Representing Today's Indigenous Champions
Press play to watch a welcome from our IISB speakers!
Of more than 130 clinically useful major prescriptive drugs that are derived from plants over 70% came to the attention of pharmaceutical companies because of Indigenous peoples use in traditional forms of medicine.
Indigenous peoples hold 20% of the earth's landmass but that land harbours 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity.
Featured Speakers
Julie Ann WristonEconomic Development + Engagement
Julie Ann Wriston was one of the youngest, female, aboriginal CEOs of a multimillion dollar corporation in the mining sector in Saskatchewan. Her expertise and perspective on corporate development, strategic planning, and community engagement are second to none. Whether for-profit or non, Julie Ann provides the leadership and knowledge to expand your impact and sustainability. Her inspirational story and corporate success will capture your heart and inspire audiences to excel.
Joseph WabegijigEnvironment + Engineering + Collaboration
What if together Industry and Indigenous communities could create a safer, natural, and more effective means to reclamate land?
Joseph Wabegijig has experience doing just that! As Vice-President of the Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle (AELC) and the Indigenous Projects Advisor for Hatch, one of the world’s largest Engineering firms, Joseph shares with you his expertise from working on major projects all over the world. Joseph’s knowledge and experience of solving complex environmental and engineering problems, is matched by his passion and ability to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal people, government, and industry.
Joel PedersenSuccessful + Powerful + Motivated
There is only one First Nations Chief Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, and Joel Pedersen is it. As most senior non-commissioned officer appointed by the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, Joel Pedersen is the embodiment of what it takes to reach the top and never give up. Decorated soldier, Police Sergeant and Fitness Guru. Joel inspires audiences to do more than what is expected, to appreciate your strengths and limitations and to develop their leadership potential.
Deanna BurgartDiversity + Education + Mentorship
Self-proclaimed ‘Indigeneer’, Deanna Burgart dedicates her career to combining Engineering principles and commitments with an Indigenous respect for Mother Earth, to find solutions to today's challenges. She focuses on the power of integrating Indigenous worldviews, to assist both industry wants and the public needs. Deanna is a highly sought after expert in uniting diverse communities, through understanding each other and identifying common goals.
