Maaj  Consulting  Group  Inc.  Presents    

BC  Aboriginal  Women  in  Business  Conference      

February  19-­‐20,  2015  

This is BC’s inspiring conference for Aboriginal Women in Business. The gathering has been created for all of those with an interest in business development and all others interested in the promoting or partnering with

Aboriginal Women in Business. Below is a short preview of the wonderful presenters that will be speaking at this

exciting conference.

Some speakers at this year’s conference…

Ainjil Hunt, principal owner, Transformation Indigenous Wealth Dynamics

Ainjil Hunt, principal owner, is a leading change strategist, speaker and international facilitator. As owner of Transformation for the past 10 years, Ainjil has seen success in developing the Transformation business model to parallel social and economic development in First Nation communities, organizations and businesses. Ainjil is Kwakwak’wakw from the Namgis First Nation with roots in Alaska and Hawaii. Ainjil has a Bachelor degree in Social Work, and Public Sector Management and Indigenous Governance. Ainjil is a certified language technologist in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Time Line Therapy, is certified in Huna Level III (Hawaiian Psychology), and is a Masters Degree Candidate in Policy and Practice from the University of Victoria and a Masters in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University Beedies School of Business.

Candace Dennis, Director Aboriginal Banking, BC & Yukon BMO Bank of Montreal

Candace Dennis grew up and attended school in North Vancouver. She has

received her Post Secondary education from Capilano College and Simon Fraser University. Candace has completed the Institute of Canadian Bankers

Professional Banking Program attaining the Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (F.I.C.B) degree. Candace is currently enrolled in the EMBA program for Aboriginal Business and Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Candace has over 25 years of banking experience which has included work in the Retail

Branch Network in Personal & Business Banking, and Head Office. Positions held during this time have included Manager Public Affairs for Royal Banks BC

District and Manager Market Development, BC District, Senior Commercial Account Manager/ Team Leader Commercial Banking. Candace has also

worked as an Account Manager for Commercial and Public Sector Markets. The last 13 years Candace has spent working First Nations and Aboriginal organizations throughout BC and Yukon. In 2013 Candace moved

to her current position with BMO Bank of Montreal as the Director of Aboriginal Banking BC & Yukon. Candace’s community involvement has included participation in a number of not for Profit organizations at the

Executive Board level and was the Vice Chair of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for 5 years. Candace also was a Director on the Sts’ailes Development Corporation as a Board member (Chehalis First

Nations).

Carol Anne Hilton, MBA, CEO of Transformation Indigenous Wealth Dynamics

Carol Anne Hilton is the CEO of Transformation an award winning Social and Economic development company. Carol Anne is a recognized leading First Nation’s business entrepreneur with a Masters Degree in Business Management from the University of Hertfordshire, England. Carol Anne is from the Nuu chah nulth Nation. Carol Anne has a solid understanding and application of community development best practices and brings extensive knowledge and experience in economic development, business management, corporate relations, engagement strategies and project management. Carol Anne works to incorporate an Aboriginal worldview while bringing First Nations, industry and government together to design new approaches for sustainable, inclusive development. Carol Anne brings project management experience across industries in resource management, governance, and regional

development. Carol Anne is currently authoring ‘Indigenomics- a Global Power Shift’ and is an instructor at Camosun Business School Leadership Program as well as at Simon Fraser University’s Community Economic Development Program. Carol Anne’s work at Transformation has been recognized with a BC Aboriginal Outstanding Business Achievement Award and a Creating Wealth award from the National Indigenous Council of Elders. Carol Anne currently serves as Director on the Vancouver Island Investment Fund, the World Fisheries Trust, she chairs the Victoria Community Micro Lending Society, and is a Director on Community Social Planning Council as well as a past Director of the founding board for the First Nations Health Authority and served for 9 years on Council of Hesquiaht First Nation.

Dana Foster, Motivational Speaker, CEO, Foster Media Consulting The Independent Chick System

Dana Foster is a Canadian Television and Radio Host. After attending Columbia

Academy in Vancouver, BC Dana explored radio as an intern at the AM station Mojo Radio, The Beat 94.5, as well as Vicki Gabereau on CTV.

In Prince George she worked at Jim Pattison Station’s 101.3 The River, 99.3 The drive and CKPG TV as the Promotions Coordinator. While in Prince George Dana

was asked to host her own talk show with Classic Rock CFNR; called Nationview Magazine, her talk show featured interviews on Aboriginal current events and

news. In 2011 Dana Foster moved to Winnipeg to be the TV Host/ Reporter of APTN National News with Michael Hutchinson. Currently, Dana owns and

operates Foster Media Consulting; a company helping First Nation communities independently operate a community radio station through broadcast training. She

is the talk show host of INDEPENDENT CHICK that currently airs on Shaw TV in Winnipeg and soon to be aired in a North WEST BC’s new Talk show that will feature independent Aboriginal Women. Dana created

and validated an innovative coaching program called the “Independent Chick System” to inspire, motivate, and transform Aboriginal women.

Donna St Louis, Business Services Officer from Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation Accessing Financing & What Funders Look For

Donna St. Louis is a Business Services Officer from Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC) where she provides business support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Whether it is for a small home based sole proprietorship or community owned corporation, Donna helps her clients with accessing financing, business planning and after care support. When not at work, she cheerfully chases her two small children  n, tends to her garden and cooks up a storm.

 

Elaine Alec, Motivational Speaker, Facilitator and Mediator Personal Branding and Marketing Yourself &

Complaint and Conflict Resolution with Leaders

Elaine's purpose is to gather and share the knowledge of the ancestors to promote healing and empowerment for our mind, body and spirit. She offers many different

services, including indigenous knowledge development, strategic planning, technical writing, facilitating, mediating, event coordination, and motivational speaking. Her

approach is to inspire, present and motivate people to become excited and empowered about their purpose. She also has a background in research and

incorporating indigenous knowledge into planning practices as well as a strong background in marketing and advertising and working with graphic designers with

layout and print. She has worked on the Penticton Indian Band Comprehensive Community Plan and now mentors 11 communities throughout BC and as far as

Manitoba.

Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, Strategic Advisor, Adjunct professor, School of Business University of Victoria Keynote Address

Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers is a Strategic Advisor to First Nations and Corporations, providing advice on many issues including relationship building and negotiating equitable agreements. She is currently an adjunct professor with the school of Business at the University of Victoria. Judith has been the Visiting National Aboriginal Economic Development Chair and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Victoria. Judith has been involved in the Clean Energy industry since 2002 when her First Nation developed the China Creek Run of the River project. Judith has been very involved in the industry and has spoken at many forums, written opinions on First Nations and Clean Energy opportunities, barriers and relationship building. Judith was on the Public Advisory Panel of the Canadian Electricity Association. Judith served fourteen years as Chief of the Hupacasath

First Nation, located in Port Alberni, BC. As Chief of her First Nation, she focused on capacity building and sustainable development. Judith was instrumental in several sustainable development projects and put in place mechanisms to help protect the territory. Judith has been the recipient of the Bora Laskin Fellowship on Human Rights, a Finalist for the Buffet award for indigenous leadership and twice awarded the Woman of Distinction from the Alberni Chamber of Commerce. She has receipt a Silver Award from the Canadian Environmental Association for Climate Change. In 2009, the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business inducted Judith into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame.

Chief Karen Ogen, BSW, MSW Chief, Wet’suwet’en First Nation

Karen is of Wet’suwet’en ancestry and belongs to the Git’dim’den clan house of Spo’x. She comes from the Wet’suwet’en community outside of Burns Lake, BC. She has two

children Jesse (25) and Nicole (24). Her background is predominantly in the social work field as a frontline worker, life skills coach and program director. She has 25 years of

experience in the social work field. She has taught at UNBC as an Instructor for the Social Work & First Nations course at the Terrace, Ft. St. John and Prince George

campuses. She has a masters degree in social work and is passionate about community development. In her first term as the elected chief of Wet’suwet’en First

Nation, Karen led the creation of a strong natural resource department, helped establish the Yinka Dene Economic Development Limited Partnership, and finalized negotiations

with Huckleberry Mines to result in significant economic benefits for her community. Now in the second year of her second term, Karen is implementing a strategic plan to

significantly raise the living standards in her community, especially in relation to the four pillars of housing; education and training; health and wellness; and language and culture. Karen has acted as an agent of

change and encouraged Nation building by providing options for the Nation’s governance. She has ensured that accountability and transparency measures are in place, and that Elders and Hereditary Chiefs are included in the decision-making process. The revival of culture and traditions has also been a key focus for Karen while

promoting awareness of Wet’suwet’en history in relation to the displacement of the community.

Laurie Sterritt, Director, Aboriginal Employment, Education and Procurement at BC Hydro Discovering your unique path to leadership: Erase self-doubt and tap into your values to become a true leader

Laurie is a charismatic, thoughtful leader with experience in many areas of business including corporate strategy, business development, operations and community engagement. Having led the start-up and growth of an organization, Laurie has been recognized for her commitment to influencing positive change and creating a respectful and inclusive corporate Canada. She has earned a reputation for getting results through team building and values-based leadership.

Melody Young, Executive Assistant, Maaj Consulting Group Inc. Creating Non-Profits: Organization for Aboriginal Forward Movement

Melody Young is a highly skilled and organized member of Maaj Consulting Group Inc. She holds the position of Executive Assistant, Office manager and Conference & Events Coordinator for both Maaj and the Aboriginal Physical Activity & Cultural

Circle (APACC) non-profit organization. She is a sensitive and professional and has been with both Maaj and APACC since their founding. Melody is proficient in many aspects of event planning, letter writing, non-profit organization and general office management. She is Cree-Ojibway from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in the Pas, Manitoba. Originally from Winnipeg, Melody moved to Vancouver as a child. As a

young Aboriginal woman who was raised in a cultural environment she understands the issues facing our communities and is excited to be doing work that benefits our

communities.    

Orene Askew, Instructor at the School of Remix DJ O-Show: A Business Journey

DJ O-Show has been bringing amazing experiences to all types of events and functions for over 8 years. She is an instructor at the School of Remix and teaches and inspires students to pursue their dream of becoming a DJ. DJ O-Show has travelled near and far from Vancouver to Ontario to play for clubs, weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, staff functions, restaurant and club openings, charity fundraisers, youth conferences and much more! She has hosted shows and mc’d numerous events. She has worked for radio stations such as Washington’s Movin 92.5 and the Beat 94.5; hosting the O Show on Evolution 107.5, Sne’waylh on Coop Radio 100.5, hosting Bowling for Big Brother’s Classic Dj’ing on the red carpet for WE day at Rogers Arena and voted the official DJ for the YES (Young Entrepreneur Symposium) in Ottawa. Orene has made television appearances on Go Vancouver, My Vancouver, Breakfast Television, and On Da Grind In addition to her DJ’ing, Orene is

an inspirational speaker to youth/Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and travels all over the country to bring ambition, drive and encouragement to youth/Aboriginal Entrepreneurs to make any dream they have into a reality. DJ O-Show has a passion for speaking, whether it’s about staying in school, continuing education, overcoming obstacles, working hard or the benefits of following your dream no matter what. DJ O-Show is a living example of turning dreams into reality, leading her to successes and doing what she loves every day. Coming from a diverse background and always driven by her passion, Orene has explored many genres of music, but has remained true to her love for Hip Hop and R&B. She incorporates different beats to ensure the dance floor stays packed and her music makes people happy and never wanting to leave the dance 9oor. With an outgoing personality and demeanor, Orene is one of the easiest DJ’s to work with. She have great communication skills and listens to the clients wants and needs and puts together packages and playlists that are customized for every audience and event.

Peggy Berndt National Director, Programs & Partnerships, Kocihta Reaching Your Career Potential: Mentor & Partner Alliances

Peggy Berndt serves as the Aboriginal Human Resource Council's (AHRC) core

communications strategist, and the director of programs and partnerships for its charity, Kocihta. Peggy is a strong and national specialist in the area of

Indigenous relations and communications. She has been responsible for many national program upstart initiatives with AHRC; including a national forum series

(Workforce Connex), Canada’s largest Indigenous inclusion event and recruitment fair (Inclusion Works), the first Indigenous virtual recruitment fair,

and our newly founded charity, Kocihta. Her years of experience with AHRC (est. 2006) have provided her with in-depth knowledge about the Indigenous community and building partnership alliances that advance

Indigenous employment and economic development. These skills, combined with her communications/marketing background, her understanding of the

Indigenous education/employment gap, and what First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth need to succeed in school and work, position her well to direct our charitable activities. Peggy applies her passion for the

Indigenous education and employment cause by working with, and mentoring, Indigenous youth while spreading word about the potential of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada. She has also managed

many regional and national strategies and campaigns that have reshaped the perceptions of Canadians on issues such as emergency preparedness, traffic safety, health care, and the potential of Indigenous people in

the workforce. Peggy enjoys staying active, good music, and volunteering for the Vancouver Folk Festival and Canadian Indo-Folk singer/songwriter, Ranj Singh. She was raised an Alberta girl and now enjoys

life in BC's Lower Mainland.

Dr. Rosalin Miles, President & CEO, Maaj Consulting Group Inc.  Creating Non-Profits: Organization for Aboriginal Forward Movement

As a qualified First Nation consultant, Dr. Miles brings years of experience and high academic education to the community with regards to health, well-being, education, and social disparities. This gives her business a unique advantage, as there are few practicing Aboriginal consultants with her qualifications in Canada. She has also earned the reputation to be reliable and to produce quality work that is culturally sensitive. In addition, Dr. Miles has an Education Doctorate Degree with International Honours, and is a registered Kinesiologist and, as such, is eligible to provide diverse consulting services to clients. She is also active as the President of the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, Board of Director on the Vancouver Native Health Society, and on the Diversity Advisory committee with the Vancouver Police Department. Dr. Miles continues to provide consulting to people of all nations from various cultural, social and financial backgrounds, however, her primary focus is working with and consulting Aboriginal people

Shannon Haizimsque, Chief Operating Officer, Yinka Dene Economic Development General Partner

Shannon is the Chief Operating Officer for Yinka Dene Economic Development General Partner (YLP) and member of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation. Shannon has completed her Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources

(HR) in December 2012. Along with her HR background, she has held leadership positions within her community of Wet'suwet'en First Nation (WFN),

as well as the Carrier Sekani Family Services board and Saik'uz First Nation where she was the Operations Manager. While her primary focus is in HRM, her

skill set is balanced out by successful work experience with the Northern First Nation communities, including management, leadership, communication, social marketing, event planning and philanthropy. Shannon remains committed to the

meaningful and lasting improvement of her community and those around it.

Sheryl Fisher, Rivers Consulting Solutions Crossing the Threshold - Observed to Change Agent

Sheryl Fisher, aka, Siamtnaat (see-um-ten-not) & Milnitdi (mull-nay-dee) is from the Squamish Nation, residing on the Eslha7an village. She presently is enrolled in the First North American Executive Masters of Business for Aboriginal Business & Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Sheryl is also BC President for the Aboriginal Peoples Commission for the Federal Liberal Party. She is also Sole Proprietor for Rivers Consulting Solutions. Sheryl practices her culture through songs, dances and ceremonies in her life. She has paddled on traditional canoe journeys along the Pacific Coast and Venice Italy. She will be skipping the women’s only ocean going canoe for She has been educated in areas of Administrative, Life Skills Coach, Facilitator, First Nations Political & Leadership, Community Economic Development, Voiceover Acting, Marketing Management/Communications & Aboriginal Business Management.

Key Highlights; ♦ Ran across Canada in 1991 for 3 months with a group from around the world. ♦ Paddled in Canoe Journeys, from 1993 to 1999 in a traditional Ocean Going canoe, including the

Grand Canal of Venice, Italy. ♦ Did the voiceover for a few characters, including the premier episode for “Raven Tales” ♦ Managed the Four Host First Nation Art Gallery at the Athletes Village in Whistler for the 2010

Olympics.

Stephanie Panigavluk Papik, Knotty by Nature Developing leadership by breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma through the ancient practices

of circle, breathe and our connection with the land.

Stephanie Panigavluk Papik, is of Australian, Irish, Alaskan and Canadian Inuit descent, Canadian born and raised. Stephanie pursued an academic career in

Montreal at Concordia University where she earned an Honors Degree in Science, with Distinction. Stephanie has been recognized throughout her career with various

scholarships, Dean’s Lists, a BC Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Black Press Eco- Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a Premiers Award with the Provincial

Government of BC in 2008. At the age of 24, Stephanie moved to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to learn more about her Inuit roots and spend time with her

Northern family. During this time, Stephanie met a great-aunt, Sarah Sibbeston, who had gifted someone with a pair of hand knit socks, knit only with her insight as Sarah

was fully blind. This accomplishment was a great inspiration that has manifested in knitting, spinning felting and weaving. Stephanie and her husband, Ryan Davis, opened their award winning

business, Knotty by Nature Fibre Arts in 2008, has been a pillar of the fibre arts community ever since. Along her entrepreneurial journey, Stephanie has created endless new friendships and collaboration with beautiful

fibre arts spirits, those who are nurturing in nature and connected to the earth. Knotty by Nature has collaborated with the Victoria fibre arts community to create “Fibrations', an annual fibre arts festival that

promotes local natural products and artisans. Stephanie lives, laughs and learn on Lekwungen territory and is grateful for the Songhees and Esquimalt Nation for allowing her and her family to be guests on their land.

Special Thanks to

Maaj  Consulting  Group  Inc.  info@maaj.ca  604  269  3771