Panelist Sessions

Reg Potts is a proud member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the principal consultant at Reg Potts & Associates Ltd. He brings over 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge to the areas of business development, Indigenous and industry engagement, relations, and partnerships. Reg helps clients effectively navigate complexities in these crucial realms.

Reg serves as a forward-thinking strategic advisor, connector, public speaker, event planner, and entrepreneur dedicated to supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, organizations, and individuals in achieving prosperity in all their business endeavours.

Reg is the architect and strategist behind the Indigenous Trailblazers Summit that official launched in April 2025. This event was designed to be a crucial platform to amplify the voices, knowledge, and business wisdom of Indigenous leaders, professionals, and the broader business community. It offers a dedicated space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to connect, listen, learn, and showcase the dynamic Indigenous business landscape of our peoples and communities.

Councillor Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo (Maskêhkopwat-Omiyosîw) born and raised in Treaty No. 6, grew up in Samson Cree Nation, Bear Hills, Alberta (Nipiysîhkopâhk, Maskwâcis). Raised by his late grandmother, mother and auntie, it was instilled cohesively that hard work and culture was important.

Throughout his Junior and High School years, Councillor Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo often spent extra time studying after school. At the age of 16, he had a proficient interest in learning languages. By age 18, he had learned 7 different languages – French, Cree, Michiff, Arabic, Turkish, Spanish and Italian – being fluent in 4 of them. Nêhiyawewin (the Cree Language) was at the top!

Now age 23, Izaiah was elected to leadership in his community at 21 as the youngest Councillor. He spends most of his time passing on the language in any way that he can, as he believes it is only our language that will save the Nêhiyaw People. As he once shared: “When language comes first, Culture and Identity will follow right after”.

Councillor Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo continues to advocate for the indoctrination of the Cree Language, with more public access to Nêhiyawewin, to supporting and establishing a Nêhiyaw Revitalization Committee and using the Cree Language officially in all Government Programs and Services, right to the very conduct of official meetings with Chief and Council in the Cree Language.

His hope is one day, many more young people will speak Cree fluently, as it will be a lonely world without as the younger generations arrive.

Derek M. Bruno is a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta. Recognized Canada-wide as an entrepreneur, instructor, speaker, author, mentor and facilitator, Derek brings a strengthsbased approach to supporting corporations, educators, and governments at every level in rising to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). As the Founder and Managing Partner of SevGen Consulting, he believes in seven generation thinking to advance the evolution of Indigenous relations and governance. Having served two terms as Councillor for his Nation, he has firsthand experience related to Indigenous relations. His passion for community development inspired his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cape Breton University and his commitment to leading visionary projects that bridge the worlds of business and Indigenous communities 

Anita Cardinal, a proud Nêhiyaw (Cree) from the Woodland Cree First Nation on Treaty 8 Territory, currently resides in Edmonton with her family. With a deep sense of duty, she serves as in-house counsel for her Nation's CFS Society, Mistikaskiy Ohipikihawasowin Mamawintowin (MOMS). She also acts as Children's counsel for the Office of the LRCY and does policy work for First Nations organizations. Anita's journey to becoming a lawyer began after over a decade working as a paralegal, where she gained invaluable experience on significant class action files, including the Sixties Scoop and Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Women in Alberta and B.C., with her mother as the Representative Plaintiff in the AB Class Action. In April 2022, Anita proudly earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, where she served as President of both the UofA Indigenous Law Students Association and the National Indigenous Law Students Association, as well acted as the Student Representative for the Indigenous Bar Association. Her commitment to community extends beyond the courtroom as she serves on the Board of Directors for the River Valley Alliance, chairing the TRC committee. Anita's passion for trail running is evident as an ultramarathon trail runner and founder of Indigenous Runner YEG. She is also the Race Director and organizer for the Annual Orange Shirt Day RunConciliAction Run/Walk in Edmonton held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Anita's heart beats strongest for her family, and as a lawyer, she strives for justice, advancing the TRC Calls to Action, representing children in care, and upholding Treaty Rights with unwavering dedication her, recording artist and known throughout the powwow trail as an old-style grass dancer & singer. 

Long Plain First Nation

Former Chief Dennis Meeches served on Long Plain Council for 26 years. Under his leadership, LPFN has garnered national attention for its governance and corporate vision.

Dennis was instrumental in the government and economic growth of LPFN, and Arrowhead Development Corporation. The binding of Treaty One Nation, and their Treaty One Development Corporation was a key priority for him, and as the Treaty 1 Spoke-person, the creation of a joint reserve at Naawi-Oodena (formerly known as Kapyong) was a highlight during his tenure as Chief.

At present he is with the following organizations and companies.

· President of Tribal Council Investment Group  

· President of Spirit Healthcare Group of Companies

· Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs – Senior Economic Advisor

· Chair of Indigeno Travel

· Indigenous Leadership Development Institute - Board Member

· President & CEO of OGEMA Services Inc.

· Economic Development Winnipeg - Board Member

Dennis is a horse rancher, recording artist and known throughout the powwow trail as an old-style grass dancer & singer. 

Lori Mishibinijima is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Ontario. She was most recently the Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at Osgoode Hall Law School, where she developed programs and initiatives that support the Indigenization of the school and curriculum. She also provided support to Indigenous students, applicants and alumni. In addition, Lori was Legal Counsel with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for 10 years, where she provided legal representation to individuals respecting matters of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. She also acted as coordinator and helped develop the HRLSC's Indigenous Service where she increased access to justice for Indigenous people. For the last seventeen years, she has been a member of the Community Council, a criminal diversion program at Aboriginal Legal Services. Lori has also served as the President of Native Men's Residence Board of Directors from 2011 to 2018, and continues as a director.  She also serves on the Indigenous Bar Association Board of Directors.  In 2016, she was the recipient of the Minaake Award in Advocacy and Human Rights for her contributions to the Toronto Indigenous community.  In 2023, she also joined the Indigenous Fashion Arts Board. 

Kyra Northwest is a proud member of the Montana First Nation (Akamihk), one of the four Maskwacîs Cree Nations located within Treaty Six Territory in what is now Alberta, Canada. Currently, she serves as the Consultation and Lands Manager for her Nation. Her role centers on the crucial responsibility of ensuring the protection of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights while championing the right to free, prior, and informed consent. 

Kyra is actively involved in various initiatives, including her role as a Committee Member on the Line 3 Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee, where she has contributed since its inception. Additionally, she sits on the Socio-Economic Sub-Committee of the TMX Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee. The IAMCs provide collaborative, inclusive and meaningful Indigenous involvement in the review and monitoring of the environmental, safety and socioeconomic issues over both projects’ lifecycles.

As a founding member of the International Buffalo Relations Institute, Kyra is dedicated to promoting the implementation of the Buffalo Treaty and supporting Indigenous Nations in rematriating buffalo to their lands, revitalizing important cultural and ecological connections. The Institute takes a holistic eco-cultural approach to achieving this goal through initiatives in education, conservation, culture, economic, health, and research. 

In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, particularly hockey and slo-pitch. Kyra also loves to travel and attend concerts.

President and CEO

FIRST NATIONS POWER AUTHORITY

Guy Lonechild is a well-known advocate for enabling growth and leading energy transformation pathway opportunities for First Nation communities in Canada and serves as President and CEO of First Nations Power Authority. Mr. Lonechild serves on Bruce Power’s New Nuclear Advisory Panel, chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council on New Nuclear, served as co-chair of Natural Resource Canada’s SMR Leadership Table, and Indigenous Relations advisor to OPG’s New Nuclear Review Board. His area

of interest is Indigenous rightsholder, public and stakeholder engagement, innovations for
development in new nuclear, renewables, project finance, and Indigenous-led power procurement initiatives in the Canadian electricity sector.

Recognized as a solution-oriented leader, Mr. Lonechild advocates for economic and

environmental reconciliation as a path forward for stakeholders to harness the potential in

alternative energy and supply chain opportunities that generate lasting benefits for Indigenous communities. He currently serves as board member of the Energy Council of Canada (ECC), Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC), and holds a Master of Business Administration from Cape Breton University and is a former leader of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

is a proud citizen of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8, Alberta. He is currently the Business Development Manager at NRStor Inc., where he champions developing large-scale energy storage and clean microgrid projects in a way that empowers communities and contributes to meaningful climate action. He is a Board Member with Indigenous Clean Energy and the Pembina Institute. He holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba and has recently completed a Master of Science in Renewable Energy from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Ecole Polytechnique, and the ESADE Business School. He is the co-chair of the SevenGen council, an organization that develops and leads programs for Indigenous youth to lead in clean energy and climate action. He has co-hosted the podcast, Decolonizing Power, a series that aims to amplify voices worldwide on how clean energy enables authentic community empowerment. This experience combined with the 20/20 Catalyst program, he is passionate about the carbon free future, particularly within the power and mobility sectors. He loves his partner, family, and his community, who inspires him to work to build a future that is sustainable and empowers all. 

Director of Indigenous Relations and Engagement | Legal and Strategic Advisor | Advocate for Indigenous Economic Empowerment

is a seasoned leader in Indigenous relations with over 15 years of experience building bridges between Indigenous communities, government institutions, and the private sector. As the Director of Indigenous Relations and Engagement at Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS), she is a trusted advisor guiding organizations through respectful engagement, reconciliation strategies, and partnerships that center Indigenous voices and rights.

With a legal background grounded in Aboriginal law and a Master of Law in Energy and Infrastructure from Osgoode Hall Law School, Sara Jane’s work integrates deep legal knowledge with practical, community-based approaches. Her expertise spans energy infrastructure, regulatory affairs, Indigenous procurement, and community consultation, making her a sought-after strategist for projects involving Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Throughout her career—including roles at Hydro One, Ontario Power Authority, and Creative Fire—Sara Jane has supported negotiations on major partnership agreements with First Nations, designed Indigenous engagement strategies for national climate initiatives, and advocated for increased Indigenous participation in energy development and public procurement.

Sara Jane is a passionate speaker and mentor, sharing her insights at conferences such as AESP Summer Con and York University’s Climate Risk and the Law Program. She also dedicates time to mentorship and community involvement, supporting Indigenous youth, legal mentees, and reconciliation-based education initiatives.

As a proud daughter of two Indian residential school survivors, Sara Jane’s career is driven by a deep commitment to justice, opportunity, and positive change for Indigenous Peoples. Her leadership reflects values of integrity, family, cultural revitalization, and the pursuit of a more equitable future.

Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation and is the father of four children.  

He is CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), an organization representing a national network of 58 Indigenous Financial Institutions that spur economic growth through loans to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses. Informed by his vision of Indigenous self-reliance, Shannin has increased support to the Indigenous lending network by over half a billion dollars during his tenure at NACCA. He is firmly grounded in his Cree worldview and language and has served as an entrepreneur, commercial lender, business/community developer, and management consultant, assisting with well-over 300 Indigenous business start-ups and expansions. 

Shannin is a tireless advocate for meaningful economic reconciliation, creating investment vehicles such as the Indigenous Growth Fund and Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to connect private and philanthropic investors with Indigenous projects.  Prior to joining NACCA, he served as Manager of the Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability with DeBeers and Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.  

Katherine Swampy is a mother, an academic, an advocate and a Senior Manager for Business Development for the Samson Cree Nation. Katherine is an active member in her community and sits on numerous committees. 

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Economics and a minor in Political Studies, a Masters of Public Policy Administration, a Masters of Philosophy, and currently in her PhD.

She is a passionate defender of First Nations rights and ensures her traditions are passed on by teaching dance and how to sew traditional regalia.

She was previously a councillor for SCN, and has been very active in politics as a provincial and federal Candidate for the New Democratic Party.