July 1 Guest Speakers
Jennifer Laewetz
A member of George Gordon First Nation, Jennifer is a policy analyst and communications professional from northern Saskatchewan. She obtained an undergraduate degree in political studies from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) as well as a proficiency in Indigenous governance. During her time at the U of S, she sat as a member on the anti-racism and anti-oppression committee helping to ensure an inclusive learning space for students. She is currently a graduate and postdoctoral studies student at the U of S, worked in federal politics for five years and has many years of additional experience in the private sector. Jennifer is a huge advocate for self-determination and Indigenous policy across Canada. Jennifer believes that grassroots involvement is a pillar to a healthy community, having sat on various boards and volunteering in multiple capacities throughout her life.
Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston
Special Advisor to Mistawasis Nêhiyawak
Anthony is a member of and works for his Nation, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, a Cree community north of Saskatoon, Sask. as a special advisor. He returned to his community with the hope of contributing life, work and educational experiences for the benefit of the community. He believes that his contribution has been developing and building on partnerships, alliances and friendships with good true people who care. Anthony has worked with federal and provincial governments in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He has a bachelor of arts with a history major and human geography minor from the University of Manitoba. Anthony is a recognized professional affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan. While retired, Anthony continues to work on certain landscape, environmental and climate initiatives along with university and NGO partners of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak.
Chief William (Billy) Morin
Chief Billy Morin Nahtokitopi (Sacred Rider) was elected as the youngest Chief in Enoch Cree Nation’s modern history in 2015, and served three consecutive terms leading one of Alberta’s most progressive Indigenous communities. Chief Billy’s tenure was defined by true reconcile-action inside and outside his home First Nation. Enoch Cree Nation has always had a reputation for Indigenous entrepreneurship and business leadership, going back to the 19th century, when its first leaders transitioned from a traditional cultural economy to an agricultural and industrial one. Chief Morin built upon this foundational success by forming new business partnerships in commercial development, infrastructure, gaming, carbon capture, health care, gas and utilities for Enoch, and local First Nations – projects that required over $750 million in total investment for Enoch alone. He has been a strong advocate for working together with all governments levels, sectors and Canadians, as was the original spirit and intent of Treaty Six. He was appointed as Grand Chief of the 17 First Nations of the Confederacy of Treaty Six for the year 2020; a position responsible to be the voice for a population of nearly 80,000 First Nations people in the region. He has most recently served as Special Advisor to Premier Danielle Smith on Indigenous relations, and is managing director for Axxcleus Capital Corporation, a financial firm dedicated to facilitating Indigenous ownership in large economic projects.
The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould
Former Member of Parliament | Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada | Bestselling Author
Wilson-Raybould was first elected as a Member of Parliament for the new constituency of Vancouver Granville in 2015. She was then appointed the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada making her the first Indigenous person to serve in this portfolio. In January 2019, she was appointed the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence, positions she held until her resignation from cabinet in February 2019.
During the 2019 election, Wilson-Raybould was re-elected as an Independent Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, making her Canada’s first ever female Independent MP elected and the only elected Independent in the 43rd Parliament.
Prior to politics, Wilson-Raybould was a provincial crown prosecutor in Vancouver and served three terms as an elected Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. She was also elected BC Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 2009, where she devoted herself to the advancement of First Nations governance, fair access to land and resources, as well as improved education and health care services. She served until 2015, holding responsibilities for governance and Nation building on the Assembly of First Nations Executive.
Wilson-Raybould is a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, which are part of the Kwakwaka’wakw and also known as the Kwak’wala speaking peoples. She is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation with her traditional name, Puglaas, meaning “woman born to noble people.” She served two terms as an elected councillor for her Nation and was also a director and chair of the First Nations Finance Authority and a director of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board.
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, PC, OBC, KC, was raised to be a leader. The daughter of a hereditary chief and Indigenous leader, she always knew that she would seek leadership roles and responsibilities. As a lawyer, an advocate, and a leader among Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, she’s built a strong reputation as a bridge builder and champion of good governance and accountability. She shares her unique perspective as both a community and political leader on topics such as Indigenous rights and reconciliation, democracy and governance, leadership, and justice.
Carlon Big Snake
Proud Member of the Siksika Nation Big Snake graduated Olds College in 1991 having majored in land resource management. He worked for Siksika Nation for 25 years in the areas of agriculture, SRDL which is the Nation's business arm, Siksika Employment and Training Services and the 2013 Flood Recovery Project. In recent years Big Snake has served in Siksika leadership for three terms spanning nine years — this has provided him a better view of the Nation’s position and has created close relationships with the Nation's people.
He has been married to Lisa Big Snake for 30 plus years, and has six children and 11 grandchildren. Big Snake and his wife own SnakeStitch company which specializes in embroidery and apparel products. They have also created their our own Blanket designs, which are called “SNAGGIN BLANKET." The two have been entrepreneurs for 20 plus years, including having recently acquired three white bison (buffalo).
Big Snake's vision for the future is to continue to encourage others to obtain their education and to become self-sufficient for the betterment of the Nation.
