In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares her profound experiences as a matriarch, reflecting on the spiritual responsibilities that come with the role. She discusses the importance of leading by example, navigating leadership in challenging environments, and empowering the next generation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity in love and leadership, highlighting the need for vulnerability and connection within families and communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Buffy's upbringing in the bush shaped her understanding of life.
• Indigenous culture emphasizes connection to all living things.
• Words are medicine; they carry responsibility.
• Being a matriarch is a deep spiritual responsibility.
• Investing in youth is crucial for community growth.
• Cultural practices should not be diluted or misinterpreted.
• Mentorship is essential in Indigenous culture.
• A matriarch leads by example and serves the community.
• Self-awareness is key to personal and communal responsibility.
• True leadership comes from humility and love.
• Being a matriarch involves setting a spiritual tone for the family.
• Ceremony and spiritual practices can aid in healing and connection.
• Authenticity is essential for genuine love and leadership.
• Leadership is about observation and understanding your environment.
• Empowering the next generation is a key responsibility of a matriarch.
• It's important to maintain a balance between giving to others and self-care.
• True matriarchs create space for both men and women to thrive together.
• Engagement with Indigenous communities should be rooted in genuine contribution.
• Listening and observing are crucial in understanding community needs.
• The journey of personal growth is intertwined with family and community responsibilities.

Featured Guest: Buffy Handel

Buffy Handel, a proud member of St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba, is an award-winning entrepreneur, artist, educator, and Executive Director of a thriving non-profit. She is celebrated for her innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary Indigenous performance as founder of the Aboriginal School of Dance, Manitoba’s first professional dance studio dedicated to Indigenous arts. Buffy’s leadership and mentorship have reached thousands of youth, and her work as a businesswoman and cultural custodian has transcended disciplines and borders—from Canada to Germany and beyond.

Buffy’s journey demonstrates the power of blending tradition with modernity, creating a narrative that is both inspiring and essential in today’s pursuit of economic reconciliation and diversity. She is recognized for her commitment to youth development, her holistic approach to mentorship, and her ability to bridge the worlds of business and culture with wisdom rooted in matriarchal teachings.

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

• Visit Forward Summit for upcoming conferences, speakers, and ticket details.

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Barry Morrissette, a producer and technologist deeply involved in the intersection of technology and Indigenous storytelling. Barry shares his journey and the importance of empowering Indigenous voices through media and technology. He discusses the Indigenous Lens Program, which aims to provide opportunities for youth to create their own narratives, and emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity in media production. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Indigenous creators in tech, the role of mentorship, and the transformative power of public art in reclaiming Indigenous narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Barry Morrissette is a producer and technologist focused on the creative industries.
• He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in Indigenous culture.
• Technology should serve community and culture, especially in storytelling.
• The Indigenous Lens Program empowers youth to create their own narratives.
• Cultural sensitivity is foundational in working with Indigenous communities.
• Youth engagement is crucial for preserving Indigenous stories and languages.
• Digital platforms can help reclaim and reimagine public spaces for Indigenous voices.
• Mentorship is vital for Indigenous creators in tech and entrepreneurship.
• Indigenous representation is evolving in media and technology.
• Collaboration and community involvement lead to more meaningful projects.

Featured Guest:

Barry Morrissette is a filmmaker, producer, technologist, and industry strategist committed to empowering Indigenous communities through film, technology, and economic development. As a key leader at Hat Trick Productions, he is developing projects like Two Wolves, Cody Zamboni, and Cabaratti, each with a $5 million budget dedicated to showcasing Indigenous talent. He also spearheads initiatives like the Indigenous Lens Institute, fostering Indigenous creativity in film, television, and emerging technologies. Serving on the boards of Tourism Calgary and AMPIA.org, Barry is dedicated to expanding industry opportunities by leveraging virtual production, AI, and innovative storytelling to ensure authentic representation and long-term sustainability in the creative sector.

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

Visit Forward Summit for upcoming conferences, speakers, and ticket details.

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, Rod interviews Justin Bourque, a prominent figure in Indigenous economic empowerment. Justin shares his journey from a young apprentice in the oil sands to becoming a leader in Indigenous equity ownership.

He discusses the importance of embracing Métis heritage, the challenges and breakthroughs in large-scale Indigenous partnerships, and the significance of traditional teachings for youth.

The conversation emphasizes the need for trust-building in business relationships and the role of economic sovereignty in creating resilient Indigenous communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin's journey reflects the importance of personal development and seizing opportunities.
• Embracing one's heritage can empower individuals in their professional lives.
• Traditional teachings provide valuable land-based learning experiences for Indigenous youth. Youth today have more opportunities to embrace their culture in business.
• Economic sovereignty is crucial for Indigenous communities to thrive.
• Building trust is essential in Indigenous business relationships.
• Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are vital for sustainable development.
• Creating impactful partnerships requires understanding and patience.
• The future of Indigenous communities lies in resilience and self-determination.

Featured Guest:

Justin Bourque represents a transformative figure in the intersection of Indigenous economic sovereignty and Canada's energy sector, having orchestrated some of the largest Indigenous equity ownership transactions in North American energy history. As the founder of Asokan Generational Developments and inaugural President, now Vice President of Athabasca Indigenous Investments, Bourque has successfully bridged traditional Indigenous values with modern energy industry partnerships, creating unprecedented economic opportunities for Indigenous communities while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

Visit Forward Summit for upcoming conferences, speakers, and ticket details.

In this inaugural episode of Forward Together, host Rod Miller sits down with one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous leaders, JP Gladu. From his early experiences in community to the boardrooms of national industry, JP shares how his cultural identity and values have shaped his leadership journey—and why economic reconciliation is not only possible, but essential.

Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, the importance of building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and how organizations can engage in reconciliation beyond performative gestures. JP also discusses his vision for Mokwateh, a new venture focused on advancing Indigenous opportunity through business, mentorship, and collaboration.

Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or community advocate, this conversation offers powerful insights into the role of Indigenous leadership in shaping a more inclusive, equitable economy for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• Economic reconciliation is foundational to Canada’s future.

• Indigenous leadership is rooted in culture, community, and responsibility.

• Representation on boards leads to stronger, more inclusive decision-making.

• Mentorship and visibility are critical for empowering Indigenous youth.

• Authentic, long-term partnerships—not quick wins—are the key to lasting change.

• Economic sovereignty and Indigenous rights go hand in hand.

Featured Guest:
JP Gladu — Principal at Mokwateh, former CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and a passionate advocate for Indigenous inclusion in Canada’s economy.

Host:
Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

Visit Forward Summit for upcoming conferences, speakers, and ticket details.