Indigenous Human Resource Conference
2026 Speakers
Adam Munnings, Munnings Law
Founder
Adam is Anishinabe and a member of Curve Lake First Nation; he moved to British Columbia to attend the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law in 2002, graduated in 2005, and has lived in North Vancouver since 2006 with his wife Katherine. In 2010, Adam was called to the British Columbia Bar and now practices law as an Indigenous lawyer and founder of Munnings Law, in West Vancouver. Adam has acted as general counsel for Aboriginal communities and their organizations in a wide range of matters, including economic development, specific claims, reserve land management, employment, governance, accommodation of Aboriginal rights, and negotiations and agreements with government and industry. Adam is a member of the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Provincial Council and Chair of the North Shore Restorative Justice Society and has served as President of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and Chair of the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. In June 2015, he completed his Masters of Business in Aboriginal Business and Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Adam enjoys working with and representing Aboriginal groups and is thankful for the opportunity to learn about their culture, traditions, and history in order to provide services specific to each client’s Aboriginal culture and traditions.
Amanda Ens, BMO
Head, Indigenous Talent Strategy
Amanda Ens is a Nehiyaw (Cree) professional with roots in Waterhen Lake First Nation (Treaty 6) and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation (Treaty 10). As Head of Indigenous Talent Strategy at BMO, she leads initiatives that advance Indigenous recruitment, retention, career development, and inclusion. Her career spans the corporate, telecommunications, government, and post-secondary sectors, with a focus on reconciliation and Indigenous workforce development. Amanda holds a BA in Psychology and a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. She is passionate about creating meaningful employment pathways and fostering culturally inclusive workplaces where Indigenous talent can thrive.
Arian Soheili, Cantatus Systems Group Inc
Managing Director
Arian Soheili, CPA, has over 30 years of experience in digital transformation and financial systems design. He began his career as a Financial Administrator with the Nisga’a Tribal Council, living and working in Nisga’a Territory. That early experience shaped his understanding of Indigenous governance, funding structures, community accountability, and the practical realities of operating within Nation-based systems.
He later joined Deloitte, where he worked with Indigenous governments including Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and Lake Babine Nation, supporting financial system modernization and governance strengthening initiatives.
In 1999, Arian founded Cantatus Systems Group. Through his practice, he continues to support Indigenous governments and organizations, including nations such as Saulteau First Nation, helping strengthen internal controls, improve reporting visibility, and design reliable digital environments that support governance and long-term sustainability.=
Through his proprietary DIME framework: Digital Impact for Mission Excellence, Arian works alongside Indigenous leadership and finance professionals to turn complex data into clear, actionable insight. His approach focuses on practical digital transformation that reduces administrative burden, strengthens accountability, and supports effective service delivery for the communities Nations are responsible to serve
Chris Csoka, HUB International
Employee Benefits Account Executive
Chris Csoka brings over 15 years of experience working to enhance organizations, with deep expertise in employee benefits, life insurance, and retirement solutions. Our team specializes in working with First Nations organizations and community governments across British Columbia, helping them build benefits and pension programs that reflect the needs of their workforce, members, and culture. Chris is active in his community as President of a non-profit society and a board member of a local community services agency.
Daina McCloskey, MNP LLP
Partner
Daina McCloskey, CPHR is a Partner with MNP’s HR Consulting practice based in Kelowna, British Columbia, where she leads the firm’s Indigenous-focused HR Consulting practice in BC. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational consulting, she works alongside Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities across Canada to strengthen leadership, governance, workforce capacity, and organizational effectiveness.
Daina partners with elected leaders, Boards, executive teams, and senior leaders to navigate complex organizational challenges and develop practical, people-centered solutions that support long-term success. Her work spans leadership development, organizational design, succession planning, governance, workforce strategy, compensation, and culturally informed human resources practices. She is known for creating collaborative environments where meaningful conversations can take place and where diverse perspectives contribute to stronger outcomes.
Grounded in a relationship-first approach, Daina believes that sustainable organizations are built by investing in people. She is passionate about helping organizations create healthy workplace cultures, develop future leaders, and build capacity in ways that reflect each Nation’s values, priorities, and vision for the future.
Daina holds a Human Resource Management Diploma from MacEwan University and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).
Edgard Villanueva-Cruz, Turtle Island Connection
Co-founder
Edgard Villanueva, a Tahltan youth entrepreneur the owner of Turtle Island Connection, merges Indigenous wisdom with modern tech to enhance economic sustainability for Indigenous communities. Advocating for systemic change, he collaborates with grassroots organizations and entrepreneurs aiming to uplift Indigenous youth in British Columbia through innovative governance and leadership. Passionate about education and building relationships, Edgard leverages mentorship and community relationships to address challenges and foster innovation. He also spends his time with the Bears Lair Youth Dream Camps, testing youth leadership models, and inspiring the youth. His commitment is to reclaim Indigenous nations through land, new economies and relationship building.
Erik Schmidt, Cedar Benefits
Managing Partner
Erik Schmidt is the CEO of Cedar Benefits Group and brings more than 20 years of experience helping advisors and organizations turn complex challenges into practical solutions. He supports the firm’s work with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada, helping communities build sustainable employee benefit, pension and retirement programs.
Erik is known for his straightforward, practical approach and his ability to make complicated issues easier to understand. He is committed to listening, building respectful partnerships and finding solutions that reflect each community’s needs and long-term priorities.
Outside of work, Erik enjoys snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, cycling, paddleboarding, running, golfing, hiking and fishing. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons.
Gordon Penner, HUB International
Account Executive, Employee Benefits
Gordon Penner is a Benefits Advisor with HUB International in Chilliwack, BC, where he partners with HR leaders across Canada to design, manage, and optimize group benefits programs. With a decade of experience in the employee benefits space, Gordon works closely with HR teams on plan strategy, renewal analysis, cost containment, and client reporting helping organizations turn benefits from a line-item expense into a meaningful lever for attraction, retention, and employee wellbeing.
His client portfolio spans a wide range of industries, from hospitality and manufacturing to professional services and First Nations employers, giving him a practical, cross-sector view of the challenges HR practitioners face day to day. Gordon is known for translating complex insurance data into clear, actionable insight that HR leaders can take to their executive teams with confidence.
Gordon is based in the Chilliwack and is a frequent collaborator with HR professionals across Canada.
Laurie Sterritt, Pathway Executive Search
Founder and Managing Partner
A values-based leader with more than 30 years’ experience in the fields of Indigenous, government and community relations, Laurie is passionate about creating economic and social change with the participation of companies, governments, and communities that have normally been at odds. Laurie has spent her career influencing diversity and inclusion across various industries and inspiring connections that lead to balanced and thoughtful partnerships between Industry and Indigenous communities. Laurie currently serves as a Director for Denison Mines Ltd. and is a member of the Sauder School of Business Faculty Advisory Board. She has previously held numerous Crown corporation and not-for-profit board positions. Laurie is a proud member of the Gitxsan Nation in northern British Columbia. She is a Certified Director and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Certificate in Professional Fundraising.
Marita Bruun, BC Securities Commission
Senior Human Resources Advisor
Marita Bruun, CPHR, is a Senior Human Resources Advisor with the BC Securities Commission, where she has supported people and workplace initiatives for nearly three decades. With extensive experience across employee relations, workplace accommodations, performance management, conflict resolution, and talent management, Marita is known for her practical, people-centered approach to human resources. Marita holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, and a Bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University. In addition to her professional work, Marita has dedicated many years to volunteer service, including 17 years as a palliative care volunteer at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Mina Dingle, Cedar Benefits
Benefits Consultant
Mina Dingle is a Benefits and Pension Consultant with Cedar Benefits Group, a fourth-generation Canadian independent advisory firm. For more than 15 years, she has worked alongside First Nations and Indigenous organizations, assisting them with employee benefits, pension and retirement programs that reflect the needs of their communities.
Mina is committed to clear communication, respectful partnerships and dependable service. She takes the time to understand each organization’s priorities and values while helping leaders navigate the complexities of their benefit and pension plans.
Known for her positive and caring approach, Mina is passionate about building lasting relationships founded on trust, respect and genuine understanding. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, meditating, running, hiking and spending time with her husband, three children, family and friends.
Nievelina Carmona, Cedar Circle Consulting
Founder
Nievelina Carmona is a shíshálh woman and the founder of Cedar Circle Consulting. Her background includes human resources, organizational development and senior leadership within Indigenous communities and organizations. She holds a diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance, a bachelor’s degree, and training in Cultivating Safe Spaces and Lateral Kindness.
Nievelina works alongside Indigenous Nations, organizations and leaders, supporting their work in human resources, governance, leadership and workplace well-being. Her approach is grounded in lived experience, practical knowledge, lateral kindness and Indigenous ways of knowing. At the heart of her work is relationships and cultivating spaces where people feel safe to speak honestly, work through complexity and move forward together in a good way.
Pamela Ouart-McNabb, AFOA Canada
Vice President, Education and Training
As a dedicated advocate for reconciliation and social innovation, I am deeply passionate about supporting Indigenous communities. With extensive experience as a facilitator, leader, project manager, and relationship builder, I am committed to leveraging my skills set to advance community and organizational goals.
I hold a PhD in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, where my academic work explores the complexity and richness of Anishinaabe approaches to ethics in research and the use of traditional Anishinaabe governance systems to inform contemporary organizational structures. This background has provided me with a deep understanding of the opportunity of integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices.
My work is driven by a strong belief in the power of education and research to create positive change. I thrive on bridging diverse worldviews and mindsets, fostering understanding and collaboration across different cultural perspectives.
Throughout my career, I have focused on creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued. I am dedicated to fostering relationships that build trust and facilitate meaningful progress.
Vanessa Clement, Williams Lake First Nation
Director of Human Resources,
Nievelina Carmona is a shíshálh woman and the founder of Cedar Circle Consulting. Her background includes human resources, organizational development and senior leadership within Indigenous communities and organizations. She holds a diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance, a bachelor’s degree, and training in Cultivating Safe Spaces and Lateral Kindness.
Nievelina works alongside Indigenous Nations, organizations and leaders, supporting their work in human resources, governance, leadership and workplace well-being. Her approach is grounded in lived experience, practical knowledge, lateral kindness and Indigenous ways of knowing. At the heart of her work is relationships and cultivating spaces where people feel safe to speak honestly, work through complexity and move forward together in a good way.