Season 4, Episode 3

Episode Summary:
What are the challenges and the opportunities in creating a just and inclusive economic future?  Hosted by Angie Bruce, Vice President (Indigenous) at the University of Manitoba, this episode of "What's the Big Idea?" explores the theme of economic reconciliation. Featured are Indigenous leaders and experts, Diane Roussin, a member of Skownan First Nation and project director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, Kathleen BlueSky, a Cree Ikwe from Nisichiwasik Cree Nation and CEO of Treaty One Development Corporation, and Dr. Peter Pomart, a member of Mathias Cologne First Nation, an Asper School of Business lecturer and the former director of Indigenous Business Education Partners. Their public conversation considers the impact of racist policies like the Indian Act, the complexity of building Canadian sovereignty without infringing on Indigenous rights, the Carney government’s Bill C-5 or Building Canada Act and the relationship-building that is fundamental to successful economic reconciliation.
 
 Host and panelists: 

About Angie Bruce:

• Red River Métis from St. Laurent, Manitoba. 
• Vice-President (Indigenous) of University of Manitoba, since February 2024.
• MBA from UM’s Asper School of Business and a PhD from Nipissing University.
• Former Assistant Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada's Nókwewashk sector.
• Former Deputy Minister in Manitoba's Indigenous and Northern Relations and Municipal Relations departments.
• Grew the Indigenous Natural Resource Program to $100 million.
• Led the development of an Indigenous Research Ethics policy.
• Led the highest number of Treaty Land Entitlement land transfers in Manitoba's history
• Has held senior positions with the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
   

About Diane Roussin:

• Anishinaabe and member of the Skownan First Nation.
• Passionate advocate for Mino bimaadiziwin (the good life) for all families and children.
• Holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
• Project Director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, seeking to empower the Point Douglas community and create large-scale, systemic change for children and families living there.
• Former Executive Director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. 
• Former Co-Director of Community Education Development Association.
• Former Coordinator of The Winnipeg Foundation’s Centennial Neighbourhood Project.
• Received the 2018 Governor General’s Award for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership.

 Kathleen BlueSky:

• A Cree and Anishinaabe Ikwe from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Minegoziibe  Anishinabe First Nation.
• CEO of Treaty One Development Corporation, leading a major economic development project at Naawi-Oodena, a Treaty One Joint Reserve lands located in Winnipeg, MB.
• MBA from Asper School of Business. 
• Founder of Seven Feathers Consulting
• Former CEO of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
• Serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the $300M First Nation Market Housing Fund 
• Co-founded Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, securing Manitoba’s first Social Impact Bond in 2019.
   

About Peter Pomart:

• A member of Mathias Colomb First Nation - and a second-generation residential school survivor - Pomart is dedicated to advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
• Lecturer at the I.H. Asper School of Business
• Completing his doctoral studies in Business Administration.
• His primary research aims to provide an Indigenous-centered perspective on how industry actors may better align their engagement practices with Article 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

 About What’s the Big Idea?

What’s the Big Idea? is an award-winning podcast hosted by University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Each episode features conversations with big thinkers from the UM community who are contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of people everywhere. It is produced by the University of Manitoba in partnership with Everything Podcasts.

Links and Resources

• The Winnipeg Boldness Project
• Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
• Treaty One Development Corporation
• National Indigenous Economic Development Board: Naawi-Oodena
• Seven Feathers Consulting
• First Nations Market Housing Fund
• University of Manitoba: Discover programs and opportunities
• Alumni Relations: Stay connected with UM
• UM News: Read more about UM events and research

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Music

Adrenaline Rush by Will Bonness, Associate Professor, Desautels Faculty of Music.

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What’s the Big Idea? is a University of Manitoba production, created in partnership with Everything Podcasts.