Panel Discussion: "Indigenous Entrepreneurs Growth Stories: The Role of Indigenous Banking in Growing Business and Communities"

About the Event

A panel discussion featuring Indigenous business entrepreneurs and BMO Indigenous Banking Services. Learn about how Northwestern Ontario-based Indigenous business entrepreneurs created their business journey and the support Indigenous business banking can offer to advance the economic empowerment of Indigenous businesses and communities.

Lunch to be provided.

Panelists

Denise Atkinson is the Founder and CEO of Tea Horse & Tipi Horse Connects, recognized for her unwavering commitment to advancing the inclusion, growth, and representation of Indigenous women and Peoples in business. A proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band, an Ojibwe First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Denise was raised in a traditional, land-based Anishinaabeg household, where she spent her early years in the company of her maternal grandparents and extended family. With over 20 years of experience in the federal public service, Denise has emerged as a respected business leader and community role model. Her wealth of experience has equipped her with invaluable insights and skills, enabling her to champion Indigenous representation in business. Denise is also actively engaged with several organizations dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity in the supply chain, with a particular emphasis on women and Indigenous participation. She is an active member of the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), WEConnect International, Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Canada, and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED).

Dan Adams, Vice-President, BMO, Indigenous Banking, Ontario - Dan grew up in Red Rock and White River. With 25 years in the financial industry, Dan is dedicated to Indigenous Banking. He oversees all aspects of market, cultural awareness, and education to further our journey of reconciliation. Dan has won many BMO awards, including multiple Conference of Stars. However, his proudest accomplishment is earning the trust and respect from our Indigenous customers. Learning Indigenous culture, language and customs is an ongoing motivation to better serve our customers and represent BMO.

Marlene Sabourin, member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formally Pic Mobert First Nation) President/Chair of White Lake LP – Development Corp wholly owned by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg -  Sabourin is an accomplished finance professional with over 20 years of senior management and consulting experience. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to supporting the growth of Indigenous communities, dedicating much of her work to serving First Nation governments and organizations. Marlene’s expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a focus on advancing economic development and financial sustainability within Indigenous communities. She is a graduate of the Business Management (Aboriginal Organizations) program at Confederation College, which laid the foundation for her career in community-focused finance and management. Currently serving as the Controller and General Manager at Supercom Industries, Marlene plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial management of this First Nation business venture, which is owned by five First Nation communities along the shores of Lake Superior. Throughout her career, Marlene has held senior leadership positions, including CEO of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, Executive Director of Anishinabek Employment & Training Services and Nokiiwin Tribal Council, as well as working with Indigenous Affairs Canada as a Compliance Officer and as the Financial Controller for Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services. A dedicated advocate for economic growth within her community, Marlene is currently serving as the President and Chairperson of the White Lake Limited Partnership (WLLP). A business venture developed solely for the economic and social benefit of the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and is responsible for the business activities and partnerships developed by WLLP. Additionally, she serves as a director for both the Gitchi Animkii Limited Partnership and Giizis Power Limited Partnership, two hydro generation companies owned by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg. Her past board appointments have included roles with the Governance Development Network, Aboriginal Financial Officers of Ontario, and as an ad hoc committee member for the Accounting Program at Confederation College. Though Marlene made the decision to relocate to Thunder Bay to provide her children with greater opportunities, she has always remained deeply committed to her roots. As an Ojibwe member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, she is passionate about fostering economic development and creating positive change for her community

Crystal Pirie, Acting Chief Executive Officer, White Lake Limited Partnership - Crystal Pirie is a Nishnawbe Kwe and proud member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg with a diverse background in both her professional and personal life. With more than 20 years experience in management and leadership positions Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that supports the continued operations and future development of White Lake Limited Partnership. With extensive experience in policy development, management and administration and roles with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg including the Band General Manager, Health and Social Services Manager and Social Services Administrator provides her with the strong understanding of the operations and goals of the community. Crystal has a proven track record of building and fostering relationships that foster progress and growth for organizational priorities. In her role as Acting Chief Executive Officer, Crystal provides leadership for ongoing operations, seeks opportunities for growth, empowers successful partnerships to achieve the mandate of the organization. She works closely with the Board of Directors and the community leadership. Her objective of advancing First Nations and their people have remained a priority in her professional career. Her ability to advocate and engage with the Indigenous communities and their partners as well as federal and provincial governments authorities to improve financial stability and growth in advance equity outcomes.

Moderator: Dr. Subbu Sivaramakrishnan Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University - Subbu Sivaramakrishnan is the new Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. He started January 1 of this year. Prior to joining Lakehead, he was Associate Dean in the school of business at the University of Manitoba where he spent the past 25 years. Subbu has several refereed journal publications and has won three SSHRC grants. He has received six teaching awards at three different universities, including the highest one that the University of Manitoba grants. He has co-authored four marketing textbooks. Besides Canada, Subbu has also taught as a visiting professor in the United States, India, Taiwan, Singapore, and Spain. Subbu has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and an MBA from India. He worked in the business world as an Information Analyst before getting a PhD in Marketing from Penn State.

Registration

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