Morgan is a contract instructor with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and will be facilitating the accredited training course, ACED 151 (Leadership Development). He has a background in Municipal-Indigenous relations, Indigenous CED and organizational development. Morgan currently works in the municipal sector and co-owns a small CED research and consulting business.

Morgan holds an MBA in Community Economic Development (Cape Breton University), a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Sport and Recreation (University of Alberta). He is PAED (Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer) certified through Cando. He and his wife and son live in Edmonton.

Angela Adsit is a proud member of the Tahltan Nation and resides on the unceded territory of the Splatsin people in the North Okanagan. She has held several Executive level positions in both for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations. She also sat on her Nation’s Government Board of Directors who oversee all the economic development within the Tahltan territory in northern BC. Growing up ‘in both worlds’, she understands the need to integrate both societies and the various components of a community, so the community is built holistically, strategically, and with the local Indigenous ways of ‘being and doing’ at the centre. Angela is an instructor with several Indigenous and non-Indigenous training/educational organizations, and she develops culturally-aware curriculum in Indigenous entrepreneurship, and community and business development.

Elder Rick (Patrick) Lightning is an Elder/Mosom from Maskwacis, raised in the traditions of Plains Cree, Nehiyaw. He is a third generation residential school survivor. Rick has been a Cultural Support Worker to the Indian Residential School (IRS), Mental Health, Aboriginal Youth Communities Empowerment Strategy (AYCES), and the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) programs at Maskwacis.

Currently Rick is the resident Elder, or Mosom, as he prefers to be called, for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta.

Mackenzie Brown is a First Nations Cree Woman from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and currently resides in Mohkinstsis, Calgary. Brown has a background as a performer, drummer, tourism entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for at-risk youth in the Edmonton area in addition to her past roles in Indigenous Tourism Development with both the Government of Alberta and Edmonton Tourism. Mackenzie is well known across Alberta for performing with her mom as “Warrior Women.” Together they drum and teach around Alberta for the Northern Alberta Teachers Conference, the annual Jasper Dark Skies Festival, Youth Dream Catchers Conference, Canada Day, Aboriginal Day festivities and more.

In addition to drumming, Brown is also an avid acrylic artist and traditional First Nations crafts artisan. Her art has been featured in the Pump House Gallery, the Edson Gallery Museum, the Gray Gallery Grant MacEwan, recognized for the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Award of 2017, featured for the Alberta Business Competition 2017 and sold to people travelling worldwide at Jasper Park Lodge. Mackenzie has also been awarded the 2019 Esquao Award for Children’s Future, the 2019 Indigenous Woman of the year award from the Alberta Assembly of First Nations and the Top 30 under 30 from the Alberta Corporation for Global Cooperation 2020.

Michelle Nieviadomy is Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) with a passion for wellness, social justice & community development. She is a member of Kawacatoose First Nation and while her roots are in Saskatchewan, she has called Edmonton home for the past 20 years. She is the Assistant Director at the Edmonton Native Healing Centre. She is an entrepreneur with her own business called Iskwew Health promoting health & wellness in various capacities! (Zumba, meditation, bootcamp, fitness kickboxing, wellness retreats) She believes movement is medicine & connection is everything!

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, raised on the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement and is of First Nations descent from the Ermineskin Cree Nation. Obtained a Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1989; and also possesses the Technician and the Professional Level Certification from Cando.

Prior to working with CANDO, was the CEO of Settlement Investment Corporation. Then moved on to facilitate and manage the Métis Settlements Economic Viability Strategy, which received international recognition for sustainable development. Also managed and taught a self-employment program for the Métus Nation of Alberta. Volunteer work includes being appointed to the Alberta Water Council by the Métis Settlements General Council; as well as serving as the former Cando Co-President and Director representing Alberta.

Married to Nola Wanuch from the Enoch Cree Nation, and have three wonderful kids: Wendell, Natasha and Sydney, and three wonderful grandsons: Aiden, Nashua, and Taye.

The Honourable Dan Vandal was first elected as Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface — Saint Vital in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. In 2018, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and on November 20, 2019, he was named Minister of Northern Affairs. Following the last election, the Prime Minister entrusted Minister Vandal with the additional responsibilities as Minister Responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor.

Prior to his political career, Minister Vandal was a youth outreach worker with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. He then went on to serve five terms as Winnipeg City Councillor for St. Boniface. A former Deputy Mayor, he was also Chair of the Protection, Property and Public Works committees at City Hall. He is especially proud of his role in the development of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada.

As Minister of Northern Affairs, he has worked with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing food security, investing in clean energy and climate change mitigation and adaption, education, economic development, infrastructure and more.

John Johnstone is joining Cando as the Associate Director – Procurement, on a long-term assignment from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to increasing Indigenous participation in federal procurement. Based in Victoria, BC, John will provide focused support to Economic Development Officers, communities, and businesses to navigate Government of Canada procurement opportunities. John brings over 20 years of experience with the Government of Canada and has an extensive background in project management, strategic engagement, business development, and economics.

Paul Macedo is excited to promote the tremendous work that Cando does as a leading authority on Indigenous Economic Development. In his role as Communications Director, Paul oversees the relationships between Cando and its many partners in the public and private sectors. Paul also oversees the development and distribution of all Cando communications including - the main Cando website (edo.ca) the e-newsletters, Cando Connect magazine, plus all of Cando's growing social media channels (facebook, twitter and linkedIn). More recently, Paul has assumed the lead role for Cando's marketing and sponsorships/fundraising for Cando's various events, special projects and overall programming.

Paul is a graduate of the University of Alberta where he received a Bachelors of Education and a Masters of Business Administration.

Dolan Bogus is a Procurement Outreach Team Lead at Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC). With over 19 years of Federal Procurement experience, Dolan leads a team of 5 outreach officers in Western Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North West Territories and Nunavut) who work to support smaller and diverse businesses in selling to the Government of Canada. Located in Edmonton, Alberta he has held numerous positions within federal procurement, ranging from the purchase of goods and services, business and policy support, to the design of workload management systems for procurement officers.

Tim works in the Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy Directorate at Indigenous Services Canada where he manages the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business and the Indigenous Business Directory. He provides policy advice and guidance to the procurement community, as well as, supports and educates Indigenous business owners looking to sell their goods and services to the Government of Canada. Prior to working with Indigenous Services Canada, Tim was with Public Services and Procurement Canada where he was focused on the development of standard templates and tools for contracting officers to include in their solicitations to increase the representation of Indigenous businesses and Peoples in federal procurement. He also led the implementation of the Nunavut Directive, providing support to contracting authorities working on procurement files in Nunavut and other Modern Treaty areas. Tim is a veteran of the Canadian Forces, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Manitoba.

James Roach is a registered professional planner (RPP) and is the Land Use Planning Coordinator at the National Aboriginal Lands Mangers Association (NALMA). Over the last 15 years, he has worked in various roles with the private sector, First Nation governments and not-for profit organizations. James’ areas of expertise include community land use planning and engagement, economic and sustainable development, lands management and developing strategic partnerships. He holds a Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Diploma in Urban Planning and G.I.S. from Mohawk College and a Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan. James is an Ojibway of Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario.

Crystal is an Indigenous Entrepreneur with over ten years of experience as the CEO of her own company and business development and hails from treaty six territory in Alberta.  Her late mother is Cree from Driftpile First Nation, and her late father is from Cold Lake First Nations. She is a proud mother of three, two young adult sons, and a young daughter. Crystal completed a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree from the University of Alberta in 2002 and a Master of Science degree in Public Health in 2006.  Crystal completed an Executive Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (SFU.  Crystal received the Esquao Award for leadership in social development in 2009 from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Crystal also received a Community Impact Award for outstanding achievement from the Beedie School of Business, SFU, in 2022. Crystal has been interviewed by the media and featured in print ads for the Alberta Women’s Entrepreneur organization in 2019.

Crystal is the President/CEO of Sundance Enterprises, specializing in safety and quality control for the oil and gas sector for over ten years. Crystal is also the Executive Director for a non-profit dedicated to lands management and stewardship for the past 2 years and has a wealth of experience in working for and with Indigenous organizations and communities. She is passionate about promoting and living her Cree and Dene Suline values and identity and an uplifter by nature and will bring her wealth of experience in being a business leader with Indigenous communities.

Gus Michalik has worked for the Government of Alberta for six years. During his time with Alberta, he has supported a number of priority Indigenous files. Including the development of the Indigenous Climate Leadership Programs, the Residential School Mental Health Support Program, and the Metis Settlements Amendment Act, 2021. Recently, Gus has worked exclusively on the Indigenous Economic Development File, co-leading the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund and providing governance support for the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.

Michael Zelmer is a Senior Business Officer with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) who has been working with Indigenous communities in Alberta to support economic development and clean energy projects since 2017 through the federal and Alberta governments. Prior to government, Michael worked in a variety of roles related to community economic and business development, co-operatives, and the international fair trade and organic markets. Michael has a Masters degree in Resources Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia (2005) and currently lives in Treaty 6 (Edmonton) with his family.

Born and raised in Calgary, Al has worked in all three levels of government in Canada.  After a long stint in Toronto, which included more than a decade of economic development work for the Government of Ontario, he returned to Calgary in 2013 to join what is now the Canada Energy Regulator. While there, Al led various initiatives related to energy markets, environmental regulation, and organizational change. He then moved on to work at the City of Calgary, where he focused on corporate performance, long-term budgeting, and risk management.

In 2022, Al joined Public Services and Procurement Canada as Regional Director of Environmental Services and Contaminated Sites Management. In this role, he leads a team dedicated to managing the cleanup and remediation of federal properties across the Prairie Provinces and North, with much of this work done in partnership with Indigenous communities and contractors.

In the past 7 years, Kiran has taken on a variety of roles within AWE to help entrepreneurs including program facilitation, business advising, financing services and currently manages the training programs offered at the organization. Kiran has completed her Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting degree at University of Alberta, in addition to Leadership Development and Becoming a Master Instructor certificates at NAIT.

Experiencing businesses within her family, in addition to working with entrepreneurs at all stages of business at AWE, Kiran brings a depth of understanding about the excitement and challenges that entrepreneurs may face. Whether she’s advising aspiring or existing entrepreneurs or developing training programs for them, Kiran is truly passionate about finding ways to help women overcome challenges to build and grow their businesses.

Roberta Bearhead is the Executive Director of Oteenow Employment and Training Society. Roberta possesses 20 years of Indigenous employment and training program management experience and business expertise. Roberta’s experience includes ISETS, ASETS program management as well as the previous AHRDA program management, both requiring skills such as budgeting, reporting, program planning, data base administration, and staffing. She is well-connected with the rural ASETS holders in all three Treaty areas: Treaty Six, Seven, and Eight.

As the former Intergovernmental Initiatives Coordinator for the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations of Alberta, Roberta is a valuable resource person for knowing the trends and issues being addressed by First Nation leadership and the accompanying program development.

David is a proud Edmontonian and supporter of the local community. Since earning his Bachelor of Design degree from the University of Alberta, he has helped lead many unique initiatives including Pride Bench, YEG Kite Day, and the Edmonton Inventor Meetup.

David is currently Team Lead, Business Strategist with Business Link – a non-profit that helps Alberta-based small businesses start and grow. In his role, he provides exceptional client service leadership, collaborates with teams, and delivers entrepreneurial-inspired products and services. David has had the pleasure of supporting thousands of entrepreneurs over the years, including immigrant and indigenous communities. His sphere of knowledge includes ideation, business planning, startup steps, business modelling, financing essentials, product design and intellectual property.

David is also a past business owner having running his own handyman business and online business selling an innovative apparel accessory.

Jackie Culhane is the Regional Liaison at Northern Forestry Centre. She has been at the role for a year. Prior to that, she worked as the Assistant Implementation officer. Assisting the Elder in Residence at NoFC. She also worked at Service Canada as an Integrity officer. Prior to public service, Jackline worked in Oil and Gas as an Environmental Advisor, which included projects such as Trans Mountain Pipeline, Coastal Gas Link and several major gas plants in the Gold Creek area. Internationally, Jackline worked in Ghana, Afghanistan, Mali, Togo and Senegal completing environmental assessments for food programmes affecting food security. Jackline attended York University for her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and she also received a post graduate diploma in International Project Management from Humber College and a Masters in Human Geography: Natural Resource Management from Stockholm Universiteit.

After work, you can find Jackline anywhere BUT the house. She and her family have Banff, Bragg Creek, and Canmore mountains as their backyard playgrounds. She enjoys biking, hiking, camping, geocaching, road tripping, stand up paddling, swimming and rock climbing. Jackline is interested in learning how to canoe and fish this summer.

Tanya Tourangeau is a proud Dene First Nation from the Northwest Territories, currently living on Treaty 6 territory in Alberta. Strongly believing we can build this nation together, Tanya’s work focuses on bridging partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities. Her background is in leading Reconciliation through joint economic development, policy development, strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and organizational change. Tanya has worked for many Indigenous and non-Indigenous government, non-profit and for-profit organizations to create meaningful, large-scale systemic impact.

Tanya’s Vision for her Indigenous-led consulting business, Tanya T Consulting:
Through Reconciliation and Collaboration, Indigenous People and Canada Thrive Together.

Joël Gervais is an Environment Officer with Indigenous Services Canada – Environment & Natural Resources group responsible for working with First Nations to advance infrastructure and economic initiatives through federal environmental review processes occurring under the Impact Assessment Act. Joël primarily works with Treaty 8 Nations but also advises on projects in Treaty 6 and 7 areas of Alberta. Joël is licenced Professional Biologist with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists and has been working with ISC since March 2020. His prior experience includes a decade as a consultant in engineering / environmental management sector where he worked as a biophysical assessment, planning, and regulatory specialist on municipal and capital infrastructure projects including roads and watercourse crossings, water/wastewater management, light rail transit, national park development, neighbourhood and area structure planning, and asset management.

Joël is a graduate of the University of Alberta (Augustana) where he earned a B.Sc. (2011) in environmental science majoring in freshwater ecology and management. He was part of the multi-year Sturgeon River Research Project examining land use impacts on the Sturgeon River Watershed and developing alternate land use practices for rural and urban communities in prairie watershed systems. Although Joël is now settled on an acreage west of Devon, he lived many years in Fort McMurray where he developed a love and appreciation for northern Alberta and the boreal forest. When he isn’t working, he can be found cross country skiing or trail running.

Crystal is an Indigenous Entrepreneur with over ten years of experience as the CEO of her own company and business development and hails from treaty six territory in Alberta.  Her late mother is Cree from Driftpile First Nation, and her late father is from Cold Lake First Nations. She is a proud mother of three, two young adult sons, and a young daughter. Crystal completed a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree from the University of Alberta in 2002 and a Master of Science degree in Public Health in 2006.  Crystal completed an Executive Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (SFU.  Crystal received the Esquao Award for leadership in social development in 2009 from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Crystal also received a Community Impact Award for outstanding achievement from the Beedie School of Business, SFU, in 2022. Crystal has been interviewed by the media and featured in print ads for the Alberta Women’s Entrepreneur organization in 2019.

Crystal is the President/CEO of Sundance Enterprises, specializing in safety and quality control for the oil and gas sector for over ten years. Crystal is also the Executive Director for a non-profit dedicated to lands management and stewardship for the past 2 years and has a wealth of experience in working for and with Indigenous organizations and communities. She is passionate about promoting and living her Cree and Dene Suline values and identity and an uplifter by nature and will bring her wealth of experience in being a business leader with Indigenous communities.

Monika is Cree, a member of Fort McKay First Nation, and a mother to a wonderful little boy. She is the Vice President, Investments of Fort McKay Landing LP, the sovereign wealth fund wholly owned by Fort McKay First Nation. Monika’s portfolio consists of leading the corporate governance for the 13 portfolio companies and implementing the Nation’s Agreements with surrounding industry. She also provides business advisory services to the portfolio companies with a focus on dispute resolution and contract negotiations. Monika holds a Juris Doctor and an MBA, and she is called to the bar in British Columbia.

Mitchell Reynaud is the Manager of Indigenous Services Canada’s Land Management unit in the Alberta Region.  Mitchell has worked with  Alberta’s First Nations in a variety of capacities over the past twelve years having occupied roles in social assistance, capital infrastructure and field services.  The majority of Mitchell’s career however has been spent in the realm of land management of reserve, assisting Nations in securing land tenure to develop projects on reserve.  Outside of work Mitchell is an avid music fan and enjoys introducing his two young sons to his vast collection of vinyl.

Michael Zelmer is a Senior Business Officer with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) who has been working with Indigenous communities in Alberta to support economic development and clean energy projects since 2017 through the federal and Alberta governments. Prior to government, Michael worked in a variety of roles related to community economic and business development, co-operatives, and the international fair trade and organic markets. Michael has a Masters degree in Resources Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia (2005) and currently lives in Treaty 6 (Edmonton) with his family.

From Hupacasath Nation, Kwatuuma Cole Sayers believes in a more diverse and innovative clean energy future as an actionable pathway for reconciliation between First Nations and Canada. Experienced clean energy leader known for skillfully engaging and assisting First Nations and organizations navigate the energy transition and create opportunities in clean energy and technology. Powerful advocate for First Nations-led projects and innovative policies that advance reconciliation, achieve climate targets, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Mackenzie Brown is a First Nations Cree Woman from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and currently resides in Mohkinstsis, Calgary. Brown has a background as a performer, drummer, tourism entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for at-risk youth in the Edmonton area in addition to her past roles in Indigenous Tourism Development with both the Government of Alberta and Edmonton Tourism. Mackenzie is well known across Alberta for performing with her mom as “Warrior Women.” Together they drum and teach around Alberta for the Northern Alberta Teachers Conference, the annual Jasper Dark Skies Festival, Youth Dream Catchers Conference, Canada Day, Aboriginal Day festivities and more.

In addition to drumming, Brown is also an avid acrylic artist and traditional First Nations crafts artisan. Her art has been featured in the Pump House Gallery, the Edson Gallery Museum, the Gray Gallery Grant MacEwan, recognized for the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Award of 2017, featured for the Alberta Business Competition 2017 and sold to people travelling worldwide at Jasper Park Lodge. Mackenzie has also been awarded the 2019 Esquao Award for Children’s Future, the 2019 Indigenous Woman of the year award from the Alberta Assembly of First Nations and the Top 30 under 30 from the Alberta Corporation for Global Cooperation 2020.

Lise manages the Consultation and Additions to Reserve team for the Alberta Region of Indigenous Services Canada. She was, previously, the Manger of the Environment and Natural Resources unit for many years as well so has a great deal of knowledge and experience in land and environment management.

Sarah is a Social Policy Researcher at Crown Indigenous Relations in the Engagement Policy Directorate and lives and works as a guest on Treaty 7 in Calgary. Before joining the public service in 2021, Sarah worked in program coordination, research, and urban development. She has a Master of Science in Anthropology and Development Management from the London School of Economics.