Keynotes & Panels

Keynote Speaker

Michael Fox

President & CEO, Indigenous & Community Engagement

From Weenusk First Nation, Michael will explore the systemic barriers, funding inequities, and infrastructure needs that impact the delivery of adult education in rural and remote First Nations across Ontario and invite listeners to re-think how delivery can be more firmly grounded in the principles of economic reconciliation and self-determination.

Keynote Panel

Leading with Strength

Indigenous Women in Entrepreneurship

Panelists with explore Leading with Strength, how Indigenous women are shaping pathways to innovation and growth, and how their leadership fosters resilience, cultural continuity, and community well-being.

Panel Speakers

Jennifer Taback

Co-CEO, Design de Plume
Chair of the Board of Governors, Cambrian College

Lora Tisi

Chair of the Board of Governors, Niagara College
former President, RW&CO Brand, Reitmans Canada Limited, and Chair of Indigenous Advanced Education & Skills Council

Keynote Panel

An Indigenous Lens on AI

Transforming the Future of Education, Communication, and Knowledge-Sharing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the future of education, communication, and knowledge-sharing. This panel will bring together experts in AI to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI through an Indigenous lens. This panel will focus on inclusion, cultural accuracy, and accessibility for those who are just beginning to understand this fast-moving technology.

Panelists will share insights on how AI can either reinforce or dismantle bias, the importance of ensuring Indigenous knowledge systems are represented with integrity, and how educators, learners, and communities can approach AI as a tool for empowerment. Whether you are new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will provide an entry point into how Indigenous values and perspectives can guide innovation in an ethical and inclusive direction.

Panel Speakers

Carol Anne Hilton

Carol Anne Hilton

Founder & CEO
Indigenomics

Dr. Jennifer Wemigwans

Assistant Professor
Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto

Robert Luke

Chief Executive Officer
eCampusOntario