Ben Raison works for, Spruce River Construction Management and Engineering. (Spruce River) offers the combination of development consulting, construction management, professional project management, engineering, and consulting with a focus on First Nations energy, infrastructure development, and telecommunications projects.

Spruce River is located in Thunder Bay and understands the opportunities and challenges unique to the region, its industries, and its residents. We work with and support several Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nations and organizations affiliated with KO First Nations, including acting as Owner’s Representative for Omekanahkay (Omek) and technical advisor to KNET. Omek is a joint-venture partnership between Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, Deer Lake, and several service partners. Omek provides services to Valard for construction activities related to the Wataynikaneyap Project and is also identifying new opportunities to provide services as well as investment, property development, and other opportunities.

We also support KNET in various capacities, including investigating strategic opportunities related to fibre optic expansion. We work alongside and support Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations directly with community
initiatives. Our fundamental strength is the ability to provide professional services and support from early conceptualization, to planning, design, all the way through construction, and any stage in between.
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More information is available at:  www.sprucerivercme.ca and
Henry Owusu Director of Economic Development owusu@kochiefs.ca

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Harvey Yesno is a member and former Chief of the Eabametoong First Nation. Mr. Yesno served as Chief for six terms from 1977 to 1991 and one further term from 2019-21. He also served as Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Treaty #9 and #5) from 2012-15. From 1993 to 2010 he served as President & CEO of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund ("NADF"). NADF is a non-profit Indigenous financial institution that supports Indigenous business and economic development in Northern Ontario. From 2011-2012, Mr. Yesno served as Director of Community Relations for Ontario's Ring of Fire Secretariat.

Darrell Beaulieu is the President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII) a 100% Indigenous owned corporation representing the 27 First Nations of the Northwest Territories in Canada. Mr. Beaulieu was appointed as the Spokesperson of the NWT Indigenous Leaders Economic Coalition and is Chair of its Investors Committee.

Mr. Beaulieu served three terms as the Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. He is a founder and past President of De’ton Cho Corporation from 1990 to 2000 and was the CEO from 1997 to 2002. In 2016 Darrell was the recipient of the Skookum Jim Award from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) for exceptional Aboriginal achievement in the Mineral Industry.

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Joe Moses is honoured and privileged to serve as CEO of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg. He is a proud member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. He currently serves on various boards and fulfills multiple leadership roles, including Secretary-Treasurer of Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Vice President of Nokiiwin Economic Development Corporation. Joe is also Founder and Principal of JM Development Solutions; a full-service consulting business focused on building strong projects and relationships between industry, government, and Indigenous stakeholders with clients across Canada and Mexico. Mr. Moses’ prior career experience involves providing executive management and strategic leadership to multiple community-owned businesses. In 2016, Mr. Moses was awarded Shift Thunder Bay’s NOVA Award, as one of Northwestern Ontario’s “Top 20 under 40” Visionaries and served in 2015 as the first Indigenous Chair of the Board in Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce history.

Chief Flett formerly spent sixteen years as a High School teacher and then principal in Saint Theresa Point First Nation. He is also a Former Band Councillor, and during that time led the way on successful applications with NRCAN, for GCIB for school solar projects and acted as a member of the Saint Theresa Point Housing Committee. In his current role as Chief, Raymond continues to motivate his staff and community in positive ways.

Matthew is someone who knows the value of trust-based relationships. He has accountability for the leadership of the company’s Indigenous Partnerships team and is responsible for the advancement of the Hydro One’s Indigenous relations strategy. A signature of his leadership is the company's industry-leading First Nations Equity Partnership model which will see First Nations and Hydro One sharing equal ownership in all future transmission line projects over $100 million. During his time in the energy sector, Matthew has advanced more than $15 billion in new infrastructure through trust-based engagement and partnerships. As Hydro One’s lead negotiator, he is currently advancing partnership negotiations with over 45 First Nation governments in Ontario involving equity ownership. By the end of the decade, these partnerships will deliver more than $1 billion in First Nations equity ownership in the Ontario energy sector. Prior to Hydro One, Matthew held senior roles with Union Gas and Enbridge, serving most recently as Senior Manager, Community & Indigenous Engagement for Enbridge’s eastern Canadian operations in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Matthew was born and raised on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation on the Bruce Peninsula. He previously served as a municipal Councillor in his community of Wiarton, within the Town of South Bruce Peninsula and enjoys spending time with his family and boating on Georgian Bay.

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Luke Wassegijig is an Odawa from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and is a father of four. He has studied Tourism Management where he as applied his studies to his role as Tourism Manager for Wikwemikong Tourism for the past 12 years. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing the community's tourism strategy with a focus on building a foundation for sustainable tourism development on Manitoulin Island and Killarney. As the Tourism Manager he has propelled Wikwemikong Tourism into a leader in Indigenous Tourism in Ontario winning several provincial and national accolades including Tourism Champion 2017 from the Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, 2018 Indigenous Tourism Award by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and the Indigenous Adventure Award in 20129 and most recently the 2023 Original Original Award for Exceptional industry Leadership.
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Luke is also an entrepreneur and owner/operator of Wasse-Giizhik Tours where his company specialises
in chartered fishing, scenic/historic cruises and accomodation rentals on Manitoulin Island and Killarney.

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Frank McKay has over 40 years experience working on First Nations issues including health and addictions, housing and infrastructure, economic development and energy. He has served as the Executive Director for NAN legal services, the co-chair for Wataynikaneyap Power and, for the last 16 years, as the Chair and CEO of the Windigo First Nations Council. He has committed his career to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for First Nations living in Ontario’s far north.

Frank graduated from grade 8 from the Poplar Hill Residential School and went on to finish his high school diploma at the Northwestern High School in Stratford Ontario. He studied to be an architectural technician at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario before returning to his home community of Sachigo Lake First Nation, in the province’s northwest.

Frank is the father of three sons and three grandchildren. He is fluent in English and Oji-Cree and currently resides in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A strong proponent of the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of his people, Mr. McKay is a well-respected leader in the WFNC and Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.

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Dan Adams grew up in Red Rock & White River in Northwestern Ontario and has lived in Thunder Bay for the past 24 years. Working in the Financial Services Industry since 1999, Dan has been with BMO since 2010 starting as a Commercial Account Manager. Promoted to Vice President of Indigenous Banking in 2016 and now as Interim Head overseeing Canada. Working close with BMO’s Indigenous Advisory Council, Dan and his team strives to continue to be a leader in the market helping customers with Economic Reconciliation, Community Infrastructure, Managing Wealth and overall Financial Health for all Indigenous People from Coast to Coast to Coast. 

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Santosh Patel is joining us on behalf of Econeem Incorporated, a group of investors owning and managing properties in Longlac, Sioux Lookout, Dryden and Manitoba. The group owns hotels, restaurants, home building materials, and agriculture. The team has the ability to provide General Contracting Services in Sioux Lookout and surrounding First Nations Community. They are actively looking for investment opportunities and partnership with First Nation Communities.

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Paul has owned and operated Boreal Journeys Sled Dog Kennel in Kaministiquia for 16 years where he designs and delivers dogsled programs for the tourism and recreation market as well as social and educational dogsled programming for community partner groups. Through his business, he has interacted with visitors to the region, residents of the area, as well as many local and national institutions and the people those institutions serve. Paul has also served in advisory roles on boards and committees for destination marketing organizations and entrepreneurship support institutions.

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Thomas Benjoe is an Indigenous Business Leader and Entrepreneur from Muscowpetung First Nation. He is currently a partner at OneHoop. Through his leadership, he has grown several multi-million dollar investments across multiple sectors using his unique business models. Those investments were often made with limited resources and capital and in one such investment he started, scaled and sold Saskatchewan’s first Indigenous tech company for a 1,150% return. Thomas also leads several strategies in Indigenous Engagement, Procurement, Indigenous HR, and Investments. Through the strategies he has built he has helped to unlock many new opportunities for Indigenous business to thrive and Indigenous talent to be built sustainably.

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Transmission planning and leads the team responsible for identifying, based on electricity forecasts, the electricity transmission infrastructure that will be needed in the future. Over the past three years, Ahmed’s planning team initiated the development and construction of new electricity transmission infrastructure to support the growing agricultural sector in western Ontario, growth of major load centers, economic development and electrification across the province, and to support changes in Ontario’s generation supply mix. Ahmed’s team is presently planning Ontario’s electricity transmission system to not only meet near term needs but also to enable the longer term energy transition, which includes developing power system plans to support the actions outlined in the Ontario Government’s Powering Ontario’s Growth report.

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Colin French is a band member of Anishinabek Deshkan Ziibii (ADZ), and is working for IFNA Tribal Council as the Business Development Officer in IFNA's Economic Development department. Colin is a former board member of the ADZ Economic Development Corporation and has assisted in the development of multiple businesses that have contributed to community wealth. Starting out in banking and retail operations, led to work in broadcasting with various media outlets. This opened an opportunity for Colin to work in regional First Nation organizations that have focused on creating and maintaining critical infrastructure across Ontario First Nations. This has focused his passion on creating businesses that contribute to both community sustainability and economic growth opportunities. 

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Margaret Kenequanash has been CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power since August 2017: an Indigenous-led, licensed transmission entity bringing grid connection to remote First Nations in northern Ontario currently powered by diesel generators. Margaret has a vast wealth of knowledge gleaned from over 30 years in various high-level positions, including being on the Sioux Lookout Municipal Council from 1990-1994 and Executive Director of the Shibogama First Nations Council from 2005-2017. Margaret carries the distinction of being the first female Chief in her community at North Caribou Lake First Nation when she was elected in 1996. She is well known and respected throughout First Nation communities and government for her work in promoting opportunities and better quality of life for First Nation peoples.

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Born & raised in Thunder Bay. Married for 38 years with two girls who work & reside in Thunder Bay. Graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 Employed for 36 years with Resolute Forest Products or predecessor companies since 1988 (Abitibi , Abitibi Consolidated , Abitibi Bowater, AbiBow & now Resolute Forest Products) Started in Finance in 1988 and moved into Woodlands operations in 1996. Have been a Senior Manager with Resolute from 1990 thru to 2020 managing operations in Thunder Bay , Fort Frances & Iroquois Falls. In 2021 became the General Manager for Ontario Woodlands & Forestry for Resolute Forest Products.

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Dr. Sikanen has been working 25 years with industrial timber supply R&D. Since 2001 he has been focusing on wood biomass for energy and international technology and know-how transfer. In Luke and former Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) he has been leading and participating R&D and consulting processes in Finland, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Portugal and Canada. Sikanen worked as a professor of energy pellet research at the University of Eastern Finland 2008-2013 and spent autumn semester 2017 in Thunder Bay as a visiting scholar. Dr. Sikanen is also an external adjunct professor of Lakehead University.

David, hailing from Matachewan First Nation, brings over 30 years of experience in Forestry and Land Management, coupled with roles in First Nation advocacy, policy, and business development. Currently serving as the General Manager for Wahkohtowin Development, a social enterprise held by three First Nations, David is dedicated to designing pathways for full participation in Forests and Land Management across their respective Territories. The primary goal is to fulfill inherent land stewardship responsibilities, promote community well-being, and diversify into climate change and action activities to sustainably manage the environment. David is deeply passionate about cultural revival and investing in the youth-elder intergenerational relationship, fundamental for emerging Guardian Programs to preserve interconnectedness and their place in the world - Wahkohtowin.

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Alex Peters is President of the Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority.  He has led the development of the Whitefeather Forest Initiative of Pikangikum First Nation for more than 20 years. Prior to taking up the leadership of the Initiative, Alex held positions that included Chief of Pikangikum First Nation and as a policeman.

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Jordan Hatton serves as the Director of Economic Development for Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), a formerly displaced First Nation rapidly developing its reserve lands on Lake Nipigon's southeast shores. In this role, Jordan oversees on-reserve infrastructure, housing, land management, business development, including the Papasay Value-Added Sawmill operation, forestry and mining agreements, employment, training matters, and regional initiatives. He manages a team of six staff, budgeting for numerous projects, funding applications, and reporting requirements. With 13 years of experience in resource development and economic development, Jordan holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Guelph.

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Mark Bell, with over 14 years of dedicated service to Aroland First Nation, has been instrumental in fostering economic development and establishing strategic partnerships.As the Implementation Coordinator for Aroland First Nation/Greenstone Gold, he has played a pivotal role since May 2020. His leadership extends to serving on the Minodahmun Development Corporation Board of Directors, enhancing community growth. Previously, as Band Manager and Economic Development Officer, Mark significantly contributed to local prosperity. As President of the Agoke Development Corporation, he championed Aroland First Nation's interests, driving economic opportunities and partnerships.

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Tammy Lehtinen is a respected stakeholder relations advisor known for her ability to design and lead meaningful community engagement processes. She bridges gaps in capacity, fostering enhanced community economic participation and prosperity in resource-based projects. Ms. Lehtinen has guided corporations in developing corporate social responsibility programs and industry best practices, empowering Indigenous communities to confidently participate in project assessments. Her experience in the junior mining space and with mid-tier producers provides invaluable insights, enabling her to develop forward-thinking strategies that deliver long-term certainty for all parties involved.

Angie Marshall, a Member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, began her career in Camps and Catering and Indigenous Relations before joining Whitesand First Nation north of Thunder Bay. Passionate about protecting community rights, she focuses on resource development, particularly in green energy plans for future generations. Angie, a mother of three children registered with Red Rock Indian Band, envisions a positive future through initiatives ensuring land, water, and resource preservation. She spearheads projects like the Community Sustainability Initiative, aiming for a green vision in Whitesand, including a Biomass Co. Her dedication fosters hope for a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

Jason Rasevych has over 20 years of marketing, finance, strategy, governance, economic development, and management experience with various First Nations and organizations across Canada.  In 2018, he was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Economic Developers and has secured more than $150 million for capital projects, legacy infrastructure, and business expansion with Indigenous groups.  Jason has deep knowledge of Indigenous rights and the resource sector through his involvement in complex negotiations between First Nations, Industry and Government. 

He has led Indigenous groups to precedent setting agreements in the mining, forestry, energy and broadband sectors resulting in equity for Indigenous peoples in natural resources and ownership of enabling infrastructure.  In 2019, he co-founded the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association to advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous business in pursuit of economic reconciliation in Canada. 

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Paul is a senior executive leader with a background in energy (renewable energy, oil and gas) and mining, possessing over 10 years of Indigenous business experience. He has held leadership roles in four Indigenous corporations across various jurisdictions.

Paul's expertise lies in delivering business results through partnerships with Indigenous stakeholders. He excels in strategic leadership, mergers and acquisitions, business development, strategic partnerships, financial management, project management, corporate governance, contract negotiations, capacity building, job creation, and environmental, social, and corporate governance. He specializes in transformation strategies that foster sustainability and profitability for generations to come.

Michael Bonshor, CPA, CMA, and a member of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation of Kingcome Inlet, brings over 20 years of experience working with First Nations and Indigenous organizations. He serves as President and CEO of Visions First Nations Financial Services/Ki’mola Indigenous Capital and Managing Director of the First Nations Business Development Association. 

Michael's expertise as a CPA and CMA, extends to board governance, where he currently serves as Co-Chair of the BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Partnership and Chair of Finance and Audit Committee at BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc. He has previously chaired committees and served as a board member for organizations like the New Relationship Trust and BC Native Economic Development Advisory Board. Additionally, Michael is the founder and Managing Director of the BC First Nations Business Development Association.

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Peggy was a long term employee of the Chapleau Cree First Nation (CCFN), active in the community for over 31 years in various positions such as receptionist, Education Counsellor, Indigenous Registry Administrator, Healthcare Coordinator/Director and lastly as Community Economic Development Officer. She brings with her a positive "can do" attitude, strong belief in collaboration and commitment. Her integrity, honesty, flexibility, empathy, leadership, stability and reliability will assist to create positive change for our organization as we continue to grow and expand.

She is a educated and highly skilled person who has achieved her educational successes while facing the challenge of being a young wife and mother, and employed full-time. She has over the years completed her GED, Automated Office Skills program, Native Education Counsellor Training program, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Certified First Nation Health Manager Program. She is keen to continue her pursuit of higher education in the economic development realm.

She is a proud Indigenous woman, wife of 37 years, mother of two adult men, grandmother of 7 beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 21 to newborn and is a member of the Chapleau Cree. Peggy has lived and worked in her community since 1992, and has had a significant impact in the wellness and economic growth throughout the years. Throughout the years, she has always believed strongly in a healthy work-life balance.

JP is a respected national Indigenous business leader whose experience has seen him facilitate countless conversations and relationships around the world. His calling cards are integrity, collaboration, and elevating strategies to new levels of impact. JP served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) from 2012 to 2020. His career path includes work with Aboriginal communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry in all shapes and sizes, and governments alike. He has over 25 years of experience in the natural resource sector but thrives under any opportunity to enrich shared economic prosperity. Currently, JP serves on the Board of Mikisew Group of Companies, Noront Resources, and Social Awareness Group Inc. as the Senior Indigenous Business Advisor. He is also a member of the Task Force for a Resilient Recovery as well as the Energy Future Forum (EFF). He was appointed as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo in 2017.

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