Ray Espaniel Hatfield
Ray is a member of the Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation who are a signatory to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. He has 35 years of Federal Public Service having worked with various federal departments, the Saskatchewan Provincial Government and was the Executive Director of the National Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. As Director-General, Individual Affairs, […]
Patrick Kelly
Patrick is a member of the Leq:amel First Nation (Sto:lo Nation.) He operates a consulting business and was Advisor and Director of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. In September 2012 he completed a five-year term as Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of BC. Patrick co-chairs the Banff Centre Indigenous Program Council and is a […]
David Turner
A Non-Status Saulteaux from Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba and African American, David is an independent consultant with a Diploma of Social Work (Honours) from Mount Royal College in Calgary. His experience includes initiatives in health, social services, management, policy development and community engagement. David has worked with both urban and First Nations social services […]
Fred Kelly
Fred Kelly is a citizen of the Ojibways of Onigaming, a community of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. Kizhebowse Mukwaa (Kind Walking Bear) of the Lynx Clan is an Elder in Midewin, the Sacred Law and Medicine Society of the Anishinaabe. As such he is a Keeper and Practitioner of Sacred Law. He is […]
Diane Longboat
Kahontakwas Diane Longboat, a member of the Turtle Clan, Mohawk Nation at Six Nations Grand River Territory, is a community builder who believes in systems transformation to serve First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders with honor and respect, embodying cultures, language and care for the land.
Maria Campbell
Maria Campbell is an esteemed and renowned Métis writer, playwright, and teacher. She started her career in 1973 when she published her first book, Half-breed that has become a literary classic and continues to be one of the most widely taught texts in Canadian literature.
Guy Freedman
A Principal at First Peoples Group, Guy is also the company’s Founding Partner and serves as its Chair. He is an entrepreneurial visionary and thought leader on contemporary Indigenous issues. In May of 2025, Guy received the King Charles III medal for his years of service and dedication to the Métis Nation. Guy is a […]
Bob Watts
Robert (Bob) Watts is a much sought after trainer and expert in Indigenous policy, negotiations, conflict resolution and reconciliation. He is the former Interim Executive Director of the Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which examined and made recommendations regarding the Indian Residential School era and its legacy. Bob led the process, supported by an excellent […]
Riley McKenzie
Riley McKenzie grew up in Ottawa, ON, amidst the city’s vibrant Indigenous community. With paternal roots from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and maternal roots from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Riley’s mixed heritage has deeply connected her to identity. Well known for her work as an artist and advocate with her family’s dance group, Prairie Fire, Riley […]
Augatnaaq Eccles
Augatnaaq Eccles is an Inuk woman from Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet), Nunavut, and a dedicated historian, educator, curator, and artist. Her work is grounded in a passion for preserving and promoting Inuit culture, history, and rights. After moving to Ottawa, Ontario, in 2017 to pursue post-secondary education, Augatnaaq earned a Certificate in Inuit Studies from Nunavut […]