2025 Speakers » World Indigenous Business Forum Inc.

Wayne is from the Moosomin First Nation and got his bachelor’s degree in law from Queens University, a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University and his Master of Laws with a specialty of Indigenous International Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Wayne’s Master of Law Research thesis was an exploration of the legal history, law and policy of Indigenous trade between Canada and the United States.

Wayne is the CEO of the not-for-profit registered charity, the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada. Wayne is also the Senior Lawyer and Principal Director of the law firm Garwill Law Professional Corporation. Further, he leads an international business entitled Indigenous Sovereign Trade Consultancy Ltd. and is the founding President of the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization.

He is past board secretary of the Council of the Great Lakes Region, past Chair of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Appeal Tribunal, past Chair of the National Council of Federal Aboriginal Employees and is currently on the board of directors of the International Law Association – Canada Chapter and is one of the founding members of the Government of Canada, Global Affairs Working Group on Indigenous International Trade. Wayne was instrumental in advising on the development of Canada’s Indigenous trade policy which led to progress for Indigenous trade in CUSMA/ USMCA as well as being appointed lead Indigenous Canadian negotiator for the Indigenous Peoples Economic Trade and Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).

He is also a Research Fellow specializing in International Comparative Indigenous law at the University of Oklahoma, College of Law as well as a Senior Legal Fellow for the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law. He was appointed by Order in Council as a member to the NAFTA Chapter 19 Trade Remedies roster and then appointed in 2020 as a CUSMA Advisory Committee Member on Private Commercial Disputes, Article 31.22.

He is the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business 2019 award winner for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations, the 2020 Queen’s University Alumni Award winner, the recipient of the 2020 International Legal Specialist in Peace, Justice and Governance Award from the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law, the 2024 Canada-United States Law Institute recipient of the Sidney J. Picker Award for contributing to the development of Canada-US relations, the 2024 H.R.S. Ryan Law Alumni Award of Distinction in recognition for outstanding contributions to the faculty, university, and legal profession, Queen’s University, Faculty of Law and the 2024 Oklahoma Supreme Court Sovereignty Symposium medallion for outstanding contributions in furthering Indigenous legal issues.

Alana Kennedy, an Eastern Arrente, Kalkadoon, and Waanyi descendant from Mount Isa, Queensland, is the founder and CEO of Ochre Sun, a vertically integrated skincare and sunscreen brand that blends Indigenous knowledge with sustainable practices. Through her leadership, Ochre Sun delivers premium, ethically sourced personal care products while supporting Indigenous communities across the entire supply chain.

As a representative of Australia with the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organisation (IITIO), Alana is committed to advancing economic empowerment for Indigenous entrepreneurs. She focuses on securing business opportunities that foster lasting growth and economic development for Indigenous communities in Australia that multiple as global legacy impact for Indigenous communities globally.

Dr. Collard is currently the Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN), a Native American Tribal Nation. In this capacity he compiled and implements the CPN Economic Development Strategy. He is currently developing Iron Horse, a rail-anchored Eco-industrial park following the principles of the Circular Economy. Iron Horse is also one of the first Foreign Trade Zones on Native American land with activated sites.

Dr. Collard is a Fellow and recently completed an eight-year term on the Board of Directors for the International Economic Development Council. He holds the prestigious Certified International Trade Professional designation from the Forum for International Trade Training and in June 2022 was elected to the Board of Directors. He is also on the Executive Committee of the International Inter-tribal Trade & Investment Organization (IITO). Dr. Collard is a current member and Past Chair of the OK Governor’s International Team and is a member of the Oklahoma District Export Council. He was recently appointed as a member of the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). He is also the co-founder and chair of the Tribal-Municipal Dialogue, a group dedicated to increasing cooperation between tribal & local governments.

Dr. Joseph is Māori from the Tainui, Tūwharetoa, Kahungunu, Rangitāne and Ngāi Tahu tribes. Dr Joseph is a Senior Lecturer at Te Piringa-Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato, he was admitted to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1998, and he completed his PhD in law and Māori governance at the University of Waikato in 2006. Dr Joseph was a senior research fellow for the Te Mātāhauariki Research Institute under the leadership of Judge Michael Brown, and in the Pro-Vice Chancellor Māori Office at the University of Waikato under Dr Linda Tuhiwai Smith.

Dr. Joseph is the current director of both Te Mata Hautū Taketake – the Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre (MIGC), and the Canada-New Zealand Studies Unit at Waikato University, he was the Chair of the Māori Governance Working Group Committee established by the New Zealand Government and Māori Economic Development Task Force, the Ministry for Māori Development – Te Puni Kokiri, and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment in 2012, and he has been a trustee on numerous Māori trusts and organisations.

Dr. Joseph is a former Fulbright and Claude McCarthy Scholar, an expert witness, licenced researcher, and legal historian in the Waitangi Tribunal; a former Vice President of the Battle of Orākau Heritage Society Inc., he is the New Zealand representative on a number of international organisations including the Association for Canadian Studies in Australia and New Zealand (ACSANZ), the International Indigenous Governance Consortium (IIGC), the International Indigenous Trade and Investment Organisation (IITIO), and he is also currently researching and working with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development (HPAIED), the Native Nations Institute (NNI) at the University of Arizona, and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) at Australia National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.

Dr Joseph is moreover, a recently appointed member of the New Zealand Government Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade-Māori Taumata committee for dealing with Māori and international free trade agreements which compliments his work role in IITIO.

Scott currently leads the legal team for the Division of Commerce of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which includes supporting all of the business units of the Choctaw Nation in all legal matters.Scott is a graduate of Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, received his law degree from Vanderbilt University and his M.B.A. from Oklahoma City University. Scott also holds a Legal Education Certificate, recognized throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean as the professional qualification for admission to practice law in those member countries, from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas.

For over 20 years, Scott has been providing legal counsel on business, transactional and gaming matters to clients ranging from solo entrepreneurs to large-scale, multinational corporations and Tribal nations. Scott has been involved with the International Intertribal Trade and Investment Organization for almost a decade and currently sits on its Board of Directors. In 2023, Scott was appointed to serve on the U.S. Gov’t Accountability Office Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council on behalf of the Choctaw Nation.

Valerie Devol is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has an MBA from the University of Missouri, where she also accomplished a JD as well as a LLM in Taxation. She has practiced law for twenty years. Since 2013, Ms. Devol has been the owner and managing partner of Devol and Associates, a full-service boutique law firm, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her fields of expertise include business and personal tax law, estate and tax planning, and resolving myriad state and federal tax controversies.

Ms. Devol is also accomplished in tribal, municipal and business development law – for established as well as start-up businesses. She frequently speaks on issues of taxation and government action and is a vibrant contributor to Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Association rule-making efforts affecting business regulations.

In 2022 Valerie was sworn in as the Attorney General of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

Kody Penner is a Tahltan First Nation member and the Vice President of Corporate Development at Nations Royalty, Canada’s largest majority Indigenous owned publicly traded company. A mining professional, Kody brings a wealth of experience from across the mining sector working for both junior and major mining companies as well as working for Indigenous government and business.

Kody has played a key role in shaping strategy and driving value for Indigenous governments and enterprises, with a strong focus on building lasting, sustainable relationships. Known for his collaborative approach to decision-making, he works to align the values of rights holders and stakeholders, creating shared goals and long-term impact.

Beginning his career as an underground miner, Kody rose through the ranks to hold a strategic role at Canada’s largest diversified mining company. He also served as Vice-Chair of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, where he was instrumental in leading transformative changes by strengthening governance and enhancing operational management.

Hans is the Associate Deputy Secretary for the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch with Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

He has extensive experience in cultural inclusion strategies, Treaty, economics, strategic development, workforce capability, social enterprise, commercial and native title law. He also has extensive experience in navigating complexity and brings with him a strong background of commercial insight and expertise.

Hans has working knowledge of Aboriginal communities, economic development priorities and culturally appropriate engagement that provides extensive experience in influencing policy and community to deliver on high profile project outcomes. He has a strong stakeholder network and is known for his advocacy of advancing Aboriginal affairs and interests across government. And he is an accredited Mediator.

Other Work History Snapshot:

Inaugural Director of the Aboriginal Melbourne Branch at the City of Melbourne
CEO of a Native Title Representative Body
Barrister at the Victorian Bar specialising in general commercial law
Articled Clerk/Solicitor at Deacons Lawyers (now Norton Rose Fulbright)
Lecturer at Deakin University (Subjects taught – Competition Law and Taxation) and lecturer at Victoria University (Subject taught -Evidence)
Research/Judges’ Associate at the Federal Court of Australia – Victorian Registry.
Business, management, and leadership Consultant.

Laura Brown is a proud Murrawarri woman and a results-driven Social Procurement and Inclusion Manager with over nine years of experience in the construction industry. She began her career in project delivery and construction management, gaining a strong understanding of commercial pressures and subcontractor capability.

Laura now leads inclusive procurement and workforce strategies across Victoria and South Australia, delivering measurable social outcomes on private and State and Federal Government funded contracts. She brings lived experience, cultural insight and commercial expertise to her work, identifying practical opportunities across the supply chain that benefit communities and delivery partners.

She has delivered social procurement outcomes on complex projects, including the New Footscray Hospital, which has been recognised as a benchmark for inclusive delivery. Her leadership has helped shape Multiplex’s national approach to social value, with a strong focus on First Nation participation, gender equity and economic inclusion.

Tina Waru is a nationally recognised leader in Indigenous engagement, social procurement, and construction sector inclusion. In her role at Fredon, one of Australia’s leading Tier 1 subcontractors, Tina has been driving meaningful change by embedding Indigenous procurement and participation across major infrastructure projects. Her innovative approach has positioned Fredon as a thought leader in creating pathways for First Nations businesses and communities within the construction industry.

Alongside her work in construction, Tina is Founder and CEO of an Indigenous creative enterprise that has supported more than 2,000 First Nations youth into fashion and creative industries. Her global impact in this space has been acknowledged through multiple international accolades, as well as nationally through the Governor of Victoria Export Award (GOVEA). She was also a finalist in the Australian National Export Awards, recognised as one of the top five enterprises in the creative industries.

Tina’s leadership has been celebrated with the NECA VIC 2025 Leaders in Diversity Award and through back-to-back finalist recognition in the Social Traders Game Changer Award and Kinaway Awards 2025, acknowledging her role as an innovator in Indigenous procurement, engagement, and economic empowerment. She continues to champion First Nations participation globally and is preparing to launch the world’s first Global Indigenous Fashion Festival.

Shar Amner (Iwi: Ngāti Rangi, Raukawa, Ngāti Kea Ngāti Tūāra, Ngāti Rangiwewehi) is General Manager Māori at the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (New Zealand), leading Māori economic strategy and Treaty partnership management. After eight years as director, Shar recently became Chairman of Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation that manages 43,000 hectares across sheep, beef, dairy, forestry and honey operations for over 10,000 shareholders. His governance experience includes chairing Ngāti Rangi Trust and negotiating its Treaty Settlement with the Crown in 2018. Active in capital mobilisation initiatives including the “Māori Access to Capital” programme and Indigenous trade development. Under his leadership, MBIE delivered Te Ōhanga Māori Report 2023, demonstrating the Māori economy’s $30 billion GDP contribution to New Zealand. He recently attended Indigenous Peoples Week in Osaka as part of Te Aratini, advancing international Indigenous economic partnerships. With international commercial experience across food businesses and economic investments, Shar combines practical policy expertise with large-scale agribusiness knowledge. His strategic approach enables Indigenous economic participation at scale while remaining grounded in cultural values and intergenerational thinking. Shar’s results-focused leadership bridges traditional knowledge systems with contemporary capital markets, creating pathways for Māori economic advancement serving both community aspirations and national interests. Rugby has shaped his leadership philosophy through university rugby in the United States and now supporting his teenage sons’ careers, reinforcing discipline, collaboration and building foundations for success.

Jamie Lowe is a Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man serving as the CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and inaugural Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre, established to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment through a partnership with the University of Melbourne.

With a dedication to advocating for First Nations peoples’ self-determination, Jamie has played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives. He was instrumental in negotiating the Closing the Gap Agreement, which took effect in July 2020, and currently represents the NNTC as a Joint Council member of the Coalition of the Peaks, advising on economic development and supporting national cooperation on Closing the Gap initiatives.

In 2021, he was appointed Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council, advising the Australian Government on heritage matters. Prior to his role at the NNTC, Jamie was the CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, which holds native title rights in southwestern Victoria, including the Great Ocean Road. He is also an inaugural member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which is negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government.

Internationally, Jamie represents the NNTC at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, contributing to discussions on Indigenous rights and advocacy. His work, both nationally and internationally, emphasizes creating economic independence while preserving cultural identity, as he champions a national Treaty and other initiatives for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia. Jamie remains committed to supporting his community and fostering economic empowerment for First Nations people.

Luis Felipe Duchicela is a highly influential global advisor on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and development. Of Kichwa descent from Ecuador, his extensive career spans government, multilateral agencies, civil society, and the private sector, all with a focus on advancing self-determination and prosperity for Indigenous communities.

He served as Ecuador’s first National Secretary of Indigenous Peoples, where he launched a landmark $50 million development program. At the World Bank, he was a key figure in the reform that led to the adoption of the Environmental and Social Standard for Indigenous Peoples (ESS7).

His experience also includes roles as a senior advisor at USAID, a leader in Indigenous governance at BHP, and director of non-profit organizations like the Amazon Conservation Association. With master’s degrees from Yale University, he currently advises various organizations on partnership models and business development for Indigenous communities. His lifelong commitment is to foster inclusive and sustainable development.

Peter-Lucas Jones is a visionary leader driving Māori language revitalisation through technology and media. As CEO of Te Hiku Media, he leads the development of cutting-edge natural language processing tools for te reo Māori, including speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and Indigenous pronunciation modelling — transforming the digital landscape for Indigenous languages.

A passionate advocate for intergenerational language transmission, Indigenous data sovereignty, and AI-driven language licensing, Peter has positioned Te Hiku Media as a global leader in Indigenous language technology. His expertise in corpus development and AI innovation saw him named to TIME Magazine’s 2024 list of the world’s 100 most influential voices in AI.

Peter-Lucas also holds key governance roles, including Chair of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri, Te Aupōuri Treaty Settlement Trust, and Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi.

Jaynaya Winmar is a proud Noongar/Ballardong woman from Quairading in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia in Australia. As a Cycle Breaker, Glow Getter, and Indigenous Entrepreneur, she is passionate about making the most of every opportunity while supporting others in their growth and passions, believing in the strength of unity and collaboration.

Jaynaya has extensive experience in the Employment and Recruitment sectors, focusing on partnerships in Education and Employment across regional and remote areas of Western Australia and Victoria. Her work in the recruitment industry, particularly with disadvantaged cohorts under the employment services framework, has allowed her to identify gaps in engagement and provide strategic solutions through partnerships.

As a consultant, she specialises in developing and implementing Reconciliation Action Plans across all levels, from Reflect to Elevate, for corporate national and international companies, sporting clubs, and peak bodies. She has also contributed to the creation of Indigenous Procurement Policies and Indigenous Engagement Plans, leveraging her skills to bridge the business bonds between Indigenous businesses and the broader business landscape. Her expertise extends to engagement with State and Federal government Social Procurement Frameworks and National Procurement Strategies, ensuring the alignment of stakeholder goals and transferable skills.

Jaynaya recently started her own business, operating on a model of effective networking, where she connects key stakeholders in a way that is respectful and mutually beneficial. She describes herself as an expert networker, always striving to strengthen business connections within her vast network.

Jaynaya’s dedication to Indigenous empowerment and community development is woven into every aspect of her work, as she continues to influence policy, business, and cultural development.

Christiane Waneissi is a Kanak entrepreneur from Lifou island, in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. After more than 20 years working for the local government, where she held management positions in cultural affairs, vocational training and cooperation, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2016, first as a consultant for Australian and New Zealand companies.

In 2020, she launched her startup, Pacifikmarket.nc, to sell Kanak and Oceanian crafts online, including the mission dress, an iconic women’s garment from New Caledonia. In 2024 she launched her fashion brand Chateaubriand Wear and participated in 2025 to Fiji Fashion Week and New Zealand Fashion Week with Pacific Fusion Fashion show collective.

As winner of the French Tech Tremplin program, she is also recognized for her commitment to the economic empowerment of Kanak women and the promotion of indigenous culture and know-how through fashion. As multilingual speaker, Christiane Waneissi is also involved in several associations supporting female business leaders, Kanak entrepreneurs, and indigenous women.

Christiane Waneissi is considered an inspiring and innovative leader in the Indigenous world, at the intersection of culture and women’s empowerment through new technologies. She notably supports the economic inclusion of disadvantaged groups, particularly women, by proposing business models adapted to their realities. This approach contributes to greater financial and social autonomy for Indigenous women, while strengthening social cohesion and promoting Kanak and Oceanian cultural identity.

Through her concrete example with the e-commerce startup pacifikmarket.nc, she affirms that Indigenous values are major assets for business success and encourages Indigenous women to be bold, take their place, and proudly use their cultural heritage as a marketing force. Her key message to Indigenous women is to boldly assert themselves, take their place, and proudly promote their cultural heritage as a powerful asset in their entrepreneurial journey.

Nyoka Morgan is an Internationally Certified Life Coach, Social Entrepreneur, and Founder of NYYANI Life Coaching Agency, a business dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through culturally grounded coaching frameworks. A proud Yorta Yorta woman based in Perth, Nyoka combines Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary coaching practices to deliver transformative outcomes in life coaching, Aboriginal family coaching, consulting, and facilitation.

Her signature BEANS Framework integrates cultural values with modern leadership and wellbeing approaches, addressing family preservation, personal growth, and community empowerment. Nyoka works with both individuals and corporate organisations, supporting leaders to strengthen cultural safety, inclusion, and resilience in the workplace.

Beyond her coaching agency, Nyoka is also a co-founder and director of Paradigm Entertainment, a company showcasing world-class sports and entertainment talent on national and international stages. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for her ability to create safe, inclusive, and impactful spaces for dialogue and growth.

Recognised as a Forbes Australia 30-Under-30 Judge and currently undertaking a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership at Monash University, Nyoka continues to expand her influence in business and leadership. She is committed to creating pathways of opportunity that honour Indigenous voices, celebrate cultural identity, and foster global collaboration.

Linda Paru brings over 30 years of expertise in human capital management, international business governance, and organisational development. She is the Founder and CEO of PNG Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Connect (PNGIWEC), a social enterprise platform that has supported more than 320,000 Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea since 2013.

As Group Executive Director of Human Capital Management Solutions, Linda mentors women leaders globally, with a strong focus on human capital strategies and women’s entrepreneurship. Her career includes senior roles such as General Manager at Cloudy Bay Sustainable Forestry Limited and key leadership positions with Cargill and ANZ Banking Group, where she successfully implemented HR policies and performance frameworks across diverse regions.

Linda’s achievements include integrating HR systems in newly acquired plantations for Cargill, establishing an agricultural training academy for graduates, and leading large-scale recruitment projects, including over 300 positions for the Department of Defence in PNG. Through her consulting firms—HR Business Solutions and Human Capital Management Solutions—she has enhanced HR processes, compliance, developed human resource policy manuals (source documents) and performance management systems for 100 plus medium to large organisations across PNG.

Her academic background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (HRM) from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial & Organisational Psychology from the University of Papua New Guinea. Recognized with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to business in PNG, Linda continues to champion women’s economic empowerment.

Beyond business, she contributes to community and sporting initiatives and currently serves as Vice Honorary Consul for PNG in Greece.

Phil Lockyer is a Noongar man from Western Australia with 25 years of experience working in Indigenous Affairs across government, community organizations and corporate sector.

His career focus is creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations people businesses, and communities, and is one of Australia’s leading practitioners of the Reconciliation Action Plan Program.

Since February 2021 he has been Head of Indigenous Affairs at Tourism Australia where he is focused on ensuring the diversity, warmth and humour of First Nations people is central to Australia’s tourism narrative.

Phil doesn’t believe in ‘leaning in’ but in ‘knocking stuff’ over to ensure First Nations people are the ones at the table making the decisions that impact their communities.

Brad Jackson is a seasoned strategist and practitioner with over 30 years of experience supporting Indigenous communities across Australia, the Pacific, and globally in designing and implementing resilient, community-led economic systems. He plays a central role in shaping strategic development frameworks and leading the design of scalable, culturally grounded initiatives that unlock long-term prosperity for Indigenous peoples.

Brad has worked with hundreds of communities to translate opportunity into enterprise, guiding the development of market-based solutions that are both practical and rooted in local values. His expertise spans project design, systems thinking, and sustainable enterprise growth, with a proven ability to deliver outcomes that build wealth, improve governance, and embed lasting capacity at the community level.

Andrew Carrier BA, RPT, CHRP is a Registered Professional Trainer and Certified Human Resource Practitioner. Andrew retired from the Government of Manitoba in 2017 and is currently the Vice-President of the Winnipeg Region for the Manitoba Métis Federation. Andrew has over 30 years of volunteer experience within the Métis, First Nation, Persons with Disability, and non-profit organizations such as the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, The Truth and Reconciliation – Governing Circle, Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, and Canadian Paraplegic Association. Since 2000, Andrew is a Board member of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute and Chairperson since 2013.

In 2009, Andrew was a spokesperson at the United Nations presenting on the history, culture and challenges facing the Metis in Manitoba.In March 2013, Andrew was the official spokesperson to French Canada on the Manitoba Métis Federation’s Supreme Court of Canada’s decision on the Metis Land Claims of 1867. In April 2021, Andrew had an audience with Pope Francis and asked that the Catholic Church protect the children and not the abusers.

Andrew Carrier was first elected within the National Government of the Red River Métis – the Manitoba Métis Federation in April 2000 as a Regional Director and in June 2018, elected as Vice-President. Andrew has five portfolios within the MMF, and they are; Minister of Michif Languages, Residential and Day School Survivors, Riel House, French Language Services and the Métis Community Liaison Department.

John Tuiono is the General Secretary of the Fiji Chapter of the World Indigenous Business Network (WIBN) and a founding member of the chapter in Suva, Fiji. He has led the inaugural two-day mini-conference and the Fiji Chapter’s first WIBN Council Meeting, registering over 150 businesses—including Fijian diaspora enterprises—and promoting indigenous participation across multiple sectors. John represents Fiji at annual WIBN and WIBF meetings, providing research, policy advice, and advocacy to connect Fijian businesses to a global network spanning more than 80 countries.

With experience in government, consultancy, and community service, John was Principal Consultant at Omni Business Consultancy, advising clients on business and property development. He also served as business advisor to the Tailevu and Ba Provincial Holding Companies and as a community advisor with the Veivueti Community & Social Services Trust in New Zealand. Previously, he held senior roles with Fiji’s Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation and Ministry of Regional Development & Multi Ethnic Affairs, overseeing capital projects, policy, and community programs.

John holds a Diploma in Theology from South Pacific Bible College and an Advanced Certificate in Personnel Management. Passionate about the cultural economy and indigenous business development, he champions inclusive growth by connecting local SMEs to international markets and fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Sandi Lesueur is a Canadian visionary powerhouse with a heart-led mission: to heal mind, body, and soul — not just for individuals, but for entire communities and ecosystems.

She is a globally recognized leader in regenerative hospitality, ESG-driven development, and wellness real estate innovation. As Founder & CEO of VIRTU Resort & Residences Ltd., Sandi leads the creation of sustainable, culturally immersive resort communities across Europe, and Canada, — integrating renewable energy, circular design, and deep Indigenous and community engagement.

With over 30 years of experience in wellness and sustainable strategy, she is known for her vision of transforming luxury destinations into platforms for healing, environmental resilience, and economic empowerment.

Sandi serves as Principal of Sustainable Economic Development on the board of the World Indigenous Business Network, where she advances Indigenous-led investments and globally sustainable models. She is also the catalyst behind a first-of-its-kind ESG-focused hospitality fund in collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), where VIRTU has been selected as the global accelerator model.

As Board Advisor on Sustainable Products to Hotec, Sandi guides innovation in procurement to ensure suppliers meet rigorous wellness and environmental standards. Additionally, as Chair of the CleanTech Alliance Hospitality Real Estate Cluster, she champions the convergence of clean technology, cultural stewardship, and regenerative design.

Sandi’s work proves that hospitality can be more than luxurious — it can be transformative, healing, and regenerative, leaving a lasting legacy for both people and planet.

Richard has worked for the last 35 years supporting Mãori economic development throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. As a Mãori Development Consultant, Richard has supported Mãori tribes, landowner organisations and Mãori businesses to work towards their potential and be successful.

Richard has served in a range of senior management and governance roles – including his own tribal Board – and is still active in tribal affairs. He has been married for nearly 40 years to Gerardine and has six amazing children.

Richard has been exploring relationships and opportunities for indigenous business collaboration since first attending WIBF in 2012. He established Te Ohu Whai Ao Trust to host WIBF 2018 and to represent Mãoridom in the World Indigenous Business Forum.

Recently, Richard has joined Tiaki Global as CEO. Tiaki Global is a Mãori owned IT company developing Data Centres (currently in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific). The platform includes an Indigenous Sovereign Cloud solution, high level international security standards, and involves a range of international partners and clients. Data Centres represent a greenfield industry with exponential growth internationally. Richard wants to see indigenous people involved in this new industry as early adopters and Tiaki Global provides that opportunity.

Tiaki Global also: develops indigenous ideas into Software as a Service (SaaS) products; delivers training designed for indigenous youth into IT engineer careers; and provides Managed Desk Services.

Dr. Ernesto Sirolli founded the Sirolli Institute in 1996, a social enterprise devoted to ensuring that no local intelligence ever goes to waste. In 1985, he pioneered Enterprise Facilitation® in a remote community in Western Australia, demonstrating that when people are treated with respect—and supported by caring, competent, and dedicated facilitation—entrepreneurial energy flourishes. The success of his method, built around the Trinity of Management® (Product, Marketing, and Financial Intelligence), has inspired more than 400 communities worldwide to build their own capacity for self-driven development. Enterprise Facilitation® embodies a philosophy shared by Indigenous traditions everywhere: if you truly wish to help someone, first, shut up and listen.

Dr. Sirolli holds a Doctorate in Political Sciences from the University of Rome and a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Local Enterprise Facilitation from Murdoch University. He serves as an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (University of Queensland) and as an Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Development at Curtin University. He is Innovation Lead for Cross-ING Switzerland.

He is the author of two acclaimed books and writing another:

Ripples from the Zambezi: Passion, Entrepreneurship, and the Rebirth of Local Economies
How to Start a Business and Ignite Your Life: A Simple Guide to Combining Business Wisdom with Passion
Boundary Riders , Innovation inside Companies (to be published 2026)

In 2012, his TED Talk “If you really want to help someone , Shut up and Listen!” went viral, reaching more than 4 million views and translated into 31 languages. His work continues to inspire leaders and communities to rediscover the dignity of listening, and the transformative power of local intelligence.

Gail Chamberlain is a First Nation cultural entrepreneur and owner of Original Traders, based in the greater Montreal area of Canada. Her work honors the richness of her culture and the legacy of the original traders and merchants — the first visionaries of commerce on this land we call Turtle Island. That legacy lives through her as she creates authentic, Indigenous-made wearable art accessories that celebrate heritage while embracing innovation.

Counterfeit imports continue to misrepresent and exploit Indigenous cultural products and identity, threatening authentic products and the economic sustainability of Indigenous artisans. In response, Gail is leading a shift in cultural entrepreneurship that blends innovation with tradition. She operates a small-scale manufacturing studio where she locally produces beaded and laser-cut wearable art accessories (jewelry) using CO₂ and fiber laser cutting. As the first Indigenous entrepreneur to integrate ZSK’s bead embroidery technology into her process, she combines advanced tools with cultural intention — not only to preserve authenticity, but also to scale production and keep Indigenous-made products competitive in a marketplace flooded with mass-produced imports. Her business is proudly open to collaboration, especially with other innovative creators who share a commitment to cultural integrity.

Gail’s connection to culture guides her work. She supports fellow Indigenous businesses in their journey toward growth. Her mission is to champion and reclaim Indigenous intellectual and cultural property rights. Her work carries the wisdom of the past, nurtures the present, and plants seeds for the future.

Keith Matthew is a proud member of the Simpcw First Nation, where he has lived most of his life. With a background in communications from Cariboo College, Keith began his career in journalism, working with Coyoti Prints, Secwepemc News, Kahtou, and Windspeaker as a writer, photographer, and editor. His professional journey includes corporate experience with BC Hydro’s Aboriginal Relations Department and the establishment of his own communications and marketing business.

As Chief of Simpcw First Nation, Keith championed economic development, negotiating major agreements with partners such as Kinder Morgan Canada, West Fraser, and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing—securing over $1.7 billion in community benefits. He also helped create Simpcw Resources Ltd. and the Simpcw Heritage Trust.

Today, Keith continues to advance Indigenous economic empowerment as Chair of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association and Director with several national and regional organizations. Above all, Mr. Matthew’s proudest accomplishments are being father to Gypsi and Jordan. Both are working and healthy individuals.

Dr Julie Ballangarry is a proud First Nations academic and systems thinker dedicated to transforming institutions through Indigenous knowledges, policy innovation, and public dialogue. She is Director of First Nations Strategy and Coordination at Charles Sturt University, and lecturer in Political Science and Indigenous Politics at Griffith University – leading work in truth-telling, decolonising education, and relational approaches to leadership. Dr Julie’s research spans First Nations rights, reconciliation, Women Peace and Security, and Indigenous and feminist foreign policy.

With over 15 years’ experience across government, civil society, and education, Julie brings a unique ability to embed Indigenous ways of working into practice. She creates spaces; classrooms, boardrooms, and communities, where Indigenous voices shape direction and decision-making. Her work bridges policy, facilitation, and strategic leadership, supporting organisations to act with integrity and build transformative partnerships. Julie is committed to advancing justice and recognition for First Nations peoples while strengthening systems through inclusive, values-driven approaches.

Professor Kerry Arabena is a Meriam woman and a distinguished leader in Indigenous health, environmental science, and social work. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Environmental Science from the Australian National University, where she received the JG Crawford Prize.

As Managing Director of Karabena Consulting and Ilan Style, and founder of First 1000 Days Australia, she champions innovative solutions to improve health, sustainability, and cultural equity. A philanthropist, she sponsors a Meriam language scholarship and mentors future leaders. Internationally recognised, her work continues to shape policy and drive systemic change.

Brian Bero is a Co-founder and Principal Solicitor of Jaramer Legal. He is one of Australia’s most senior and respected First Nations corporate and commercial lawyers. Brian has extensive work experience across Commonwealth and State Government Agencies, major corporations and community lead organisations. He has worked as a lawyer with the Victorian Government Solicitors Office, Gilbert + Tobin, and a number of large corporations such as Qantas, Telstra and Oracle.

Brian is a Meriam man who is passionate about First Nations empowerment and socially responsible economic development. He was recognised for such work when awarded Senior First Nations Lawyer of the Year, in 2024. Brian is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Board Director for Indigenous Business Australia, Original Power, Aboriginal Community Housing and Ilbijerri Theatre Company. He is a Panel Advisor for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), First Nations Trade and Investment Unit, and committee member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network.

Duean is a Biripi woman (NSW) and consultant who has worked across the corporate, government, not-for-profit and community-controlled sectors. Her qualifications include law, business (Senior Executive MBA), leadership and coaching, training, career development and corporate governance (AICD graduate).

Duean has significant dispute resolution expertise as a nationally accredited mediator and is an experienced facilitator, coach and trainer. Before joining the Treaty Authority, she served as a panel mediator with the Victorian Small Business Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality and the Native Title list of the Federal Court and was a member of the Review Panel for the Victorian Stolen Generations Reparations Fund. She has been a non-executive director of various government and community boards.

As one of Australia’s most recognisable musicians, Adam Briggs (Briggs) has built a powerful career that spans music, writing, and culture. Known for his commanding stage presence and sharp social commentary, he’s earned multiple accolades both as a solo artist and as one half of the award-winning duo A.B. Original. As founder of Bad Apples Music, Australia’s leading Indigenous hip hop label, Briggs has paved new pathways for Indigenous artists and reshaped the local music landscape.

Beyond music, he hosts Apple Music 1’s The New Australia, amplifying the next wave of hip hop and R&B talent to a global audience. A gifted writer and storyteller, Briggs has written for Netflix, ABC, and GQ Australia (where he was the first Indigenous artist to feature on the cover). He’s also an award-winning children’s author, actor, and cultural voice who continues to inspire through creativity and representation across every platform.

Tom Dawkins is Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of LendForGood, a platform democratising impact investment to help more impact businesses grow. LendForGood partners with Entrepreneur-Support Organisations, including several that are First Nations-led, to connect enterprises in their community with potential investors.

Tom is the Co-Founder of StartSomeGood, a social enterprise which helps people design, launch and grow social impact projects, which he led as CEO until their acquisition in 2024. He continues to be involved as Entrepreneur-in-Residence, hosting many of StartSomeGood’s flagship programs like Good Hustle and Pitch for Good.

Tom was previously the founder of youth non-profit Vibewire, the first Digital Communications Director for Ashoka in Washington DC, co-founder of the Australian Changemakers Festival and a founding Director of The Social Enterprise Council of NSW and the ACT. He is a passionate advocate and speaker on the importance of innovation, social enterprise and impact investment