First Nations Trade Sovereignty Conference 2025 Rivercree Resort-Enoch, Alberta
First Nations coming together to chart a path forward in trade, economic sovereignty, and inter-Nation collaboration
was born and raised in Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba. Her ancestor, Chief Richard Woodhouse, was an original signatory ofTreaty No.2. She began her term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on December 7, 2023, becoming the youngest woman and mother to hold the position.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University
of Winnipeg and has completed Harvard Business School’s Tribal Leaders program.
In 2021, she was elected as the Regional Chief for the AFN Manitoba Region. During
her tenure, she was the lead negotiator for the First Nations Child and Family Services
and Jordan’s Principle class action lawsuit, which resulted in over $40 billion
compensation for First Nations children and families.
Throughout her career, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak has accumulated a wealth
of experience lobbying the Senate, House of Commons, Cabinet Ministers, and the
Prime Minister’s Office to fulfill mandates from Chiefs. She continues to advocate for
First Nations priorities, as directed by the First Nations-in-Assembly collaboratively with
First Nations leadership, to protect collective rights–Treaty, inherent rights, title and
jurisdiction, the right to self-determination, and all human rights.
A mother to three children, she is passionate about leaving a better future for all First
Nations children and the next seven generations, envisioning a future where all First
Nations Peoples live in balance as our ancestors envisioned for us since time
immemorial.
Tansi Ninitotemtik,
Greetings everyone! I am pleased to greet everyone attending the Post-Covid Recovery, Income Support Conference 2024. Do you remember March of 2020 when the world shut down? The word COVID entered our vocabulary and social distancing and wearing masks became the norm. During that time every Nation shut down and relied on brave essential workers to keep their Nations going. Our Income Support workers are a group of our essential workers at Samson Cree Nation. I remember watching a drive-through process for membership to come pick up social assistance cheques. The internet and working from home became so important during that time. Now, we are two years from opening up the world. Yet, we are still recovering. Aside from the rise in every Nation’s mortality rate, we are also discovering kids are two years behind in education. Most post-secondary institutions are keeping distance internet-based programming as part of the norm now. Do not get me started on the growth of access to cheap illicit drugs like fentanyl which is a plague in all our Nations. Today, our workplace can feel a little more dangerous because of the drug. Through this all, our Income Support workers have helped our people transition through this historical time. Our Income Support workers are still essential staff for every Nation.
Enjoy your conference.
Desmond G. Bull is an elected Chief for the Louis Bull Tribe of the Maskwacis nation in this treaty 6 territory of Alberta.
In the spring of 2013, Desmond was elected to his first term for the community of Louis Bull Tribe. This role continued in office when was re-elected in 2016, 2018 and recently elected as Chief for his tribe in 2022. In 2023 to 2024, Desmond took on the role as grand chief for the Confederacy of Treaty 6.
His role as a leader had allowed him to sit on various boards in the Maskwacis, provincial federal areas, which he still continues to do. Work in renewables opened opportunities for Chief Desmond to affiliate himself with groups such as: The Green Economy Network in Edmonton, Energy Futures Lab of Alberta, Alberta Solar Energy Society, Aboriginal Climate Action Team and the 20/20 Catalysts program. Chief assisted on the report for The Alberta Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel in 2018 which created the initiative for the department of Alberta Indigenous Relations to inject 20 million dollars into First Nation renewable programs in Alberta.
Chief Desmond continues his work for his community, First Nations and the environment. A vision for Desmond is to create co-generation MWH electrical systems to provide all electrical needs for his tribe and surrounding communities. Alongside these systems Chief Desmond Bull wants his tribe to own their own utility grids, create their own utility, utilize biomass for waste management, make the shift to electrical vehicles with a battery storage program, initiate food/water sovereignty programs all the while creating capacity development for their members in all these fields.
Chief Desmond realizes these are lofting goals and must utilize the treaties, UNDRIP and TRC to create partnerships/collaborations with industry, education, government and fellow nations to bring these goals to fruition.
Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada
was born in Cracow, Poland on 21 July 1977. Before assuming (April 28, 2022) current position in Ottawa, Ambassador Dzielski was for six years Director of the Bureau of International Policy at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. At the time he was responsible for the foreign activities of Poland’s Head of State. 2013-2015 he served at the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Poland as Chief Specialist, covering a broad range of transatlantic political issues. 2007-2012 he was posted at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington D.C. His portfolio included EU-US relations as well as Polish-Jewish affairs.
Prior to joining the public service, Ambassador Dzielski was actively engaged in Poland’s civic society organizations. Among others, he was President and founder of the US Matters Association, Office Director at the Pro Publico Bono Foundation, public relations representative for the Oswiecim Institute of Human Rights, lecturer at the Jagiellonian University, lecturer at the School of Banking and Management, and teacher at the High School of Fine Arts in Kraków. He is a published author in the area of international relations, as well as fiction (fantasy).
In his free time, he enjoys sports (Aikido black belt, formerly long time captain of a basketball team). For his professional achievements he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2022), Commander of Makarios III (2021), Commander of the Star of Romania (2019), Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2017). He has a wife and two sons.
Is from the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta, is a passionate leader and advocate for Indigenous economic participation. A Partner at the 100% Indigenous-owned Opimoyaso Group, he also serves as Senior Advisor in External Relations for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. Steve’s extensive background spans finance, real estate, government relations, and non-profit sectors. He co-chaired the First Nations Site Rehabilitation Program with the Alberta government and was a partner in an oil and gas lease construction firm. His board roles include Renfrew Educational Services, Clean Resource Innovation Network, Equitable Origin, and others focused on Indigenous innovation and sustainability. Steve is a Fellow of the Energy Futures Lab, serves on Alberta’s Energy Future Initiative Leadership Council, and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He is committed to advancing Indigenous rights and ensuring their meaningful involvement across industries, especially in energy.
is an accomplished Anishinaabe leader with over 25 years of diverse experience in non-profit, government, and private sectors, dedicated to uplifting Indigenous communities at multiple levels.
A committed volunteer, Maeengan has invested his time in promoting Indigenous training and employment, neighborhood development, and the arts, showcasing his passion as a poet, writer, painter, photographer, filmmaker, and world traveler.
His career is marked by an impressive track record of 'Getting Things Done' amidst challenges and exemplifies strategic insight with effective leadership.
As Director of Operations for the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC), he fosters international relations through trade initiatives with Taiwan and translated the iconic major motion picture Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope into the Anishinaabe language.
As well, his accomplishments include, successfully navigating the organization through the global pandemic, achieving the lowest infection rate among tribal groups in Manitoba, and retrofitting off-reserve housing to enhance energy efficiency and training DOTC citizens to become skilled labor.
Throughout his career, Maeengan has held significant positions, including Aboriginal Coordinator at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where he co-developed a national community arts program in partnership with the National Association of Friendship Centres. His work as a policy analyst also led to the creation of the Winnipeg Urban Aboriginal Housing Plan, shaping provincial policies.
Maeengan has traveled extensively, visiting 160 art galleries, museums, and significant sites around the world. He remains motivated to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Indigenous peoples, actively promoting equity and opportunity for all.
is a trailblazer in Indigenous business, supply chain development, and economic empowerment. As the Founder & Co-CEO of Indigenous Box, she has redefined Indigenous entrepreneurship by creating a scalable, high-impact business model that strengthens Indigenous supply chains, expands market access, and drives economic reconciliation in action.
With a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management from MacEwan University, Mallory is the first Indigenous woman to hold an S.C.M.P. designation. She is a sought-after advisor, strategist, and speaker, consulting for organizations such as Global Affairs Canada, Supply Chain Canada, and the Government of Alberta, ranging from Indigenous trade policy to procurement reform.
Her expertise has led to global recognition, with invitations to speak at The World Economic Forum Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and numerous high-profile industry panels. Mallory’s work bridges the gap between Indigenous entrepreneurs and corporate Canada, ensuring Indigenous businesses are not only included in modern commerce but positioned as essential contributors and leaders in the global economy."
is the founder of the Indigenomics movement which includes CEO of the Indigenomics Institute, the Global Center of Indigenomics and the Global Indigenous Technology House. Carol Anne is a dynamic Indigenous national and international business leader, author, speaker, director, facilitator and senior adviser with an international Masters Degree in Business Management (MBA) from the University of Hertfordshire, England. Carol Anne is of Nuu chah nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island. Carol Anne is an award winning author of ‘Indigenomics- Taking A Seat at the Economic Table’ and ‘The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power.’
Carol Anne serves as a Director on the McGill University Institute for the Study of Canada, Earth Charter International, the Global Value Commission, TELUS National Indigenous Advisory Council, Move37XR, the Bank of Montreal National Indigenous Advisory Council and the Honoring Nations Council in partnership with Fulbright Canada. Carol Anne previously served as a senior advisor on the Canadian Economic Growth Council, MITACS Research, Innovate BC, the BC Emerging Economy Taskforce, the BC Digital Supercluster and the BC Indigenous Business and Investment Council.
Carol Anne’s work has been most recently recognized with the Mastercard Game Changer Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the inaugural Nation Builder Award from the National Angel Capital Organization. Other distinctions include recipient of the Award of Distinction in Indigenous Business from the BC Achievement Foundation, named in the Top 500 Businesses in BC for the past 4 years running, and received the National Award of Excellence in Aboriginal Relations from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.