Virtual Event: Indigenomics, The Emerging Strength of the Indigenous Economy

With new models of commercial partnership, Indigenous economic strength is emerging across sectors and locations. Join our panelists to hear more about the concepts of Indigenomics and the evolution of the emerging $100 billion Indigenous economy reflecting the size of the Indigenous population in Canada. It will look at barriers to Indigenous business owners and communities including land and water rights issues and lack of access to financial capital. It will examine key features of the current and potential economic growth and design of the Indigenous economy, and underscore why this growth is critical to Canada’s future.

Panelists:

Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of The Indigenomics Institute

Carol Anne’s work has been recognized with the 2020 BC Achievement Foundation’s Award of Distinction in Indigenous Business and a national Excellence in Aboriginal Relations Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Carol Anne was the only Indigenous person appointed to the Canadian Economic Growth Council as a senior advisor to the federal Finance Minister. Carol Anne served on the BC Emerging Economy Taskforce, the BC Indigenous Business and Investment Council and Carol Anne currently serves as a Director on the McGill University Institute for the Study of Canada, the BC Digital Supercluster as well as on Mitacs.

Carol Anne has led the establishment of a line of thought called #indigenomics, growing from a single word to an entire movement that focuses on the rebuilding and strengthening of Indigenous economies. Carol Anne is the author of Indigenomics, Taking A Seat at the Economic Table and is an adjunct professor at Royal Roads University School of Business.

Carol Anne Hilton, MBA is the CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics. Carol Anne is a dynamic national Indigenous business leader, author, speaker and senior adviser with an international Masters Degree in Business Management, MBA, from the University of Hertfordshire, England. Carol Anne is of Nuu chah nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island.

Heather Berthelette, CEO, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd.

Since 2015, Heather has served as CEO of Tribal Councils Investment Group and has led the restructuring and refocusing of the corporation. As a result of her leadership and entrepreneurial style, a new business model was embraced, and the creation of the Spirit Healthcare Group of companies began. The Spirit business model and overall vision is to advance and equalize healthcare for Indigenous people. This business model embodies the concept of Indigenomics: the practice of bringing an Indigenous perspective to economic and social development.

In June 2019 The Spirit Healthcare Group was honoured to receive an inaugural Indigenomics 10 Indigenous Businesses to Watch award.

A forward thinking and compassionate leader, Heather believes in giving back personally and professionally as both a female role model and community member. Heather’s personal passion and connection to her First Nation Metis roots, brings her a unique perspective on the First Nations need for self sufficiency and economic development, which fuels her purpose and desire to be part of an investment strategy with an Indigenous worldview.

Heather Berthelette is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba, TCIG. TCIG is owned by the seven Tribal Councils of Manitoba, which represents approximately 150,000 First Nations. TCIG has recently developed the Spirit Healthcare Group. A group of strong competitive companies focused on the vast economy formed around Indigenous Peoples healthcare.

Heather attended the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba; her career has spanned diverse industries from wholesale to healthcare. With an extensive background in operations and finance, she has held various senior roles in operations, finance and strategic planning.

Moderator:

Alicia Dubois, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

Alicia is a proud Indigenous professional who earned a B.Sc., with Distinction from the University of Lethbridge and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto. Alicia joined the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation from CIBC’s executive team where she developed and implemented CIBC’s Indigenous Markets strategy and framework. In this role, she established and proudly led an expert national Indigenous Markets team. At AIOC, Alicia continues her dedication to Indigenous economic prosperity and wellness by bolstering Indigenous access to capital and the economy and supporting meaningful Indigenous ownership in mid to large scale resource and related infrastructure projects.

Alicia is the Co Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Ontario Museum. She actively contributes to awareness building and enhancing the positive national narrative around Indigenous finance and prosperity via speaking engagements with industry, governments and diverse audiences across the country. In 2019, Alicia was honoured with the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association’s inaugural Award of Distinction for her steadfast commitment to Indigenous prosperity and self determination. Prior to her career in Indigenous financial services, Alicia practiced law at Alberta Justice, ENMAX Corporation and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.