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.
Beyond his impressive literary achievements, Michael is a visionary whose commitment to his craft and dedication to the art of storytelling shine through in every aspect of his work. His unique perspective, honed by his multicultural background, infuses his narratives with a rich tapestry of cultural nuances, giving voice to untold stories and shedding light on diverse human experiences.
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. In Saskatoon, Gerard frequently performs with a number of musical organizations, including the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, the Strata Festival of New Music and the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
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. Dr. Antone served as a faculty member in the Department of Adult Education, Community Development, and Counselling Psychology, as well as the Transitional Year Programme. Eileen currently sits on the University of Toronto Elders’ Circle.
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. With his masterful skills, he delivers a thrilling experience by seamlessly blending Indian classical music with the lively rhythms of Punjabi and Bollywood tunes. His performances leave listeners spellbound and mesmerized.
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. Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer earned his Marketing degree from St. Eligius College, Antwerp, Belgium in 1984. He now resides in Oakville, Ontario, with his wife and four sons, where they have lived since 1999.
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 crises with Sufi poetry from South Asia. Her debut album: Mannat is an immersive experience of deep listening to soundscapes of climate change, the havoc it is bringing on cultures and traditions, and prayers rooted. While opening for Sun Ra Arkestra in 2023, the Sled Island Festival stated, “Hemani had the room in a trance…with her beautiful melodies.” Women in Music Canada inducted Hemani in the 2023 Honor Roll for emerging female voices.
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. Since 2017, he has been actively involved in establishing services for newcomers. Hervé is committed to ensuring that francophiles and francophones in Calgary and its region have access to services in French and can participate in artistic, cultural, and community events in French.
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. Having graduated from Grant MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, where she specialized in vocal performance, Lily continually strives to enhance her abilities and embrace new musical techniques. Her debut EP, released in February 2023, has garnered significant attention, earning her recognition such as the coveted title of “Best New Act of 2023” by Alternative Nation Magazine.
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.
Scot was born and raised in Georgina, Ontario and still resides there with his wife, Suzanne and son, Graydon, who is a fully-qualified firefighter with the Chippewas of Georgina Island Fire Department. Scot attended York University where he graduated with Honours in Economics. He started his business career as a restaurateur in his early 20’s and went on to own and operate several successful business in York Simcoe. Scot has a keen interest in the outdoors and enjoys golfing, fishing and piloting small aircraft.
Living and working within the farming and lakefront community for his entire life, Scot is passionate about his community and is committed to small businesses and the health of Lake Simcoe. His involvement in local organizations is a testament to this commitment: he has served on the Georgina Medical Health Board, the Georgina Waterways Advisory Committee, the Lake Simcoe Fisheries Stakeholder Committee and the Jackson’s Point BIA.
Scot’s wife Suzanne is a member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, making him keenly aware of their contributions, opportunities, and issues, and dedicated to meaningful reconciliation.
As Member of Parliament, Scot Davidson has introduced legislation to protect Lake Simcoe, ban the export of non-recyclable plastic waste, and provide financial protection for Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable growers.
Scot is proud of his family, his community and the solid business reputation he has built within York-Simcoe, and is committed to working hard on behalf of all the residents who call York-Simcoe home.
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. The Town of East Gwillimbury was identified as one of Ontario’s fastest growing municipalities under Ontario’s “Places to Grow”. In response to this, Mayor Hackson utilizes her expertise and skills to balance growth while preserving the Town’s natural environment and cultural heritage. It is under the strong leadership and direction of Mayor Hackson that the Town of East Gwillimbury is proud to have a strong financial position, with the lowest relative taxes in York Region, while also being a debt-free municipality.
Mayor Hackson represents the Town on York Region Council and is a member both the Region’s Broadband Strategy and Senior’s Housing Strategy Task Forces. In addition, Virginia is a member of the Board for Housing York Region, Cedar Centre, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and Royal Oak Seniors Board. Mayor Hackson served on the York Regional Police Services Board for nine years. She was appointed in 2012 and served as Chair of the Board from 2017 to 2021, when her appointed term ended.
Virginia has been recognized for her significant contributions to the community including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to community service, In Celebration of Women Award, as well as the Rural Government Award.
Prior to Mayor Hackson choosing a career in municipal politics, she spent 30 years in municipal management. It was upon her retirement that she turned her focus to community service and in 2001 was elected as Town Councillor and proceeded to serve three terms. She then successfully pursued the position of Mayor in 2010 and is currently in her fourth term as Mayor of East Gwillimbury.
Virginia is a lifelong learner, committed to continuous improvement through personal growth. She holds a BA from the University of Waterloo, as well as a B.Ed, a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Management from York University and a Recreation Diploma from Conestoga College.
