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.
There are an estimated 370 million indigenous peoples in the world.
Dancers
Eddy RobinsonEducator + Dancer + Drummer
Featured in CBC’s Moccassins & Concrete documentary and having performed with the likes of Serena Ryder, Andrea Menard, Plex and many others, Eddy Robinson’s perspective and drum beats are highly sought after.
Eddy Robinson is a caring and motivated educator, speaker, and life changer. He speaks to the need for understanding the benefits of knowing your culture. Eddy will enlighten and entertain with passionate, personal narratives, along with a depth of insight into indigenous culture and knowledge.
Madelaine McCallumResilience + Healing + Growth
Gracing the stage with her graceful, gentle and powerful presence, Madelaine takes her audience through an extraordinary journey of transformation and healing. Through dance and the spiritual teachings of her father, Madelaine has found a compelling way to share her culture.
Madelaine’s life story is all about discovering “the Fire Within.”
'K.A.S.P' Rob SawanMusician, Speaker, Storyteller
Award winning Hip Hop artist, KASP engages his audiences with stories, messages, and performances about the importance of culture, and knowing and respecting yourself. 2015 Nominee for West Coast Rap Album of the Year, he passionately shares his life story of growing up with addictions, foster care, and gangs. KASP is a cutting edge performer with the talent to perform with DMC from Run DMC and has the courage and honesty to share his heart and experiences with any audience.
'Savvy' Savannah SimonMotivational + Entrepreneur + Visionary
Named one of Canadian Livings Top 40 Female Change Makers, Savvy Simon is a global Positivity Powerhouse. Creator of the #SpeakMikmaq Revolution, and Youth Leader from Mi`kmaq tribe of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Savvy`s positive approach to culture, language and life in general has generated a following in the tens of thousands.
Featured Speakers
Deanna Burgart
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.
Joel Pedersen
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.
Joseph Wabegijig
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.
Julie Ann Wriston
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.