Ann Brascoupé

Owner/Advisor, Pebbles + Twiggs HR Solutions

Ann, a 5th generation Algonquin, Bear Clan from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community in Maniwaki QC, is a dedicated Senior Human Resource professional that specializes in organizational wellness, facilitation and training. She has helped teams and leaders identify where they are, determine where they want to go, and help them map the path to get there.

Through facilitation, coaching, consultation, and her strengths- based leadership model, Ann supports people and organizations to arrive successfully at their chosen destinations

Chantal Fraser

MBA, Founder, Empowered Path Inc

A gifted professional speaker, writer, and training facilitator, Chantal uses real life examples to illustrate key messages on topics such as: inclusion, work-life balance, mentoring, leadership, human resources, career transitions and starting/running a business. The common theme in all of Chantal’s work is to help people, businesses and communities thrive.

An experienced Human Resources Professional and enthusiastic natural leader with excellent communication skills, Chantal helps organization and communities with leadership development, career transitions, and business coaching. She keeps the human touch in all activities resulting in increased production, while maintaining high standards and excellent morale.

Over the years, Chantal has promoted the work of the Association to local communities, championing events like “Welcome to the Room”, which aimed to address workforce issues for that specific community. Most recently, Chantal was the driving force behind the first Eastern Ontario HRPA Conference. Chantal currently sits as a member, co- chair and chair on other important committees & task force groups which aim to promote the HRPA mandate and enhancing its progress at a local and provincial level.

In recognition for her many contributions to the Association, both regionally and provincially, Chantal was granted the HRPA’s Honourary Life Award for 2018.

Cindy Crowe

Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach

Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities with her expertise in community liaison, community engagement and community development. Personally, she is the grateful mom of five adult children and three grandchildren.

Cindy’s award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm, Cindy Crowe Consulting provides support to women entrepreneurs. Cindy is also an Elder for the Mooka’am Kwe: She Rises BizCamp program which provides Indigenous women entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with their culture, expand their businesses, network with other entrepreneurs and receive education on various topics.
Moreover, is the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre, an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).

Cindy’s season tourism business Niibing Tribal Tours (Niibing is in the summer) enables visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while participating in the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning. Furthermore, her Identity and Purpose Coaching business supports clients looking to reclaim their roots, understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Cindy is also the author of Walking with Grey Wolf which honours her first vision and the spiritual journey she has been on since then. She is currently writing her second book entitled All My Relations. Finally, Cindy’s multiple awards for entrepreneurship and social change are testament to her many achievements.

Awards
“Social Change Award: Regional Impact 2021” Finalist for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards;
“Businesswoman of the Year Award 2015” from Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund;
“Top 20 in 20 Award 2014” from PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise;
“Aboriginal Entrepreneur Off Reserve 2013” PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise;
“Exceptional Woman” at Beendigen’s 3rd Annual First Nations Women’s Day in 2011; and,
“Business of the Year Award 2010” from PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux

Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, Lakehead University

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University for three years. Effective September 2016 she was appointed as the first Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University, where she continues to develop pathways forward to reconciliation across Canada.

Cynthia was inducted as a “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2014; she is also the Chair of the Governing Circle for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.

A member and resident of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Ontario, Cynthia has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding. She sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue and applied research initiatives.

Krystal Abotossaway

President, Indigenous Professionals Canada

Krystal is a well sought-after speaker and expert on Indigenous engagement. As Lead Strategic Diversity Advisor and Partner at TD Bank, she is the touchstone for bringing the voice and the talent of diversity and Indigenous cultures to the bank’s Diversity Talent Strategy and Community Relations programs.

Currently pursuing her Masters in Human Resource Management at York University, Krystal’s vision is to advance the engagement of Indigenous people, disabled people, youth, and women across Canada by being a Human Resources thought leader in Engagement for diverse groups.

Krystal Abotossaway is from Aundeck Omni-Kaning First Nations and Chippewas of Rama First Nations. She is an urban Ojibwe Anishinaabe Kwe.

Chantal Fraser

MBA, Founder, Empowered Path Inc.

A gifted professional speaker, writer, and training facilitator, Chantal uses real life examples to illustrate key messages on topics such as: inclusion, work-life balance, mentoring, leadership, human resources, career transitions and starting/running a business. The common theme in all of Chantal’s work is to help people, businesses and communities thrive.

An experienced Human Resources Professional and enthusiastic natural leader with excellent communication skills, Chantal helps organization and communities with leadership development, career transitions, and business coaching. She keeps the human touch in all activities resulting in increased production, while maintaining high standards and excellent morale.

Over the years, Chantal has promoted the work of the Association to local communities, championing events like “Welcome to the Room”, which aimed to address workforce issues for that specific community. Most recently, Chantal was the driving force behind the first Eastern Ontario HRPA Conference. Chantal currently sits as a member, co- chair and chair on other important committees & task force groups which aim to promote the HRPA mandate and enhancing its progress at a local and provincial level.

In recognition for her many contributions to the Association, both regionally and provincially, Chantal was granted the HRPA’s Honourary Life Award for 2018.

Ann Brascoupé

Owner/Advisor, Pebbles + Twiggs HR Solutions

Ann, a 5th generation Algonquin, Bear Clan from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community in Maniwaki QC, is a dedicated Senior Human Resource professional that specializes in organizational wellness, facilitation and training. She has helped teams and leaders identify where they are, determine where they want to go, and help them map the path to get there.

Through facilitation, coaching, consultation, and her strengths- based leadership model, Ann supports people and organizations to arrive successfully at their chosen destinations

Shawn Adams

Public Servant, Government of Canada

Shawn Adams, an Inuk and beneficiary of Nunatsiavut, with mixed First Nations ancestry, Indigenous proud, and a grandchild of residential school survivors.

A member of HRPA and a keen participant of this panel; Shawn feels honoured to share his real lived experience as an Indigenous person, and to listen and learn from each participant, as a collective. You may have noticed, or perhaps you will be going forward, that a lot of Indigenous people often struggle with self-emphasis as we often think and act collectively. Shawn believes that we are all in this journey of life together and we need each other.

Shawn’s work history is extensive; he has held positions with various levels of government from justice and education to program administration and service delivery. He is presently working for Indigenous Services Canada and has been involved with Indigenous Community Council, Committees and working groups. He is also an Indigenous musician and teacher. Shawn was honoured to be an accompanist for Ullugiagâtsuk Labrador Choir, one that participated in the 150^th celebration of Canada in Ottawa, and by providing music for the Labrador Residential Schools Apology Ceremony in 2017.

Thank you for being a courageous ally and expressing your desire and intention to learn more about First Peoples through open dialogue and honouring the process of truth and reconciliation.

Miigwetch/Nakkumek

Kathleen Sawdo

HR Manager, Beendigen Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home & Family Healing

Kathleen Sawdo, Kanakneepawich Migizii Manitou (Standing Eagle Woman), is Anishnaabe from Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation. She is an experienced Human Resources Practitioner, specializing in Tribal and Indigenous Human Resources Management. She is one of two in Canada to obtain the THRP (Tribal Human Resources Professional) Certification. Kathleen presents Human Resources Management from a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective and maintains the balance of walking in two worlds in her personal and professional life.

Kathleen has worked with all levels of government, in non-profit, private and public sectors and has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous people in the workforce. Through her career she has contributed to organizational change projects in policing organizations and has worked with leadership to develop policy and procedures that are founded on Anishinaabe Laws and Teachings.

Kathleen is currently the Human Resources Manager for Beendigen Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home & Family Healing agency, where she shares her knowledge and teachings with the organization and community.

Diane Carriere, CHRP, THRP

Principal, D. Carriere & Associates

Diane is a member of Norway House First Nation in Manitoba, and she currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Equipped with Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and a Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Manitoba, Diane is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources l both in her region and in tribal areas in the US. She has worked in human resources for over twenty years in the corporate sector as well as the Aboriginal communities.

Diane completed her Mediation Certificate through Mediation Services in 2005; she is also a member of CPHR Manitoba and was the co-chair of their Aboriginal Initiative from 2006 to 2009. Internationally, A member of the National Native American Human Resource Association, she received her Tribal Human Resource Professional Certificate in 2011. As a trained workplace investigator, she has conducted investigations in respectful workplaces. Moreover, Diane’s company, D. Carriere & Associates is a First Nations owned and operated company delivering professional Human Resource consulting services, specializing in assisting Aboriginal communities.

In addition, Diane has created a national human resource association called the Canadian Aboriginal Human Resource Management Association. This association facilitates networking, connections and education that blends HR practice with Aboriginal culture to assist Aboriginal peoples establishing their business practices in the Canadian community.

Carrie Lamb

Human Resources Professional, First Nations Health Authority

Carrie Lamb is a proud Indigenous Human Resource professional since 2006. Effective March 2021, she was appointed to a role at First Nations Health Authority, where she continues to work towards creating a kind space where employees can thrive. She grounds her work in understanding that the support she can give employees directly impacts the healthcare First Nations people in BC receive.

She is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation. She proudly stands in curious rebellion that she inherited from her Grandpa Fred, who was a part of a group who rebelled against the Canadian government away from the reservation to a more traditional land-based community.

Her work is centred on decolonizing workplaces by bringing traditional teachings of kindness to her work. She is constantly learning how to do this by obtaining knowledge keeper’s best practices and continued learning within the profession of Human Resources.

Gene Jamieson

Managing Director & Principal Consultant Turtle Clan Management Consulting

Gene Jamieson (he/him) is a two-spirited, gay, cis-gendered Indigenous man. He is a global speaker, performance consultant and educator with a passion for people, knowledge sharing and diversity and inclusion.

Born and raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River territory, Gene has travelled the world in pursuit of knowledge, having graduated from McMaster University with a BA in Psychology, from Brock University with a BEd in adult education, and from the Rotterdam School of Management in The Netherlands with an MBA in global business. He has held designations with the HRPA, volunteered with the Toronto chapter and was the first known Indigenous member of the HRPA board of directors.

Throughout his journey, Gene has come to realize just how important his difference is and how important it is to embrace difference in ourselves and others. He is an experienced public speaker who uses this realization and his lived experience to advocate for inclusion in all forms, encouraging his audiences to think outside the box. He is known for his entertaining presentation style, positive personality, and the ability to hold space for people through a non-judgmental, passionately neutral approach.

Gene is currently a university lecturer in Rotterdam, The Netherlands focused on people, culture and change and the Managing Director of Turtle Clan Management Consulting here in Canada.