InternationalIndigenousSpeakers Bureau

Cody DemeraisEntrepreneur + Mental Health Advocate + Youth Mentor + Changemaker

Recipient of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Young Entrepreneur of the Year ABEX Award, Cody Demerais has inspired countless individuals with his triumphant story of recovery and renewal. A memorable and authentic storyteller, Demerais shares the defining moments of his early life and his journey to becoming an entrepreneurial changemaker, and a proud and active member of his Métis community. With his incredible perspectives on self transformation, Demerais empowers audiences to rewrite their histories and begin anew.

Colette BourgonjeTriumph + Perseverance + Inspiration

Ranked one of the world’s foremost Paralympian athletes, Colette Bourgonje is a ten-time medalist in both the summer and winter Olympic games. Inducted into the Canadian Disability, Saskatoon, and Canadian Sport Halls of Fame, Colette has inspired countless audiences with her story of immeasurable strength and perseverance. Paving her own path with a fierce resilience, Colette empowers us to endure and reimagine adversity to reach our biggest hopes and dreams.

Ernie LouttitHonesty + Integrity + Leadership

As a highly sought-after speaker, multi-award-winning author, and changemaker, Ernie Louttit shares meaningful perspectives on creating long-lasting change in our policing systems, government institutions, and communities at large. Reflecting on his experiences as an Indigenous police officer, Ernie has dedicated his career to advocating for the safety and protection of marginalized populations. With a passion for progressive leadership and social justice advocacy, Ernie paves the way to a future of empathy and tolerance.

Gezina BaehrTrauma Informed Care + Pharmacy + Mental Health

With fresh ideas and spirit, recipient of Alberta Pharmacists’ Association Future of Pharmacy APEX 2022 Award, Dr. Gezina Baehr is dismantling the boundaries of the Canadian healthcare system with trauma informed practices. A visionary, Dr. Baehr sees self-reflection, humility, and respect as integral to mending relationships in an imbalanced world. As a dedicated advocate of patient and practitioner well-being, Dr. Baehr draws from her learned and lived experiences to expand the confines of modern healthcare.

Jack SaddlebackGender Equality + Education + Identity

Riveting, captivating, real, insightful, grounded, and illuminated, these are just a few words that have been used to describe Jack Saddleback’s presentation of his life as a Cree Two-Spirit Transgender Champion. Saddleback has won numerous awards, including Red Cross’s 2018 SK Young Humanitarian of the Year, CBC’s 2016 Future 40 Under 40, and the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network 2015 Young Eagles Award. Jack’s life story embodies how one person’s spirit can help transform a community, while providing validation to struggling trans youth.

Jaris SwidrovichPharmacist + Health Care + Educator + Two-Spirit

CIHR funding recipient, National Pharmacy Leadership Award winner and named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s "Future 40", Dr. Jaris Swidrovich is Canada's first self-identified First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy. Professor, Mentor, and Community leader, Swidrovich brings his experience of bridging organizational needs with Health Care mandates. Jaris is a Two Spirit Champion passionate about health, education, and how Indigenous and marginalized people are impacted at all levels. He integrates personal stories to explain complex issues which resonate with listeners of all ages. His powerful presentations illustrate how we can all be part of the cure and partake in the TRC’s Calls to Action.

Joel PedersenLeadership + Resiliency + Motivation

As the most senior non-commissioned officer appointed by the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, Joel Pedersen is the embodiment of perseverance and determination. The only First Nations Chief Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Joel recognizes the importance of collaboration in strengthening communities. Decorated soldier, police sergeant, and fitness guru, Joel inspires audiences to go beyond their own expectations, embrace resiliency, and discover their leadership potential.

Jolene StockmanAutistic Advocate + Leadership Developer + Author

Ultra-enthusiastic TEDx speaker and accoladed author Jolene Stockman whips up optimism around neurodivergence through her blend of energetic storytelling and cutting-edge resources. “I want people to know I’m autistic and I am successful because of, not despite of, how my brain works.” Diagnosed as an adult, Jolene is a globally recognized inclusion and diversity educator, Master of Neuro-Linguistics, and one of the youngest Distinguished Toastmasters in the world.

"The Māori word for autism, takiwātanga, means ‘in their own time and space.’”

Lori CampbellEducation + Two Spirit + Indigiqueer+ Identity

A natural born leader, 2019 Canadian Federal election candidate and recipient of the 2020 Women of Inspiration Indigenous Leader Award, Campbell is a resolute activist who advocates for and uplifts individuals from all walks of life. With published academic journals specializing in Indigeneity and education, she hopes to open new doors for Indigenous, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Madelaine McCallumResilience + Healing + Growth

An actor, model, dancer, and choreographer with a powerful presence, Madelaine graces the stage with elegance. Taking her audiences through an extraordinary journey of transformation and healing, her performances have been received by the Métis Nation British Columbia, the Métis National Council, and landed her a spot at the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Winner of the Best Experimental Film category at the Festival du Film étudiant de Quebec (FFEQ), Madelaine has found a compelling way to share her life's journey through a diverse range of visual storytelling.

Marilyn PoitrasLaw + Community Builder + Educator + Ethical Spaces

An innovative changemaker of Michif descent hailing from Southern Saskatchewan, Marilyn Poitras is a lawyer, negotiator, professor, film producer, and most importantly a community builder. Recognized for her expertise, she is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association Recognition Award. Combining her Harvard degree and the teachings from traditional Knowledge Keepers in communities all over the world, Marilyn is paving the pathway to an Indigenous language of design thinking for social change.

Michelle ThrushCaring + Creative + Inspiring

Gemini Award winning Actress, and multi-award nominee, including Best Lead Actress and Best Actress in a TV series, powerhouse celebrity Michelle Thrush knows what it takes to light up a stage. Wit, humour, passion, and creativity are just a few of Michelle’s attributes, outside of celebrity, that draw her to stages world-wide. Whether she is speaking from her heart, hosting galas, or breaking down the barriers of stereotypes, Michelle engages, captivates, and moves audiences to feel and see her unique vision of life.

Raven SinclairGender Equality + Education + Inclusion

She is one of Canada’s most sought after experts on the ‘60s Scoop’ era, and federally appointed Expert Adviser to the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. As Director and Executive Producer of the Film ‘Truth to be Told’, Dr. Raven Sinclair uncovers the atrocious facts of this period in Canadian history. As an author, of ‘Wicihitowin-Aboriginal Social Work in Canada’, Sinclair is creating effective and respectful methods of working with diverse populations specifically Indigenous peoples. As Associate Professor of Social Work and Researcher, this Nehiyaw-Cree Champion of George Gordon First Nation is transforming misconceptions regarding diversity and identity.

'Savvy' Savannah SimonMotivational + Entrepreneur + Visionary

An entrepreneur, activist, and public speaker, ‘Savvy’ Savannah Simon is a born leader with a natural desire to stand up for what she believes in. Living a life with true intention, everything from her professional to her personal life has a meaningful purpose and has contributed to the messages she’s shared with her many different audiences.