Rachel Petero
Founder & CEO | Rise Global, New Zealand
Rachel Petero, a Māori leader from Waikato, champions Indigenous leadership and economic empowerment. She founded IWI – Indigenous Women in Industry, a platform for empowering Indigenous women globally. The first event was in New Zealand in 2024, with future gatherings in Canada, Australia, and the U.S.
With over 15+ years of experience, Rachel specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, and cultural capability. She launched Rise Global in 2015, offering Indigenous-led business solutions. Her governance experience spans various sectors, including healthcare and tribal development.
Rachel remains committed to impactful change and collaboration, building a legacy with her husband, John, her family, tribe and communities.
Chief Robert Louie
Chief | Westbank First Nation, Canada
Robert Louie, OC, OBC, LL.B, Hon. Dr LL.B, Hon. Fellow (Okanagan College), is the Chief (28 years) of the Westbank First Nation (which is Self-Governing), and has served on numerous Boards, Companies and Special Appointments with Government and private industry for over 30 years. He has extensive experience in real estate development and finance matters and has focused primarily on working for First Nations on land matters throughout Canada. Over the 27-year span as Chief at Westbank First Nation, Robert was President/Director for 30 plus corporations which included construction, forestry, commercial/retail, residential, recreational, and institutional.
Robert is the Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board (approx. 35 years) and has been instrumental in getting First Nations into incremental self-governance. Robert is also the Chairman/Director of Peace Hills Trust, which is the largest aboriginal financial institution in Canada. Robert is a Founding Director and is a shareholder in the Public Company – Decisive Dividends (DE) on TSX Venture and a Trustee and Chairman of Apartment Plus REIT. Robert is also the owner of Kelowna West Manufacturing Home Park, real estate projects, and several other business endeavours.
Robert is a former practicing lawyer who specialized in native law and was a summer Law Instructor at the University of Saskatchewan. He has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. He is also a former Task Group member elected by the Chiefs in BC serving 4 years on the BC First Nations Summit Task Group and was actively involved in B.C. Treaty negotiations representing First Nations. Robert was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Canada on October 5th, 2006 and on June 1st, 2019, Robert was honored with the recognition of Honorary Fellow of Okanagan College. Most recently, Robert was appointed to the Order of British Columbia on August 4th, 2025.
Some of the other past numerous boards and special appointments Robert has been active in include: Director of Ecora Engineering and Resource Group Ltd; Director of DAXET Development Corporation (which is owned by T’Sou-ke Nation); Panelist judge on Bears’ Lair TV program on APTN; Indigenous advisor representing Canada on the World Indigenous Business Forum, where he networked with other leaders promoting Indigenous economic development and world trade; Board Member with the BC Achievement Foundation and also sat on the Executive Committee; Board of Governor member with UBC; President’s Advisory Council member with UBC-Okanagan; Board Director on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board; President of First Nations Finance Authority Inc.; Board Director with All Nations Trust Co; one of a nine member Premier’s Advisory Council with the Premier of B.C.; Board Director on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce; Board Director and founding member with the Kelowna United Native Friendship Society.
Robert has been the recipient of many other awards and distinguished presentations including: Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business; Lifetime B.C. Achievement Award Aboriginal Business; Distinguished Alumni Business
Administration, Okanagan College; Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership from Aboriginal Financial Officers Association & Xerox Canada; Business Person of the Year, Westbank Chamber of Commerce; President’s Award, Westbank Chamber of Commerce; Recipient of Commemorative Medal for 125th Anniversary of Canada and the B.C. Academic Scholarship Award.
Andrés Antivil Álvarez
President | Indigenous Enterprises Foundation, Chile
Andrés Alejandro Antivil Álvarez is Chilean by birth with ancestral Mapuche roots. He has distinguished himself by holding high positions in civil society organizations, as well as in the private and public sectors.
With over 27 years of experience dedicated to serving Indigenous Peoples, he has played prominent roles, including:
– President of the Indigenous Enterprises Foundation
– Presidential Advisor to the Chilean Government in the National Council of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (CTCI)
– President of the Civil Society Council of the Ministry of Energy
– Member of the Chilean Indigenous Caucus on Climate Change
– Strategic Advisor on Human Rights and Indigenous Affairs in the Mining (Metallic and non-Metallic), Energy, Aquaculture, Forestry, Conservation, and Public Investments sectors
– Honorary Advisor to national government authorities in the last three public administrations
– Honorary Advisor to Indigenous Authorities
– Treasury of the Chile Nature Fund
– Member of the Presidential Advisory Committee for COP25
– President of the Mapuche Lonko Kilapang NGO Corporation
– Directorship at the RE Foundation
– Directorship at Ngülamtun SpA
– Consultant to the IDB
– Consultant to the ASC
His professional experience has been enriched by various internships and specializations in several countries across Latin America, North America, and Germany. This has enabled him to position himself as a counselor, advisor, and facilitator for diverse communities, territories, authorities, and Indigenous Peoples.
He is known for his ability to create genuine dialogue spaces between parties. Andrés holds a solid academic background, including undergraduate degrees in Industrial-Civil Engineering and Forestry Engineering, as well as postgraduate studies and certifications in Sustainable Development and Human Rights.
Nick Jardine
Entrepreneur | Australia
Nick Jardine, born in South Africa, immigrated as a child to Australia and grew into a successful businessman in the construction industry, all the while developing his skills as an avid rugby player. In pursuit of adventure, he followed a dream and immigrated to Canada in 2006 to pursue rugby. After several years of playing and coaching, Nick refocused on his business expertise and, using the only two tools he had brought with him—his hands—founded Urban Handyman Inc. in 2009, a full-scale renovation and construction company.
In just four years, Urban Handyman evolved from a startup into a TV success when Nick became the Head Contractor for Season 1 of the W Network’s hit show Love It or List It Vancouver, airing on HGTV in the USA as Love It or List It Too. Alongside operating his successful renovation business, Nick has also expanded into media, appearing as a construction expert on CBC’s Weather Gone Wild Home Audit.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nick has been a dedicated and valued supporter of WIBF over the years. His contributions have been invaluable—whether helping with stage management, assisting with MC duties, or simply championing our mission as an incredible volunteer. His commitment and generosity have made a meaningful difference.
Nick has a passion for business, construction, and travel, and currently resides in Australia.