Angie and her life and business partner own and operate two national Indigenous technology companies, Saltmedia and IT Horizons. She is an innovative entrepreneur, an artist, speaker and member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

For more than 15 years, Angie and Alex Saltman have worked as life and business partners, bringing together design, technology, and marketing to support organizations across Canada focusing on supporting other Indigenous firms. Angie’s longstanding vision “Creating Success Online” guides her work and reflects her passion for making technology, marketing, and design easy to understand, accessible, and practical to implement.

Angie believes in strengthening the local economy by hiring locally, shopping locally, and giving back to the community whenever possible. She is known for her friendly, collaborative approach, even when working through complex or challenging issues.

She has over 20 years of experience in the technology and design fields and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Plain Language Certificate; both from Simon Fraser University, and a Computer Technician Diploma.

Courtenay Gibson, is a proud member of the Musqueam Indian Band and has worked as the Recreation Manager for 18 years since completing a Diploma in Aboriginal Sports Management connected to the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.  During her time with Musqueam she also served as a senior manager for 8 departments focused on delivery of social programs to the Musqueam community in the areas of health, education, social development, employment and childcare. 

She is a believer in continuing education in order to better serve her community and while working for Musqueam has taken 3 years of  hәn̓q̓әmin̓әm̓  through the University of British Columbia and Musqueam.  She also holds a diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance from UVIC and most recently completed and MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership with Simon Fraser University.

In addition to her work with Musqueam Courtenay continues to support SFU as a Teaching Assistant and adjunct professor and to further promote Indigenous worldviews through research, as a guest speaker and a contractor in the areas of Indigenous leadership, community and policy. 

Courtenay has created a strong partnership with Langara through the Musqueam Recreation department, including a research paper and is excited about the possibilities that arise when we all work together. 

Amanda brings nearly 2 decades of experience as a former financial advisor serving Indigenous communities to the role of Director, Indigenous Relations. Amanda leads Sun Life’s reconciliation commitments, is a 2024 graduate of SFU’s Indigenous Business and Leadership EMBA, and is a certified “Trauma of Money” professional practitioner.

Inspired by the desire to see communities and Indigenous peoples build financial agency, Amanda is advancing economic reconciliation in corporate Canada and believes that shared value, good relationships, adaptability and systems change are essential to restoring Indigenous community wellbeing. With an eye on economic futurism and the generations to come, Amanda is an integrator who brings people together to find practical, collaborative solutions for a complex future.

Amanda comes from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and mixed settler ancestry and lives in North Vancouver, BC, unceded Coast Salish territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wúʔmesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Darwin Biamonte (Tsasaqwílteleq) is from Cheam First Nation and is a graduate of the Indigenous Business Leadership MBA from Simon Fraser University. Darwin has completed a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, along with a certificate in professional communications from The University of The Fraser Valley and is a Certified Associate Project Manager. 

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He first started working with Indigenous organizations in 2016 and within the Indigenous economic development space in 2020. Darwin has worked in Indigenous economic development corporations where he has gained extensive knowledge in business development and the importance of generating own source revenues. In addition, Darwin worked with the Province of B.C. on implementing Indigenous economic commitments made through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. He is a board member of Stó:lō community futures and The University of The Fraser Valleys School of Businesses Indigenous advisory board, where he shares his experience and perspectives on Indigenous business.

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In his current role he is a Member Services Manager with the First Nations Finance Authority where he serves Nations in Northern B.C. and Yukon in supporting financing for their capital projects. 

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He is an entrepreneur and the founder of Sayaqtes Consulting. He has been working as a consultant with First Nations, Economic Development Corporations, Indigenous Organizations and small business for over five years in supporting grant writing, project management and digital marketing initiatives. Darwin is passionate about economic development, youth financial literacy and entrepreneurship and is honoured to be able to give back to our communities.

Kristin Richard is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation and an Indigenous capital strategist with nearly a decade of experience in corporate banking, venture capital, and impact investing. Holding an MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University, her work is grounded in both rigorous financial expertise and a deeply rooted values framework for building capital systems that are relational, non-extractive, and aligned with Indigenous self-determination.

As Co-founder and Managing Director of the Sinew Impact Fund at EntrepreNorth, Kristin is leading the development of the first Indigenous-led, impact-first investment fund in Northern Canada. The fund is designed around a wraparound support model that meets Indigenous entrepreneurs where they are, integrating capital readiness programming, wellbeing resources, and long-term community wealth-building into a single ecosystem. Her work challenges mainstream capital frameworks and advances a vision of Indigenous economic sovereignty grounded in reciprocity, relationships, and land respect.

Beyond Sinew, Kristin leads EntrepreNorth's Indigenous Policy Circle, where she works at the intersection of entrepreneurship and policy advocacy to shift the systems that shape Indigenous economic participation in Northern Canada. Kristin is deeply committed to economic justice and advancing Indigenous sovereignty across Turtle Island. She also serves as a Board Member with Thrive Impact Fund, a Steering Committee Member of the Indigenous Investment Commission, and on the Investment Committee of the Métis Settlements Development Corporation's Impact Fund.

Jordan Hocking, an Indigenous entrepreneur of Plains Cree and Irish descent, and a proud member of Sweetgrass First Nation. Jordan founded Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce in 2017 in Vancouver, BC, The company creates small-batch, sriracha-style hot sauces inspired by global flavours and rooted in community, storytelling, and connection—core Indigenous cultural values. As a mother and recipe creator, Jordan builds her business with a focus on respect, sustainability, and reciprocity, offering sauces that nourish both body and spirit. Under her leadership, Sriracha Revolver thrives as a 100% Indigenous woman–owned brand that blends culinary creativity with a distinctly Indigenous approach to entrepreneurship.

Katie Skelton is Anishinaabe kwe and a member of Henvey Inlet First Nation, with mixed European descent on her father’s side. She and her family reside on the traditional unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓ w̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

As the Senior Director of the San’yas Indigenous- Specific Anti-Racism training program, Katie employs a strengths-based approach that emphasizes the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in the face of settler colonialism. Her work plays a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous-specific anti-racism through knowledge and tools across various sectors, fostering environments that respect and uphold Indigenous rights and knowledge.

With extensive experience in the health sector, Katie has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote Indigenous cultural safety and community well-being. Katie holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business where she specialized in Indigenous Leadership.

Accomplished Indigenous leader with nearly 20 years of elected governance experience and an MBA, now focused on advancing Indigenous health and wellness. Proven ability to bridge traditional Indigenous and Western worldviews through Two-Eyed Seeing to create culturally safe, integrated care environments. Expert in leading interdisciplinary teams, overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, and building operational frameworks that align with community priorities and strategic health partnerships.

Jospeh Tootoosis is a proud member of Flying Dust First Nation, and the Lands & Economic Strategy Advisor for Kihew Consulting & Research. He is a First Nations lands and economic development strategy specialist with over 10 years of experience working with and alongside Indigenous political, government, non-profit, and corporate organizations.

Joseph has a passion for using his personal, communication, negotiation, presentation, and project management skills to lead teams toward organizational goals, and objectives; he also specializes in development of strategies, plans, governance structure, and business models for First Nations and their corporate arms. Joseph has experience in the Additions-to-Reserve (ATR) process in the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework, and in British Columbia on unceded First Nations lands. Joseph has combined his government relations experience and work in the areas of ATR to also serve as special advisor to the Lands Advisory Board (LAB) to advocate at the national level for the Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign with the LAB, AFN, ISC, and CIRNAC, which was recently updated in December of 2024.

His cross-sectional skill set with governmental and corporate governance knowledge is an effective tool to help his clients bridge the gaps between land governance and the business models for economic development on First Nations lands. Joseph enjoys thinking outside the box, and helping First Nations to find creative solutions, synergies, and efficiencies for strategy development and project implementation; he is well trained and experienced in the ‘Harvard Project’ on Indigenous Governance and Development school of Nation-Rebuilding, and always looking for comparative examples to help First Nations build their own unique governance models. Joseph also assists clients by utilizing his network within the academic and professional world to continuously stay up to date on new research and practical examples of successful Indigenous governance and economic development models.

Taylor Fox is an Anishinaabe strategist working at the intersection of Indigenous economics, decolonized capital, and systems change. As Principal of the Sinew Impact Fund at EntrepreNorth, she supports portfolio strategy, investor relations, and investment readiness for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs across Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Taylor is a certified Trauma of Money Facilitator and co-founder of Commanda Collective, a bespoke Indigenous jewelry brand honoring the beadwork and legacy of her great-grandmother, Susan Espaniel (née Commanda).

Taylor holds an MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University and has spent her career building capacity, translating complex ideas into actionable strategy, and creating pathways for Indigenous economic self-determination. Her work focuses on shifting power, challenging extraction, and opening space for Indigenous communities to dream and build on their own terms.

Regina Toth is the General Manager for Lhai Ventures LP (Lheidli T’enneh, Sai Kuz, Stellat’en, Nadleh Whut’en) since 2019.  Lhai Ventures LP was founded by the four First Nations to be involved in the procurement opportunities with major projects; establish partnerships and relationships with Industry and businesses, and identify ways to increase First Nation member employment.

Regina has been involved in First Nation leadership roles for the past 30 + years as a consultant and advisor for lands and natural resource management, economic development, HR, dispute resolution, strategic planning and community engagement. 

Regina was the Vice Chair of the College of New Caledonia Board of Governors, is currently a Board Member at the Prince George Airport Authority, Chair of the Nadleh Whut’en Development Corporation and assists several First Nations in Economic Development Strategy Planning.

Regina is married, lives in Prince George (Lheidli T’enneh) and is a member of the Frog Clan.

I am a professional specializing in operations, finance, and program leadership, with over 20 years of experience supporting Indigenous organizations, post-secondary initiatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, and community-focused initiatives. My expertise encompasses operations management, financial oversight, human resources, governance, relationship management, and program coordination, with a strong emphasis on creating practical, sustainable, and culturally grounded systems.

Commencing in March 2026, I will assume the role of Program Manager for Indigenous Graduate Programs within the Indigenous Business Leadership team at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. In this capacity, I will oversee the delivery and administration of Indigenous graduate programming, which includes student-centered coordination, course logistics, stakeholder relationship management, and the development of culturally safe and responsive learning environments.

Throughout my career, I have engaged with various aspects of Indigenous economic development, business operations, financial services, nonprofit governance, and entrepreneurship. My professional experience includes leadership and support roles with Community Futures, Scotiabank, Scotia Wealth Management, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, GreenJade Interiors, and initiatives supporting Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises across British Columbia.

My primary areas of expertise consist of:
• Program and operational coordination
• Budget oversight, forecasting, and financial administration
• Human resources systems, recruitment, and performance support
• Strategic planning, governance, and process improvement
• Indigenous business leadership, community capacity-building, and relationship development

I am particularly passionate about endeavours that enhance Indigenous communities, support learners and leaders, and enable organizations to operate with increased clarity, accountability, and impact. I prioritize relationship-oriented leadership, dedicated service, and creating environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

I possess a Human Resources Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University, am a Certified Business Counsellor, and am currently pursuing my CPHR designation. Additionally, I am completing an Executive MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership at SFU Beedie.

Hekwa’gila’ogwa, has been immersed in the lessons and traditional ways of being of the Kwakwaka'wakw people since birth, and it has shaped who she is. With that foundation, she has done cultural exchanges throughout Turtle Island and the world. 

She has been on her healing journey since 1987 and has combined her lived experience with education, as well as formal western schooling, in the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of people, families, and communities.  She prides herself in holding safe space for people to learn, heal, grow and move forward in new ways - so that all of us can create a better world for the next generations - all together.  Experiencing racism and inequality was dehumanising.  But having experienced first-hand how empowering connection is, has driven her passion to learn about and share that knowledge of Lateral Kindness, Cultural Safety and Reconciliation.  In addition, she has taken all the tools of her lifetime and created pathways for wellness.

After nine years helping Reconciliation Canada with their Community Engagement strategies and delivery, Shelley is excited to deepen the understanding of NAMWAYUT through L2K.

Natasha's journey is truly inspiring and showcases her dedication to both her Indigenous heritage and the empowerment of others. Her educational background at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology highlights her commitment to understanding and embracing her culture, allowing her to confront and reshape her worldview.

In her former role as the Organization and Placement Lead in the Emerging Leaders Placement Project, Natasha not only facilitates volunteer opportunities but also takes on the vital role of mentorship. This connection with youth not only enriches their lives but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, essential for building future leaders.

In her current role as the Program Offer for CANDO’s Community Development Initiative Program, Natasha supports the delivery of the CEDI program, working with First Nation-municipal partnerships to facilitate relationship-building, capacity development, and collaborative planning.

Outside her professional endeavors, Natasha's love for artistic expression and nature reflects her vibrant personality and the importance she places on creativity and exploration. Her activities, from art to outdoor adventures, illustrate a holistic approach to life, where personal growth and cultural identity intertwine. Overall, Natasha's multifaceted journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.