Indigenous Speaker Series
During summer 2020, we held a Speaker Series of weekly conversations with Indigenous knowledge keepers, and entrepreneurs to help guide this collaborative venture. Over 600 people attended these events, and below we share these recorded sessions.
Building Indigenous Economic Development Partnerships
A conversation on how Indigenous knowledge advances economic development partnerships, and to learn about research and consultation with Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
Planting New Seeds: A Conversation about Indigenous Healing Gardens
Indigenous Peoples have always known that plants are our helpers, and offer powerful medicines that improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
Indigenous Foods: Seeding to Eating
This event is a conversation about the practice of growing traditional Indigenous food, and how we can enrich our understanding of food sovereignty.
Birch Bark Canoes and the History of Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Through the story of birch bark canoes, we hope to honour the role that Indigenous entrepreneurs have played in shaping Canada’s economic history.
Our Connection to Nature and Transforming Our Space
A conversation with this panel of speakers who aim to transform urban surroundings, like Toronto Metropolitan University and Evergreen Brick Works, into Indigenous-themed greenspace with food and plant medicines known to improve physical, mental and spiritual health and decrease anxiety.
A conversation with Chief R. Stacey Laforme
R. Stacey Laforme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN), who works to increase the profile, welfare and prosperity of the MNCFN throughout the traditional 3.9 million acres of territory in Southern Ontario.
Invited speakers
- Chief Stacey LaForme
Mississaugas of The New Credit First Nation - Todd Labrador
Mi'kmaw Canoe Builder and Cultural Archeologist - Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger
Author, Medical Biochemist, and Botanist - Dr. Wendy Makoons Geniusz
Director of American Indian Studies and Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire - Isaac Crosby
Urban Agricultural Lead, Evergreen Brickworks - Chef Johl Whiteduck
Owner, NishDish Marketeria and Catering - Carol Anne Hilton
Founder, The Indigenomics Institute - Kelly Lendsay
President & CEO, Indigenous Works - Tabatha Bull
President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Toronto Met speakers
- Dean Daphne Taras
Ted Rogers School of Management - Monica Mckay
Director, Aboriginal Initiatives, Toronto Met - Joanne Dallaire
Elder (Ke Shay Hayo), and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation - Michael Carter
Director of Industry, Creative Industries Faculty of Communication and Design - Michael Mihalicz
Assistant Professor for Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Indigenous Advisor, Office of the Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management. - Sheila Boudreau
Lecturer, Toronto Met School of Urban and Regional Planning - Chef Tommy McHugh
Executive Chef, Ted Rogers School of Management - Sandy Carpenter
Student Success Facilitator, Program Advising and Student Success, Ted Rogers School of Management - Arlene Throness
Urban Farm Manager - Brian Norton
Program Coordinator, Toronto Met Aboriginal Student Services - Jessica Griffiths
Student & Community Engagement Coordinator, Office of the Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management