KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Michael Roberts
Michael is a proud member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations of Oklahoma, resides in Ada with his wife, Rebecca. Together, they have built a vibrant family rooted in culture and tradition, including three daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandsons, all of whom live in Oklahoma. During the summer months, Michael and his family travel extensively to powwows across the United States and Canada, celebrating and sharing their heritage.
Michael is a multi-time World Champion in the Men’s Southern Fancy Dance category and a World Champion Singer with various drum groups. His dedication to Native American song and dance has taken him to stages and audiences around the globe, including Qatar, Korea, Bosnia, Germany, Iceland, Portugal, Namibia, and Dubai. His performances bridge cultural divides and showcase the beauty and depth of Indigenous traditions. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Michael is a successful entrepreneur. As a keynote speaker at TIIEC 2025, Michael will share his insights on the power of cultural expression, the importance of preserving Indigenous traditions, and the role of education in sustaining and celebrating heritage. His dynamic storytelling and inspiring experiences will leave audiences empowered to honor and uplift Indigenous identities in their work and communities. |
Bawaajigekwe Boulley
Bawaajigekwe is a proud member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She is of the Turtle Clan and hails from the place where food grows on water—manoomin (wild rice)—situated on the shores of Gichi Gami (Lake Superior) in Northern Wisconsin.
Grounded in her cultural roots and shaped by the teachings of her parents—a retired reading specialist and a tribal judge—Bawaajigekwe has dedicated her career to transforming education through Indigenous pedagogy and worldview. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has worked in diverse educational settings, including public, private, tribal, and charter schools, as well as Indigenous language immersion programs and experiential, place-based learning environments. Bawaajigekwe’s academic achievements complement her professional mission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in special education, and is pursuing a doctorate in Indigenous education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Her research focuses on creating conditions that foster Indigenous student success and reimagining educational systems to center Indigenous knowledge and innovation. With a deep belief in the transformative power of relationships, identity, and collective growth, Bawaajigekwe inspires educators and communities to view education as a pathway to empowerment and healing. Guided by gratitude and cultural responsibility, she is committed to advancing Indigenous education systems that honor ancestral knowledge while shaping a resilient and inclusive future. |
Graham Tipene
Graham is a Tā Moko artist who has been involved as a consultant and key artist on projects throughout Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand. His work brings Māori kaupapa into the built environment advocating for Indigenous knowledge with modern innovation. Graham has become a respected voice in bridging traditional Māori values with the rapidly evolving global world.
Graham is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and mentor, working with organizations worldwide to create culturally inclusive strategies that drive social and economic change. He is also actively involved in community development and education, helping the next generation of Māori leaders navigate the intersection of tradition and modernity. At TIIEC 2025, Graham will share his unique perspective on the role of indigenous knowledge in driving innovation, how Indigenous culture can shape educational practices, offering invaluable insights into how the future of education can thrive by embracing Indigenous worldviews. |
Kimberly Tootoosis
Kimberly resides on Poundmaker Indian Reserve in Treaty Six Territory, where she is deeply rooted in her community and culture. As a proud mother of four and the head of Red Echo Associates, Kimberly combines her academic excellence and lived experience to empower individuals and communities.
Kimberly holds a Master’s degree in Aboriginal Social Work from the First Nations University of Canada and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. In addition, she has pursued specialized training in a variety of therapeutic modalities, enhancing her ability to deliver impactful and culturally relevant support. With over 30 years of professional experience, Kimberly has dedicated her career to providing counseling and therapy, as well as leading workshops and training sessions for communities across Canada. Her work reflects her passion for holistic healing, Indigenous knowledge systems, and fostering resilience in individuals and communities. Kimberly’s keynote will inspire and challenge educators and leaders to think critically about integrating Indigenous worldviews into education, promoting healing, and empowering the next generation. |
Watson W. Whitford
Watson W. Whitford (Wapanatak, meaning "Morning Star") is a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. He calls both Rocky Boy, Montana, and Red Mesa, Utah, his homes.
Whitford is an alumnus of Navajo Preparatory School and is currently a second-year student at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he studies Environmental Horticulture. Deeply rooted in his culture, he actively participates in the cultural ceremonies of both his tribes, embracing song, dance, ceremony, language, and prayer as pillars of his identity. These practices have shaped his values and leadership skills, guiding him through numerous leadership roles. Currently, Whitford serves as the Male Co-President of UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth), representing and advocating for Indigenous youth across North America. His journey with UNITY began as an Earth Ambassador (2021–2022), and he later served as the Rocky Mountain Region Representative (2022–2024). Beyond UNITY, Whitford contributes to broader initiatives. He is a member of the Indigenous Youth Leadership Coalition under the U.S. Department of State and has recently joined the United Nations Association of the United States of America, where he advocates for Indigenous peoples on a global scale. Through his leadership and advocacy, Whitford encourages Indigenous youth to honor their heritage, speak their languages, practice their ceremonies, and respect all aspects of life. |
Mike Tanton
Mike Tanton is a dedicated coach, mentor, and youth advocate who views basketball as more than just a game—it’s a platform for empowerment and change. A devoted husband and father, Mike’s identity extends far beyond the basketball court. His exceptional contributions to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous athletes of the next generation set him apart. Mike takes pride in honoring the legacy of Indigenous athletes while inspiring others to break boundaries and achieve new milestones.
For Mike, sport began as a circle of positivity during his youth, offering self-confidence and mental escape. As he matured, basketball became his way of giving back, sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation. His passion has led to the development of transformative programs such as the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League, Supernova Club Basketball, and Team Saskatchewan NAIG. These initiatives go beyond athletics, incorporating cultural and educational workshops to foster holistic growth for youth. Mike’s work embodies the spirit of leadership, cultural pride, and community development, making him an inspiring figure at TIIEC 2025. As he often says, basketball is more than a sport—it’s a tool to build bridges, empower young people, and shape a better future. |
Nina Wilson
Nina Wilson, a proud Plains Cree and Nakota Dakota woman, resides on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan. She is a dedicated advocate for blending Western academia with traditional Indigenous knowledge, focusing her work on trauma recovery, cultural revitalization, and community empowerment.
Drawing on traditional medicines and Cree/Nakota teachings and protocols, Nina’s recovery approach centers on the power of language and cultural identity. She believes that reasserting identity is the first step in healing oneself, one’s family, one’s community, and ultimately, one’s nation. With a bachelor’s and graduate-level education in Western systems and multiple certifications in trauma recovery, doula training, end-of-life care, and grief and loss, Nina brings a holistic perspective to her work. She travels extensively, sharing her knowledge and expertise to empower communities and promote healing. Currently, Nina’s focus lies on addressing critical issues in child welfare and the over-incarceration of Indigenous peoples. A strong advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, she challenges political and societal systems to respect and uphold these values. She reminds decision-makers that Western identities are deeply intertwined with Indigenous contributions, urging settlers to mature in their reconciliation efforts and actions. Nina’s work is rooted in generosity and patience, believing in the potential for settler societies to evolve and embrace genuine reconciliation. As a keynote speaker at TIIEC 2025, she will share her insights on the intersection of education, identity, and sovereignty, inspiring action toward a future grounded in mutual respect and shared understanding. |
Celia Deschambeault
Celia Deschambeault, a proud nêhiyaw from Cumberland House, has spent over two decades dedicated to revitalizing and reclaiming her Cree language. A passionate advocate for Language and Culture programming, Celia underscores its transformative role in empowering Indigenous students and fostering a strong sense of cultural identity.
As a leader and Cree language resource developer, Celia has been instrumental in creating tools and resources that establish her school’s foundation in Indigenous language and culture. In October 2024, under Celia’s advocacy, her school board made a historic decision to declare Cree an official language, paving the way for an integrated approach to embedding language and culture into education. Currently pursuing an Indigenous Language Certificate at the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD in Indigenous Educational Leadership at the University of Regina, Celia exemplifies innovation in culturally grounded education. Her academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education. Through her work, she empowers communities, preserves heritage, and redefines the possibilities of Indigenous education. Celia’s journey is a testament to the power of language in reclaiming identity and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders. |
Regena Crowchild
Regena Crowchild has dedicated her life to public service, leadership, and the advancement of Indigenous rights. Born in Cardston, Alberta, Regena pursued her education at Henderson Business College, studying Business Management, and complemented her studies with courses in public speaking, life skills, and self-development. She was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Elders and Chiefs, who instilled in her a deep understanding of Indigenous identity, Inherent Rights, and Treaty Rights.
A trailblazer in her community, Regena became the first woman elected as a Council member for the Tsuut’ina Nation. Her groundbreaking leadership began in the 1970s, continued through the 1980s, and culminated in six consecutive terms from 1998 to 2010. Over her decades of service, she witnessed and contributed to the socio-economic growth of her Nation, leaving a lasting legacy. Regena’s passion for advocating Indigenous rights has taken her to political platforms regionally, nationally, and internationally. As President of the Alberta Indian Association from 1990 to 1994, she represented the people of Treaties 6, 7, and 8, championing their rights and interests. Her unwavering commitment to protecting Treaty and Inherent Rights led her to the United Nations twice, where she lobbied for the recognition and advancement of Indigenous peoples’ rights on a global scale. Regena’s remarkable journey of leadership, advocacy, and cultural preservation continues to inspire. As a keynote speaker at TIIEC 2025, she brings decades of wisdom and experience, making her a powerful voice for the advancement of Indigenous peoples and communities. |