WELCOME #INDIGENOMICS2022 SPEAKERS
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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. The Indigenous production crew will start filming the Bears’ Lair series that will be featured on primetime, national TV on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Bears’ Lair will showcase the journeys of 18 emerging and established Indigenous entrepreneurs from across the nation competing to earn their share of $180,000 in prize money that will be awarded during Season 1 of the series.
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 business. |
2022 Indigenomics Keynote Speakers
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Carol Anne Hilton, MBA
FOUNDER & CEO, INDIGENOMICS INSTITUTE INC. Carol Anne Hilton, MBA is the CEO and Founder of The Indigenomics Institute. Carol Anne is a recognized First Nation’s business leader and adviser with an international Masters Degree in Business Management (MBA) from the University of Hertfordshire, England, a partnership through Vancouver Island University. Carol Anne is of Nuu chah nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island. Carol Anne has led the establishment of a line of thought called #indigenomics- the building and strengthening of Indigenous economies. Carol Anne is author of ‘Indigenomics- Taking a Seat at the Economic Table' |
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Romeo Saganash
CREE LAWYER Diom Romeo Saganash was born on the territory of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi in Northern Quebec. Mr. Saganash has been involved in numerous organizations relating to Indigenous and Cree affairs including the Cree Regional Youth Council ( acting as Founding President), Creeco Inc., the James Bay Eeyou Corporation and the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, his home community. He was Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec and Vice-Chairman of the Cree Regional Authority from 1990 to 1993. Over the past twenty years, Mr. Saganash has represented the Cree people in numerous national and international conferences and forums dealing with environmental issues, constitutional matters, self-determination questions and international law and human rights as they relate to indigenous peoples. Beginning in 1993, he served as Director of Quebec and International Relations for the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee). He was an NDP Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2019. Mr. Saganash speaks Cree, English and French. He is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award (Prix d'excellence) from the University of Quebec at Montreal in 2003 for his contribution to the advancement of Cree and aboriginal rights in Quebec. |
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Bernd Christmas
CEO, Squamish Nation Bernd Christmas graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1991 and joined the Bar in 1993 in Ontario. Bernd was the first Mi’kmaq to become a lawyer in Canada. Bernd was a partner in the Aboriginal Law Practice at Cassels Brock LLP and a proud member of the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou. He is a former Chief Executive Officer of the Membertou Band of Nova Scotia and the Membertou Corporate Division and frequent negotiator for several First Nations bands. In 2003, he was appointed by Prime Minister Chrétien to the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation. From 2000 to 2002, he was one of three Canadian commissioners to the International Commission for the Conservation of Tuna. He is a former member of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board and of the executive committee organizing the Governor General’s Conference on Leadership and Diversity. Mr. Christmas is now President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nch’kaỷ Development Corporation for Squamish Nation. |
INDIGENOMICS 2022 SPEAKERS
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DUKE PELTIER
‘Gweksijigewin- Making It Right. The Robinson Huron Treaty Annuity Case.’
Ogimaa Peltier’s commitment to serve his people is demonstrated by his current role as Ogimaa (Chief) of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, serving in his fifth consecutive term. Ogimaa Peltier serves on several boards, including the Robinson Huron Treaty Trust and the Indian Resource Council/Indian Oil and Gas Canada Board. Under Ogimaa Peltier’s leadership, Wiikwemkoong has moved forward in restoring its own governing structures by enacting a Children’s Bill of Rights and the Wiikwemkoong Gchi-Naaknegewin. In 2019, Ogimaa Peltier was appointed the Children’s Commissioner of the Anishinabek Nation. Ogimaa Duke Peltier and his wife, Nicole, along with their three children, reside along the shores of Unceded Anishinaabe lands.
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