Driving While Indigenous

Christian Wassana is a scholar from the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in business management. He is the founder of the motivational movement 'I am, I can, I will,' and is passionate about speaking to youth and young adults about drug and alcohol prevention, culture, mental health, and suicide prevention. Christian also works in TV and film as an actor and director's assistant, with one of his recent projects being Paramount Network's Yellowstone.

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Jenn Harper, award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., is reshaping the beauty industry with her Sustainable Socially Conscious Beauty brand. Featured on CBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2019, Cheekbone Beauty inspires Indigenous youth to see their value while creating products rooted in Life Cycle Thinking (LCT). Beyond building a thriving brand, Jenn educates audiences about the impacts of the Residential School System, sharing her family’s story of generational trauma. She speaks widely to students, entrepreneurs, and organizations—including Apple Canada and First Nations groups—on social entrepreneurship, empathy, and Indigenous history.

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Greg Personius aka BIG EDDY KOOKUM hails from Opaskwayak Manitoba.  Greg is a singer, comedian, Emcee, music teacher, father and all around entertainer. Greg is a father to daughter Roselyn and is also battling kidney failure. Making people laugh is medicine for him and his daughter, music and making people laugh is what keeps him going!

Kendal Netmaker is known as one of Canada’s most accomplished entrepreneurs with over 25 awards in business to date! Kendal was recently named one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40”, the country’s most coveted award for young business leaders. Each year, Kendal speaks to thousands of people worldwide on resilience, leadership, and Indigenous values. In addition to being a sought-after speaker, Kendal has authored the bestselling book, Driven To Succeed: From Poverty to Podium. He is also the founder of Neechie Gear, a lifestyle clothing company that empowers youth through sports. Each year, they donate thousands of dollars to helping youth take part in sports. Kendal’s keynotes, workshops, and consulting programs have inspired thousands around the globe and his goal is to inspire YOU to become who you were born to be!

Don Burnstick is a Cree motivational speaker, comedian, and advocate for healing and wellness from Alexander First Nation. After overcoming his own struggles with addiction and alcoholism in his youth, he has dedicated over 30 years to a healing movement, using humor, performance, and a holistic approach to help others. He has a background in holistic youth development and counseling, and he performs a one-man play titled "I Am Alcohol - Healing the Wounded Warrior".

Tantoo Cardinal is an award-winning actress who stars with Robert DeNiro, Lily Gladstone, and Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

Her recent TV series work includes playing Sue Lynn Blackbird in the ABC Television Network series Stumptown. Or opposite Alfred Molina in the series 3 Pines on Amazon (produced by the same producers of The Crown).  As well as the new Marvel series, Echo.

​A Canadian native, she has appeared in over 120 film and television projects over the course of her 50-year career. Multi Award winning performer, including the Earle Grey Award (a lifetime achievement award by the Canadian Screen Awards), is a Member of the Order of Canada and is a CBC/Playback Hall of Fame inductee and a recipient of the 2020 Governor Generals Artistic Achievement Lifetime Achievement Award–Broadcasting and Film (awarded in 2021). She has Honorary Doctorates from 5 Universities.

Her credits include numerous plays, television programs, and feature films, including the features: Legends of the Fall, Dances with Wolves, Black Robe, Falls Around Her, Wind River, The Grizzlies, Where The Rivers Flow North, Maina, Chasing Shakespeare and Eden. Television credits include: SEE, Westworld, Longmire, Mohawk Girls, Frontier, Blackstone, Lonesome Dove, Nobody’s Girls, Godless and Penny Dreadful among others. 

Theatre work includes playing Gertrude in Hamlet, Regan in the production of King Lear and the role of Pelajia in a production of The Rez Sisters”. She was Awarded the Theatre Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on “The Inheritance” at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

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2025 Speakers
 

 
Ashley Callingbull is an actress, model, host and First Nations activist from the Enoch Cree Nation. She is an actress on Blackstone, Tribal, The Great Salish Heist and was a contestant on the Amazing Race Canada. Ashley is also an international motivational speaker and has been a keynote speaker at Harvard University, TED Talks and WE Day.

For her community work Ashley received the Role Model Award from the United Nations on Global Dignity Day. On the 70th Anniversary of Her Late Majesty, Ashley was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her dedication of public service to family, community and her country.​
This past year Ashley was announced as the first Indigenous First Nations woman to become a Sports Illustrated Model. Ashley is currently an In Game Host for the Canadian Football League, the National Lacrosse League and the National Hockey League.

Ashley made history as the first Indigenous woman to win the title of Miss Universe Canada and represented our nation at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.

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Connect with Ashley: hello@talentbureau.com or www.ashleycallingbull.com
 

Joey Genereaux is a proud Plains Cree from Prince Albert, SK in Treaty 6 territory. A motivational speaker and CrossFit level 1 trainer who is dedicated to empowering communities, individuals and teams. With a rich background in personal storytelling, he draws from his cultural heritage to inspire audiences. Joey’s approach combines motivational speaking with wellness principles, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. His journey is not just about fitness; it’s about igniting the fire within each person he encounters. Through engaging workshops and keynote speeches, he fosters an environment where growth and collaboration thrive. Joey believes that everyone has the potential to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, and he is here to guide them in that journey.

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Connect with Joey: joeykylegens@gmail.com
 
 

 
Ron Nesrallah, also known as Deadly Uncle Vibes, a 36-year-old Moose Cree First Nation member from Moosonee, Ontario. I create comedic and dancing content that brings laughter across Turtle Island, starting with a viral TikTok in 2023. By day I work as an HVAC apprentice, but my passion is entertainment, which continues to grow into something bigger. I’m five years sober, proud to have rebuilt my life, reconnected with my culture as a grass dancer, and I share my journey through humor, resilience, and good vibes.
@deadlyunclevibes
 
Trenton Spence  Trenton Spence, 27, from Lake St. Martin, Manitoba, is a dedicated father of two and a passionate musician. With a love for old country and gospel, he not only performs with his band at gigs across the region but also writes and records his own music at home, staying true to his roots while building his craft.
@trentonsmusic
 

 
Errol Ranville  is a celebrated musician from St. Rose Du Lac Manitoba, best known as the founding member and lead singer of the legendary band C-Weed Band, one of Canada’s most successful and influential Indigenous country-rock groups. With a career spanning decades, Errol has recorded multiple albums, toured extensively across North America, and earned recognition for bringing Indigenous music to mainstream audiences while staying rooted in his culture. Beyond the stage, he is a mentor and role model, inspiring the next generation of Indigenous artists through his dedication, resilience, and passion for music. In 2025 Errol was presented with the Order of Canada, Kings Coronation Medal. 
Connect with Errol: cweedband@gmail.com
 

Nipîy Iskwew (Water Woman) With a laugh that can light up a room and a spirit that refuses to quit, Nipîy is proof that healing is powerful and dreams really do come true. Once weighed down by addictions, abuse, and intergenerational trauma, she now celebrates 11 years alcohol and cocaine free and shares her story to inspire others to see their own strength.
 
Today, Nipîy shines as an actress, designer, director, influencer, and motivational speaker. She’s starred in Bear Grease the Musical—including a history-making run on Broadway in New York City—as well as Merchants of the Wild and Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada, the country’s #1 most-watched TV show. Her award-winning fashion line and uplifting presence on social media continue to empower and spread joy across Turtle Island.
 
At her heart, Nipîy is a dream chaser with a mission: to help others believe in themselves, embrace their full potential, and never stop shining.

Greg Personius - Emcee
Deadly Uncle Vibes
Nigel Settee
CWeed Band
and more...