A Day To Listen

Laurie Hermiston is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario. She is strong advocate, community practitioner and partnership specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the Indigenous community on local, provincial and national levels. She has organized many community engagement projects, advisory circles and symposiums in Ontario, and presented to countless audiences on Indigenous issues.

Laurie Hermiston is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario. She is strong advocate, community practitioner and partnership specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the Indigenous community on local, provincial and national levels. She has organized many community engagement projects, advisory circles and symposiums in Ontario, and presented to countless audiences on Indigenous issues.  

Kyla Pascal is a Métis, Black woman born and raised in Amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, Alberta). Over the years Kyla has worked with a number of non-profit organizations focusing on anti-oppression, advocacy, and community-building. Her experiences and interests are centred around Indigenous solidarity, sustainability, community health, and food justice. The goal of her work is to build more resilient, just, and healthier communities.

With their new sound that elegantly weaves the melodies using vocals, guitar and electronic elements. they create both intimate and anthemic music that would fit in a folk club, a dance club and anywhere in between. G.R. Gritt is a Two-Spirit, Transgender, Francophone, Anishinaabe and Métis artist.  

Stephanie Harpe is an International Advocate for MMEIP Murdered or Missing and Exploited Indigenous Peoples, Murder Attempt, Exploitation Survivor and Family member who was a part of public testimony for the National Inquiry. Keynote Speaker for United Nations, traveled 50 Indigenous communities in western Canada and hosted MMEIP support group for 3 years.

Peatr Thomas is a multidisciplinary Ininew and Anishinaabe self-taught full-time visual artist from the Pimicikamak and Miskooseepi territories located near the heart of Turtle Island. A Youth Facilitator of many years he is sharing passed down knowledge, traditional teachings, culture and the healing process in creating visual forms of art.  

Diane Roussin is a passionate community leader committed to the pursuit of pimadaziwin (the good life) for all families and children. Her in-depth knowledge of Indigenous issues and solutions flow directly from her strong sense of identity and worldview. She is a proud member of Skownan First Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg. Diane is currently the Project Director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, an ambitious social innovation initiative seeking to create large-scale systems change for children and families in the Point Douglas neighbourhood.  

DAVID A. ROBERTSON (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award. He is the author of numerous books for young readers including When We Were Alone, which won the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award and the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People Award. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg.  

Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots  

Stewart Gonzales, who carries the traditional name Semplúyan, is a proud Two-Spirited Elder and member of the Squamish Nation with family connections to the Musqueam Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and is a residential school survivor. After attending St. Paul’s Indian Day School from 1966 to 1968, Semplúyan then attended Sechelt Residential School from 1968 to 1971. Through personal narrative, Semplúyan will share his experiences as a residential school survivor and his journey of healing to help us understand reconciliation and our shared history. He has dedicated much time to working with and empowering Indigenous youth through sharing culture and language from his Squamish Nation community. He is also a role model to other two-spirited men and those in recovery. Semplúyan was elected as a General Councillor for the Squamish Nation during the September 2021 election.