Guests - Institute for Canadian Citizenship

October 2023

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.

Mamselle Ruiz

Musician

She/Her

Mamselle Ruiz is a Canadian-Mexican-songwriter settled in Montréal, Québec since 2010. Festive, romantic, infused with jazz and Latin American rhythms, her music is influenced by her own North-South mix of cultures.

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.

Anne-Marie Williot

Musician

She/Her

Anne-Marie Williot is a trilingual multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from rural Quebec, and now based in Winnipeg. A honed poet and performer, she writes and sings in a deliciously melodic blend of old and new sounds, often evocative of candle-lit cafes.

Kate Kehler

Director of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg

She/Her

Kate, Executive Director of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg (SPCW), also serves on Immigration Partnership Winnipeg’s Council (IPW). She shares SPCW’s commitment to community-led initiatives addressing inequity and its social consequences.

Carine Bado

Musician

She/Her

Carine, a bilingual Christian artist and songwriter originally from Ivory Coast, now calls Winnipeg her home. Carine’s diverse musical influences, from Pop Rock to French/Afro Contemporary and Gospel, give her a distinctive tone.

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.

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.

Ben Lahring

Musician

He/Him

From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd).

Usman Tahir Jutt

Owner/Operator at McDonald’s Corporation

He/Him

Usman Tahir Jutt, a dedicated father, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, focuses on community development and supporting fellow Albertans amidst a dynamic environment. Named Calgarian of the Year in 2023, Usman’s journey began when he acquired a struggling gas station during his university days.

Sarah Nearing

Actor, Singer, & Playwright

She/Her

Sarah Nearing is an actor, singer, and emerging playwright born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She is a passionate feminist artist who strives to inspire compassion and joy through her work across mediums, including opera, theatre, and film and television.

September 2023

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.

Madison Dartana

Harpist

She/They

Madison, is a versatile harpist specializing in Celtic, classical, and electric harp music. Their passion lies in pushing the boundaries of harp performance and exploring innovative interdisciplinary approaches.

Rebecca Irani

Director of Communications, ISS of BC

She/Her

Rebecca Irani is a global communications strategist with over 18 years of experience in the international development/NGO, non-profit, private, and public sectors. She displays a passion for issues including education, diversity, inclusion, social justice, and sustainability.

Martina Govednik

Mezzo-Soprano

She/Her

Serbian-born Canadian mezzo-soprano Martina Govednik is celebrating 20 years of her life in Canada this year! She moved to Montreal in 2003, where she obtained Master’s in Classical Voice at the McGill Schulich School of Music and has since been a presence on opera and concert stages throughout Canada and Europe.

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.

Erin Drumheller

Multidisciplinary Artist

She/Her

Erin Drumheller is a multidisciplinary artist based in Montréal. Having been initiated to the arts through the study of classical violin, she later expanded her practice to include contemporary dance and circus arts.

Isabelle Saine

Executive Director of the Carrefour d’aide aux nouveaux arrivants

She/Her

Executive Director of the Carrefour d’aide aux nouveaux arrivants, Isabelle Saine has an atypical academic background, combining business administration and religious studies. Once a specialist of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, she has been working in the community sector for the past ten years. She is passionate about improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable, helping others and living-together.

Anjali Caillat

RSE Program Advisor

She/Her

Anjali arrived in Montreal in late 2006 when she was 23. In 2007, she began taking classical voice lessons at Aria Atelier de Chant.

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.

Zohreh Gervais

Musician and Concert Producer

She/Her

Zohreh Gervais, a Winnipeg-based musician and concert producer, is a versatile artist known for her soprano and violin skills. She has curated multimedia concerts as an independent artist and creative director of Polycoro. Highlights include hosting “Red Haus Live,” performing experimental works, and featuring as a soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah.

Dr. Riva Symko

Head of Collections and Exhibitions and Curator of Canadian Art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery

She/Her

Dr. Riva Symko is Head of Collections and Exhibitions and Curator of Canadian Art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She also teaches art history courses at both the University of Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba. Her primary areas of exhibition development and research include twentieth and twenty-first century art, Canadian art, art and climate change, copyright law and the doctrines of fair use/fair dealing, as well as critical and cultural theory including feminist theory, theories of authenticity and originality, historiography, and decolonization pedagogy and methodology.

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.

Michael Afenfia

Lawyer and Author

He/Him

Michael Afenfia is a remarkable Nigerian trained Lawyer and Author whose literary brilliance has captivated readers across the globe. Currently residing in the enchanting province of Saskatchewan, Michael has masterfully crafted a literary career that stands as a testament to his immense talent and unwavering passion for storytelling.

Gerard Weber

Musician

He/Him

Gerard Weber has performed across Canada, the United States and Europe as a soloist and chamber musician. Gerard is currently based in Saskatoon as a performer and private instructor and is currently completing a PhD in Musicology at the University of Western Ontario.

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.

Dr. Eileen Antone

Former Director of Aboriginal Studies/Centre for Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Toronto

She/Her

Dr. Eileen Antone, Emeritus, University of Toronto is a member of the Oneida of the Thames First Nation-Turtle Clan. She is the former Director of Aboriginal Studies/Centre for Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer

Founder and Chief Visionary Officer at Little Canada

He/Him

Mr. Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer at Little Canada, an experience focusing on education and entertainment. With over 35 years of senior executive experience in retail across Europe and North America, he previously held leadership roles in the investment sector, notably with Good Energies Inc. and Fossil Canada.

Vishal Bedi

Flute Player

He/Him

Vishal Bedi, a flute player from Toronto, specializes in playing the Indian flute (Bansuri). After receiving professional training from his Guruji, Vishal Bedi has been captivating audiences for the past ten years in both India and Canada.

Israel Fashola

Singer and Music Director

He/Him

Israel Fashola is an immigrant who currently resides in Canada. He is recognized for his talents as a singer, vocal director, and music director, having collaborated with various accomplished individuals and groups.

Lily Monaghan

Blues/Folk Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Lily Monaghan, a blues/folk singer-songwriter, was born and raised in Edmonton. With her warm and distinctive tone, she captivates listeners by infusing her songs with personal experiences.

Hervé Stéclebout

CEO of Cité des Rocheuses

He/Him

Arriving in Canada in 2011, Hervé Stéclebout has been the CEO of Cité des Rocheuses since 2012. Hervé holds both French and Canadian citizenship and is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Shumaila Hemani

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Shumaila Hemani, Ph.D. is an Alberta-based Sufi singer-songwriter, acousmatic composer, and community-engaged artist sculpting with the sounds of the environment and addressing climate crisis with Sufi poetry from South Asia.

Randy Morin

Storyteller, Author & Language Keeper

He/Him

August 2023

Dr. Donald M. Julien

Historian and Executive Director of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq

He/Him

Dr. Julien is a Mi’kmaw historian and the executive director of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, which has grown under his leadership over the last two decades into one of the most respected tribal councils in Canada. With over 40 years researching and documenting Mi’kmaw history, Donald shares his knowledge and experiences through speaking engagements, university lectures and research papers.

Adria Jackson

Musician

She/Her

Adria Jackson’s silvery and otherworldly voice paired with the deep, haunting tones of her hand-crafted Celtic Lever Harp, made in Annapolis Valley, NS, exquisitely brings traditional ballads and classical songs to life.

Allen Snow

Musician

He/Him

Allen Snow, the recent winner of the Blues recording of the year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, captivates audiences with his raspy and soulful sound.

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.

Dr. Carola Cunningham

Retired CEO at Niginan Housing Ventures

She/Her

Throughout her career, Carola has demonstrated a strong dedication towards bridging cultural differences and creating understanding. Although retired from her role as CEO of Niginan Housing Ventures, which builds, designs, and develops housing initiatives primarily for Indigenous peoples.

Doug Piquette

Executive Director of the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council

He/Him

Doug Piquette, Executive Director of the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council has 15 years of experience working to establish, manage and advance the strategic priorities and direction of his organization. Doug brings a breadth of diverse experience to ERIEC with over 30 years’ experience in project design and management in the community economic development field.

Marek Orszulik

Musician

He/Him

Marek Orszulik completed his MMus in classical guitar performance at the Birmingham Conservatoire. He has appeared as a soloist in festivals and events in Europe and Canada, performed for His Highness, Aga Khan IV, and premiered major works by several composers.

A Cappella York

A Cappella Group

A Cappella York is a mixed-gender a cappella chorus, comprising both male and female members. They delight in singing a diverse repertoire of songs, harmonizing in four parts using the distinctive “barbershop” style.

Lauri Hoeg

Artist and Indigenous Trustee for the York Region District School Board

She/Her

Lauri Hoeg is Anishinaabe Kwe and a proud member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation where she lives, works and creates in her studio by the water called “Eagles in the East”. Lauri also has a degree in Indigenous Governance and Administration and is currently the Indigenous Trustee for the York Region District School Board.

Ian Proudfoot

President of The Sharon Temple Museum Society

He/Him

Ian retired from Metroland Media in 2016 after a career in publishing including 19 years as Vice-President and Regional Publisher. He currently works as Senior Advisor for MP Tony Van Bynen.

Virginia Hackson

Mayor of East Gwillimbury

She/Her

Virginia is the sixth mayor of East Gwillimbury since 1970, and the second woman to hold this position. Virginia is passionate in her position of Mayor, understanding the importance of providing quality Town services for all citizens.

Scot Davidson

Member of Parliament

He/Him

Scot Davidson is the Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe, having been elected in a by-election on February 25, 2019, and re-elected in the 43rd General Election in 2019 and the 44th General Election in 2021.

Cinnamon Sandhu

Musician

She/Her

Cinnamon Sandhu is an artist based in Vancouver, BC. With over 3 years of Indian music training and 2 years of western music training, her musical expertise is diverse.

David Lee

Director of Employment, Language & Social Enterprise at Mosaic

He/Him

Over the last 15 years, David Lee has worked with numerous non-profit organizations, both as a consultant and in leadership roles, with a focus on the social services, local employment and non-profit housing sectors.

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.

Tina Chang

Musician

She/Her

An active musician in Vancouver, Tina has performed across Canada, the US, and Europe. As a recitalist, she has performed with such distinguished artists as Daniel Okulitch, Melody Courage, Lara Ciekiewicz, Manuela Custer, and Alessandra Volpe.

Ingrid D. Johnson

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

She/Her

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.

Rhonda Thompson

President Elect for the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba

She/Her

Mrs. Rhonda is the current President Elect for the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba. She previously held the position of Treasurer for over 6 years. She is an avid community supporter and loves to give back to the community that helped raise her.

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.

Elder Geri Musqua-LeBlanc

Elder

She/Her

Geri is a Saulteaux/Kanawake woman and has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for her work in employment equity and social justice.

Kyla Tilley

Singer-Songwriter

She/Her

Kyla Tilley, the Canadian singer-songwriter, captivates audiences with her intimate live performances, acrobatic guitar playing, and impressive shoe collection

Dr. Shazia Nawaz Awan

Higher Education Practitioner

She/Her

Dr. Shazia Nawaz Awan, an esteemed higher education practitioner at Dalhousie University since 2011, brings extensive international teaching experience, notably in the Middle East and Canada.

Elder Clarence Wolfleg Sr.

Siksika Traditional Spiritual Leader by Siksika Nation and Spiritual Advisor

He/Him

Presently Clarence is recognized as a Siksika Traditional Spiritual Leader by Siksika Nation and is a spiritual advisor (Elder) at MRU, BVC (Iniikokaan Centre), Sunrise Addiction Services, Heritage Park, Calgary Board of Education, SAIT, and City of Calgary.

Jess Knights

Musician

She/Her

Crowned Best Music Act in the 2020 Best of Calgary Awards, Knights is Calgary’s beloved soul-roots sweetheart, leaving a lasting impression with her captivating performances.

Prianka Gill

Director, Newcomer Serving Partnerships

With ten years of experience working in the settlement sector, Prianka has dedicated her time to mitigating the structural and systematic barriers newcomers face.

Sami Valavaara

Singer-Songwriter

I am Sami Valavaara and I am a Metis singer-songwriter. I have a B.A. in music with a focus on guitar.

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