Speakers for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Many organizations are planning for the week of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day, on September 30th. This day recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind, the survivors of these institutions, and the path forward to reconciliation and healing.
How is your organization planning to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? The Pope’s recent visit and historic apology has inspired more conversation around what truth and reconciliation looks like – more Canadians are exploring what can be done to further the process.
Hosting an Indigenous speaker at your organization will inspire positive change and motivate audiences to take action. We have the honour of working with some of the most respected Indigenous speakers who share their stories to help audiences learn more about Indigenous histories, cultures and ways of life.
Whether you’re planning a session around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or looking to inspire all year round, we’re always here to help you source the right speaker for your event.
Phil Fontaine | Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
Former three-term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine is an articulate advocate for the future of Canada and for our indigenous peoples. Phil traveled to Rome this year to meet privately with the Pope, where he addressed the Catholic Church’s role in operating residential schools and advocated for a papal apology on Indigenous territory and the release of church records to help identify students who died at the institutions. | [view profile]
Sarain Fox | Activist, Storyteller, & Entrepreneur
Sarain Fox shares stories about the power of introductions as a gateway to our personal truths and to connect us to what we have in common: each other. She highlights the power of learning about histories and traditions to reconnect with each other and with our purpose. Sarain recently took part in a silent protest urging the Pope to go further in his efforts for healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada and rescind the Doctrine of Discovery, which laid the foundation for Canada’s claim to land and the Indian Act. [view profile]
Jesse Wente | Broadcaster, Indigenous Advocate & Pop Culture Philosopher
A self-described ‘Ojibwe dude’, Jesse Wente encourages audiences to consider diversity and inclusion into the future view of their organization, industry and country. His national bestselling book, Unreconciled: Family Truth and Indigenous Resistance, uses stories from his life and his family’s history to explore how companies, organizations, institutions and governments can create meaningful change for Indigenous people and themselves. Jesse takes stock of the current state of truth and reconciliation in Canada, the challenges that exist to achieving both truth and reconciliation, and shows audiences what can be done to further the process. [view profile]
Roberta Jamieson | Lawyer & Indigenous Advocate
Roberta Jamieson is a Mohawk woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a law degree. She’s carved out a notable career as an advisor, leader, and advocate — always with a keen eye to social justice, problem-solving, and the rights and interests of First Nations people. Roberta tells audiences a difficult and painful story while putting forward a cathartic vision that Canadians can work together to make a difference for future generations. [view profile]
Jennifer Podemski | Indigenous Representation Advocate & CEO of Redcloud Studios
Jennifer is an actress, producer, director, and CEO of Redcloud Studios. As a result of her recognition in the Canadian film and television industry, Jennifer shifted her career to focus on producing in her attempt to address the lack of Indigenous representation in the industry. She co-founded Big Soul Productions, Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated production company, and later launched her current company, Redcloud Studios. In combination with her personal story and motivational words, Jennifer Podemski empowers her audience through a lens of advocacy and stories. [view profile]