Arnold White Buffalo Man, a respected Elder of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, showcases profound wisdom inherited from his ancestors. Fluent in Shnakda Nakota and English, he shares teachings as a pipe carrier and sweat lodge holder since the 1980s. Through drum-making workshops, he imparts knowledge, fostering unity and healing within the community.

Jadon, a proud Canadian embracing his Caribbean and European heritage, overcame autism and a learning disability through positive attitude and therapy. Now an honor roll student, he prepares for a carpentry pre-apprenticeship. He’s an equity council member, Vibe group leader, skateboarder, church volunteer, and musician.

Emilie Delorme-Newsom is an Alberta based harpist who formally studied music at the University of British Columbia School of Music. Emilie performs regularly at various events in the Calgary area and enjoys collaborating with other local artists across various music styles.   

Diane is a resilient Blackfoot woman from the Blood tribe and the Southern Blackfeet of Montana. She is a survivor of the Canadian Residential School system and the Mormon Indian Child placement program. With a diploma in office administration and a degree in Social Work from Mount Royal College, she passionately serves as a Front Line worker at Awotaan Healing Lodge.

Diana is an Indigenous Knowledge keeper from Oneida of the Thames, champions social justice for the vulnerable. She has an honor degree in Psychology and is the founder of Indigenous Women Rise Society and Drum Group. Her experience includes assignments at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels ranging from program development to management.

Meet the husband and wife musical duo, Jazz For Lovers. The group is composed of singer and upright bassist, Monica McKernan, and guitarist Julien Sandiford. Based in Montréal, QC, the duo has been playing together for over a decade.

A Ukrainian concert pianist, graduated from Kharkov National University of Arts, performed at Philharmonic, universities, and schools in Ukraine. With over ten years of teaching experience across Europe and online, they’ve garnered awards for creative achievements. Now based in St. John’s, working as a piano teacher at Halliday Music Studio and performing internationally.

Patti is a Mi’kmaq woman. She teaches Introduction to Indigenous Studies in the Transition Year Program and in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She has been called on by local and national media for her expert commentary on diversity, human rights, Indigenous women, and politics and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Born and raised in Toronto of immigrant parents, John Virag joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 17. After serving in Ottawa, Masset BC and Alert NWT, he left the military and joined the public service. Now retired with over 50 years of total service, he plays bagpipes with the RCMP Pipe Band, the Kemptville Legion Pipe band and at many other private events across the area.

Marc Forgette is the founder and facilitator for Makatew Workshops, a Certified Aboriginal Business with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Makatew Workshops provides hands-on cultural awareness workshops to both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous groups.