The importance of relationship building, teamwork and promoting programs that support financial literacy, entrepreneurism and affordable housing. A spotlight on Vancity's new program - The Wealth Mindset Program.

Michelle, Director of Indigenous Banking at Vancity, drives Reconciliation efforts and fosters partnerships with Indigenous members, organizations, and communities. With a background in various management roles at Vancity, Michelle has led initiatives like opening a remote branch in Alert Bay with the ‘Namgis First Nation. Married to a member of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and with distant Ojibway ancestry, she is dedicated to embedding Reconciliation into Vancity’s values. Residing in South Delta, Michelle is active on environmental and cultural boards and enjoys time on the Fraser River and supporting her children’s sports.

Evolution and the rise of the BC lions + their social impact and initiatives on and off the field.

George Sr.VP Business at BC Lions Football Club, has been a pivotal figure with the BC Lions for over three decades, serving in roles such as Director of Marketing and Vice President of both Football and Business Operations, contributing extensively to the team’s on- and off-field success. Since 1997, he has focused on business development, managing partnerships and driving new revenue initiatives. An SFU alumnus and former player and coach, George also worked as a player agent representing over 40 CFL athletes. He has been instrumental in helping to organize six Grey Cups in Vancouver, was a founding member of the Waterboys to connect the Lions with the business community, and has earned accolades like the CFL Commissioners Award and induction into the BC Football Hall of Fame. A devoted supporter of SFU Football, George continues to serve in leadership roles for various football organizations and resides in Burnaby, BC, with his fiancée Velvet.

Chelsee Pettit, Founder of Aaniin Retail joins Geena Jackson-Montgomery and Dean Montgomery as they chat about life after winning season 2 of Bears' Lair TV,  fulfilling a lifelong dream, a new pop-up shop launch, product diversification and enhancing customer engagement.

Chelsee Pettit is an Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and creator of Aanin Retail Inc., a 100-percent Indigenous-owned department store. Launched as a streetwear brand in 2021, Aaniin is on a mission to reclaim the Indigenous economy through fashion and commerce, while working as a hub to create opportunities for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Corey Janvier - Owner of Cedar Brush Indigenous Site Services & Janitorial
Season 2 Contestant of Bears' Lair TV
Starting a company just 3 years ago with $400 and a staff of 2 to right now having 100 employees and 3 different divisions and how important relationship building really is.

Corey Janvier is a member of the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation in Alberta and owner of Cedar Brush Indigenous Site Services & Janitorial. Cedar Brush provides essential services such as commercial cleaning, Indigenous home care, property management, and cleaning solutions to Indigenous communities, organizations, Elders, families and individuals in Metro Vancouver and beyond. 

Harlan Kingfisher - Founder of Smudge the Blades
Season 2 Contestant of Bears' Lair TV
Overcoming racism in minor and junior hockey and his quest to break down barriers, elevate youth and celebrate achievements in sports, while paving a way for athletes, entrepreneurs and fans worldwide.

Harlan Kingfisher of Sturgeon Lake First Nation is the founder of Smudge the Blades, a hockey apparel company out of Saskatchewan that pays homage to First Nations hockey culture. A portion of the company’s sales goes to helping First Nations youth buy hockey equipment and pay hockey registration fees. 

Dave Tuccaro - President & CEO of Tuccaro Group of Companies
Growing up, being a natural born entrepreneur from humble beginnings, to creating companies with annual revenues of over 2 billion dollars but most importantly finding the balance between family and life.

Dave is a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. Under his leadership, the Tuccaro Group has grown into to seven well-respected companies that provide a range of services to companies and people across Alberta, the core of Canada’s energy sector. 

Dave was recognized by the Financial Post as a “Top 40 under 40′ leader in 1998, won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1999, was featured in Venture magazine in 2000 as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People. He was the Chair of the Board for Indspire for over 20 years, and his companies support local sports teams, education and health initiatives.

Prominent Chief, Astute Business Leader and Advocate for Youth.
A true leader  speaking on what a better Canadian society can look like today.

Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC and is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (“WLFN” or “T’exelc”) of the Secwepemc Nation. Elected to WLFN Council at the age of 23 in 2008, Willie was one of the youngest elected Councilors in WLFN history. After serving 10 years on Council he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018 and is currently in his second term. In his previous work experience, Willie worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory and community consultation for major WLFN projects.

Willie is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” which won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow, and Ontario Library Association awards. His second book, “Hockey with Dad,'' was released in the Fall of 2021. Willie enjoys his family time with his partner and five kids, powwow dancing, playing hockey with the Williams Lake Stampeders, attending community events at WLFN, hunting and dipnet fishing.

Josh nilson - founder of Maskwa Investments
His Journey to Becoming CEO of one of the Largest Gaming Companies & How the Advancement of Tech can Make a Difference

Josh Nilson, is Metis and from Willow River, BC. He is the founder of Maskwa Investments which focuses on early stage seed funding and advisement with a focus on Indigenous tech businesses. Prior to that he was a founder at East Side Games (ESG), making mobile games like Trailer Park Boys, The Office, Ru Paul Drag Race Superstar and more. ESG went public in 2021. Josh has been working in tech since 2002 and was recognized as one of the most influential business leaders in the province as part of the BC500 in 2021, 2022, 2023. Just recently, Josh was named Person of the Year 2022 at the BC Tech Technology Impact Awards and included in the Hall of Fame. 

YOLONDA SKELTON - Gitxsan Textile Artist and Fashion Designer at Sugiit Lukxs Designs
From the Runway, Film and Television - the Meaning of her Designs, Fabrics, Energy and Giving Back

Yolonda Skelton Sugiit Lukxs (Sug-iit-looks) is a visionary fashion/costume designer from the Gitxsan First Nations, whose work beautifully intertwines her cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Yolonda's deep connection to her roots as taught to her by her late maternal grandmother Lily Jackson is evident in each and every one of her creations. Her innate ability to fuse the old and the new has made her a trailblazer in the industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique style.

Yolonda's designs tell stories of her ancestors, invoking a sense of pride and reverence for the Gitxsan culture. She honors the traditions passed down through generations while embracing the ever-evolving world of fashion.

Yolonda's acclaimed designs have graced the runways of prestigious fashion shows, attracting a loyal following. She consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible, challenging conventional fashion and redefining what it means to be an Indigenous designer.

Bobbie racette - FOUNDER & CEO OF VIRTUAL GURUS
Growing up an Introvert & the Creation of one of the Largest Virtual Assistant Platforms on the Planet

Bobbie Racette, a trailblazing Métis-Cree tech entrepreneur, epitomizes innovation and social change as the Founder & CEO of Virtual Gurus. Her visionary approach has redefined the remote work sector, advocating for inclusivity and equitable opportunities for historically marginalized communities. Under her leadership, Virtual Gurus has become one of North America's premier Talent Place platforms. Bobbie's numerous achievements include being named Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022, EY Winning Women 2022 and receiving the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year award from the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business in 2023. Her commitment to social equity and community extends beyond her business, as evidenced by her role as the inaugural Chair of the Board for the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation and as a Telus Friendly Future Foundation Board member. Through her initiatives, Bobbie not only opens doors for diverse talent but also instills a belief that "no" is not an answer, paving the way for groundbreaking success stories.