, electing 19 out of 19 candidates, including Mayor Ken Sim. In 2023 Kareem was named #9 on Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 list. Prior to Fairview, Kareem spent the last five years in senior Indigenous Relations roles with Britco, Civeo, Trans Canada Pipelines, and a national Public Relations firm. Prior to that, he was the director of public policy at the Vancouver Board of Trade and previously had roles with Fortis BC and the Fraser Health Authority in Government Relations.

Keith Atkinson is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from the University of British Columbia. He served for 10 years as the chief executive officer of the First Nations Forestry Council, where he worked to create opportunities for First Nations in forestry. Keith has also held positions as the forest resources manager at the Nisga’a Lisims Government and served as a community trustee for the Snuneymuxw First Nation, of which he is a member. Keith lives in North Vancouver on the traditional and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation is a third-generation Chief in her family and is the current National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. She was the first woman and youngest Chief elected for Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) in 1990 at 23 years of age. She was also the first woman and youngest Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN), as well as the first female and youngest Grand Chief for Mushkegowuk Council. She served a second term as Chief of TTN, and a second term as NAN Deputy Grand Chief. For nine years, she ran a successful consulting business providing advice and guidance to First Nations leaders, and organizations, specializing in negotiation and facilitation. She returned to politics in 2018, becoming the first woman to be elected as Ontario Regional Chief.

Curtis Avery is a proud member of the Nipissing Nation, a Northern Ontario-based community with Ojibway heritage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and Technology and has dedicated his career to understanding and improving the relationship between humans and the natural environment. As manager of environment for Nipissing First Nation, he strives to fill environmental and regulatory gaps and help his community stay resilient in the face of change. Curtis has also successfully ventured into entrepreneurship, having established the first legal and regulated cannabis dispensary on a First Nation in his region. Since then, he has expanded his business to include a flagship store in Ottawa, with plans for more locations in the works.

Born and raised in the Squamish Nation, Simon is an acclaimed actor in hit TV series and Hollywood feature films over the last two decades. A graduate of the Vancouver film school acting program, Simon was one of only eight actors selected in the inaugural year of the Actors Conservatory at the Canadian Film Centre. Cast as the host of RealWorld’s international docuseries “Native Planet,” Simon is now evolving his career behind the camera as an Associate Producer for RealWorld’s latest docuseries: Twindemic. Simon is lending his voice to promote Indigenous equity and inclusion in the Canadian film and television industry.

Riley is a proud member of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation in Kingcome Inlet, BC. Starting his career with RBC in downtown Vancouver as a Client Advisor, he now works at the Denman and Barclay branch as a Banking Advisor serving the communities’ personal and small business clientele. Riley is active in the Indigenous banking community at RBC and serves on the BC Royal Eagles Leadership Cabinet which spearheads educational Indigenous initiatives for RBC Employees in BC.

Kim and his team are responsible for Community and Indigenous engagement and Indigenous reconciliation for Enbridge across Canada. Recently Kim has been instrumental in leading Enbridge’s reconciliation work including guiding the development and implementation of the Indigenous cultural awareness program, increasing Indigenous representation in Enbridge’s workforce, advancing the development of equity partnerships with Indigenous groups like Athabasca Indigenous Investments in Alberta, and leading the development of Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.

Dennis has a wealth of experience in financial analysis, the creation and management of public-private partnerships and the development and execution of strategic planning. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, in addition to a CPA, CMA designation. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the ROGA Group of companies, which includes Kyah Resources Inc. ROGA has 200+ employees, multiple long-term First Nations partnerships, and is active in forestry, civil and earthworks, and oil and gas.

Cheyenne is Dene and a member of Fort Nelson First Nation. Currently, she is in her 3rd year of law school and is working as Governance Lead for the Roga Group, including Kyah Resources, a 50/50 partnership between Roga and Witset First Nation. Cheyenne holds a BEd and a BA in First Nation Studies from UNBC. Before law school she taught elementary school for six years in northern BC. Her key legal interests are in supporting the resurgence of Indigenous laws and legal orders, nation (re-)building and the decolonization of laws, policies and mindsets that continue to harm First Nation peoples.

Chief Ian Campbell is a hereditary chief of the Squamish Nation and served for sixteen years as an elected councillor. He was a lead negotiator with the Squamish Nation on various resource projects, including Woodfibre LNG. His work helped lead to a historic agreement: the first-ever binding Indigenous environmental assessment of a pipeline project in Canada. Ian was also instrumental in the establishment of the MST Development Corporation, which oversees land development in a joint partnership between the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Vanessa Campbell (Iyál̓) has worked with the Squamish language since 1972, having been privileged to learn through the words and teachings of her Elders and to teach the language to learners from young children on through to college-age learners. Campbell is guided by the conviction that it is through the language that Indigenous peoples gain the point of view of their ancestors’ relationship to the world and one another. Through Indigenous languages, Campbell believes one can begin to see where, how and why the daily life of those long past was defined by interactions with the surrounding environment, just as it defines life today.

Campbell, born in Brantford, Ontario, became a steelworker before joining the RCMP. He established Vancouver's first District Coroner's Office and later served as Chief Coroner. As Mayor of Vancouver, he pioneered the Four Pillars Drug strategy. Campbell also played a key role in securing the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the Woodlands site redevelopment. Appointed to the Senate in 2005, he focuses on drug policy, mental health, and aboriginal issues.

Daniol is a leader, researcher, advisor, educator, and organizer on innovative projects specializing in Indigenous consultation, engagement, marketing, reconciliation, Indigenization and decolonization program development and implementation. He’s spent more than a decade senior consulting and enabling organizations, leaders, boards, institutions, Trusts, Nations, and communities coast to coast to coast in managing and building authentic relations, communications services, policies, and programs. Daniol Coles is proudly Métis of the Pagee and Todd families, hailing from St. Francis Xavier community of the Red River and Assiniboine River basins. Born and raised in BC, now Citizen of Métis Nation of Alberta and resident of Ontario, living in lands of the Grand River basin.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Longhouse Capital Partners, Fred leads the efforts of LCP as it raises capital. Prior to LCP, Fred served as Executive Vice President for Nch’Kay Development Corporation, where he led business development and partnerships with a focus on economic growth for the Nation. Fred is an experienced executive with a proven track record at AT&T, TELUS and INVIDI Technologies with deep experience in mergers, acquisitions, marketing and corporate development. A proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, he graduated from the University of Cambridge.

T’ec Georgina Dan is from the Lil’wat Nation, and serves as the Cultural Leader of the Spo7ez Performance team. After graduating from the Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program in 2016, Georgina became one of the Facilitators of that same program. Aside from being one of the guides at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, you may also recognize Georgina at different events throughout Whistler, taking part in performances that represent the Shared Territories of the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation. Currently, Georgina is learning the Lil’wat Language at Ts’zil Learning Centre as she continues to share her culture at the SLCC by performing and leading cultural programming, crafts, and workshops, both in-person and virtually.

Cory was born and raised in Coast Salish Territory ‘Vancouver’, and he brings over 25 years of local experience in art and architectural design. He is a Squamish Nation member with Haida and Tsimshian ancestry. Cory began his business as a graphic artist and continues to redefine himself as he merges his academic architectural vocation with his innate creativity. Cory is connected to the Squamish Nation through his parents and has been studying traditional Haida form and Formline and Coast Salish design. Cory’s intention is to communicate the cultural history of Canada alongside the development and design strategies through decolonization.

Margareta is the event lead for the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase and managing director of the Resource Works Society. She is a strategic communicator and natural resource policy advocate with a passion for technology, innovation and Indigenous economic development. While studying for her Master of Public Administration in Energy, Technology and Climate Policy at University College London, Margareta led an international post-graduate consulting project, delivering recommendations on financial regulation, consumer debt, and digital government to the Prime Minister’s Office of the United Arab Emirates. A lifelong Vancouverite, she also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Area Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Rebecca Duncan (Tsitsayxemaat) is from the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations of the Coast Salish Peoples. Rebecca has devoted her life to preserving the Squamish language along with her cultural teachings that have been handed down to her from her ancestors since time immemorial. Rebecca is a remarkable storyteller, weaver, traditional cook, language teacher, singer and dancer. She has performed worldwide promoting language and culture, representing Coast Salish people and practicing protocols with song and dance and in workshops in schools.

Herman is a Forest Engineer with over 21 years of experience in the development of ESG management systems across Chile. His work has been dedicated to promoting social inclusion and the welfare of Indigenous peoples, playing a key role in Teck's social management in Chile and providing support and leadership in social matters for projects and operations in Latin America. During his almost 11 years at Teck, Herman has led actions focused on women and Indigenous peoples. Among his achievements are the Originarias program (implemented by UN Women), the creation of a joint conservation area with the Indigenous community of Ollague and long-term collaboration agreements with Indigenous communities associated with the development of Teck's QB2 project.

Jocelyn Formsma is the Executive Director of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC). Ms. Formsma is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation in Treaty #9 territory in Northern Ontario and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Ottawa and is called to the Bar of Ontario. She has over 20 years of work and volunteer experience building strong relationships and advocacy with Indigenous peoples. She has worked in areas of social justice, media, child welfare reform, youth engagement, and Indigenous children’s rights with and for numerous Indigenous and First Nations organizations. As Executive Director, Ms. Formsma brings her legal training and passion for access to justice to her work with Indigenous peoples in urban environments and the Friendship Centre Movement towards innovative, positive and effective systemic change for Indigenous peoples.

Matthew Foss is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta with over 20 years of research and public policy experience. He currently serves as the Vice President of Research and Public Policy for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and is an Executive Fellow at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. Matthew’s focus at the CCAB is on advancing Indigenous business through procurement, international trade, celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs and natural resource development. Prior to joining CCAB, he ran his own energy economics and public policy consulting business for several years and served as the Chief Energy Economist for the Alberta Government.

Shawn leads Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster’s Strategic Foresight and Talent Development programs. Using a combination of technology forecasting, market intelligence and design thinking, the program delivers actionable insights supporting the development of world-class innovation. Shawn has been leading product and technology development initiatives in public and private enterprises for over 25 years. This includes leading marketing and R&D programs in Westaim’s advanced materials manufacturing division, managing a portfolio of technology development programs in environment and life sciences at the Alberta Research Council and developing digital marketing and web-based enterprise software products. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Arts from Royal Roads Military College and an MBA from the University of Alberta.

Ginger Gosnell-Myers, a member of the Nisga’a and Kwakwak'awakw Nations, has spent over 20 years challenging misconceptions about urban Indigenous realities. As Vancouver's first Indigenous Relations Manager, she played a vital role in establishing the city as the world's first official City of Reconciliation. Gosnell-Myers implemented reconciliation initiatives, recognized Indigenous land rights, and integrated Indigenous perspectives into city planning. Her leadership earned her numerous awards, including the 2019 Pierre L'Enfant International Planning Award. She also worked on the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study, dispelling unjust assumptions about Aboriginal people in cities. Gosnell-Myers is involved in various organizations and has spoken at national and international events, highlighting the importance of Indigenous culture and rights. Her impactful work has been recognized through books, documentaries, and thought-provoking talks.

Tim Grant is Vice President, Investment with PCI Developments Corp., a privately owned Vancouver, B.C. based real estate developer and investor specializing in urban, transit oriented, mixed-use development, including some of Vancouver’s most notable projects in this discipline. PCI frequently works in partnership with institutional, public or private investors and stakeholders. Tim’s primary activities with PCI include acquisitions, asset and development management and development partnership structuring and reporting. Prior to joining PCI, Tim was a member of Colliers International’s National Investment Services Team, where he was involved in a wide variety of major real estate transactions across Canada. Tim is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and graduated from Dartmouth College (USA) with Bachelor of Arts in Economics, focused in Finance.

Tara Hartley is the Regional Director for Procurement Assistance Canada at Public Services and Procurement Canada in Pacific Region. She has over 30 years of experience in the federal public service. She and her team help businesses understand how to do business with the Government of Canada. They also work with their procurement colleagues to promote fair, open access to procurement opportunities. Tara is passionate about her work, and has had the opportunity to work with the UK government and on projects with public procurement professionals from around the world. Tara holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's degree in German, and is also a professional storyteller.

Anita Huberman is a distinguished leader who has served as the President and CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, one of the top 10 Boards of Trade in Canada for an impressive 17 years. With a remarkable career spanning 30 years at the Surrey Board of Trade, Anita and her team cater to over 6,000 member contacts. Her exceptional contributions have been widely recognized, including being honoured with SFU's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 and being recognized as one of 15 Outstanding Canadians in 2021 for her exceptional work in the private sector and contributions during the pandemic. In addition to her professional achievements, Anita is an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy, appointed by Canada's Minister of National Defence. She is a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Canada 150 Community Medal, a Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under 40 award winner and the 2019 Surrey Community Builder of the Year.

Ian joined VCC in April 2020. He provides key leadership for VCC's Campus Master Plan, business performance, system innovation, risk management, and operational sustainability. Ian's areas of responsibilities include Facilities Management, Environment, Safety and Security, International Education, and Continuing Studies. With more than a decade of extensive leadership experience in education, Dr. Humphreys has dedicated his career to strategically solving complex post-secondary challenges. As Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Students for Langara College, Dr. Humphreys expanded offerings to include faculties of Business and Nursing. He has worked with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to implement a new framework for Continuing Education. Dr. Humphreys holds MSc and PhD degrees in Human Performance from the University of Alberta, and a BSc in Sport Science from Liverpool Polytechnic in England. He is a member of Vancouver Board of Trade and Business Council of British Columbia.

Geordie brings deep experience in finance and financial law, with experience as a senior investment product securities lawyer at the British Columbia Securities Commission, financial tribunal Chair and CEO at the Financial Services Tribunal (British Columbia), management consultant at McKinsey & Company and mergers and acquisitions investment banker at Broadview (now Jefferies). Geordie was also on the committee that recommended the creation of the Canadian Sustainability Standard Board. Geordie holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MA (East Asian Studies/Chinese) from Stanford University, a law degree from the University of British Columbia,and an electrical and computer engineering degree from Queen’s University. He is proficient in Mandarin Chinese, having studied for a year at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Geordie is a CFA Charterholder, CAIA Charterholder and an Action Canada Fellow.

Chris Hunt began his banking career in 2003 and joined RBC in 2017 as a CAM Intern. Chris took on progressively more responsibility within the Indigenous Markets Team and is Director Senior Commercial Market, Indigenous Markets. Chris is committed to taking action towards reconciliation and accessing capital for Indigenous communities. Chris brings his experience in the branch network, including 6 years in branch management. Chris was a mentor for the Pow Wow Pitch competition which brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs. This year, he volunteered for Junior Achievement B.C. which is dedicated to teaching youth about business. He served 2 Years as the co-chair of the B.C. Royal Eagles, RBC’s Indigenous employee resource group. Chris has received the quarterly leadership, the leadership, and RBC Convention. Chris graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Victoria. He is from the Kwakiutl Nation, located on Northern Vancouver Island.

Geena Jackson is a member of the Frog Clan from the Shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation who carries the traditional name, Tsetasiya (‘Sa-TAS-ee-ya’). With over 20 years as an Indigenous entrepreneur, business development champion and leader in economic development circles, Geena launched her own media empowerment company, Sparkly Frog Clan Productions. As Executive Producer of the Bear’s Lair TV Series, Geena is creating the series to showcase the stories, strength and diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurs. As a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and self-determination with over 13 years in leadership roles such as Economic Development Officer, Trust Fund Manager, procurement and Major Capital Projects leader, Geena understands the importance of aligning Indigenous entrepreneurs with people and programs who help them turn their dreams into reality. Geena has helped over 550 Indigenous entrepreneurs across Coast Salish communities to launch, stabilize and expand their own businesses.

David Jimmie is the Chief and CEO of Squiala First Nation, President of the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council, and President of Ts’elxweyéqw Tribe Management Limited. Additionally, he holds the roles of Chair and Vice President of Finance for the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group and operates DJC (DJimmie Construction) as a licensed residential builder. Holding a Master in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, he focuses on fostering collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups. His traditional name, Lenéx wí :ót, which translates to "One who works for the people," embodies his leadership philosophy centered on building strong relationships to empower his community. Chief Jimmie's serves as a board member of the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation, the Sts’ailes Development Corporation, and Tourism Chilliwack. He has also served in key positions such as co-chair of the AFN National Committee on Fiscal Relations with Canada, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and the board of New Relationship Trust.

As President of Woodfibre LNG, Christine Kennedy is responsible for leading the project through construction. Ms. Kennedy’s current focus is to reach commissioning of the world’s most innovative and sustainable liquefied natural gas export facility ever built. Ms. Kennedy brings more than 25 years’ experience in senior management roles in the natural resource sector, government, and international market development. Prior to joining WLNG, she held senior roles in the provincial government and the forest products and renewable energy sectors. Ms. Kennedy was recently the Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness and previously the Associate Deputy Minister in British Columbia’s Office of the Premier. In previous roles, Ms. Kennedy was the founding CEO of Forestry Innovation investment Ltd, a crown corporation that works with industry to develop new global markets, a Vice President with the Coast Forest Products Association and a Senior Vice President with Canadian Forest Products Ltd.

Kirk LaPointe is a media executive who serves as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Business in Vancouver (BIV) and Vice-President, Editorial, of the Glacier Media chain of publications across western Canada. He writes a twice-weekly column, hosts a podcast on business and politics and about two dozen business-related public discussions annually. He has been an Adjunct Professor and Executive in Residence at the University of British Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, Writing and Media since 2004. Kirk has held a wide range of senior roles in Canada in newspapers, news agencies, television and online media. He has led such organizations as CTV News, Southam News and the Hamilton Spectator. He has been a national television and local radio host. From 2010 to 2013, Kirk was the CBC Ombudsman, responsible for dealing with public complaints and evaluating the compliance of CBC’s news and information programming on radio, television and online with journalistic standards and practices. He later became Executive Director of the worldwide Organization of News Ombudsmen.

Michelle oversees a strategy to deliver on Vancity’s commitment to Reconciliation with the goal of becoming a valued financial partner to Indigenous members, organizations, and communities. Michelle has held several management roles with the Vancity Group including in business development, broker services and as a branch manager. She has built strong relationships with Indigenous communities and is especially proud of opening a remote community branch in Alert Bay, in partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation and the Village of Alert Bay. With some Métis-Ojibway ancestry and married to a member of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Michelle is passionate about advancing Vancity’s work to uphold Reconciliation as a core value. Michelle is an active member of several boards supporting the environment, cultural harmony and Indigenous housing.

Peter Lister is a Senior Vice President at Seaspan, focusing on Commercial and Business Development Services. Peter joined the company from FPInnovations, where he served as Vice President, Forest Operations and Wood Products, and led a team that delivered $45-million in high impact research, innovation, product development and technical support. He holds both a Masters and Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC), and recently served as Director of both the Canadian Wood Council and Canadian Construction Innovations.

Bill Lomax is President and CEO of the First Nations Bank of Canada. He is dedicated to empowering Native American Tribes with financial strategies and education that enable long-term, multi-generational economic growth. As a wealth management leader, Bill has built Indigenous-focused wealth management businesses at firms such as Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, and Smith Barney. A member of the Gitxsan Nation in British Columbia, and prior Senior Portfolio Manager for one of the most successful Tribes in the US, Bill combines his expertise in wealth management with his first-hand knowledge of Indigenous governance and culture in order to transform the complexity of investment management into insightful strategies for Native American Tribes across the US.

Chief Trevor Makadahay has been Chief of Doig River First Nation (DRFN) since 2015. Since then, DRFN has demonstrated notable successes in governance, leadership, administration and economic development, receiving several awards for community excellence and environmental management. Under Chief Makadahay’s leadership, the community also completed its Treaty Land Entitlement Claim and established the first Urban Reserve in northeast British Columbia. Prior to becoming Chief of DRFN, Chief Makadahay was a Band Councillor and the Nation’s first Lands Manager. When not on Council, he was employed in the oil and gas and transportation sector, including owning and operating his own business for many years. Chief Makadahay’s vision is to support a healthy and prosperous community and he is committed to working with government and industry to protect treaty rights and the environment while fully participating in the local economy.

Waneek Horn Miller is a Mohawk Bear clan mother of three from the communities of Kahnawake and Ohsweken. She is one of Canada’s few Indigenous Olympians and has had an interesting career in media, motivation, sales, working for the national inquirer into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and now she is the Vice President of Indigenous Financial Solutions. Waneek’s passion now lies in helping create a future for her children and Indigenous communities nationwide that is secure, self-determined and financially robust.

After 21 years working in the branch network, Crystal took on the newly created role Senior Manager, Indigenous Markets at RBC. In this role, Crystal works with Indigenous communities and Indigenous individuals to achieve homeownership by coaching and supporting branch staff and mortgage specialists with RBC’s on-reserve lending programs. She will work with local branches to provide advice events aimed at providing financial literacy in Indigenous communities. Crystal brings her experience in the branch network, including 9 years in branch management, along with skills in relationship building, financial literacy, investing and credit. She is also an RBC Future Launch champion, where she facilitates RBC programs that empower youth for the jobs of today and tomorrow and she is a co-chair of the B.C. Royal Eagles, RBC’s Indigenous employee resource group. Crystal is from the Gitxsan Nation located on Northern BC. She has been an elected Councillor for her Band since 2012.

Michelle Mungall was BC’s Minister for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources from 2017 to 2020. There, she steered critical files such as LNG, BC Hydro’s Site C dam, and Zero-emission Vehicles. Shortly after she took on the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Michelle worked closely with small businesses across the province as well as key economic sectors to plan for economic mitigation and recovery. Michelle was first elected as the MLA for the beautiful riding of Nelson-Creston in 2009. She was the first woman and youngest person elected to the post. Throughout her term in office, she worked with the Ktunaxa Nation to protect Qat’Muk, the home of grizzly bear spirit, from a large development that ignored their rights. When the day finally came in 2020, she was proud to join in celebrating the start of the Ktunaxa Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area for Qat’Muk. Michelle was born and raised in Alberta before moving to Nelson, BC in 2002.

Kimberly Murray is a member of the Kanehsatake Mohawk Nation. In 2022, Ms. Murray was appointed as Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools. Prior to this new role, she was the Executive Lead for the Survivors’ Secretariat at the Six Nations of the Grand River, working to recover the missing children and unmarked burials at the Mohawk Institute. Ms. Murray was also the Province of Ontario’s first ever Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Indigenous Justice and chaired the Expert Panel on Policing in Indigenous Communities. From 2010 to 2015, Ms. Murray was the Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Ms. Murray is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2017 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Law and Justice. In 2015, the Indigenous Bar Association granted Ms. Murray the Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel (IPC) designation.

Chief Nikal is serving his third term as Chief Councillor of Witset First Nation. Under his leadership, Witset has successfully navigated complex negotiations and discussions with industry and all levels of government. Barry also holds the Hereditary Chief name “Bini,” of the Tsayu (Beaver Clan) within the Wet'suwet'en Nation. He has a long history of leadership and commitment to preserving his language, culture and traditional values. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Barry previously served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in the Special Service Force. As a paratrooper, he received the Airborne Coin and served overseas with the United Nations Peacekeepers Force in Cyprus. Following his military services, Barry worked with the Canadian National Railway before eventually becoming manager of Kyahwood Forest Products and then Chief Councillor of Witset First Nation.

Justen Peters is a 28-year-old man from the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) with a strong passion for leadership and community development, particularly among Indigenous young adults. Throughout his life, Justen has been involved in various Indigenous youth leadership training programs offered by First Nations organizations. In addition to his work with Indigenous youth, he has worked with the OKIB and the provincial government through the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP). These experiences have allowed him to gain valuable insights into the economic challenges facing Indigenous communities and the solutions that can help address them. Through his reconnection to the land, community involvement and commitment to economic development, Justen Peters has become a respected and valued member of the OKIB community.

Tyson is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, born and raised in Northern Alberta. Early in his career, Tyson spent time living and working in Fort Nelson, BC, later moving his family to Calgary. Tyson joined Ovintiv’s predecessor in 2000 and has subsequently held various senior roles. Currently, as Manager of Indigenous Relations, Tyson is responsible for leading Ovintiv’s efforts in working with Indigenous communities in North America. During his tenure, Tyson has championed a corporate Indigenous Relations strategy that focuses on relationships, understanding, partnership, and Indigenous business development in all stages of Ovintiv’s operations, promoting inclusion and opportunities for Indigenous peoples. His operational background and experience working with multiple stakeholders and Indigenous communities has helped to build a strong network and has supported greater understanding of the concerns and interests of both industry and Indigenous communities.

Murray Rankin was elected as the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head in 2020. He is a lawyer with expertise in environmental, Aboriginal, and public law, with degrees from the University of Toronto and Harvard Law School. Previously, Murray served as MP for Victoria from 2012 until 2019. During this period, he was appointed Justice and Attorney General Critic, Health Critic, and served as NDP House Leader. Previously he was a University of Victoria professor of law and taught environmental and administrative law. During this period, he developed groups such as the West Coast Environmental Law Association and the BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Throughout his career, he has been a dedicated advocate for climate action, accessible health care and child care and has worked extensively to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Karen Restoule is a Vice President at Crestview Strategy in Toronto. Previously, she led an environmental consulting firm focused on Indigenous self-determination and worked at Chiefs of Ontario, supporting First Nations leadership. Karen also modernized Ontario's administrative justice system at Tribunals Ontario, overseeing transformations at various tribunals. In 2016, she co-founded BOLD Realities, promoting economic reconciliation, and partnered with TakingITGlobal to launch the Whose Land app, providing information on Indigenous territories. Karen is a distinguished graduate of the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa's French Common Law Program. She received recognition for using her legal education to make significant contributions to society and was honored as the Public Policy Forum's 2018 Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow and CivicAction's 2018 Emerging Leader. Karen is involved in governance boards, advisory bodies, and serves on juries for esteemed organizations. She is Ojibwe from Dokis First Nation.

Miles is a citizen of the Haida Nation and Canada. He is the Former President of the Haida Nation and is ChairPerson of the HaiCo board. He grew up among his people on Haida Gwaii and attended high school in Prince Rupert, BC. In 1979 received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Victoria. From 1984 to 1996, he served as President of the Council of Haida Nation. Miles has advised the Government of British Columbia and First Nations in British Columbia on how the three parties could begin negotiations to build a new relationship and what negotiations should include. Mr. Richardson is one of the original members of the David Suzuki Foundation and has been a board member since 1992. In 2007, Mr. Richardson was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2016, he was appointed to the New Relationship Trust Board of Directors. On February 1, 2019, Mr. Richardson was appointed as Chairperson of the HaiCo Board of Directors. Currently, Miles is the Director of the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development at the University of Victoria.

Chris Roberts was elected as the Wei Wai Kum Chief Councillor in 2018. Chief Roberts was born and raised in the Wei Wai Kum community and later earned an Economics Degree from UVic in 2008. Chief Chris is married to a We Wai Kai member and has two beautiful children.

Isaiah Robinson is a proud member of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation. His early years were spent in the Great Bear Rainforest before relocating to Hope, where he was raised. After gaining valuable management experience, Robinson returned to his community and took on the role of Housing and Public Works Department Manager, a position he held for five years. Presently, he serves as the General Manager for the Kitasoo Development Corporation, where he oversees a multitude of projects aimed at enhancing economic and social development. Alongside his role in the corporation, he is also an elected councillor for his Nation and holds a seat on the Aboriginal Capital Committee. Now in his second term, Robinson maintains his commitment to fostering positive change for his community.

Ellis Ross is the British Columbia MLA for Skeena. In 2006, Ross negotiated and signed a $40 Billion liquified natural gas project in Kitimat, the largest single natural resource investment in BC history. Ellis Ross became a full-time councillor for the Haisla Nation in 2003 before being elected chief councillor in 2011, and again in 2013. Prior to running for band council, Ross spent a lifetime in local industry and community organizing, coaching zone championship winning youth basketball teams and involving himself in programs to keep Indigenous kids safe from drug abuse and organized crime. In 2012, Ross was appointed the inaugural chair of the Aboriginal Business Investment Council and has been recognized as a business leader in both BC Business magazine and the Canadian Business magazine. In recognition of his community service, Ellis was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013 and the Order of BC in 2014. Ellis Ross lives in his hometown of Kitimat, British Columbia, where he lives with his wife Tracey. He is a proud father of two daughters and a proud grandfather.

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan is Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. Minister Sajjan has made serving others a cornerstone of his life. He has served as a former detective with the Vancouver Police Department, a former Lieutenant Colonel with the British Columbia Regiment, and a long-time advocate for youth education and mentorship programs. For 11 years, Minister Sajjan was a member of the Vancouver Police Department, based primarily in South Vancouver. He completed his career as a detective with the gang crime unit. As a member of the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own), he participated in four operational deployments—one to Bosnia and three to Afghanistan.

Chris Sankey is a member of the Coast Tsimshian community of Lax Kw’Alaams near Prince Rupert, British Columbia and was a former elected Councillor for the Lax Kw’alaams Band where he served his community for six and a half years, and the former Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the Governing Council. Chris was effective in implementing the first-ever Emergency Response and Marine Safety table in the Coast Tsimshian territory and was part of a team that negotiated the $36 billion dollar Pacific Northwest LNG agreement where he was one of the two negotiators to reach the first-ever Environmental Monitoring Agreement between the Coast Tsimshian and Provincial and Federal Governments of Canada. As CEO, he built the Blackfish brand from his grassroots and heritage, which includes a heavy civil operations company, an energy stakeholder and Indigenous relations consultancy, and is currently working on an energy project in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Luke Schauerte is the Vice President, Asset, for LNG Canada, the country’s first large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Kitimat, B.C., on the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. Luke brings more than 20 years of industry and operations experience to his role at LNG Canada, most recently in multiple senior positions including Production Manager at Shell’s Scotford Manufacturing Complex (Upgrading, Refining and Chemicals) and as the lead strategic advisor for Shell’s Global Manufacturing portfolio’s business and digital transformation. Prior to these roles, Luke worked internationally in Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream portfolios in Asia, Europe, Russia, Africa, and South America. Locally, Luke’s operational and engineering experience has included opening the Montney shale play in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, and delivering the first carbon capture and sequestration wells in Strathcona County. He is also a retired west coast naval officer who deployed from Vancouver Island to the Persian Gulf.

Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC and is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation of the Secwepemc Nation. Elected onto WLFN Council at the age of 24 in 2008, Willie was one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history. After serving 10 years on Council he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018 and is currently in his first term. In his previous work experience, Willie worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory and community consultation for major WLFN projects. Willie is also an award winning author, with 2 children’s books under his name.

Johanne joined CAPP in October 2022 as Vice President of Sustainability, External Relations and Indigenous Affairs and is based in Ottawa. Johanne is a seasoned government and regulatory affairs expert with over 30 years of experience as a senior executive working in the areas of public policy development, government relations, regulatory affairs, Indigenous affairs and strategic communications, both in the public and private sectors. She has worked in the mining and telecommunications sectors and has an extensive political background having worked for the Prime Minister of Canada, various Ministers and serving as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Official Opposition. Johanne has also held several directorships and was the inaugural Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canada Digital Technology Supercluster as well as a member of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council Board of Directors.

For over 50 years, The Honourable Tom Siddon has contributed to his profession, country and local community. After graduating from the University of Alberta as the gold medalist in his class, he went on to pursue his master’s and PhD degrees at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS). In his early career, he split his time between teaching at UBC and growing his aero-acoustics engineering consulting firm. In 1976, while teaching at UBC, Siddon took on a leadership role as city councillor for Richmond, BC. From there, his participation and achievement in the public service grew. He was successively elected in five federal elections between 1978 and 1993, and worked under several prime ministers in various cabinet roles. His appointment as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 1990 led to what he considers his most significant achievement: the creation of Nunavut.

Ken Sim was sworn in as the 41st Mayor of Vancouver on November 7th, 2022. Mayor Sim is a proud Vancouverite, having been born and raised in Vancouver. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and the co-founder of two successful Vancouver-based companies: Rosemary Rocksalt and Nurse Next Door. Professionally, Mayor Sim holds an FCPA (FCA) designation and has been a speaker at post secondary institutions and conferences globally. Sim is a two-time recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Pacific Region) in the Emerging Entrepreneur category (2006) and in the Healthcare Services category (2016). Mayor Sim has built a life in Vancouver with his wife Teena, their four sons, and their dogs Hank and Kona. Mayor Sim is committed to delivering on the major issues facing Vancouver including affordability, public safety, and mental health and addictions. Mayor Sim intends to lead a City that prioritizes inclusivity, collaboration, and Indigenous Reconciliation.

Sharon Singh is a partner at Bennett Jones and Co-Head of its Aboriginal Law Practice. Sharron’s perspective and approach are informed by over a decade of experience working internationally with industry, and allows her to provide pragmatic, collaborative, strategic and creative solutions to clients on regulatory, environmental, climate change and Indigenous and community relations matters. She is a member of the Wet'suwet'en Community Advisory Council member, a senior policy advisor to the Mining Association of British Columbia, and a contributing member in several environmental, public policy and Indigenous relations committees of the Business Council of British Columbia, Mining Association of Canada and Association for Mineral Exploration. Sharon is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association and on the executive committee of the Aboriginal Law section of the British Columbia chapter.

Crystal Smith has served the Haisla people for 13 years through her work with Haisla Nation Council, starting as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council from 2009 to 2013, then being elected Chief Councillor in 2017. In November, 2019, Crystal was named Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a group committed to encouraging First Nations development of the LNG industry to provide employment and other sustainable benefits for BC’s indigenous people. Crystal advocates for Haisla Nation-owned joint venture and limited partnerships which allows for participation in major projects in Haisla territory. Using these opportunities provides Haisla membership to find rewarding work and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and improve the social conditions for all Haisla membership. Ultimately, she wants the work done today by her and all of Haisla Nation Council to benefit today’s 1900 Haisla members but future generations as well.

Dallas Smith is a Vancouver Islander harking from First Nations communities outside Alert Bay and Port Hardy. As the son of a hereditary Chief, Dallas grew up listening to the stories of his people from his parents and elders and learning what it takes to become a leader who works for his community. Dallas founded and is the President and CEO of Nanwakolas Council, a ground‐breaking First Nations organization that protects and manages First Nations cultural values while building strategic opportunities and partnerships with governments and industry to increase sustainable commercial opportunities and employment for communities throughout northern Vancouver Island. He was a key architect of the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, representing a group of First Nations in the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. He is a member of several Boards and Committees, including the Island Coastal Economic Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust and the Coast Opportunity Fund (managing more than $200 million in total).

Shazia is an accomplished multilingual senior executive with domestic and international experience in highly transformative, multi-stakeholder complex technology-driven projects. In Shazia’s 16 years with TELUS, she has held a variety of leadership roles across wireline and wireless businesses. In her current role as Vice President Customer Network Planning, she is driving planning capabilities across TELUS' world-leading networks to realize transformative technologies, optimize investments, and forge meaningful partnerships that simplify our delivery model and enhance the customer experience. She is honoured to support TELUS’ Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan which centers around leveraging TELUS’ world-leading networks, advanced technologies and innovative social solutions, to support the goals of Indigenous peoples. She is passionate to build a team and culture that fosters innovation, risk taking and perseverance.

David is a co-owner and the CEO of Brown’s Bay Packing Company. Raised in Campbell River, Dave is a father of three, a leading contributor in the community, a perpetual volunteer and coach, and sits on the board of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. He has a lifelong passion for wild salmon and enjoys exploring the coastal waters of the west coast.

Steven Stark is an Indigenous entrepreneur and leader from the Tsawwassen First Nation. Steven served on both the Legislature and the Executive Council for Tsawwassen First Nation, in addition to being a business owner and an avid fisherman and crabber. He has also been involved in various environmental studies along the Salish waterways. As a founding member of the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association, Steven seeks practical solutions that break the cycle of continual disadvantage faced by so many First Nations when it comes to development decisions and environmental assessments.

Kali Stierle is currently pursuing her BBA in Accounting with a minor in Indigenous studies. She is Nêhiyaw (Cree), Métis, and German and is a member of Peepeekisis Cree Nation. As an aspiring accounting professional, Kali is a strong advocate for economic empowerment and sovereignty for Indigenous nations across Canada and plans to use her knowledge and skills to further the Indigenous economy in a fair and sustainable way. Her goal is to become a Chartered Professional Account and work with Indigenous nations, businesses and individuals. Kali also believes in community building and spends countless hours volunteering for the Indigenous student community at her university, her local Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and by supporting people at homeless shelters across the lower mainland with filing their income taxes.

Jessica Sultan is the Director General, Economic Policy Development Branch at Indigenous Services Canada. In this role, Jessica delivers key federal programs to support Indigenous Communities and Businesses, including the Lands and Economic Development Support Program (LEDSP) and the Community Opportunities Readiness Program (CORP). Further, Jessica leads the Strategic Partnerships Initiative, the clean energy portion of which supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit to develop regional and community clean energy initiatives. Jessica is responsible for the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses, including implementation of the newly announced federal government mandatory minimum target of 5% of the value of contracts to be awarded to businesses owned and led by Indigenous peoples.

Terry Teegee is the Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, and a member of Takla Nation. Terry is a former Registered Professional Forester lends him expertise in natural resources development and stewardship. As Regional Chief, he played a pivotal role in the development and passage of the historical Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Terry has held various key positions and championing important portfolios and issues with the Assembly of First Nations, including Chair on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Committee, Co-Chair of the National Fisheries Committee, AFN Representative on the UN Convention of Biodiversity among other positions. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management and a Natural Resources Technology Diploma.

Trevor Joyce is the Director of Indigenous Investment at Mosaic Forest Management, responsible for growing and sustaining economic partnerships with First Nations to improve long-term predictability in the forest economy and supporting the corporate commitment to Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification. He has over 20 years of experience in natural resource management, including First Nations relationships and partnerships, strategic and operational planning, forest policy, timber pricing, silviculture, forest operations, and environmental audits. Trevor has been actively involved with Forest Professionals BC including five years on the Board, a three-year term on the Board Executive, President in 2021, and held other roles on Finance, Investigation, and Credentials committees. Trevor is a Registered Professional Forester and holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management – Forestry from the University of Northern British Columbia.

Arthur Tsai is the Head of Market Intelligence at Paper Excellence based in Richmond, British Columbia. He is responsible for market analytics and intelligence for the global lumber, pulp and paper markets. Specifically, he analyses market dynamics and emerging global trends to facilitate the organization’s mid and long-term growth strategies. Key focus areas include commodity price forecast, global competitive analysis and new product innovation shaping the markets. Arthur has over 30 years of experience in the BC forest products industry, and is a proud father of two daughters, who are also studying forestry at the University of British Columbia.

David Wells is an educational administrator and lawyer of Indigenous ancestry. David entered the role of VP in July 2019. He is the senior education officer for VCC and responsible for program development and curriculum indigenization for over 150 programs. Prior to this, David was the Academic Dean and in-house Counsel for the NEC Native Education College. In addition to being Chair of the Indigenous Homelessness Steering Committee, David has previously been Chair and Board Member of the Provincial Crown Regulatory Agency PCTIA, and the Open Door Group, a large employment based non-governmental organization responsible for a number of Work BC contracts, including the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. David has also been a member of the Urban Indigenous Persons Advisory Council for the City of Vancouver. David holds a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, and a Law Degree from the University of British Columbia.

Laureen Whyte is principal consultant of Arbutus Consulting, based in Vancouver. She is a social performance professional with over 25 years of experience as an executive, senior practitioner, project manager and strategist. Working primarily with First Nations and in the transportation and natural resource sectors, Laureen specializes in land and resource use management, stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, consultation, community economic development as well as in permitting, environmental assessment and regulatory strategy. She has negotiated several agreements between companies and First Nations at all stages of project development and between provincial governments and First Nations. Laureen was previously executive director of Clean Energy BC, and vice president of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC.

Kory Wilson (Kwakwaka’wakw), BSc. JD, is the Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships for British Columbia Institute of Technology. She is Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Indigenous Affinity Group. Kory has over 20 years of experience in post-secondary education, community development, and legal profession. She serves on many boards from Pearson College, BC Women’s Foundation, Downie Wenjack Fund, Future Skills Canada, to the BC First Nations Justice Council. A sought-after speaker and strategist on advancing and ‘truth-telling’ about the past and moving forward towards Reconciliation. With a deep commitment to education, both formal and informal, she knows innovative and creative solutions are a must to move Reconciliation into ReconciliACTION. Education and access to knowledge are key to move everyone forward.

Prior to taking on the role of Senior Trade Commissioner in Singapore in August 2021, Ms. Wills was Chief of Staff to Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Business Development, Investment and Innovation at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Ottawa. Ms. Wills’ assignments abroad include serving as Counsellor (Trade Policy) at the Embassy of Canada to Mexico (2019-2020), Senior Trade Commissioner in Colombia (2016-2018), Trade Commissioner responsible for the education and ICT sectors in Chile (2011-2015), and as Second Secretary (Trade Policy) in Washington, D.C. (2007-2010).

Hayley Woodin is the Editor-in-Chief of Business in Vancouver Media Group, a division of the largest business news group in Western Canada. She is a North American correspondent for BBC Radio's Business Matters program, an Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar (2022), a Pulitzer Travelling Fellow (2022-23), a Pulitzer Center Fellow (2022), a Gumshoe Reporting Fellow (2022) and a past Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Media Fellow (2017-18). In 2022, Hayley graduated at the top of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism class, as valedictorian, with a master of science degree (honours) in journalism. She has more than a decade of experience working in media relations, communications and journalism.

Cheryl Yaremko was appointed BC Hydro’s Chief Financial Officer in July 2012, and was also the Executive Vice-President, Finance, Technology and Supply Chain. She joined BC Hydro in 2006 and previously served as the Chief Accounting Officer. She is a member of the Board of Governors of the Business Council of BC and has served on the boards of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), UBC Investment Management Trust, InTransit BC, Ballet BC, and the national board of FEI Canada. Cheryl joined Global Container Terminals in February 2018 as Chief Financial Officer. She is recognized locally and nationally as a transformative agent with deep financial expertise in capital intensive industries including utilities, transportation, and manufacturing. Cheryl is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction for Global Container Terminals’ financial activities and governance for both the Canadian and US regions.

As Director, Community and Indigenous Affairs, Trent is responsible for leading Cenovus’s efforts in working with Indigenous communities, municipal governments and non-profit organizations. This includes guiding the company’s Indigenous business development, consultation and engagement, negotiating and implementing community benefit agreements, progressing the Cenovus Indigenous Housing Initiative, the employee giving and volunteering program, and partnerships with non-profit organizations. Trent has been with Cenovus and its predecessor company since 2006 and has held various stakeholder and engagement roles. He also serves on several industry committees involved with Indigenous community matters and is the president and board chair for Inside Education, a non profit organization in Alberta.