First Nations Agriculture and Finance Conference Agenda
All Times Local – Schedule Subject to Change
📍 Check in with staff at Rama Hall entrance.
Check in with staff at Rama Hall entrance.
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
Welcoming Remarks and Opening by Rama Elder
History of FNAFO delivered by Camden Lawrence, General Manager.
This presentation explores Indigenous equine-assisted healing as a land-based practice rooted in Anishinaabe knowledge, relational accountability, and the resurgence of Ojibwe Spirit Horses as teachers, healers, and relatives. Delivered through Reflections Nanaandwejgejig Bezhigoogizhiik, located at Osawamick G’Tiigaaning in Wikwemikong, the program supports community members through emotional healing, cultural reconnection, and wellness, while also offering opportunities for cultural learning and Indigenous-led tourism in alignment with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
In this presentation participants will learn a practical seven step strategy for restoring land and growing food based on the wisdom of five Indigenous knowledge systems across Turtle Island. Participants will gain a baseline awareness to immediately implement land restoration strategies for food forest development on varying scales and in varying habitat types. Whether living in an apartment or many acres of land, these tested seven steps can support both individuals and communities in moving closer towards food sovereignty, sustainable living and restored ecosystems.
Mkomose – Andrew Judge, PhD – is a mixed Anishinaabe and Irish scholar, professor, entrepreneur and knowledge carrier who focuses on Anishinaabe and other Indigenous knowledge systems that support environmental stewardship. He has dedicated much of his adult life to reviving traditional ecological knowledge systems, growing seeds, and fostering deeper connections between people and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Moderator: Camden Lawrence, FNAFO General Manager
Panelists:
- Keri Gray, Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats
- Kailey Ledrew, Rama Community Farm
- Cheryl Lambert, In Fine Feather
MC Host: Native Pool Boy
Musical Entertainment provided by Cale Crowe
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
🏪 Indigenous businesses, organizations, and exhibitors open throughout the day
🏪 General Manager, Camden Lawrence discusses current and upcoming funding opportunities.
🎤 Keynote on Indigenous women in entrepreneurship and community-led growth
💼 Economic development and investment insights with Alex Weeks
💻 Overview of funding tools and opportunities
🎨 Indigenous business spotlight and growth story
☕ Coffee and tea break
Moderator: Jacklyn Stott, FNWE Business Coach
Panelists:
- Keri Gray, Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats
- Cheryl Lambert, In Fine Feather
- Crystal Kohoko, Koho-Kompany Meats
Panel: Growing First Nations Economies
Moderator: Gil Leclerc, Head of Lending
Panelists:
- Sam Damm, Claw Environmental Services & Foxwise Consulting
Sam is the Founder and President of CLAW Environmental Services Inc. and FoxWise Technologies Inc. CLAW Environmental Inc., an acronym for clean land air and water, specializes in environmental sustainability, while FoxWise Technologies Inc. is an IT and security solutions provider committed to supporting Indigenous businesses and government partners. - Derek Marsden, Marsden Construction
- Scott Flamand, Flamand Management Services
Scott is a consultant who specializes in On-Reserve Housing as well as Financial Management. He has over 30 years’ experience delivery various housing programs to First Nations. His services include Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Policy Development, Home Ownership and training, as well as community consultations. He is a First Nation Member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island in Ontario.
🍽 Lunch break for all attendees
Moderator: Jacklyn Stott, FNWE Business Coach
Panelists:
- Chante Chevalier, Plant the Town
- Sarah Frank, Sourdough for Beginners
- Tessa Belanger, Author, Pass the Sage
🚀 Funding and mentorship opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs
☕ Coffee and tea break
Kallie Wood is the President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) and is a proud member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation located on Treaty Four Territory in Saskatchewan. Kallie was formerly the Senior Indigenous Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. She holds a Master of Leadership and Management studies degree and is a mother to four beautiful children and kokum to four grandchildren. As a foster parent, Kallie has many children who call her mom.
Chris McKee is the Senior Vice-President of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). Chris is a born and raised Saskatchewan boy from a centennial family farm, whose connection with the province’s wide-open spaces has left him with the belief that any individual or organization can have a wide-open future with the right coaching and direction. A firm believer in the uniqueness and intrinsic value of every individual, Chris can engage any audience with his commonsense, directness, and passionate honesty. With more than two decades of experience inspiring and leading teams in designing, developing, and deploying organization-wide initiatives, Chris is no stranger to the challenges of change and the ways to harness the power it can provide. This is what drew him to supporting the establishment of the NCIAF
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
🎤 Food Security presentation by FNAFO General Manager, Camden Lawrence.
🏪 Indigenous businesses, organizations, and exhibitors open throughout the day
☕ Coffee and tea break
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
🎤 Presentation by Peggy and Ray Sheldon
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
Closing remarks, reflections and observations
🍽 Lunch to go provided for all attendees
First Nations Agriculture and Finance Conference Agenda
All Times Local – Schedule Subject to Change
📍 Check in with staff at Rama Hall entrance.
Check in with staff at Rama Hall entrance.
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
Welcoming Remarks and Opening by Rama Elder
History of FNAFO delivered by Camden Lawrence, General Manager.
This presentation explores Indigenous equine-assisted healing as a land-based practice rooted in Anishinaabe knowledge, relational accountability, and the resurgence of Ojibwe Spirit Horses as teachers, healers, and relatives. Delivered through Reflections Nanaandwejgejig Bezhigoogizhiik, located at Osawamick G’Tiigaaning in Wikwemikong, the program supports community members through emotional healing, cultural reconnection, and wellness, while also offering opportunities for cultural learning and Indigenous-led tourism in alignment with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
In this presentation participants will learn a practical seven step strategy for restoring land and growing food based on the wisdom of five Indigenous knowledge systems across Turtle Island. Participants will gain a baseline awareness to immediately implement land restoration strategies for food forest development on varying scales and in varying habitat types. Whether living in an apartment or many acres of land, these tested seven steps can support both individuals and communities in moving closer towards food sovereignty, sustainable living and restored ecosystems.
Mkomose – Andrew Judge, PhD – is a mixed Anishinaabe and Irish scholar, professor, entrepreneur and knowledge carrier who focuses on Anishinaabe and other Indigenous knowledge systems that support environmental stewardship. He has dedicated much of his adult life to reviving traditional ecological knowledge systems, growing seeds, and fostering deeper connections between people and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Moderator: Camden Lawrence, FNAFO General Manager
Panelists:
- Keri Gray, Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats
- Kailey Ledrew, Rama Community Farm
- Cheryl Lambert, In Fine Feather
MC Host: Native Pool Boy
Musical Entertainment provided by Cale Crowe
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
🏪 Indigenous businesses, organizations, and exhibitors open throughout the day
🏪 General Manager, Camden Lawrence discusses current and upcoming funding opportunities.
🎤 Keynote on Indigenous women in entrepreneurship and community-led growth
💼 Economic development and investment insights with Alex Weeks
💻 Overview of funding tools and opportunities
🎨 Indigenous business spotlight and growth story
☕ Coffee and tea break
Moderator: Jacklyn Stott, FNWE Business Coach
Panelists:
- Keri Gray, Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats
- Cheryl Lambert, In Fine Feather
- Crystal Kohoko, Koho-Kompany Meats
Panel: Growing First Nations Economies
Moderator: Gil Leclerc, Head of Lending
Panelists:
- Sam Damm, Claw Environmental Services & Foxwise Consulting
Sam is the Founder and President of CLAW Environmental Services Inc. and FoxWise Technologies Inc. CLAW Environmental Inc., an acronym for clean land air and water, specializes in environmental sustainability, while FoxWise Technologies Inc. is an IT and security solutions provider committed to supporting Indigenous businesses and government partners. - Derek Marsden, Marsden Construction
- Scott Flamand, Flamand Management Services
Scott is a consultant who specializes in On-Reserve Housing as well as Financial Management. He has over 30 years’ experience delivery various housing programs to First Nations. His services include Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Policy Development, Home Ownership and training, as well as community consultations. He is a First Nation Member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island in Ontario.
🍽 Lunch break for all attendees
Moderator: Jacklyn Stott, FNWE Business Coach
Panelists:
- Chante Chevalier, Plant the Town
- Sarah Frank, Sourdough for Beginners
- Tessa Belanger, Author, Pass the Sage
🚀 Funding and mentorship opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs
☕ Coffee and tea break
Kallie Wood is the President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) and is a proud member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation located on Treaty Four Territory in Saskatchewan. Kallie was formerly the Senior Indigenous Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. She holds a Master of Leadership and Management studies degree and is a mother to four beautiful children and kokum to four grandchildren. As a foster parent, Kallie has many children who call her mom.
Chris McKee is the Senior Vice-President of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). Chris is a born and raised Saskatchewan boy from a centennial family farm, whose connection with the province’s wide-open spaces has left him with the belief that any individual or organization can have a wide-open future with the right coaching and direction. A firm believer in the uniqueness and intrinsic value of every individual, Chris can engage any audience with his commonsense, directness, and passionate honesty. With more than two decades of experience inspiring and leading teams in designing, developing, and deploying organization-wide initiatives, Chris is no stranger to the challenges of change and the ways to harness the power it can provide. This is what drew him to supporting the establishment of the NCIAF
☕ Breakfast provided for attendees
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
🎤 Food Security presentation by FNAFO General Manager, Camden Lawrence.
🏪 Indigenous businesses, organizations, and exhibitors open throughout the day
☕ Coffee and tea break
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
🎤 Presentation by Peggy and Ray Sheldon
🎤 Presentation by Rye and Shyra Barberstock
Closing remarks, reflections and observations
🍽 Lunch to go provided for all attendees