Guests - Institute for Canadian Citizenship

May 2023

The Sadler Sisters

Singers & Songwriters

She/Her/They

Although their personalities may differ, they share many common musical influences and tastes. Hailing from Winnipeg Manitoba. The Sadler Sisters perform a mixture of pop covers and jazz standards while recently starting to dabble in their own songwriting. They enjoy creating paired-down acoustic arrangements of popular music infused with jazz stylings.

Jason EagleSpeaker

Bestselling Author, Illustrator & Book Publisher Founder of Eaglespeaker Publishing

He/Him

Author, Illustrator and Founder of Eaglespeaker Publishing, he based in Nova Scotia, Canada. Jason travels extensively, creating endless non-fiction works with Indigenous authors from throughout Turtle Island. His hard-hitting true stories focus on revealing the modern experiences of Indigenous people (the strengths and the struggles).

Proper Thing!

Halifax Celtic Folk Group

Proper Thing! is a Halifax Celtic Folk group who’ve all met through work, friends, school and most notably, through music.

Samar El Faki

Singer

She/Her

Samar is a Sudanese-Canadian multi-disciplinary singer from Ottawa. Samar has been performing for as long as she can remember. Samar is currently working on original music.

Sandra DeLaronde, MA LT, LLD (h.c.)

Transformational Human and Organizational Specialist

She/Her

Sandra holds her Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and was awarded a Doctors in Laws by the University of Winnipeg for her lifelong advocacy for Indigenous Women and Girls. Sandra is the principal of Northern Sage Consulting which focuses on human and organizational transformation.

The Sadler Sisters

Singers & Songwriters

She/Her/They

EAK Trio

Musical Trio

The Sadler Sisters with Kasey Kurtz are more than a musical trio! Their musical tastes and influences may differ yet their shared experiences bring forward an ease and chemistry on stage that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Sukruti Tirupattur

Bharatanatyam Performer, Teacher and Yoga Instructor

She/Her

Sukruti Tirupattur is a Bharatanatyam performer, teacher and a Yoga instructor from Bengaluru, India. She moved to Toronto in 2019 to further her career. She is a Bharatanatyam instructor at Citadel + Compagnie and an Associate Artist at Nova Dance.

Philip Cote

Young Spiritual Elder, Indigenous Artist, Activist, Educator, Historian and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper

He/Him

Philip Cote, MFA of Moose Deer Point First Nation is a graduate of OCAD University’s Interdisciplinary Art Media and Design Masters program. Cote has been exploring ancient ways of communicating Ancestral Knowledge through Mural Painting and Oral Traditions of Storytelling and their Spiritual Cosmology.

Lila Ntumba

Musician

She/Her

Lila Ntumba was born and raised in Kinshasa, DR of Congo, and has been a Toronto resident for the past 6 years. Lila currently works in the field of Change Management, and on her spare time enjoys trying different foods and listening to music.

Brian Baggett

Chapman Stick Soloist

He/Him

The only Chapman Stick performer in Saskatchewan, Brian Baggett showcases masterful original compositions and colorfully arranged standards from various genres. Brian is a 27-year veteran of the 10-stringed, 2-handed tapping instrument.

Paulina Salisbury

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Paulina Salisbury is a young woman full of energy, with contagious positivity. She has been immersed in music since her early childhood. She is the winner of the 2022 Nouvelle Scène singing-songwriting competition, where she also received the People’s Choice Award.

Grandmother Brenda Dubois

Grandmother (kokum) from Muscowpetung First Nation

She/Her

Brenda Dubois has worked extensively in the areas of child welfare, human justice and environmental issues. She believes that practicing culture and traditions is important for people to continually learn and evolve.

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe

Poet and Spoken Word Artist

She/Her

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe is a Nigerian-South African poet and spoken word artist. While completing her degree in Kinesiology at The University of Calgary, she explored her love for performance and connecting with the arts community.

Crislyne

Vocalist

She/Her

Crislyne is a born and raised Calgarian whose parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines and Vietnam. The Canadian vocalist is the current 2022 Best Vocalist Winner of the Intercontinental Music Awards.

Dorothy Thunder

Cree Instructor

She/Her

Dorothy Thunder is a Plains Cree (nêhiyawiskwêw) from Little Pine First Nation, Saskatchewan and full-time Cree instructor in Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta. She completed her BA in Native Studies in June 2002 and MSc in Linguistics in December 2015

Ellie Heath

Singer Songwriter, Copywriter, Playwright and Producer

She/Her

Ellie Heath is a champion of arts, local business and community building in Edmonton. She is a founding member of the sketch comedy troupe, Girl Brain, as well as a singer songwriter, copywriter, playwright, producer and all around creative human being.

Jesse Crowley

Musician

He/Him

Jesse Crowley has been writing, performing, and collaborating on musical projects since he was a child, playing on stages across Canada and overseas. For the past several years, Jesse has been performing with the Grindstone Theatre.

François Tremblay

Director General, Human Resources, Strategic Planning and Institutional Services

He/Him

François Tremblay joined the National Film Board of Canada as Director General, Human Resources, in 2011 and was promoted to Director General, Human Resources, Strategic Planning and Institutional Services, in 2015.

Ainsley McNeaney

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Ainsley McNeaney is a Montréal-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music educator and composer with an honour’s degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Toronto.

Andrea An

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Andrea An is a multi-talented pop, R&B, and country artist. The Vietnamese-Canadian singer/songwriter has performed at notable festivals including The Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Country Thunder, and Trifecta Music Festival.

April 2023

Evelyn “It’s Ev” Nkuba

Singer-Songwriter & Poet

She/Her

Evelyn who goes by “It’s Ev” is a Canadian singer/songwriter and poet. Evelyn was born in Arlington, Virginia and has lived in 5 countries, primarily being raised in Ottawa, Canada. There she discovered and continued to explore her love for music and writing.

Gurpreet Chana

Musician

He/Him

Gurpreet Chana is a student of music, engineering, composing, & performing live. Informed by the language of the Tabla, his multi-instrumental musical practice seeks to engage melody and rhythm as a way of supporting interpersonal communion.

Supinderjit Singh Rattan

Founder of U Foundation

He/Him

Supinderjit Singh Rattan is an active community leader and a community builder. Since immigrating to Canada in 1998, Supinderjit Singh Rattan has genuinely embraced the Canadian values of humanity, dignity, respect, and inclusivity. Mr. Rattan devotes much of his time to helping the most vulnerable in our community.

Dr. Laura Forsythe

Michif Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg

She/Her

Dr. Laura Forsythe is a Michif Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education. Forsythe’s research focus is Métis-specific contributions to the academy, Métis inclusion efforts, Métis research methodologies, and educational sovereignty.

Murray Jowett

Violinist & Fiddler

He/Him

Murray Jowett is a violinist and fiddler from Winnipeg, Manitoba, located in Treaty 1 territory. He is known for his wide range of styles drawn from the diverse regions and people of Canada.

Ingrid D. Johnson

Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Short Film Maker & Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Ingrid D. Johnson is a Jamaican/ Canadian published poet, spoken word recording artist, short film maker, and singer-songwriter who found her musical dream within a dream years ago, awaking to the humming of her first song that has led to a 16+ year career filled with soulful, socially conscious, poignant songwriting.

Dr. Richard Vedan

Associate Professor Emeritus and Elder Scholar of the Secwepemc First Nation

He/Him

Dr. Richard Vedan, Secwepemc Nation, is Professor Emeritus University of British Columbia, past Director First Nations House of Learning; and Sr. Advisor Aboriginal Affairs to UBC’s President.

Jeff Bryant

Songwriter

He/Him

Jeff Bryant is a songwriter based in Vancouver. Driven by a desire to share his music with heartfelt sincerity, Jeff is on a mission to forge genuine connections with others.

Spring Ahead

Acoustic Duo

Jeff Bryant and Kraig Waye began harmonizing together the day they first met in 2007.

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe

Poet and Spoken Word Artist

She/Her

Malaika Hailey

Soul & R&B Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Malaika Hailey is a Kenyan-born soul and R&B singer-songwriter who now calls Calgary her home. Malaika’s music is inspired by her surroundings and loved ones, and she believes in leading with love and pursuing elevation in all things.

Jamie Thomas

He/Him

Jamie Thomas was born and raised in the village of Snuneymuxw. Raised in the teachings of family with a foundation in respect, self-sufficiency and helping one another with shared responsibilities and accountability to all. Moving forward, Jamie plans on using the tools of the society and continuing in a good way.

Ainsley McNeaney

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Ainsley McNeaney is a Montréal-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music educator and composer with an honour’s degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Toronto.

Gabriel Campagne

Folk Musician

He/Him

Born into a family of musicians, you could say Gabriel Campagne comes by his talents honestly. Raised on the folk touring circuit, he refined his vocal skills studying classical voice at McGill University, but his compulsive writing habit in both French and English brought him back to the music of his people.

Sedalia Fazio

Elder, Mohawk

She/Her

Sedalia Fazio, native Kahnawake, is a very active elder within the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community. She is frequently invited as elder and speaker in public events, conferences, and seminars. She represents and defends Autochthons’ rights in Canada.

Dr. Imelda Perley, Opolahsomuwehs

Elder | Wolastoqew (Maliseet) from Tobique First Nation, St. Mary’s First Nation and Houlton Band of Maliseets

She/Her

Dr. Perley is Wolastoqew, Muskrat and Fox Clan. She is active in reviving her traditional language through tweets, teaching courses and language Apps.

Colleen Power

Singer-Songwriter & Broadcaster

She/Her

Colleen Power is an award-winning, bilingual singer/songwriter and broadcaster based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Colleen’s songwriting adventures come to life as host of Bell Fibe TV 1’s mini-series Sing Me Home, when she explores her province’s most uniquely named communities to learn their stories, and then compose and record songs about them.

Sunflower Duo

Musical Duo

Sunflower Duo is an international duo, formed in the fall of 2022; Maria and Alla have already performed multiple times in St. John’s over the past several months.

March 2023

Tiffany Ponce

R&B/Pop Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Tiffany Ponce is an award-winning R&B/pop singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a follow-up to the release of her debut album “Only the Beginning”, Ponce released her sophomore album “Gratitude” in dedication to her supportive Filipino parents.

Joyce German

Jazz Saxophonist & Vocalist

She/Her

Joyce German is a South Sudanese Canadian Jazz Saxophonist & Vocalist. She plays with numerous bands in the city and is one of the many great young & uprising jazz musicians in Winnipeg’s Jazz Scene.

Priscilla Kerr

Physician & Spokesperson

She/Her

Priscilla Kerr Hatae is a Brazilian Physician who came to Canada as a Manitoba Skilled Worker Immigrant with her husband. Since 2009, she has been volunteering to represent and defend the rights and duties of thousands of members all over Canada and MB. Her dream is to get Acupuncture recognized as a Health Care Profession like other Canadian provinces and to open her own Wellness Center.

Miranda Currie

Multi-Disciplinary Musician

She/Her

Miranda Currie is a northern Indigenous multi-disciplinary artist living in Yellowknife. She walks in two worlds, with one foot in her Swampy Cree heritage and the other foot in her Euro-Canadian ancestry.

Margaret Thom

Commissioner of the Northwest Territories

She/Her

Mrs. Margaret Thom was appointed as the 17th Commissioner of the Northwest Territories on June 26, 2017. She is very active in the North as an educator, counselor, facilitator and volunteer with many years of service to the people of the Northwest Territories.

Randy Morin

Storyteller, Author & Language Keeper

He/Him

Randy Morin is a teacher, storyteller and English-Cree translator from the Big River First Nation, Treaty Six area. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies and Bachelor of Education Degree.

Kris Klyne

Singer, Guitar Player and Songwriter

He/Him

Kris Klyne is a singer, guitar player and songwriter from Saskatoon, Canada. Also known as the front man for hard rock band Firing At The Sky and former award-winning metal band Morally Sound, Kris’s solo music takes a departure from his edgy sound to a lighter pop/rock/country approach.

Kelly Van Damme

Head of Learning & Engagement

She/Her

Kelly Van Damme is the Head of Learning & Engagement at Remai Modern. She has worked at the museum since 2004, and previously she taught art and education courses at the University of Saskatchewan.

YXE Quartet

Musicians

They/Them

Jacqueline Nutting (violinist) and Scott McKnight (cello) are founding members of the YXE Quartet, which had its inception in 2019. The YXE Quartet performs for events around the city and offers a wide array of musical genres.

Ervad Xerxes Madan

President of Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation

He/Him

A Chemical Engineer and MBA from Mumbai, India, Xerxes is the Commercial Manager for Cargill Bioindustrial managing the business in Canada. As a volunteer, Xerxes has served as the President of Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF).

Elder Ann LaBillois

Elder in Residence at Dalhousie University

Ann LaBillois is a Mi’gmaw Elder from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar). Ms. Elder Ann LaBillois grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, moved back to Eel River Bar, worked as an addiction’s counsellor for 12 yrs.

Adrian House

Singer-Songwriter

He/Him

Adrian House is a bilingual singer-songwriter from St. John’s, NL. Winner of the 2022 Government of NL Arts & Letters Award, Adrian was a finalist at the 2022 Gala de la chanson de Caraquet, N.B.

Alla Melnychuk

Concert Pianist

She/Her

Alla Melnychuk, concert pianist from Ukraine. She graduated from Kharkiv National University of Arts. An experienced concert pianist, she has been teaching piano for more than a decade in many European countries such as Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Italy and continues to teach them online. She has been honoured with various awards for outstanding creative and intellectual achievement in many international competitions.

Samir Manji

President, Ismaili Council for British Columbia

He/Him

Samir has a Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree (Accounting) from the University of Waterloo. He is the CEO of a private equity firm in Vancouver and a public real estate investment trust. He has previously served as Chairman of the Economic Planning Board for Canada and on the Board of FOCUS Canada.

Arwant Kang

Lawyer and Musician

He/Him

Arwant is a lawyer at an immigration and family law lawyer at a prominent boutique law firm in Downtown, Vancouver.

Jamie Thomas

He/Him

Andrea Superstein

Jazz Musician

She/Her

Andrea Superstein is one of the most versatile voices in music today, dubbed as “redefining jazz” her debut performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival earned her a Galaxie Rising Star nomination and launched her squarely into the limelight.

Terry Young

Program Manager, Indigenous Studies and Community Engagement Initiative

He/Him

Terry Young is Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet). He hails from Kingsclear First Nation located in New Brunswick. For the last 15 years, he’s resided on the Kanienkehaka Territory of Tiotake (Montreal) with his husband Justin Mahoney.Young holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Thomas University, with a double major in Native Studies and Anthropology.

Julie Jodoin

Director of Montréal Space for Life

She/Her

Julie Jodoin has been appointed as the Director of Montréal Space for life in 2022, after a successful interim period of two years during which time she oversaw the integration of the Biosphere as the 5th institution of Montréal Space for life and the grand opening of the Insectarium.

Sheenah Ko

Synth-Pop Artist

She/Her

The Montreal-based synth-pop artist, who is also a core member of Canadian indie darlings Besnard Lakes, hit the spotlight in 2020 with the release of her debut full-length album, Nowhere in Time. The album garnered substantial press, national radio airplay on CBC Radio, and a Top 10 spot on the NCRA Canadian Campus Radio Electronic charts.

The Melisizwe Brothers

Musicians

He/Him/They

The Melisizwe Brothers – Marc, Seth and Zacary – from Leduc, Alberta Canada are three multi-talented brothers who have received international recognition for their incredible musical talent. The Melisizwe Brothers have established themselves as “America’s Most Musical Family” scoring a recording contract with the world’s top leading music company “Republic Records”.

Dorothy Thunder

Cree Instructor

She/Her

February 2023

Chucks Okafor

Real Estate Advisor

He/Him

Chucks is a global real estate advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty. A former professional athlete in the Canadian Football league, Chucks has combined his dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence to cater to the real estate needs of discerning individuals and their families globally and in Calgary’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Outside of real estate, Chucks is a board member and co-founder of The Calgary Black Chambers and volunteers as a football coach at Centennial High School.

Lowa Beebe

Speaker, Facilitator, Consultant and Writer

She/Her

Lowa is a proud member of the Piikani Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy & Treaty 7. She is recognized for her work in Public Relations, Advocacy, Governance, Media, Strategy and Communications.

Dallas Hayes-Sparks

Opera Singer

She/Her

Dallas Hayes-Sparks is a singer – specializing in opera – from Calgary, Alberta. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia majoring in opera performance and psychology. She is also an honours graduate of the Mount Royal Vocal Academy for Gifted Students.

Brian Desjardins

Executive Director of the Hangar Flight Museum

He/Him

Brian has used his passion to lead and grow organizations. Throughout his career, Brian Desjardins has accumulated a wealth of experience and proven record of success in tourism, recreation, government, and nonprofit sectors to lead and grown organizations.

Scott Tannas

Senator

He/Him

Senator Tannas is the only current Senator (and 5th in Parliament’s history) whose appointment to the Upper Chamber came as the result of a public election process. He is a founding member and Leader of the Canadian Senators Group. He is making Senate Reform one of his key priorities as a Senator and was a founding member of the Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization, which delivered a series of reports advocating sweeping changes to the operations of the Senate.

Priscille Buckahsa

Spoken Word Artist

She/Her

Priscille is a writer, poet, spoken word artist and a teaching artist based in Calgary; she has been writing and performing for over 12 years. She has had the opportunity to be the supporting act and headliner at various popular events in both Calgary and Edmonton. Her versatility and talent have enabled her to perform at a variety of venues such as the 6 Degrees conference, churches, universities, schools, and marketing campaigns such as ATB Listen.

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe

Poet and Spoken Word Artist

She/Her

Ellie Heath

Singer Songwriter, Copywriter, Playwright and Producer

She/Her

Dr. Miriam Sekandi

Author, Speaker, Parenting Life Coach, Intercultural Educator and Consultant

She/Her

Dr. Miriam Sekandi is an ardent educator who uses both her voice and writing, to lovingly impart wisdom into everyone who experiences her presence. Since moving to Canada 18 years ago to pursue graduate studies, Dr. Miriam made it her life’s work to combat ancestral and generational trauma that gets passed down through families, in the form of unhealthy parenting practices and intercultural disparities.

Randy Morin

Storyteller, Author & Language Keeper

He/Him

Connor Derraugh

Jazz Musician

He/Him

Connor holds a Jazz Performance Degree from the University of Manitoba with a double major in piano and saxophone. He has performed at numerous events including the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, the Downtown Concert Series, the Asper Jazz Series, the Assiniboine Park’s Jazz in the Garden and Summer Concert Series and plays with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.

The Sadler Sisters

Singers & Songwriters

She/Her/They

Sandra DeLaronde, MA LT, LLD (h.c.)

Transformational Human and Organizational Specialist

She/Her

Lila Ntumba

Musician

She/Her

Kristen Prince

Saxophone Player and Singer

She/Her

Kristen is a Port Credit based saxophone player and singer. She has performed with many artists including the Arkells, Canadian legend Andy Kim, Lowest of the Low, My Son the Hurricane, and 4-time Juno nominee Tom Barlow.

Brenda Wastasecoot

Indigenous Assistant Professor

She/Her

Brenda Wastasecoot is Cree from York Factory First Nation and was born in Churchill, Manitoba. Her teaching career began at Brandon University in the First Nations & Aboriginal Counselling Degree from 2000 – 2008. She came to study at OISE Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and completed her Ph.D. in 2016.

Karen Mazurkewich

Vice-President of Stakeholder Relations and Communications

She/Her

Karen Mazurkewich joined the GTAA in June 2022 and is the Vice-President of Stakeholder Relations and Communications. She leads a diverse team covering Media, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, Corporate Marketing and Design and Sustainability and Social Impact

January 2023

Jason EagleSpeaker

Bestselling Author, Illustrator & Book Publisher Founder of Eaglespeaker Publishing

He/Him

Emmanuel Solomon

Tenor

He/Him

Emmanuel Solomon (tenor) is a burgeoning artist honing his artistry in several genres ranging from Classical, Christian, to Afro-western fusion and Popular music. Since living in Halifax, he has had the privilege of featuring in several performances across the city, including recitals at the Government House, as guest soloist with the Symphony Nova Scotia, the Cecilia Concerts among others.

ScotianAires Chorus

A Cappella Chorus

The ScotianAires Chorus is an award-winning women’s a cappella chorus specializing in four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Directed by Sue Kember, its 60+ members are a diverse group of women of all ages from across the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Daniel Gallivan

Member of the Board of Directors at VIA Rail

He/Him

Mr. Gallivan is a Senior Partner in the Atlantic Canada law firm of Cox & Palmer. He has been the Chief Executive Officer of Cox & Palmer since 2003 and was Managing Partner of the Halifax office from 2003 to 2012. Mr. Gallivan is a member of the Bar Societies for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997.

Samuel Crowfoot

Lawyer

He/Him

Samuel Crowfoot is a graduate of Utah Valley State College (A.S.), Brigham Young University (B.A.) and the University of Wisconsin Law School (J.D.). Originally from Siksika, Alberta. Currently, he is serving his second term as a councillor for the Siksika Nation located in Alberta, Canada, where he works in the areas of health, business, social services, public safety, and land claims.

Ben Spencer

Poet, Songwriter, Performer and Producer

He/Him

Poet, songwriter, performer and producer Ben Spencer has released four full-length albums of original songs, playing nation-wide to a growing fan-base. A folk-festival mainstay and multi-media maker, Ben is passionate about lyrical invention and storytelling through song, delivered over a blazing guitar finger-style. After spending ten years in Montreal, he has recently relocated back to Edmonton.

Dana Wylie

Folk Musician

She/Her

Dana Wylie is a singer-songwriter whose work is rootsy and spacious, thought-provoking and soulful, with a crystal-clear voice that slides effortlessly between strength and vulnerability.

Dr. Bululu Kabatakaka

PhD, Professor

He/Him

Dr. Bululu Kabatakaka has more than thirty years of experience in post-secondary education in Canada and in various French-speaking countries in Africa. He is passionate about inspiring people from all walks of life to pursue education for continuous improvement.

Zane Allison

Member of Garden River First Nation

He/Him

Zane is a member of Garden River First Nation and a direct descendant of Chief Shingwaukonse. As a recent graduate from Algoma University, he will be furthering his education in Indigenous Land Management. In the summer of 2022, he was working at Lake Superior Provincial Park as a discovery ranger learning about and teaching visitors the history of the park and sharing the stories behind the Agawa pictographs.

Aleksi Campagne

Indie-Folk Musician

He/Him

Aleksi Campagne is uniquely qualified to offer a contemporary, indie-folk take on the time-honoured fiddle-singing tradition.

Gabriel Campagne

Folk Musician

He/Him

Sheenah Ko

Synth-Pop Artist

She/Her

Lucas Zimbel

Musician

He/Him

Lucas Choi Zimbel is one of the hardest working musicians in Montreal’s English language folk scene. With monthly residencies in the city’s most respected cultural spaces and bars, he has been putting up an impressive number of shows since 2014. For his solo act, he mostly finger-picks his way through colourful chords on the acoustic guitar.

December 2022

Ben Cottrill

Soulful Folk-Rock Artist

He/Him

Ben Cottrill is a spirited west-coast artist with a soulful Folk-Rock sound, shaped by a decade of performing on streets across Canada. Blending live vocal looping with the warm rhythms of piano & guitar.

Ben Dunhill

Singer, Pianist, Producer & Arranger

He/Him

Ben has played over 1500 professional shows as a singer/pianist as well as serving as a musical director for the Sassy Awards, and the University of Fraser Valley. In 2022 Ben Performed alongside Mathew V at the Legendary Massey Hall. Ben also works as a composer having written music for TV shows such as “Momondays” and “When paintings come alive”. He was named “One of the ten artists to look out for” by the Vancouver press in 2016.

North Saskatchewan Regiment Pipes and Drums

Traditional Bag Piper Performers

The North Saskatchewan Regiment Pipes and Drums are based in Saskatoon, SK under the command of Pipe Major Craig Shirley. Comprised mostly of volunteers, and a few enlisted members, the band is active in the community and participates in both military and civilian parades.

Bruce Sinclair

Metis Theatre Artist & Teacher

He/Him

Bruce Sinclair is a Metis theatre artist, teacher, student of the nehiyawewin (Cree) and Michif languages and is currently based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Bruce formed an artistic entity, miyoteh performance that will develop and produce works based on working with Indigenous artists, youth, elders, the nehiyawewin\michif languages as well as artistic collaborations with diverse communities

Alla Melnychuk

Concert Pianist

She/Her

Cheryl Simon

Assistant Professor

Her/She

Cheryl Simon is an Assistant Professor who will teach Property and Special Issues in Aboriginal Law and Indigenous Governance at the law school. She is a proud Mi’kmaq woman from Epekwitk (PEI) with extensive experience in community-based policy development. She completed her BA in Native Studies from the University of Lethbridge and a law degree from the University of Victoria.

Becca Bartlett

Singer & Songwriter

She/Her

Becca Bartlett is a 19 year old Newfoundland singer/songwriter and performer. She enjoys playing original songs and covers. In 2021, Becca was awarded the Focus on Youth Performing Individual award by the City of Mount Pearl, in recognition of her involvement in the local entertainment industry.. Her original song “Calypso” was produced and performed by local musician Pete, and her first single “Dreams were made for sleeping” will be available on all major streaming platforms.

Wendy Philips

Elder from the Bald Eagle Clan

She/Her

Wendy is of the Bald Eagle Clan; She is Pot-ta-wat-to-me and Ojibwa and a proud member of Was-sauk-sing First Nation in the heart of the Muskokas. She is a keeper of the 8th Fire Prophecies, Keeper of the Ancient Thunderbird Calendar, Ceremonial Leader, Spiritual Educator, Cultural Innovator and Traditional Indigenous Healer. In 2018, Wendy was awarded the Community Medal for Scarborough/Guildwood from M.P John McKay and she was also a recipient for the Remarkable Woman Award.

Terry Young

Program Manager, Indigenous Studies and Community Engagement Initiative

He/Him

Justin Birco

Musician, Artist, Singer & Song Writer

He/Him

Justin Birco; a soulful artist with fundamentals based in Blues/Funk/Pop and Rock n’ Roll,  is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and Holistic Health enthusiast with over 13+ years of experience. The Scarborough native is currently recording his EP, which will be titled “13”, and is releasing it in 2023. Follow @justinbirco on all social media for more details! 

Karla Briones

Business Strategist

She/Her

Karla Briones is a business strategist that coaches new immigrants, BIPOC and underrepresented business owners on becoming successful entrepreneurs with scalable ventures. 

Rhonda Downey

Settlement Trainer

She/Her

Rhonda Downey is a Settlement Trainer at YMCA, Newcomer Connections.  Working as an English teacher for over 10 years and then as a Settlement Trainer for over 6 years, Rhonda has applied her passion to help others learn about culture differences and help newcomers to settle in New Brunswick.  Newcomer Connections provides wraparound services to clients, taking a holistic approach to assistance with community connections, language, employment supports and settlement orientation. 

Britta Badour

Artist, Poet, Entertainer, and Educator

She/Her

Britta B. is a Toronto based award-winning artist, poet, entertainer, and educator. Her work has featured in notable spheres such as The Walrus Talks, TEDx, as well as international literature festivals like Women of the World Poetry Slam and LitFest Bergen. Her debut poetry collection, Wires that Sputter, will be released Spring 2023.

Randy Morin

Storyteller, Author & Language Keeper

He/Him

Brontae Hunter

Singer, Songwriter and Actress

She/Her

Brontae Hunter is a singer, songwriter and actress based in Tiohtià:ke (aka Montréal). She released her début studio album and audio play, The Jubilant Opus of the Day in 2021. She now splits her time between her local jazz scene in Montréal, and her alternative rock project, Gardenia Blue.

November 2022

KTheChosen

Performer, Singer and Activist

He/Him

Born in Zimbabwe and currently based in Calgary, Hip-hop artist and TEDx speaker, KTheChosen writes lyrics that are both entertaining and enlightening.

Isadore

R&B Singer & Songwriter

She/Her

Isadore is a R&B singer/songwriter based in Toronto whose soulful melodies and soft voice chronicle her ever-evolving relationship with herself and others. Touching on topics such as mental health and feelings of uncertainty, Isadore aims to connect to those also finding themselves unsure of which path to take and how to find happiness in a world that seems foreign and overwhelming. Her singing style lends itself to years of musical infatuation with genres such as soul, R&B and its various sub-genres whose own pioneers also led with their hearts on their sleeves, unashamed of baring their souls, and giving a voice to those who couldn’t find the words to express themselves as freely

Lowa Beebe

Speaker, Facilitator, Consultant and Writer

She/Her

Lowa is a proud member of the Piikani Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy & Treaty 7. She is recognized for her work in Public Relations, Advocacy, Governance, Media, Strategy and Communications.

Frances Koncan

Playwright & Director

She/Her

Frances Koncan (she/they) is an Anishinaabe and Slovene writer originally from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty 3 territory. They are currently based in Treaty 1 territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they work as a playwright and journalist. They are currently the Writer-in-Residence at the Winnipeg Public Library.

Nikki Komaksiutiksak

Inuit Throat Singer & Teacher

She/Her

Nikki is an Inuit woman from Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut. She currently works for the Department of Manitoba Justice. Nikki has found the strength to preserve her “Inukness” living in the southern part of Canada. Nikki uses her knowledge and understanding of the south to assist other Inuit moving to the big city.

Kevin Deer

Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse

He/Him

Kanahsohon Kevin Deer from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. For the last 30 years involved in Mohawk Language retention and revitalization. He is also a Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse which involves knowing sacred songs, dances and rituals. He enjoys discussing and presenting the Iroquoian world views, history and philosophy. He was involved in the Kahnawake Police Commission from 2005 to 2015.

Dr. Laura Forsythe

Michif Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg

She/Her

Katie Tupper

Neo Soul-Singer

She/Her

Katie Tupper, a 24-year-old neo-soul musician, embodies that spirit of boundary-pushing, genre-defying artists at work within the often-overlooked region. Her latest EP Towards The End – a sultry, glittering debut that showcases Tupper’s mastery as a musician, writer and producer, and is an ode to love, identity and the inextricable ways the two entwine.

Dr. Sabrina Jafralie

PhD, Educator, Change maker, Activist

She/Her

Dr. Sabrina Jafralie has led an impressive career as a secondary school teacher and a university course lecturer in her 21 years. Her research includes teacher education, curriculum design, equity and religious literacy and purposeful dialogue.

Takeyce

Afro-Jamaican-Canadian Singer & Songwriter

She/Her

Afro-Jamaican-Canadian,Singer-Songwriter, daughter of Jamaica’s Pioneer of Gospel, Claudelle Clarke. She began to follow her mother’s footsteps at the age of five in full force. She has performed in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Shy to sing off stage but a tigress on. She is captivating, eclectic with a deep soulful voice

Gabrielle Cloutier

Singer, Animator and Vocal Teacher

She/Her

Singer, animator and vocal teacher, especially with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, Gabrielle is immersed from an early age in the discovery of the human being in its fascinating diversity.

The Sadler Sisters

Singers & Songwriters

She/Her/They

Amber Epp

Jazz Singer

She/Her

Amber Epp performs uplifting vocal jazz music with a rhythmic beat. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and loves to meet and interact with newcomers to Canada. Amber has performed across our country, and won a Western Canadian Music Award for one of her four albums. She also supports newcomers in Canada by teaching English to refugees. Please enjoy this original song by Canadian artist, Amber Epp.

Banafsheh Taherian

Writer & Storyteller

She/Her

Banafsheh Taherian is a writer and bilingual (Farsi, English) actress who has recently been cast with a reoccurring role on the “#16 Hudson” series on TVO Kids.

Grandmother Kim Wheatley

Ojibwe Anishinaabe Grandmother from Shawanaga First Nation Reserve

She/Her

Grandmother Kim Wheatley carries the spirit name Head or Leader of the Fireflower.

Delaney Rose

Songwriter

She/Her

Canadian songwriter, Delaney Rose, who is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is an inspiring, positive and engaging troubadour whose music has been shaped by challenging life experiences, which have transformed her creative spirit into a songsmith who delivers memorable melodies of hope and healing energy.

Jeff Bryant

Songwriter

He/Him

Jeff Bryant is a songwriter based in Vancouver. Driven by a desire to share his music with heartfelt sincerity, Jeff is on a mission to forge genuine connections with others.

Elder Darlene McIntosh

Elder of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation

She/Her

Darlene is an Elder of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. Darlene is the Cultural Advisor in the Aboriginal Resource Centre of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) where she support students, advises faculty and does spiritual work for the wider community.

April May Bellia

Startup Coach, The Optimystic Entrepreneur

She/Her

April loves helping other entrepreneurs in their first years of startup – to support and guide them through the bumps and hurdles that come along.

Elder Ann LaBillois

Elder in Residence at Dalhousie University

ScotianAires Chorus

A Cappella Chorus

Abigail

Country Music Artist

She/Her

Growing up in rural NL, Abigale’s sound and tone come from a different time and another place. Often referred to as an “old soul,” she carries a sincere and genuine country quality throughout her music that complements her grit and determination.

David Daniels (Binesi nin)

Knowledge Holder

He/Him

Knowledge Holder David Daniels or also known as Binesi nin, is a member of the Long Plain First Nation. Daniels participates in educational medicine walks with his community and family.