![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Booker-Cornea.png\")
<\/div>Booker Cornea\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Booker is a proud Citizen of the Saskatchewan M\u00e9tis Nation and currently resides with his family on Treaty 4 Territory in Regina, Saskatchewan. He brings over 20 years of experience partnering with Indigenous communities and businesses. He has been instrumental in launching FNBC\u2019s $100M Infrastructure Lending Program with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the $100M Business Acquisition Financing Program with the Business Development Bank of Canada, both designed to increase access to capital for Indigenous communities across the country.<\/p>\n
Booker is passionate about empowering Nation Builders and advancing Indigenous economic growth. As he puts it: \u201cWe do the financial part of Nation Building.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Javen-Marchant.png\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Javen Marchant\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Born and raised in North Vancouver and a proud member of the Squamish Nation, Javen is dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating pathways for collaboration that drive lasting success for Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![](\"https:\/\/www.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?d=mm&size=300\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Camden Hussey\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Born and raised on Vancouver\u2019s North Shore, Camden brings a strategic approach to driving growth and fostering collaboration with both Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous business alike.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Traci-Houpapa.png\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa MNZM JP is Chair of the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities and a nationally recognised governance leader specialising in strategic and economic development. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, she has held numerous governance roles across agribusiness, M\u0101ori enterprise, and the primary sector, and is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most influential leaders in M\u0101ori economic development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\nA dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Daniele-Behn-Smith.png\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\nShe has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Caleb-Behn.png\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/wellington-rep.jpg\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/events.bcafn.ca\/ecdev-forum-2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/03\/Anaru-Smiler.png\")
<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
Booker is a proud Citizen of the Saskatchewan M\u00e9tis Nation and currently resides with his family on Treaty 4 Territory in Regina, Saskatchewan. He brings over 20 years of experience partnering with Indigenous communities and businesses. He has been instrumental in launching FNBC\u2019s $100M Infrastructure Lending Program with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the $100M Business Acquisition Financing Program with the Business Development Bank of Canada, both designed to increase access to capital for Indigenous communities across the country.<\/p>\n
Booker is passionate about empowering Nation Builders and advancing Indigenous economic growth. As he puts it: \u201cWe do the financial part of Nation Building.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Javen Marchant\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Born and raised in North Vancouver and a proud member of the Squamish Nation, Javen is dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating pathways for collaboration that drive lasting success for Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Camden Hussey\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Born and raised on Vancouver\u2019s North Shore, Camden brings a strategic approach to driving growth and fostering collaboration with both Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous business alike.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa MNZM JP is Chair of the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities and a nationally recognised governance leader specialising in strategic and economic development. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, she has held numerous governance roles across agribusiness, M\u0101ori enterprise, and the primary sector, and is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most influential leaders in M\u0101ori economic development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\nA dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\nShe has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
Born and raised in North Vancouver and a proud member of the Squamish Nation, Javen is dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating pathways for collaboration that drive lasting success for Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Camden Hussey\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Born and raised on Vancouver\u2019s North Shore, Camden brings a strategic approach to driving growth and fostering collaboration with both Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous business alike.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa MNZM JP is Chair of the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities and a nationally recognised governance leader specialising in strategic and economic development. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, she has held numerous governance roles across agribusiness, M\u0101ori enterprise, and the primary sector, and is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most influential leaders in M\u0101ori economic development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\nA dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\nShe has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
Born and raised on Vancouver\u2019s North Shore, Camden brings a strategic approach to driving growth and fostering collaboration with both Indigenous Nations and non-Indigenous business alike.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Traci Houpapa\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Traci Houpapa MNZM JP is Chair of the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities and a nationally recognised governance leader specialising in strategic and economic development. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, she has held numerous governance roles across agribusiness, M\u0101ori enterprise, and the primary sector, and is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most influential leaders in M\u0101ori economic development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\nA dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\nShe has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
Traci Houpapa MNZM JP is Chair of the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities and a nationally recognised governance leader specialising in strategic and economic development. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, she has held numerous governance roles across agribusiness, M\u0101ori enterprise, and the primary sector, and is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most influential leaders in M\u0101ori economic development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Zion Nicholas\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\nA dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\nShe has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n
Zion Nicholas is a 24 year old M\u0101ori Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of I AM Studios, a M\u0101ori Creative agency and social enterprise empowering rangatahi m\u0101ori across Aotearoa. Specialising in digital marketing, brand strategy, and communications, Zion works with Iwi, M\u0101ori organisations, and purpose-led businesses to strengthen their brand through a creative, fresh and M\u0101ori approach.<\/span><\/p>\n A dedicated rangatahi leader, he is passionate about creating pathways for Young M\u0101ori in digital and creative industries, championing tino rangatiratanga – self determination through entrepreneurship. He values Indigenous connection and has engaged in cross-cultural initiatives with Indigenous communities internationally and is guided by identity, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Dr. Behn Smith works alongside Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health issues. In support of the ministry\u2019s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous collectives, communities and organizations to advance wellness and disrupt colonial practices and policies.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian\/M\u00e9tis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith\u2019s career has spanned the country and the globe.<\/span><\/p>\n She has practiced rural medicine in remote and First Nations communities across Canada. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta\u2019s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia\u2019s Aboriginal Family practice residency. Since 2014, she has transitioned to a functional medicine practice. Functional medicine is a complex systems biology approach to family practice that resonates with Indigenous approaches to health and healing.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Behn Smith was also the host of \u201cMedicine Woman\u201d, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Caleb Behn (he\/him \u2013 il\/lui) is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work sits at the intersection of water, energy, and Indigenous law. He is currently the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Previously, Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and later as Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land. Now back in his mother\u2019s home community, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, and harvest in Treaty 8, while supporting Elders and advancing projects at the interface of Indigenous law, academic research and technology, most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Keith Smith<\/b> (BA Hon [French Studies], University of Ottawa, 1997) has held various positions within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, including as director of Intergovernmental and International Relations. From 2013 to 2016, he was the director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). He also served as the director general of Policy and Communications at the CHRC. From 2016 to 2018, he worked for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as the director of policy. In this role, he dealt with a wide range of justice files, including an Indigenous rights framework, criminal justice system and family law reform, 2SLGBTQI+ issues and international human rights and justice matters. He joined Justice Canada in August 2021 as the director general of the UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat, leading on the development of a whole-of-government action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He is a member of the Thessalon First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Anaru Smiler is Chair of Wairarapa Moana Trust and works across M\u0101ori economic development and governance. With an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, he has extensive experience in policy and regulatory environments in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and contributes to a range of M\u0101ori economic development initiatives focused on strengthening wh\u0101nau, whenua, and intergenerational prosperity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Caleb Behn\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>His Excellency Keith Smith\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>Anaru Smiler\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t