Director, Community and Indigenous Affairs, Cenovus

As Director of Community and Indigenous Affairs, Trent is responsible for leading Cenovus’s efforts in working with Indigenous communities, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. Trent and his team are accountable for guiding the company’s Indigenous business development, consultation and engagement, implementation and negotiation of community benefit agreements, implementing an initiative to build 200 homes in six Indigenous communities and stewarding Cenovus’s partnerships with non-profit organizations through social investment initiatives. One of things Trent is most proud of, is being part of a team that has helped Cenovus achieve more than $4 billion in spend with Indigenous businesses since 2009. Trent has been with Cenovus and its predecessor companies for 17 years.

Appears on Episode(s): 5

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Managing Partner, Nation Building for Deloitte

Jolain Foster is the Managing Partner for Nation Building for Deloitte. She has over 25 years’ experience working in executive leadership roles in universities, corporations, and directly for Nations. In Deloitte, she is currently leading Deloitte’s first Nation Building strategy and practice that will activate all partners in various disciplines and regions to work with Nations to support them in their Nation Building journey towards sovereignty.

Appears on Episode(s): 6

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Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Mastercard

Nina Mapara is Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Mastercard Canada. She is responsible for overseeing all legal matters in the country. Nina is also an ally and champion of Mastercard Canada’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and sits on Mastercard Canada’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Nina joined Mastercard in 2015. Prior to Mastercard, Nina was Senior Legal Counsel and AVP, Legal at Capital One Canada and Mackenzie Financial, respectively. Nina spent the early years of her career in a regulatory, M&A and securities practice at Intact Financial (formerly ING Canada). Nina worked as a senior associate at Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP, where her practice focused on regulatory, lending and M&A transactions in the financial services industry.

Appears on Episode(s): 7

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Chief Product Officer, Arcteryx

In 2019, Michelle became a member of the Amer Sports family, contributing her expertise in leading dynamic and swiftly growing teams. With a diverse skill set spanning finance, accounting, and product management, she is driven by her passion for crafting world-class business models that bridge exceptional individuals with outstanding products. For Michelle, the demarcation between work and life mirrors the nuanced shades of Vancouver’s weather. Discovering a brand like Arc’teryx, which shares her unwavering values, played a pivotal role in her decision to become a part of our community.

In her role as Chief Product Officer, Michelle spearheaded Arc’teryx’s transformation from a wholesale- centric enterprise into a truly global vertical brand. Her leadership involves cultivating, guiding, and mentoring teams to foster connections with our guests and communities across the globe. A Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) by training, she embarked on a journey from public practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 to shaping the trajectory of lululemon, facilitating its evolution into a globally recognized public company. Her most recent venture before Arc’teyrx saw her conceptualizing product, distribution, and merchandising strategies in her capacity as the Chief Operating Officer for Saje Natural Wellness.

Born in Whitehorse, Yukon, and having moved to Dease Lake as a young child before eventually settling in Smithers, BC, Michelle hails from a lineage of small northern towns. She finds solace enveloped by mountains and trees, a connection rooted in her upbringing. Michelle firmly believes in the transformative influence of spending time in nature and she embraces the privilege of contributing to the creation of products that anable our communities to get outside.

Appears on Episode(s): 7

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Founder & CEO, Virtual Gurus

Bobbie Racette, Founder & CEO of Virtual Gurus, is a Cree-Metis woman entrepreneur with an unmatched ability to drive change and empower historically underrepresented communities through equitable remote work opportunities. Her passion has created a community of diverse talents where “no” is not an option. Bobbie was named Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist 2023, and has been bestowed as the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year by the Gustavson School of Business 2023.

Appears on Episode(s): 8

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Principal & Founding Partner, ServcoCanada

Brad brings over 35 years of progressive leadership in the industrial construction industry. Known for tackling technically complex projects from start to finish, he has propelled his company, ServcoCanada, to become a leader in Canadian industrial construction.
Founded in 2001 on Treaty 1 Territory, ServcoCanada has since expanded across five provinces, exemplifying indigenous inclusion through the development of strong partnership with First Nations, based on trust, economic opportunity, and social well-being, Brad believes that responsible business involves meaningful inclusion and deep respect for Indigenous culture and values.

Brad’s dedication to refining processes for enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and cost management builds a cooperative model that values teamwork and shared goals among clients, administrators, and contractors, setting Servco apart in a field otherwise marred by competitive tension.
Brad’s passions extend far beyond his professional life and include many philanthropic ventures. Most notably through the Samantha Mason Foundation, which was created in memory of his youngest daughter Sam and is dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives for Canadian youth across the country. His efforts were nationally recognized in 2023 with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, honoring his significant contributions to community and country.

Appears on Episode(s): 8

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President & CEO, Securiguard

Meet Robin, the passionate President & CEO of Securiguard Services Limited – Canada’s largest exclusively Canadian safety and security solutions experts. Robin champions an award-winning corporate culture that is value driven and encourages leadership from the front and by example with a spirit of collaboration, and ceaseless innovation.

Robin has a commitment to giving back, by developing talent to realize their potential and by supporting the communities within which Securiguard is proud to live and keep safe. He is dedicated to the growth and empowerment of everyone around him, be it his esteemed colleagues at Securiguard, his three remarkable sons, or fellow entrepreneurs seeking mentorship and a sounding board.
Robin’s breadth of experience across diversified industries and as an entrepreneur provides a foundation for his drive to instill in Canadians a feeling of safety, security and pride in the potential of our great country. Ideas, strategy, and culture are important, but execution is paramount – the critical element that transforms vision into reality. Execution is everything.

Appears on Episode(s): 9

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CEO, NACCA

Shannin Metatawabin is Cree/Inninow from the Peetabeck Community of the Mushkegowuk Nation. He is CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), an organization representing a national network of 50+ Indigenous Financial Institutions that spur economic growth through loans to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses. He has personally assisted with well-over 300 Indigenous business start-ups and expansions. 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.

Appears on Episode(s): 9

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CEO, ITAC

Mr. Keith Henry is a Métis person, born in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Mr. Henry achieved a B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan in 1995. Mr. Henry has become an international Indigenous cultural tourism leader receiving recognition as the former CEO for Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia (ItBC). In April 2014 the inaugural World Indigenous Tourism Alliance award recognized the work of AtBC and Mr. Henry’s leadership. Mr. Henry has been spearheading the growth of authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada as he worked to redevelop the national Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as elected chair when this organization incorporated in April 2015. In October 2015 Mr. Henry took the full time role as the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s CEO.

Appears on Episode(s): 9

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CEO of Vancity Community Investment Bank, and Chief Risk Officer of Vancity, Vancity

Nez Aquino is the Interim President and CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union. She is also the Interim CEO of Vancity’s federally chartered bank, Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB). With over two decades of experience in the financial sector, Nez firmly believes that banking plays a vital role in addressing systemic challenges and advancing the well-being of our communities.
Prior to becoming CEO, Nez served as Vancity’s Chief Risk Officer, where she oversaw credit, legal services and enterprise risk management functions while building the organization’s capacity to make timely and strategic decisions.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nez actively contributes to her community through extensive volunteer work. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and has previously held board positions at Megaphone Magazine, Pacific Blue Cross and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. She is also an enthusiastic opera lover and finds joy in cooking and practicing yoga during her spare time.

Appears on Episode(s): 9

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President, Four Economics

Tamara Goddard, of the Saulteau Nation, believes that access to clean water, housing, power, and water are fundamental human rights, and are necessary for humanity to innovate a future in balance with the Earth and all of life. She spent 25+ years studying various social and economic systems finding that many limit humanity’s abilities to flourish. Her research and educational pursuits were fuelled by a vision at the age of 19, of a new economic model grounded in natural law and growth patterns of nature.

With Four Our Future, Tamara led multiple national papers highlighting the potential for blockchain and web3 technology to advance equitable access to new markets for Indigenous businesses. Tamara is committed to holding space for the next generation of innovators to create a regenerative economic model upon which people and the planet can thrive.

Tamara received her MBA in Indigenous leadership and business at Simon Fraser University and has assisted hundreds of Indigenous businesses and First Nations corporations from start-up to stability to thriving.

Appears on Episode(s): 2

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Director of Sales and Marketing, Westin Bayshore

Lynsey has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years with a background in both food and beverage and sales. After completing a college diploma at Vancouver Community College she continued onto complete a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In her free time, Lynsey loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Appears on Episode(s): 3

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Executive Director, AFOA BC

Wendy is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager. She also holds a certificate in First Nation Tax Administration through the TULO Centre of Indigenous Economics and Thompson River University. Wendy joined AFOA BC as their Executive Director in 2019. Prior to her role at AFOA BC, Wendy was the Finance Director and Tax Administrator for Sumas First Nation for 7 years.

Wendy’s experience in finance and administration is long and varied as she has worked in the post-secondary education and not-for-profit sectors. She is a firm believer in life-long learning and is happy to bring her experience, knowledge and curiosity to her current role and is honoured to work with all the First Nations in BC.

Appears on Episode(s): 4

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Entrepreneur (DJ and Host), DJ O Show

Orene Askew, aka DJ O Show, brings energy and expertise to every event she DJ’s and hosts. She brings professionalism and passion and remains true to her love for hip hop and R&B, incorporating beats to ensure you never want to leave the dance floor! With an outgoing personality and friendly demeanor, O Show is one of the easiest DJs to work with. From Vancouver to Toronto, Las Vegas to Texas, DJ O Show keeps the dance floor packed, working with clients to put together unique packages and customized playlists for weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, corporate events, restaurant and club openings, charity fundraisers, youth conferences, and pride events in her city! Coming from a diverse background, O Show is driven by her passion. She is Afro-Indigenous and a proud member of the Squamish Nation. Feeling as though she stood out in a unique way, she embraced both her cultural backgrounds and incorporates the teachings she has learned into everything she does. DJ O Show has experience teaching with an inspired approach. She is an inspirational speaker, having traveled across the country to bring ambition and drive to all generations, and is a former member of Squamish Nation Council. She has hosted/MC’d/DJ’d for numerous clients such as The Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, and opened for Kevin Hart and Russell Peters at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. DJ O Show is the recipient of a 2015 BC Indigenous Business Award, a 2018 Stand Out Award from the Vancouver Pride Society, a 2021 Alumni of Excellence Award from Capilano University, and a 2022 International Indigenous Hip Hop Award for DJ of the Year.

Appears on Episode(s): 5

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Founder & Indigenous Relations Strategic Advisor, Chastity Davis-Alphonse

Chastity Davis-Alphonse is a mixed-heritage woman of First Nations and European descent. She is a proud member of the Tla’amin Nation and married into the Tsilhqot’in Nation. Chastity is the sole proprietor of her own multi-award-winning consulting business. She has worked with 125+ First Nation communities in BC and several well-known corporations, companies, not-for-profits, and Indigenous organizations. Chastity’s work is completed in the spirit of reconciliation and focuses on building knowledge and capacities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, organizations, communities, and governments.

Appears on Episode(s): 6

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CEO (Indigenous Initiatives Inc), Executive Director (Bears’ Lair), President (Sunspear Renewables), Indigenous Initiatives Inc., Sunspear Renewables & Bears’ Lair

CEO – Indigenous Initiatives Inc. , Executive Director – Bears’ Lair Television and Youth Camps, President – Sunspear Renewables

Dean is a member of the Metis Nation of Cree descent offering more than 25 years of leadership in Indigenous economic development, and executive advisory experience in high voltage electrical generation, transmission and distribution, and renewable energy; and has worked on project development with over 150 First Nation communities and Indigenous leaders across Canada. He specializes in developing and structuring new business partnerships, community project development, procurement policies, Impact Benefit Agreements, and Indigenous inclusion strategies and is the co-founder and CEO of Indigenous Initiatives Inc. and Sunspear Renewables.

Dean is passionate about collaborative economic development between Indigenous Communities, corporate Canada, government, academia and not-for-profits that respect the cultures and values of Indigenous people. He has a strong history of creating profitable business growth and fostering ESG between First Nations and corporations across Canada; while helping Indigenous communities and businesses realize an increased volume of business activity with further involvement and ownership in large-scale business opportunities.

Dean and his wife Geena Jackson Montgomery (Shíshálh Nation) are the owners and producers of the Bears’ Lair TV show featured on Aboriginal People Television Network (APTN) and the founders and implementers of the Bears’ Lair Youth Entrepreneur Dream Camps. The Nationwide camps provide Industry with the opportunity to engage with First Nation communities by sponsoring 25 Indigenous Youth ages 12 to 18 with opportunities to explore the world of small business, life as an entrepreneur and ways to pave their path to self-reliance. They reside between Vancouver, BC and Hamilton, ON and have four boys that keep them busy in their downtime.

Appears on Episode(s): 7 & 9

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National Tax Leader, Grant Thornton

As National Tax Leader for Grant Thornton Canada, Tara provides oversight and leadership to the tax team across the country in support of ongoing growth and strategic development of our Canadian tax operations. At her principal office on Vancouver Island, Tara’s areas of client work span from complex tax analysis, planning and compliance, to financial analysis and forecasting.
In addition, Tara provides tax services to diverse groups of private and owner-managed businesses and high net worth individuals to ensure they meet their strategic financial and personal objectives.

Since beginning in public practice in 1993, Tara has helped diverse public and private corporations in numerous industries with complex business structuring, strategic planning, project management, business management, and change management.

Tara helps clients navigate full business and lifecycles—from start-up and growth to turnaround situations—and has extensive expertise with all financial aspects of matrimonial negotiations and settlements. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Tara worked at another prominent financial services firm focusing primarily on taxation in the real estate sector. This experience gave her a deep understanding of, and proficiency in, structuring and tax aspects of both private and public real estate investments.

Tara has worked in the financial institutions and real estate division of a Big 4’s tax departments and was seconded to an international financial institution’s internal tax department for six months.

Tara has extensive experience working with Indigenous clients and communities across Western Canada on complex tax structures. She is a frequent speaker on indigenous tax issues at national and regional conferences and seminars. In addition, Tara co-authored a paper entitled Indigenous Taxation which was presented at the 2022 BC Tax Conference held by the Canadian Tax Foundation.

Appears on Episode(s): 8 & 9

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