Linda is the Regional HR Manager with BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC). Her role involves working collaboratively within the HR team to best administer HR programs including compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; conflict resolution and investigations; performance and talent management; and training and development.

Since 2019, Linda has served as an Adjudicator with the Law Society of BC Tribunal. The LSBC Tribunal is an independent decision making body. It manages, considers and decides disciplinary cases involving legal professionals and contentious applications of licensing candidates seeking to practice law in British Columbia.

Linda was born and raised in Chilliwack, and is a member of Douglas First Nation, part of the Stl’atl’imx Nation. In 2023, she completed an MBA with a specialty stream in human resource leadership. Prior to the MBA, she completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and she believes in lifelong learning. Her professional background has been as an executive with First Nation governments and with non-profits, as well as previous human resource positions. She enjoys traveling, taking courses, reading, movies, learning about different cultures, and taking road trips. Linda is honored to live, work and play on the unceded territories of the Syilx Nation.

Justine Blanco, a proud Métis and Songhees woman, is a dedicated Indigenous Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in Human Resource Management. She currently serves as the Client Partner for Indigenous Recruitment and Retention at Fraser Health, where she and the team focus on enhancing recruitment outcomes and fostering a culturally safe workplace.

Justine is deeply committed to creating a supportive work environment that reflects Indigenous values, promoting employee engagement and retention. With lived experience and extensive knowledge of Indigenous communities and resources, she excels at leading, mentoring, and developing staff through Indigenous ways of being, doing, and knowing.

Corrine Clyne is a Swampy Cree Iskwew hailing from Kinosao Sipi- Norway House Cree Nation on Treaty 5 Territory. She is a Registered Occupational Therapist in Manitoba. Corrine has a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution Studies from the University of Winnipeg, and a Human Resources for Professionals Certificate from Kompass Professional Development. Presently, she is pursuing a PhD in Applied Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

Corrine is deeply committed to advocating for First Nations to receive culturally safer healthcare and works closely with First Nation clients in various capacities. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of occupational therapy, Corrine was honored with the prestigious Award of Merit from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists in 2024. She specializes in addressing sensory needs and developing interventions to assist individuals in meeting their daily needs. Beyond her professional endeavors, Corrine finds joy in being a dog mom to her miniature pinscher, Coda, and cherishes her roles as an aunty, friend, and sister.

Sandra Colin is an experienced Human Resources professional with 15 years of expertise spanning the non-profit, political, and private sectors. Her work encompasses workplace investigations, psychometrics Organizational development, and certification in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity. Sandra is passionate about creating inclusive work environments that promote well-being and enable individuals to reach their full potential.

Guided by a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, Sandra integrates the values of community well-being, sustainability, and respect for traditional knowledge into her HR practices. This holistic approach fosters cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in the workplace. Having completed her studies in Human Resource Management at HEC Montreal, Sandra has developed a career that focuses on aligning talent strategies with organizational growth, while prioritizing sustainability and collaboration.

Since joining the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in 2022 as Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Sandra has led initiatives to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into organizational learning and development. Her leadership, rooted in both traditional HR practices and Indigenous values, drives transformative, inclusive, and sustainable growth within the organizations she serves.

Richel is a Métis woman and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She possesses the Chartered Professional in Human Resources and has spent the past 15+ years supporting people of all ages, cultures, and abilities through the talent management process and helping organizations build more inclusive practices. She is currently holds the title of Director, Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and her team supports employee development and wellbeing programs for Indigenous employees at Scotiabank. She has worked as an HR professional in various sectors and is passionate about supporting the local community through volunteer work and is a strong supporter of local makers and food gatherers. Richel is currently a volunteer Board Member Board with the YWCA Toronto and also Chairs the YWCA Toronto’s Reconciliation Committee.

Laura Debassige is the Vice President, Corporate Services for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). The SPSA is a Treasury Board Crown building an organization that will improve communication and coordination effort with communities requiring assistance during emergency events, while also leading the provincial response to emergency events.
With a robust background spanning more than three decades, Laura brings a wealth of expertise to the field of human resources. Her experiences encompass the intricate landscape of both the private and public sectors, Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, adeptly handling the unique challenges of unionized as well as non-unionized settings. Originating from the Northwest Territories and subsequently relocating to Saskatchewan, Laura has cultivated a nuanced understanding of HR service provision in diverse environments from remote communities to urban centres.

Laura has over 30 years of volunteer work in child and community advocacy, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her contributions extend beyond volunteering, as she has also served as a board member for several community organizations and is the current Chair for the Early Childhood Intervention Program Regina and SaskPoly Technic’s Business Management Program Advisory Committee.

Her academic achievements are highlighted by an Executive Master of Business Administration, further solidifying her credentials in the realm of business leadership and human resources management. Laura is also a member of the CHRP Saskatchewan and the ARD Institute of Saskatchewan.

Darwin Hanna is a founding partner of Callison & Hanna www.chlaw.ca and is one of six Indigenous lawyers with the firm. In 2024, the firm celebrated 28 years of service to Indigenous Nations. He has worked for Indigenous Nations throughout British Columbia and the Northwest Territories on a wide array of legal matters with a focus on reconciliation, land claims, specific claims, community governance, and employment law. He is a member of the Law Societies of British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. He was lead counsel for various precedent setting Specific Claims, including Siska Indian Band v. HMTQ, 2018 SCTC 2 and Akisq'nuk First Nation v. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2020. He is legal counsel for the only land claim negotiation process involving NWT Indigenous Métis. For the past 23 years, he has been an Adjunct Professor at the Allard School of Law at UBC and has taught First Nations and Economic Development. He is the author of Legal Issues on Indigenous Economic Development published by LexisNexis. He is a member of the working group of officials to explore how UNDRIP will be implemented in the NWT. He was the recipient of the 2014 Premier’s Award (GNWT) for Collaboration on the Wildlife Act Working Group which developed the new Wildlife Act. And, Callison & Hanna were the inaugural recipients of the Special Contribution Award of the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum, Canadian Bar Association, for recognition of the firm’s contribution to addressing the various issues facing Aboriginal people in the law in 2013. Callison & Hanna was the recipient of the Aboriginal Business Award, BC Achievement Foundation in 2016. He is director with the piyeʔwiʔx kt Language Foundation Society. He is on the Board of Governors for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Nlaka’pmux Nation from the community of Lytton.

James Hsu is a lawyer at PortaLaw, where he practices employment and human rights law. After working at a large national law firm, a boutique business law firm and as in-house counsel to an e-commerce technology company, James knows what works and doesn’t work for clients. He’s now found his place with the innovative and thoughtful team at PortaLaw, where he works collaboratively with businesses and workers to address their workplace needs. His clients include organizations that serve indigenous communities and employees in indigenous workplaces. James has volunteered in the past with Level’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program. While in law school, James was a clinician at the UBC Indigenous Community Legal Clinic serving clients in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside and worked at the Chiefs of Ontario in their justice sector.

Paula is an employment and human rights lawyer, and co-founded PortaLaw, a benefit company and Certified B Corp. Engrained in PortaLaw’s ethos is a commitment to using business as a force for good. Paula’s strengths as a lawyer come from her ability to empathize and communicate. She approaches problems with a positive mindset and thoughtful advocacy skills. Her clients include employers interested in respectful and dignified legal solutions to their workplace challenges.

Koren Lightning, K.C., LLB, LLM, CIC.C, Blue Thunderbird Woman, is Cree from Samson Cree Nation. She is the Legal Director of Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge. She is a Board Member for First Nations Caring Society, and Board Member for Peace Hills Insurance. Koren is a Board Member for LEAF, Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund. She was President of the Indigenous Bar Association for 6 years and former Acting Commissioner for Alberta Utilities Commission. Koren graduated from Law School in 2007 at the University of Alberta. She was called to the bar in February 2009 and had the honour of having her Bar Call in her First Nation Community, Samson Cree Nation. Koren received her Master of Laws in 2018 from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, her concentration was Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Koren’s work focuses on working with Indigenous clients and supporting the revitalization of Indigenous Laws. Koren advises in the areas of Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Child Welfare, Indian Act matters. She was recently awarded the “Pringle/Royal sessional teaching excellence” Award from Faculty of Law, University of Alberta for 2021/2022. She was awarded “Tomorrow’s Leader” Award from Women in Law Leadership Awards in 2019. She was also awarded the Alumni Horizon Award from the University of Alberta in 2017. Koren is an alumni of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, she participated in the 2017 NWT Tour. She is a sessional instructor at Maskwacis Cultural College and University of Alberta, Faculty of Law.

Virginia Lomax is the owner and principal lawyer at Lomax Law, and provides quality legal services specializing in,

• Employment law;
• S. 35 Aboriginal and Treaty rights;
• Human rights (Charter of Rights and Freedoms, provincial and federal human rights codes)
• Specific Claims;
• First Nations’ Bylaws;
• Not-for-profit corporate governance;
• Justice and policy reform;
• Self-governance agreements;
• Civil litigation; and
• Contract drafting.

Virginia previously provided legal advice and services during her time with two boutique aboriginal law firms with national scope (First Peoples Law LLP and Westaway Law Group). Virginia was also in-house counsel to the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). She acted as lead counsel for NWAC during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She has been honoured to represent Indigenous clients as interveners before Supreme Court of Canada on high profile cases: R. v. Ewert, Canada (Canadian Human Rights Commission) v. Canada (Attorney General), Southwind et al v. Canada, and Restoule v Canada (Attorney General).

Virginia holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from the University of Toronto with a double major in Criminology and Ethics, Society & Law. As part of this degree, she completed an undergraduate thesis literature review project on the unique nature of domestic violence in queer relationships and the lack of appropriate services available to survivors. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2017 after completing her articles at a boutique Labour and Employment Law firm. She is an avid reader, gardener, and animal rescuer who is happiest spending time in nature with her family.

Cori is a member of MNP’s Consulting Services team in Vancouver. Cori applies her three decades of experience in both human resources and business operations to guide a team of highly qualified human resources professionals (formerly known as the Jouta Performance Group). Together, they’ve partnered with 100+ Indigenous communities and organizations to complete 500+ HR projects, helping these organizations strengthen their business practices and build a better tomorrow. As a Certified Executive Coach, Cori motivates, inspires, and creates meaningful change by supporting her clients in reaching both their individual and corporate goals – and their own maximum potential. Can exclude, if space is limited: Cori earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Human Resources Management and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. She is a Chartered Professional Human Resources (CPHR) and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Second Level, through the International Coaching Federation.

Melanie is an associate in the Employment and Labour Law groups at Nelligan Law. With a foundational background in Biochemistry and Immunology, Melanie expertly navigates complex workplace issues, including wrongful dismissal and human rights disputes. Her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities enable her to provide clear, compassionate guidance to each client, ensuring they understand their rights and options.

Fluent in both official languages, Melanie has successfully represented clients before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeal Tribunal and the Federal Court. Today, she brings her depth of knowledge and advocacy to our discussion. Let’s give a warm welcome to Melanie.

I am a proud mother, fiancé, and of Plains Cree Iskwew from Kawacatoose First Nation from Treaty 4 territory, German and English ancestry. I am originally from Regina, Saskatchewan and a member of Kawacatoose First Nation in Treaty Four Territory.

I am honoured to be working for Wasauksing First Nation in Ontario as the Human Resource Manager. I graduated from the First Nations University of Canada with my Business Administration Degree in Human Resource Management. I have combined experience and education working in the human resource profession. My background in Human Resources focused on recruitment, new hire orientation, social media, presentations, event planning, interviewing, and building relationships with communities, partners and clients. My previous educational background was Child and Youth Care and Youth Recreation Activity Worker, from Red River College in Winnipeg, MB. I gained years of experience working with vulnerable children and youth in inner cities.