Director, Relation Manager, Indigenous Financing
Farm Credit Canada
Director, Relation Manager, Indigenous Financing
Farm Credit Canada
Senior Manager, Indigenous Markets, Commercial Banking
CIBC
Syrena Courtorielle, Senior Manager Indigenous Markets, joined CIBC’s Indigenous Markets team in 2021 with in-depth expertise in Banking, including several years of experience in Commercial Markets, Indigenous Banking, and Branch Management.
Syrena develops and manages long-term client relationships with Indigenous community leaders to ensure they are aware of the banking, borrowing, investment, and trust services CIBC offers Indigenous communities. She completes activities such as financial analysis, writing credit application narratives, and community financial education.
Syrena has a long history of advocating for and serving Indigenous communities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals in various capacities for many decades. Her goal is to ensure leaders have the best financial tools and advice available to assist them in reaching their financial goals for their communities, businesses, and members in an easy-to-access manner. She is located in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta and her mandate is business development and client service.
Senior Manager, Financial Reporting & Insights, Indigenous Consulting Services
BDO Canada LLP
Glenn is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a legacy Certified General Accountant (CGA) and is currently a student in the MBA program at the University of Fredericton. He holds his Public Sector Certificate from CPA Canada, and as such is considered an advanced user and preparer of Financial Statements under Public Sector Standards (PSAS).
With more than twenty-five (25) years of Executive Management, Resource Management and Accounting experience in not-for-profit, manufacturing and government services, Glenn brings a diversity of experience to BDO’s Indigenous Executive Management Services Team.
He is an active champion of good governance and of robust and timely financial reporting. Glenn believes that to be an effective provider of financial services and financial information, you must be an effective and engaged storyteller.
Glenn has spent the last eight years of his career working with Indigenous Communities and organizations helping them define and achieve success through developing strong governance models, policies and controls, planning, annual operating and capital budgets and robust financial reporting.
Glenn is currently a sitting Board member on two local Not-for-Profit Boards, one in the Performing Arts and the other a local philanthropic organization. Throughout his career and in previous Board engagements Glenn has supported one other local Performing Arts organization along with the Manitoba Marathon and the Safety Council of Manitoba.
Most recently, Glenn was an instructor in the University of Winnipeg’s Professional Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) program where he taught Financial Fundamentals to Non-Financial Professionals in the winter and spring terms of the 2021/22 academic year.
Glenn is a mentor to Indigenous students in the University of Winnipeg’s PACE program ‘Pathway to the CAFM Pilot Program’ where he works with Indigenous students who are beginning to navigate their path through professional education and professional careers.
His professional affiliations include Rainbow Stage, CPHR Manitoba, United Way Winnipeg, CPA Canada and CPA Manitoba.
Chief Financial Officer
Rainy River First Nations
June is an accomplished financial professional with a wealth of experience across diverse industries. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Rainy River First Nations and as the Controller at All Nations’ Healing Hospital, June brings over two decades of expertise in financial management to her roles.
As a Chartered Professional Accountant, June has refined her skills through various positions and challenges, shaping her into the seasoned professional she is today. Her journey in the First Nations’ industry spans four years, during which she has risen from a Finance Manager to her current position as CFO. This trajectory showcases not only her dedication but also her adaptability and capacity for growth.
June’s experience working in a thriving community and the dynamic environment of a progressive Nation has exposed her to unique challenges and opportunities. Through her experiences, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for capacity building among Indigenous Nations. Her commitment to fostering growth and empowerment within these communities underscores her dedication to positive change and sustainable development.
Beyond her professional endeavors, June is known for her collaborative spirit and her ability to foster meaningful connections. She approaches her work with integrity, empathy, and a deep respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of the communities she serves.
In her role as CFO and Controller, June continues to drive financial excellence while championing initiatives that promote economic resilience and social well-being within Indigenous communities. Her contributions stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference and leaving a lasting impact.
First Nations Reconciliation Advocate & Financial Planner
Tetlit Gwich'In
“Dayton was born and raised in Winfield, BC until he purchased his first home in Kelowna, BC in 2016. He enjoys golfing, living an active lifestyle and taking in all that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. Dayton started a career in the construction industry, but a motor vehicle accident made him rethink his life course. This unexpected life event led him to the financial planning industry, which ultimately resulted in a consulting position at IG Wealth Management. Providing professional advice and helping people better understand the financial world were key drivers in making this career choice. He has now been a Consultant for 6 years and has cemented his role as a business owner and financial planner.
Since starting at IG, Dayton has exceeded all expectations by reaching the top of his tenure every year. He’s also received the Pillar Award annually, recognizing his achievements in hitting performance targets. He is determined to continue raising the bar and is focused on attaining future goals with an excellent attitude and diligent work ethic. Dayton has worked hard to become a QUALIFIED ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Registered Retirement Consultant®. In addition, he is currently studying to earn his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and will continue to expand his knowledge in the financial planning field moving forward.
As his mother was a ’60s scoop, Dayton has always been inspired by learning more about his culture and prides himself in making connections within the Indigenous community. Despite growing up in BC, far away from his home territory of the Tetlit Gwich’in in the Northwest Territories. Dayton has been able to forge relationships with relatives and the Syilx people and he provides his services both professionally and personally whenever he can. He spends time with a Syilx elder and receives teachings along with attending cultural ceremonies. Though he hasn’t had the benefit of growing up within his Nation, he has taken it upon himself to learn and participate as much as possible. His participation includes advocating for financial literacy and providing financial services wherever he can. Part of this participation includes being an active member of AFOA BC & NATOA.
As a young man coming into his own and becoming firmly established in his organization, Dayton has happily been able to help his clients through professional planning services and helped advocate for the culture he cares so much about. He looks forward to continuing to create change, bring light to truth and reconciliation and help his clients reach their financial goals.”
Chairman & CEO
Reconciliation Energy Transition Inc. (RETI)
Stephen Mason boasts over forty years as a distinguished business leader, specializing in both domestic and international energy endeavors. Currently serving as Chairman and CEO of Reconciliation Energy Transition Inc. (RETI), based in Calgary, Stephen prioritizes Indigenous equity ownership in energy transition projects, aligning with the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Under his stewardship, RETI underscores ESG performance as foundational, championing Indigenous oversight and economic participation in Canada’s energy and decarbonization evolution.
Before his tenure at RETI, Stephen helmed Kainji International Ltd. for nearly eleven years, pioneering ventures in Nigeria’s oil upstream assets. Additionally, as CEO of Talio Energy Ltd., he oversaw heavy oil production from Thunderchild First Nation lands.
Stephen’s pivotal achievement lies in founding and leading Artumas Group, where he ventured into East Africa’s oil & gas sector, securing concession rights in Tanzania and Mozambique’s Rovuma deltaic basin. Under his leadership, Artumas raised approximately US$350 million and developed a significant natural gas resource, with an enterprise value reaching $980 million.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen initiated and developed seven energy companies, securing funding exceeding US$700 million across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Recognized for his commitment to Indigenous economic empowerment, he was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta). Renowned for merging high-level government policy discussions with industry stakeholders, Stephen advocates for inclusivity and a sustainable energy future. Whether delivering keynote speeches or mentoring the next generation, Stephen’s dedication and innovative spirit continue to inspire and shape the energy sector’s trajectory.
Human Resources Director
Whitefish Lake First Nation
Zishan Nasir is an accomplished Human Resources professional, holding the prestigious Certified Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP) designation from AFOA, Canada achieved in 2024. With a robust educational background and extensive experience in various sectors, Zishan has established himself as a leading expert in HR practices, policy development, and process improvement. Zishan’s academic journey began at Bahria University in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in Marketing in February 2006 and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) in Marketing in February 2007. Zishan’s quest for advanced knowledge led him to the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he obtained a Master of Human Resources Management (M.H.R.M) in December 2014.
Zishan’s professional career is marked by his significant contributions to various First Nations communities across Canada. Since July 2018, he has been serving as the Human Resources Director for the Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 in Goodfish Lake, Alberta. In this role, Zishan has been instrumental in developing and implementing HR policies, enhancing internal controls, and optimizing process development to meet employment and labor standards. He is also overseeing the Information Technology (I.T) department of the nation as well. He also played a pivotal role in IT support services, by developing an IT Virtual School and community notification app for enhanced communication within the nation to keep the members informed in a prompt manner by using different modes of communications. During his current role, Zishan served as a Human Resources Consultant for the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (SXFN) in Dog Creek, British Columbia, from June 2020 to January 2021. Here, he provided strategic HR advice and support, focusing on best practices in human resources management including compliance guidance, conflict resolution, following and implementing employment standards and recruitment. From May 2017 to June 2018, Zishan was the Human Resources Manager at Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Health Services Incorporated in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Earlier in his career, Zishan was a Human Resources
Technician at Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services Incorporated in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, from May 2015 to April 2017. He began his professional journey as a Junior Research Analyst in the Industry & Business Development Division at the Ministry of Economy, Saskatchewan, from September 2014 to January 2015. Before transitioning into human resources, Zishan worked as an Accountant at Advanced Engineered Products Ltd. in Regina, Saskatchewan, from September 2013 to June 2014. Throughout his career, Zishan has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving organizational effectiveness through the development and implementation of comprehensive HR policies and best practices. His expertise in employment and labor standards, IT integration in HR processes, and internal control mechanisms has significantly contributed to the success of the nations he has been part of. Zishan Nasir’s dedication to human resources and his continuous pursuit of excellence make him a respected leader in his field, known for his ability to drive positive change and foster a supportive and efficient workplace environment.
Financial Controller
Whitefish Lake First Nation
Makaita Zvizwayi Nemhara's bio
Makaita Zvizwayi is a dynamic financial leader whose expertise transcends borders and cultures. With a rich background spanning over a decade in financial management, accounting, and strategic planning, Makaita has made indelible marks within the community of Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 through her innovative approaches to holistic human resources practices, fostering environments that nurture both professional growth and personal efficacy.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Makaita pursued her education in Toronto, Canada, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Gulf Humber University. Her career started in Toronto, where she honed her skills in accounting and internal controls, before transitioning into roles that increasingly embraced human resources responsibilities.
A decade ago, Makaita made the pivotal move to St. Paul, Alberta, where she assumed the role of Financial Controller for the Whitefish Lake First Nation #128. Drawing from her background in education, Makaita brings a unique teaching management style to her role, equipping managers with the tools they need to thrive in their respective departments. Collaborating closely with the Nation’s Chief, Council, and Administrator, Makaita provides invaluable guidance and support, facilitating informed decision-making processes that align with the Nation’s best interests. Her teaching background makes it easier for her to foster a teaching management style, ensuring that managers have the tools they need to run their departments effectively.
Makaita exhibits her skills in tracking and reporting on various funding sources, ensuring compliance with the funding agreements and interpreting these agreements to fulfill community needs. Her expertise spans financial analysis and reporting, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls and compliance, and internal project management. Renowned for her proficiency in financial software systems such as SAP, SAGE, and QuickBooks, Makaita is celebrated for her ability to streamline financial procedures and enhanced operational efficiency.
Her strategic initiatives have significantly boosted employee morale and productivity, earning her widespread respect and recognition within the Goodfish Lake community. Committed to bridging financial acumen with cultural sensitivity, Makaita champions financial literacy initiatives and collaborates closely with program directors to ensure alignment with funding criteria and community objectives. She educates and enables program directors to ensure that their expenditures are consistent with the funding criteria and the community objectives. Notably, her contributions to community housing efforts have been instrumental in securing and managing funds for sustainable housing options on reserve.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Makaita is deeply passionate about community service and volunteers with local non-profit organizations. She finds joy in quality time spent with her family, exploring new destinations through travel, and nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations.
Lead Consultant
EPS Management Consulting Inc.
Tunde is a co-founder and the Lead Consultant at EPS Management Consulting Inc. He is an accountant with expertise in finance and investment; a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA); the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of the United Kingdom (CIMA-UK); and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC). He holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Development Practice.
Tunde has about two decades of experience across Accounting, Auditing and Internal Control, Financial Management, Investment Advisory, Securities Trading, and Community Economic Development. He worked as the Community Economic Development Lead for the Manitoba Program of Nature United (The Canada program of The Nature Conservancy), as accountant with Indigenous Management Group (IMG), a Management Consulting Company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, engaging in Accounting, Consulting and Project Management activities primarily for First Nation communities. In his previous international experience, he managed his business consulting firm, developing strategies for clients’ Strategic Management, Risk Management, Financial Strategy, and other value-creating approaches to improving quality of earnings. He also had consultancy assignments in Development Practice and had other top management capital market experience cutting across Stockbroking Operations, Equity Trading, Asset Management and Corporate Finance. Tunde has packaged and facilitated in several training engagements, teaching various topics cutting across Financial Accounting, Auditing, Finance & Investment, Capital Market Operations, Supply Chain Management both at In-house trainings and as external consultant for other organizations.
He is also an author whose recent work “Beyond Work Experience: Hidden Life Lessons in Employment” just recently got published.
Federal Government Departmental Audit Committee Member, Consultant & Advisor
Mindy Smith Consulting Services
Mindy is a government and first nations administrative and finance professional with expertise in governance, policy, strategic planning, information systems and emergency services. In the past twenty-five years, Mindy has developed a diverse background in the public, non-profit and private sectors, specializing in federal, local and first nations governments. Mindy’s strong technical background is augmented with excellent leadership skills that support development of high-performance teams and sound governance structures. Mindy has trained local governments and first nations across Canada on policy, strategic planning, and financial management. Mindy currently operates her own consulting firm and provides governance, risk management and internal control advice, as a Departmental Audit Committee member, to deputy ministers at the federal government.
Chief Financial Officer and the Interim Chief Administrative Officer
The District of Metchosin
Sue-Lin is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over fifteen years of municipal and First Nation management experience. She began her career in the local government finance sector, progressing to the role of Director of Finance and has since attained the role of Chief Administrative Officer. Sue-Lin understands the importance of aligning strategies with operations, and commitment to minimizing bias in policies, processes, and procedures.
Sue-Lin is a strengths-focused coach and mentor who inspires operational and service excellence. She is an outgoing motivator and strong public speaker who strives for a climate of constant improvement and growth. As a passionate educator and people leader, Sue-Lin has delivered impactful capacity development training and workshops in financial fluency, strategic planning, information privacy, human resource and performance management, change management and policy development and implementation to Councils, senior management and staff of BC and Alberta First Nations. She is currently involved in various volunteer initiatives such as financial fluency facilitator at CPA British Columbia and Junior Achievements of BC.
Partner
Wiyotiwisin Investment Management
Rob is a Cree/Gitsxan and a member of the Muskoday First Nation located in Saskatchewan. He is a Bcomm from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan. He is a lifelong learner, and is in the process of completing his Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers designation through the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada, as well as obtaining his Certified Business Valuator (CBV) designation from the CICBV institute. Rob spent 12 years in finance and banking, supporting Indigenous communities across Canada with community focused projects and economic development. He was also heavily involved with wealth management and the settling of land claims. Moreover, he managed to spend time working with Indigenous entrepreneurs with start up and expansion activities providing both grants and loans. Recently, Rob started the first registered Indigenous wealth management firm in Canada called Wiyotisiwin.
Prior to banking, Rob worked in consulting. Providing business, strategic and human resource planning as well as labor force development throughout Western Canada. He has extensive experience in the additions to reserve (ATR) process through the Treaty land entitlement (TLE) framework. He also worked in Indigenous engagement having supported the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) on the Radioactive waste planning for level 1 and 2 waste in Canada. He also supported the accelerated well site reclamation program (ASCP) with Saskatchewan research council (SRC), the Ministry of Energy and Resources (MER) and The First Nations Resource Centre of Excellence with both on and off reserve efforts to clean orphaned and abandoned oil wells. He is the former chair and CEO of the Moosomin Economic Development LP. As well as, was the former Chair of Neekaneet holdings LP and is currently on the board of atoskewin business development corporation (ABDC) owned by the Ochapowace nation.
Senior Manager
BDO Canada LLP
Matt is a Senior Manager for BDO’s Indigenous Consulting Specialty Services team. With his extensive experience using several accounting software’s from setting up a database and chart of accounts to analyzing all sub ledgers and providing detailed variance analysis, he has provided support in mentoring teams to generate accurate financial statements and ensuring internal controls are followed. Matt has developed training plans for clients aimed at building capacity within their finance office and has delivered hands-on training to help them utilize resources more effectively onsite.
Matt has been working in the accounting industry for 11 years which gained him experience with preparing timely accurate financial information, providing accurate variance analysis and recommendations, annual planning and cash flow management, and experience with training and mentorship. He has worked exclusively with First Nations across Canada for the past 7 years primarily in cloud accounting engagements and accounting training engagements.
Matt is a member of CPA Canada, CPA MB and CPA SK.