I am Sami Valavaara and I am a Metis singer-songwriter. I have a B.A. in music with a focus on guitar. I am currently running my own business called Valavaaramusic, from which I teach music to my local community and freelance my skills as a musician. I have a small home studio where I write and record my music.
Clarence Wolfleg Sr. (Agar) is from the Siksika Nation. His traditional name, Miiksika’am, translates to “Red Crane.” This traditional Siksika name was also his fourth great grandfather’s name, who watched their eastern Siksika boundaries for many years back in the late 1700s.
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.
Clarence was honoured by MRU with an Honorary B.A. in Sociology, and in 2021, Clarence was honored again from MRU with an honorary Doctorate of Law.
He was elected for ten terms as a member of Siksika Council and served under many Siksika chiefs. Clarence is a member of the Sacred Horns’ Society (Transfer of Sacred Bundle 2015) and the Brave Dog Society, which are traditional Blackfoot Societies. He is a five-year veteran of International Peace Keeping (NATO & UN) in the mid 1960s. Upon his return from the Peace Keeping Initiative, he became a police officer and served 14 years as RCMP Supernumerary Constable, and later as Alberta Special Constable.
With a renegade spirit and a luminous voice, Jess Knights effortlessly traverses sultry ballads and roof-raising soul. Her album “Best Kind of Light” embraces revivalist soul and showcases the moody spectrum of her classically trained voice. 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.
Marek Orszulik completed his degree in Biological & Medicinal Chemistry and Music at Keele University and 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. He arrived in Edmonton from Europe in 2012 and became a Canadian citizen in 2021.
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.
Doug is a founding board member of the Edmonton Business Diversity Network and the past Chair of the Workforce Development and Attraction Committee with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
Doug holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Victoria, a certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo and in Executive Leadership from the University of Alberta. Doug works fluently in both Spanish and English
Dr. Carola Cunningham has over forty-eight years of experience in housing, education, justice, community wellness, and addictions recovery. She has designed, developed, and delivered programming specifically tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities; in particular, those with high-risk lifestyles. 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, Carola continues to be a servant leader to her communities in providing support, engagement, direction and consultation nationally.
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. Her goal is to always represent Congress of Black Women of Manitoba proudly and she loves the sisterhood that comes with being a member.
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. As an Educational Developer for Internationalization & Intercultural Competence at the Centre for Learning and Teaching, Dalhousie University, she draws from her Doctorate in Education (University of Exeter, UK) and Master’s degree (University of Manchester, UK). Settling in Nova Scotia in 2008 with her family, she’s proud of her three Canadian citizen sons with diverse careers. Dr. Awan eagerly anticipates celebrating new Canadians’ citizenship journey.
Kyla Tilley, the Canadian singer-songwriter, captivates audiences with her intimate live performances, acrobatic guitar playing, and impressive shoe collection. Her musical tales, delivered through powerful vocals, chaotic finger-picking, and mesmerizing rhythms, range from fantastical exploits to mundane tasks and moderate misadventures. Living in rural Newfoundland & Labrador, Kyla shares her talent worldwide via the internet, enchanting listeners with her unique blend of storytelling and musical artistry.
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.
His work has involved engaging people and organizations across the 3 levels of government, local businesses, and non-profit sectors, and the individuals being served and supported. He has facilitated a wide range of consultations and planning sessions, and guided the development of strategic plans and social enterprise business plans.
