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HOSTED BY
World IndIgenous BusIness Forum
Program
October 28th - 30th
2014
WESTIN CAMINO REAL HOTEL
GUATEMALA CITY
GUATEMALA
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:
Indigenous Leadership Development Institute
World Indigenous Business Forum
The World Indigenous Business Forum is a platform that engages Indigenous people
in global economic discussions. There are four main sectors that focus on Global
Indigenous Economic issues; Community, Industry, Academic and Government.
Leaders in these sectors are sought out to share their knowledge with delegates.
Background
In 2009, the “Nation to Nation Forum” was hosted by the Yavapai Nation in Arizona;
it involved Indigenous people from Canada and United States. It was determined
at this forum that Indigenous people are not several nations, but One Nation. Later
that year “One Nation” a forum focused on unity and empowerment to the world’s
Indigenous people and communities, was hosted in Vancouver, BC and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Subsequently, after these Forums, a delegation from the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.
attended the World Business Form in New York City. After this event the vision for the “World Indigenous Business
Forum” was created, it was to become a world class business forum for Indigenous people, a place to share our
stories with one another, connect with each other and most important to inspire everyone. It is vital to grow each
of our unique cultures, to preserve our languages, provide a healthy future for our children and give the best
quality of life for our families today.
Since the inaugural World Indigenous Business Forum’s held in 2010 and 2011 in New York City, USA. WIBF has
been hosted in Sydney, Australia 2012, Windhoek, Africa 2013; now in Guatemala City 2014, and heading to
Oahu, Hawaii 2015. Each year the forum is getting bigger and exciting with more dynamic speakers being added
to our program on a regular basis.
Welcome Address
On behalf of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc., I am delighted to welcome all the delegates
and their guests to the beautiful country of Guatemala to attend the annually held World Indigenous Business
Forum (WIBF) taking place October 28-30, 2014. This event is intended to create and promote unique learning
and networking experiences for global Indigenous business, corporations, leaders and youth. Over the duration
of WIBF 2014, internationals speakers from various sectors of the economy will share their thoughts and ideas
of creativity and vision for creating effective global partnership and of how to form proactive and positive
relationships. The WIBF is a time to create new friends, discover some new innovative business models and
will give participants a platform to exchange ideas, discover novel opportunities, reacquaint with colleagues,
broaden their global Indigenous business awareness and knowledge.
Please take time over the next few days to enjoy the overall forum, meet some new people, and head out to
explore Guatemala City and its many amenities and tourism based operators to learn about the nature and
beauty of this country!
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
1
Program Day 1
2
Program Day 2
3
Program Day 3
4
Speaker’s Bio’s, President Otto Perez Molina
5
Honorable Carlos Batzin | Federico Melville
6
Juan Carlos Suchite | Luis Antonio Velasquez Magana
7
Ainjil Hunt | Luis Tepeu Pirir | Special Guest: Nick Jardine
8
Francisco Raymundo Hernandez | Javier Zepeda Herman
9
Eduardo Aguirre Cantero | Luis A. Velasquez Q.
10
Maria Tuyuc | Don Tomas Calvo Mateo | Raquel Garcia Macaria
11
Jean-Paul Gladu | Phil Fontaine
12
Chief Robert Louie | Chief Austin Bear | Dr. Alex Wilson
13
Andrew Carrier | Clare Beckton
14
Stephen Lindley | Jeff Cyr | Nalani Takushi
15
David Chartrand | Tristina Macek | Gilles Dorval
16
Gary Davis | Toni Ah Sam | Brad Jackson
17
David Williams and Amanda Lear | Ambassador Stuart Savage | Chrisch Siririka
18
Marc Storms | Lee White | Milton Tootoosis
19
Things to do while in Guatemala City
20
1
Agenda
Day One: Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Reception & Pre-Registration
World Indigenous Business Forum:
Guatemala City 2014
The National Palace of Culture
(Palacio National de la cultura)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Pre-Registration
The Westin Camino Real Hotel las Ceibas 1 room
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Official WIBF Opening
Welcome Reception:
Welcome remarks:
Honourable Carlos Batzin, Indigenous
Entrepreneur and Former Minister of Culture and
Sport - Republic of Guatemala, Central America
Maria Tuyuc, Consultant and Technical
Assistant on Issues of Indigenous
Entrepreneurship and WIBF 2014 Business Advisor
of the Guatemala Chamber, Guatemala
Appreciation Remarks:
Andrew Carrier, Chair - Indigenous Leadership
Development Institute, Inc., Winnipeg, Canada
The National Palace of Culture ( Palacio National
de la cultura )
Blessing:
Don Tomas Calvo Mateo, Nim Winak General
Principal - Santo Tomas Chichicastenango,
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Agenda 2014
2
Day Two: Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Plenary Sessions
8:00 am: Registration
Las Ceibas 1 Room,
The Westin Camino Real Hotel Guatemala
9:00 am: The Westin Camino Real Hotel,
Conference Room, Salon Oro
Welcome from Masters of Ceremony:
Luis Velasquez Magana, Consultoria
Internacional, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Ainjil Hunt, Principal Owner Transformation Social
and Economic Development, Vancouver, Canada
Guatemala
12:00 am: Luncheon
Topic: Strategic Creative Communication
Speakers:
David Williams, Chief Executive Officer
Amanda Lear, Managing Director and Director of
Strategic Communications, lead the creative team
at Gilimbaa, Brisbane, Australia
1:30 am: Keynote
Topic: Secure Financial Independence, Investment
and Partnering Opportunities
Dr. David Chartrand, President Manitoba Metis Federation Inc., Winnipeg, Canada
Juan Carlos Suchite, Executive Director of the
Association for the Promotion of Freedom and
Sustainable Development, Guatemala City,
Guatemala
2:00 pm: Panel Topic: Educational Initiatives that
Build Indigenous Leaders
Opening Remarks:
Speakers:
President Otto Pérez Molina, President of
the Republic of Guatemala, Guatemala City,
Guatemala
Clare Beckton, Executive Director - Centre for
Women in Public Leadership Carleton University,
Ottawa, Canada
Stuart Savage, Ambassador of Canada to
Guatemala and High Commissioner of Canada to
Belize, Ottawa, Canada
Claire Reid, Director - Master’s in Development
Practice: Indigenous Development at the
University of Winnipeg, Canada
Luis A. Velasquez, President - Consultoria
Internacional, Former Minister of Economy,
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Dr. Alex Wilson
Associate Professor of Education and Director of
Aboriginal Education Research Centre
University of Saskatchewan
Luis Tepeu Pirir, WIBF Ambassador
Vice-President - Indigenous Business Union,
Guatemaya, Guatemala
10:00 am: Keynote
Topic: Innovative Measures to Include
Indigenous People in the Economy
Federico Melville, Former President of the Board Cementos Progreso, Guatemala
10:30 am: Refreshment Break
11:00 am: Panel Topic: Strategies, Challenges and
Opportunities for Indigenous Owned Corporations
Speakers:
3:00 pm: Refreshment Break
3:30 pm: Panel Topic: Global Strategies for
Local Economic Development Success
Speakers:
Chrisch Siririka, Chief Executive Officer,
Indigenous People’s
Business Forum, Namibia, Africa
Eduardo Aguirre Cantero, Institutional Manager Cementos Progreso, Guatemala City, Guatemala
4:30 pm: Recap and Adjournment - Master of
Ceremonies
Brad Jackson, Executive Chairman - Northern
Project Contracting, Brisbane, Australia
Tristina Macek, Principal Consultant - Informed
Decision Consulting, Calgary, Canada
Raymundo Francisco Hernandez, President Indigenous Business Chamber of Guatemaya,
Agenda 2014
3
Day Three: Thursday, October 30, 2014
Plenary Sessions
9:00 am: The Westin Camino Real Hotel, Conference
Room, Salon Oro
Day 1 Recap: Masters of Ceremony
Luis Velasquez Magana, Director Consultoria International, Guatemala City
Guatemala
Ainjil Hunt, Principal Owner - Transformation
Social and Economic Development, Vancouver,
Canada
Juan Carlos Suchite, Executive Director Association for the Promotion of Freedom and
Sustainable Development, Guatemala City,
Guatemala
9:30 am: Topic: Working With Indigenous People to
Balance Project and Profits
Keynote: Stephen Lindley, Vice President Aboriginal & Northern Affairs, SNC-Lavalin Inc.,
Toronto, Canada
10:00 am: Keynote
Topic: Successful Joint Ventures in the
Resource Sector
Phil Fontaine, President - Ishkonigan, Inc.
Former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations,
Ottawa, Canada
10:30 am: Refreshment Break
11:00 am: Panel Topic: Projects that deliver Social,
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Speakers:
Gary Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer
- National Center for American Indian Enterprise
Development, Mesa, USA
Rachel Garcia Mararia, Ixkik Museum Director Quetzaltenango, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Jeff Cyr, Chief Executive Officer - National
Association of Friendship Centres, Toronto,
Canada
12:00 pm: Luncheon
Facilitated Youth Discussion
Marc Storms, Chief Executive Officer - GMG
Consulting Services, Victoria, Canada
Lee White, Negotiator and Senior Advisor - GMG
Consulting Services, Victoria, Canada
1:30 pm Keynote:
Topic: Focus on Connections, Partnerships and
Mutual Opportunities
Jean Paul Gladu, President and Chief Executive
Officer - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business,
Toronto, Canada
2:00 pm: Panel Topic: Building Stronger Economic
Development in our communities - Strategies that
work
Speakers:
Chief Robert Louis, Westbank First Nation and
Chair for First Nation Land Advisory Board, Canada
Chief Austin Bear, Muskoday First Nation and
Board Member for First Nation Land Advisory
Board, Canada
3:00 pm: Refreshment Break
3:30 pm: Panel Topic: Indigenous Business Owners
transforming the global economy
Speakers:
Toni Ah-Sam, Ochre Business Consulting, Darwin,
Australia
Javier Zepeda, Executive Director - Industrial
Chamber of Commerce, Guatemala City,
Guatemala
Carol-Anne Hilton, MBA and CEO of
Transformation, Vancouver, Canada
4:30 pm: WIBF Closing Remarks
WIBF 2015 Announcement
WIBF 2016 Announcement
Adjourned
5:00 to 7:00 pm: VIP Evening Reception with Special
Guest: Nick Jardine, W Network’s “Love it or List it:
Vancouver, Canada”
Agenda 2014
4
Speakers’ Biographies
President Otto Pérez Molina
President of the Republic of Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
PRESIDENT OTTO PEREZ MOLINA FERNANDO was born in Guatemala in 1950, in a family in
which moral principles and ethical values formed the basis for human development began
his military training in 1966 as a Knight Cadet of the Polytechnic School of Guatemala,
excelled as distinguished student, excelling in his entire career for his discipline,
honesty, intelligence and leadership, being a creditor of many merits and awards. The
Inter-American Defense College in Washington DC, he completed postgraduate training
in Continental Defense; studied the Advanced Management Program at INCAE / Harvard
Business School, based in Costa Rica. He completed a Masters in International Relations
at the Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Cum Laude with academic recognition. Left
shaped his thinking and analysis as a columnist for the newspaper Prensa Libre, tribune from which he pushed
reviews relevant on the national scene.
In 1982, as an Army Officer, was instrumental in promoting the relief of General Efrain Rios Montt as President
proclaimed of the Republic, a fact that facilitated the conditions that favored the return to democracy, through
the promulgation of the 1985 Constitution.
President of the Republic, Ramiro De Leon Carpio, appointed Chief of the Presidential Staff, a position he held
from year 1993-1995.
In 1993, General Otto Pérez Molina is the first declared by the House of Free Enterprise Guatemala as one of
the ten year military leaders. That same year, was also nominated by Prensa Libre, one of the 10 characters of
the year, the leading role played by rescuing the country’s institutions, after the coup of former President Jorge
Serrano Elías.
In 1996, he was appointed Inspector General of the Army. Subsequently he was appointed Head of the Delegation
of Guatemala before the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington, DC, an organization member of the
Organization of American States, a position he held during the years 1998-2000.
Due to its high performance as an officer, the Army of Guatemala honored him with the Cross Army Guatemala,
which is the highest award the Military Institution grants its Officers.
In 2000, he retired from the Army Guatemala with the highest honors, leaving an indelible footprint Leadership,
loyalty, honesty and integrity.
Speakers’ Biographies
5
Honourable Carlos Batzin
Indigenous Entrepreneur &
Former Minister of Culture and Sport
Republic of Guatemala
Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America
Hon. Carlos Batzin has held the office of Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of
Guatemala, since 2012. Prior to that, he was Professor of Governance and Public Policy
with universities such as; UNED, Costa Rica and Intercultural Indigenous University Latin
American. For seven years he was Director for Guatemala of the Indigenous Council of Central
America.
He has worked as Regional Project Coordinator for the Development of Indigenous
Consultation, coordinated by the Indigenous Council of Central America, World Bank and
Inter-American Development Bank. In 2001, he was Project Coordinator Rigoberta Menchú
Foundation and Maya SAQB’E Center , as part of the USAID Civil Society. He was with
the Democratic Development Fund of the Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation CECI as
Project Officer. Coordinator diploma in Maya Political Management for men and women leaders, driven SAQB’E
Maya Center and the Center for Research and Social Studies in Social Anthropology CIESAS of Mexico in 1998.
Program Coordinator AJPOPIL social and political research MAYAB‘ SAQB’E Maya Center. He was Coordinator
of the consultation process for Indigenous Communities, to define the projection of the work of the National
Commission of the Environment CONAMA and integrate their indigenous participation in its organizational
structure. Advisor to the Central American Indigenous Council. Training Course Coordinator Policy indigenous
leaders, held at the headquarters of the University Rafael Landivar. Advisor to the Foundation for Women North
Maya, FUNMAYAN. He was Executive Director Maya Decade Committee, Advisor to the Chairman of Parliament
American Indian.
Federico Melville
Former President of the Board
Cementos Progreso
Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America
President Melville has achieved many successes as a businessman and countryman, running
one of the leading companies in Guatemala and Central America. Founded in 1899, Cementos
Progreso is proudly Guatemalan with over 100 years of existence, whose experience has
enabled to be recognized for high standards of quality in the production and marketing of
cement, concrete, lime, and other materials and services for construction. There are more
than 7,000 employees in the Central American Region.
There is continuous investment to enhance our human capital, technology and customer
service. All activities are conducted in accordance with the values from the beginning were
promoted by our founder and four generations. These values were determined by a Code
of Values, Ethics and Conduct COVEC, which guides each of our employees toward meeting: Ethical Behavior,
Genuine Leadership, Solidarity and Commitment to Sustainability Company.
He conducted his primary and basic studies in Colegio Belmont and Liceo Javier. High school studies completed
at the Valley Forge Military Academy. He has obtained a Bs BA in finance from North Western States University
in the United States.
Federico Melville has taken several executives programs that highlight the Governing the family Business for
Kellogg; Compensation committee, new challenges, new solutions at Harward Business school. He is currently
president of the Progresso Group dedicated to the production and marketing of construction materials whose
structure comprises regional business diversification. He is on the board of directors for Banco Agromercantil
one of the most well-known bank in Guatemala and the top five best in the country. He is the president and
member of Fiduciario and founder of la association de amigos (friends association) University of Istmo, which
has dedicated to the University education of Guatemala.
Speakers’ Biographies
6
Mr. Juan Carlos Suchite
Executive Director of the Association for the Promotion of Freedom and Sustainable
Development (ALDS by its acronym in Spanish)
Mr. Juan Carlos Suchite is the Executive Director of the Association for the Promotion
of Freedom and Sustainable Development (ALDS by its acronym in Spanish) based in
Guatemala. He received his BA in Marketing and a minor in International Business from the
Rafael Landivar University. Mr. Suchite, a native Spanish speaker, is also fluent in English.
Prior to joining ALDS, Mr. Suchite had a 6-year career experience as the Export Manager for
the second largest textile mill in Guatemala. Traveling is one of Mr. Suchite’s passions, and
this position gave him the chance to travel to exciting places all over the world!
Mr. Suchite’s professional career started at an early age, when he was only 21, after he
was hired as an International Trade Specialist by the United States Embassy (U.S. Department of Commerce) in
Guatemala. More than 150 people applied for the position! During his 7-year career experience with the Embassy,
Mr. Suchite received numerous meritorious honor awards from U.S. Ambassadors for exemplary performance
and sustained excellence in providing service to U.S. firms.
Mr. Suchite enjoys golf, good wine and reading. He lives with his wife Gaby, his baby girl Ariella and their two
dogs. He can be reached at jsuchite@alds.org.gt.
Luis Antonio Velásquez Magaña
Director of Consultoría Internacional
Luis Antonio Velásquez Magaña 26 years old,
Doctoral Degree in Business Administration, Francisco Marroquin University/Swiss
Management Center. Master in Electronic Business , Galileo University, Guatemala ,
Bachelor in Computer Systems Administration, Galileo University, Guatemala (2011)
Technical Degree in Computer Systems Administration, Galileo University, Guatemala
Director of Consultoría Internacional (2009 – Present), Director of Inversión y Desarrollo
con Luis Velásquez Vice-President of The Association of Juvenile Businesspeople (AJE) of
Guatemala, Director of the Directing Council of Juvenile Businesspeople – Junior Achievement Director Advisor
Assistant of the Board of The Industriales Farmaceuticos de Guatemala, ASINFARGUA (2006 – 2009)
VI. Currently, Director of Consultoría Internacional Advising various companies, associations and institutions
internationally.Director of Inversión y Desarrollo con Luis Velásquez, TV Program, transmitted in the entire
Republic of Guatemala, Central, North and South America and the Caribbean
Member of the Board of Inversión y Desarrollo Foundation and of the Board of Gremial de Agroquimicos
-GREMIAGRO- (Agrochemicals Association) of Camara de Industria de Guatemala (Industry Camera, Guatemala)
Member of the Commission of Foreign Trade of Camara de Industria de Guatemala (Industry Camera, Guatemala)
Associate of Cámara de Industria de Guatemala
Director of Consultoría Internacional, advising various companies, associations and institutions internationally.
Facilitator of Conferences, Courses, Training, Forums and Experiential Workshops in various institutions and
associations.
VIII. Conferences and Seminars Imparted
Conference speaker in The XV Foro Internacional de Emprendedores (2013), Trainer of “General Management ”
for the Program of “Youth Companies” of Empresarios Juveniles – Junior Achievement (2013),Conference speaker
and Trainer of “Entrepreneurships Opportunities for Youth” for the Curse of Entrepreneurship of Universidad del
Valle de Guatemala (2013).
Speakers’ Biographies
7
Ainjil Hunt
Principal Owner – Transformation Social and Economic Development
Ainjil Hunt, Principal Owner, is a leading change strategist, speaker and international
facilitator. As owner of Transformation since 2004, Ainjil has seen success in developing the
Transformation business model to parallel social and economic development in First Nation
communities, organizations and businesses. Ainjil is Kwakwak’wakw from the Namgis
First Nation as well as Tlingit from Alaska. Ainjil has a Bachelor degree in Social Work and
certificate in Public Sector Management and Indigenous Governance from the University of
Victoria. Ainjil is a certified language technologist in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)
and Time Line Therapy. Ainjil has a Master’s Degree, Candidate in Policy and Practice from
the University of Victoria and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Business
Administration from SFU School of Business. Ainjil serves on the board of the Industry Council for Aboriginal
Business.
Luis Tepeu Pirir
WIBF Ambassador (Guatemala)
Luis Tepeu is presently the Vice president of Guatemaya . He was the Founder of the
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Guatemaya Union, Guatemala City . Luis was elected president
of the Board of the Catholic Youth Group Action San Juan Sacatepequez department of
Guatemala .In 1998 Luis was a founder and president of the Association for the Integral
Development of San Antonio ‘s Hamlet Trojes the Municipality of San Juan Sacatepequez
Department of Guatemala.
Luis has participated as a Promoter and Director of the ” Movement Tepeu Francisco San Juan
Sacatepequez ” for the Guatemalan justice Families and Communities. He was the President
of the Association of Civil Integral Control and Environmental Monitoring ASIDECA. Luis has
participated as a Member of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Business Service CECOMS , Guatemala
City . Member of the Board of the Technology Development Foundation of FUNTEDEGUA Guatemala .In November
2013, He was elected as Chairman of the Interim Board of the Chamber of Indian Employers, Guatemaya.
Special Guest: Nick Jardine
Principal Owner – Urban Handyman (Canada)
Special guest speaking at the VIP Evening Reception on October 30, 2014.
Nick Jardine, born in South Africa, immigrated as a child to Australia and grew into a
successful businessman in the construction industry, all the while developing his skills as
an avid rugby player. In pursuit of adventure he followed a dream and immigrated to Canada
in 2006 to pursue rugby. Enjoying several years of playing and coaching rugby Nick honed
in on his business skills once again, by using the only two tools he had brought to Canada
with him, his hands, Nick founded Urban Handyman Inc. in 2009, a full-scale renovation/
build company. In only 4 years Urban Handyman went from a start up business to TV success
when Nick became the Head Contractor Season 1 on W-Network’s hit TV show ‘Love It or List
It Vancouver’ airing on HGTV in the USA as ‘Love It or List It Too’. In conjunction with operating his successful
renovation business Nick is currently pursuing other adventures in construction as an expert filming ‘Weather
Gone Wild Home Audit’ for CBC. Nick has a passion for business, construction, travel, and currently resides in
Vancouver.
Speakers’ Biographies
8
Francisco Raymundo Hernández
President – Union of business Indigenous Guatemaya (Guatemala)
Francisco Raymundo Hernandez has studied Law and Social Sciences University of San
Carlos of Guatemala USAC. Francisco is currently a Cultural historian and consultant Maya,
He is the author of several documents on Indigenous Peoples and formulator of public policy
of Maya art. He is the founder and member of Indians in the west of the country, community
relations strategist organizations; and the Director of Kab’awil indigenous Community. A
great Leader for the Promotion of Social, Political and Economic Development of the Maya
Ixil and K’iche ‘, from the Catholic Church.. He is the Coordinator of Health Promoters for
Displaced Populations by the internal armed conflict. 1982. Francisco is a founder, member
of the Communities of Population in Resistance CPRs Sierra and Ixcán, during the internal
armed conflict.. Member of the Commission and Coordination of the Communities of Population in Resistance
Sierra CPRs of internal and scattered IDPs in the country. From 1984 to 1989. Francisco has been an International
Relations Manager of displaced populations.
Javier Zepeda Herman
Executive Director
Industry Chamber of Guatemala
Mr Javier Zepeda is currently the Executive Director of the Industry Chamber of Guatemala,
since February 2008. Javier leads the interrelation of Industry Chamber with public and
private Institutions. He is responsible of the areas Political Institutional and Strategic of
Industry, Chamber of Guatemala.
He had Worked for 7 ½ Years as General Director of Hill & Knowlton GuatemalaAdvised
clients as Wall Mart, Ambev Centro America, LG Electronics, Cabcorp, among others. Javier
worked for 18 ½ Years for various Publicity Agencies as Mac Cann Erickson, Leo Burnet,
JW Thompson. He studied Graphic Designer and Publicity at the Rafael Landivar University,
Guatemala
He was the General Manager and President of his own Publicity Agency in the period of 2000-2004. Had an
active participation in the Publicists Association of Guatemala. Asociacion de Publicistas de Guatemala. He has
participated in the course of the Latin-American Institute of Organization Enterprising Management,(Instituto
Latinoamericano de Gerencia de Organizaciones Empresariales) imparted by INCAE, Costa Rica. Because of its
outstanding performance, which earned him take in actual form, the Master Training on the Effective Business
Member Organization, imparted by the International Center of the OIT located in Turin, Italy.
In 1994 Javier was elected President of the Publicists Association of Guatemala and he was appointed as
“Publicist of the Year” -“Publicista del Año”- in 1997 by the San Carlos University of Guatemala – Universidad de
San Carlos de Guatemala.
Speakers’ Biographies
9
Eduardo Aguirre Cantero
Institutional Manager - Cementos Progreso
Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America
He is an architect who graduated from the University San Carlos de Guatemala and
specializes in risk management. He has served in several government posts, including the
Manager of the Office of the President and the Vice President of the Republic. From 20062008 he was Coordinator General of Guatemala’s Reconstruction with Transformation Plan
following Hurricane Stan. He was also Nation Coordinator of Pro Habitat (Production and
Housing), a UN and Guatemalan government project to design 60 urban centers for risk
prevention and mitigation. He was National Coordinator of the reconstruction and risk
Management component of the municipal local development program supported by the
German Cooperation agency (GTZ), and Assistant Secretary of the Peace Secretariat. He has
also served as Dean of the Architecture Faculty at the University of San Carlos, Director of the Farusac Research
Center, professor and founder of M.A. programs in Human Settlements and Environmental Protection. He has
also been a consultant for UNDP, the World Bank and the GTZ. He has won national and international awards
for his work promoting, housing for low-income families. Publications include: Historia de la Arquitectura
contemporánea de Guatemala (1997) [The History of Contemporary Guatemalan Architecture] and Arquitectura
vernacular guatemalteca (1991) [Guatemalan Vernacular Architecture]. He has been editor/director of the
journals Resultados and En obra, published by the Architecture Faculty of the University of San Carlos. Currently
he is Institutional Relations Manager at Cementos Progreso S.A.
Luis A. Velásquez Q.
President - Consultoria Internacional &
Former Minister of Economy, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Luis A. Velásquez Q. was born in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. Graduated from the Advanced
Management Program of INCAE, Costa Rica. Studies in the Faculty of Systems Engineering
at the University Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala. Attended the National Strategic Studies
Program Center ESTNA, Guatemala.
His ideology is based on the Social Market Economy, conceived as the third way between
capitalism and socialism.
Visionary and entrepreneur, with vast experience in technical, management and leading
positions in the private sector. In the year 1993 founded one of his companies, CONSULTORIA
INTERNACIONAL (International Consulting); under the theme “Integrated Approach for Global Competitiveness”,
dedicated in providing Consulting and Training services, Media Agency, for various companies, associations and
institutions at a national and international level.
With 25 years of experience in 2007 wanting to have a closer contact with people of all latitudes fomenting
involvement and commitment, takes on a new challenge, starts the TV program INVERSION Y DESARROLLO con Luis
Velásquez (INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT with Luis Velásquez). The program is based on: Entrepreneurship,
Investment Attraction, Employment Generation, Investment in Human Capital, Community Development,
Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, Tourism, Public Policy, Economic Development, Social Development and
Competitiveness, which has led to its positioning at a national and international level.
In 2008, invited by the elected president joined the Government Cabinet as Advisor to the President on issues
of Social and Economic Development, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Secretary of Specific Issues of the
Presidency, Executive Coordination Secretary of the Presidency and Minister of Economy.
Imparting conferences nationally and internationally. Supporting and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR, Entrepreneurship, Global Competitiveness, Tourism, Education, Technology, Energy, International Trade,
Quality Management, Intellectual Property, Access to Medicines and Agricultural Supplies, Social and Community
Development, Negotiation and Conflict among others.
Speakers’ Biographies
10
Maria Tuyuc
Business Advisor – Indigenous Chamber
Maria Tuyuc is currently a Consultant and Technical Assistant on issues of Indigenous
Entrepreneurship, in charge of the issue of violence against woman in the National
Commission for Monitor and Support for Strengthening Justice (CNSAFJ by its acronym in
Spanish). Maria had Closed Pensum of Law and Social Sciences. Previously performing
as: Technical Consultant in the Program of Support for the Peace Process and National
Conciliation (PCON/GIZ by its acronym in Spanish). She is the Coordinator of the Justice
Center of Chimaltenango and Sololá part of the Justice Program/AID; also the Coordinator
of the Indigenous Peoples Area, Gender, Publication and Investigation of the Institute of
Comparative Studies and Criminal Science from Guatemala (ICCPG by its acronym in Spanish.
She leads and directs, publications of various investigations and articles of diverse issues as Justice Access,
Criminal Justice, Juvenile Criminal Justice, Forensics Science; Administration of Justice; Maria participates as a
speaker in national and international events about Justice, Youth, Truth Commissions, Legal Pluralism, Women
and Indigenous Peoples; Discrimination and Racism.
Don Tomas Calvo Mateo
Nim Winak (General Principal) – Santo Tomas Chichicastenango
Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America
Don Tomas Calvo, described as the Mayan Pope and the Maya’s highest spiritual authority,
to New York City where he addressed the United Nations. Don Tomas Calvo Mateo, who was
keeper of the Popul Vuh, the Mayan Book of Creation, acknowledged that major environmental
changes would accompany the spiritual transition into the new age.
Raquel Garcia Macaria
Ixkik Museum Director – Quetzaltenango
PROFESSION Business Administrator and postgraduate studies in Management for
Sustainable Development of the Autonomous University of Madrid
Academic Studies: Diploma in Museology and Museum , institutional strengthening, Maya
Tz’akol Higher Education in Discrimination and Racism in “Native Law and Official Right ” in
the Small Business Administration in Tourism planning and strategies . Courses , workshops
and seminars on Mayan Culture and General Education .
Experience: Participation in the review of Cultural Policies Tangible and Intangible Heritage
Researcher, consultant and advisor on plans, programs and projects on Maya culture
and general culture. Cultural Management by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Coordinating national and
departmental networks on racism and discrimination, and National Cultural Heritage Tourism. To coordinate
academic and cultural events in Costa Rica , Nicaragua , Mexico. Judge at festivals , fairs and events sociocultural, productive and economic. Founder and Secretary of the Association of Women entrepreneurs AEM.
Founder and Secretary of Ixkik Museum ‘ Maya Costume. Counseling and Assistance in research , thesis and
supervised students from local universities and schools of Media Education practices. Teaching in Primary level.
University Professor at the University Center Wes.
Speakers’ Biographies
11
Jean-Paul Gladu
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jean Paul (JP) Gladu is currently the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal
Business (CCAB) based in Toronto. Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay JP is a member of the
Sand Point First Nation located on the eastern shores of Lake Nipigon.
Mr. Gladu has over two decades of experience in the natural resource sector. His career
path includes work with Aboriginal communities and organizations, environmental nongovernment organizations, industry and governments from across Canada. He has produced
a number of publications related to Aboriginal issues including: forest certification, Native
values collection, biofuel opportunities, First Nation community land use plans, criteria and
indicators for sustainable forestry, and cedar product development.
With a passion for his community, his culture and traditions Mr. Gladu brings the past, present and future to the
table, moving corporate Canada and Aboriginal business toward sustainable partnerships and shared economic
prosperity.
An experienced negotiator JP led a number of business development projects in northern Ontario. JP completed
a forestry technician diploma in 1993 and obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona
University in 2000. He also holds an Executive MBA from Queens University.
Phil Fontaine
President - Ishkonigan Inc. and Former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Phil Fontaine is among the most recognizable and respected figures in Canada. His
influence goes well beyond politics and the Indigenous communities he loyally serves. Phil
has touched the lives of all Canadians in one way or another. At the age of 28, he was first
elected to public office as Chief. Phil is a proud citizen of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba
and continues to play an active role in the support of his community.
In the early 1980’s, Phil was elected to the position of Manitoba Regional Chief for the
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) where he served for eleven years. In 1991, he was elected
Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs where he served three consecutive terms.
During his tenure Phil played a key role in the strategic defeat of the Meech Lake Accord, and
signed a ground breaking Employment Equity agreement with 39 federal agencies.
In 1997, he stepped onto the national stage where he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
for an unprecedented three terms in office. His accomplishments as National Chief are both enormous and
historically significant, Signing the Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation of the Indigenous and First Nations
of North America,The first Indigenous leader to address the Organization of American States, Leading the
successful resolution and settlement of the 150 year Indian residential school tragedy, Facilitating the historical
apology by the Canadian government for residential schools, Establishing the Making Poverty History Campaign,
Lobbying for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Negotiating a fair and just
process for the settlement of Specific land claims.
Phil’s strong belief in creating an inclusive Assembly of First Nations ensured that all information was accessible
in both French and English languages, while ensuring simultaneous translation in several Indigenous languages
at AFN gatherings. He also initiated the AFN Renewal Commission, a ground-breaking process that resulting in
substantial recommendations to improve the political structure of the Assembly of First Nations.
Speakers’ Biographies
12
Chief Robert Louie
Westbank First Nation and Chair – First Nation Land Advisory Board
Chief Robert Louie holds a Bachelor of Law, LLB, University of Victoria – 1982 Graduated in
Business Commerce Courses and a Business Administration Diploma, Okanagan University
College. Chief Louie is an Okanagan business owner/operator with several successful
enterprises over the past 20 years. With his wife Bernice he shares a family of three children.
Louie was Chief for the West bank First Nation Council from 1986 through 1996 returning to
office in 2002 and has remained Chief since. After passing the bar in 1984, Louie entered
the private practice of law until becoming involved in aboriginal governance. He was
subsequently appointed as the Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and was
elected as a Task Group member of the First Nations Summit where he served two terms
(1986-1990). His experience led to an invitation to become involved in B.C. treaty negotiations representing the
Chiefs of British Columbia.
Throughout his service on behalf of the First Nation, Chief Louie has been appointed to numerous boards and
committees including, Chairman, Peace Hills Trust, 2006, Chair and Board member, Audit Committee for Peace
Hills Trust, present, Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, 1989- present, Board of Governor
member for UBC & UBCO, 2006-2007, Board member of BC Small Business Roundtable, National Aboriginal
Economic Development Board, Director, 1996-1999, First Nations Finance Authority Inc., President & Director,
1995-1997, Member of B.C. Premier’s Advisory Council of Aboriginal Affairs, 1988-1990, All Nations Trust
Company, Director, 1988-1991, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Director, 1986-1987, United Native Friendship
Society, Director, 1985-1986.
He has been awarded Honorary Doctorate, Law, Justice Institute of British Columbia, 2014; AFOA-Xerox Leadership
Award National Category, 2013, Recipient of Queen Elizabeth 2nd Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012, Order of Canada
(OOC), 2006, Okanagan College Distinguished Alumni Award, Recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the
125th Anniversary of Confederation, President’s Award, West Bank & Dist. Chamber of Commerce, B.C. Academic
Scholarship Award.
Chief Austin Bear
Muskoday First Nation and Board Member of the First Nation Land Advisory
Board
Chief Austin Bear is currently serving an unprecedented eleventh term as the Chief of
the Muskoday First Nation. Chief Bear is happily married and has three children, seven
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is active in promoting First Nations’ traditions
and culture and believes that the involvement of Elders and youth is essential in all aspects
of community life. Chief Bear’s hobbies and interests are work, golf, travel, music and family
time.
Dr. Alex Wilson
Associate Professor of Education and Director of Aboriginal Education Research Centre
University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Alex Wilson (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) is an Associate Professor of Education and Director
of the Aboriginal Education Research Centre and at the University of Saskatchewan. Her
academic and community work and passion focus on Indigenous land-based education and
social ecological justice. As a community organizer Alex uses education and Cree philosophy
to intervene in ongoing practices of colonialism, oppression, and the destruction of land and
water.
Speakers’ Biographies
13
Andrew Carrier
Chair - Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc., Winnipeg, Canada
Andrew‘ s professional career as a Human Resources Specialist with the Provincial
Government includes extensive working knowledge and practice in the following department:
Community Services and Corrections, Family Services, Education and Training and currently
with the Province of Manitoba Water Stewardship.
Andrew sits as a board member with the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc.
and lends his expertise to provide French translation services to the organization
Mr. Carrier also serves as Board Member with the Manitoba Metis Federation and is responsible
for the ministry of Michif Languages/Residential Schools, Pemmican Publications and the
Strategic Planning Steering Committee .
Clare Beckton
Executive Director – Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership Carlton University
Clare Beckton is currently Executive Director of the Centre for Women in Politics and Public
Leadership. She is author of OWN IT, your success, your life, your future.
Clare Beckton received her LLB and her BA from the University of Saskatchewan and spent
an LLM year at the University of Illinois. She taught law at Dalhousie University in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, from 1974 to 1984, and, in that capacity, published a number of articles on
the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and several books including the Media and
the Law in Canada. In 2005, as a Fulbright Scholar, she obtained an MPA, with a focus on
leadership, from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. In recognition
of academic excellence and her exceptional contribution to public service and leadership, Ms. Beckton was
awarded the Littauer Fellowship.
From April 2007 to July 2009 Clare Beckton served as the deputy head of Status of Women Canada. In 1984,
Ms. Beckton joined the Human Rights Law Section of the Department of Justice. In 1988, she assumed the
position of General Counsel with the RCMP Legal Services, and in 1992, subsequently took on the role of General
Counsel, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In 1996, Ms. Beckton became Senior General Counsel with Human
Resources Development Legal Services and served there until her appointment as Assistant Deputy Attorney
General, Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Justice. She led the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio from 1998 until
June 2004 managing an extensive budget and contingent liabilities. Following her year at Harvard University,
Ms. Beckton co-led, with the Aboriginal Leadership Institute and other partners, a multi-sectoral Aboriginal
Leadership Initiative to find new and innovative ways of addressing the complex challenges facing Aboriginal
communities in Canada.
Ms. Beckton is chair of the board of directors of the Queensway Carleton Hospital and is a member the
Advisory Board of the Canadian Board Diversity Council. She is also a member of the Canadian Task Force
for Women’s Business Growth. In 2008, she was appointed to the Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy
School of Government at Harvard University, received the Woman of the Year Award from the Federated Press
for “exceptional achievement and outstanding leadership by a Canadian woman,” and was selected by the
Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in 2008 and 2012. She is
also the recipient of a Canada 125 Medal.
Speakers’ Biographies
14
Stephen Lindley
Vice President – Aboriginal & Northern Affairs, SNC-Lavalin Inc.
Stephen is corporate Vice President responsible for Aboriginal & Northern Affairs for SNCLavalin Inc.. He has been with SNC-Lavalin for over 25 years. Steve is responsible for developing
and maintaining corporate relations and partnerships with aboriginal organizations and
businesses, primarily within Canada. He also conducts business development and marketing
and provides project support to all Divisions of the Company. Stephen is currently a member
of the Board of Directors of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council, the Canadian Council for
Aboriginal Business, and three aboriginal-owned joint venture companies, including Innu/
SNC-Lavalin in Labrador. He is also a Director in the SNC-Lavalin Environment Division.
Jeff Cyr
Executive Director, National Association of Friendship Centres
NAFC, a national Aboriginal non-profit service organization that has 127 member organizations
across Canada, in every province and territory. Created in 1972, the NAFC is responsible for
policy, research advocacy and national program delivery for Friendship Centres in Canada. It
is the largest professional service organization of its kind in Canada and the World.
Born in British Columbia, raised in Europe, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Jeff’s family are
Métis from the Red River Valley. As an urban Métis person he understands the realities of
urban Aboriginal issues from living in cities such as Winnipeg and Ottawa. Jeff worked in
business development and corporate marketing in Winnipeg before starting a career in the
provision of strategic and operational leadership within Aboriginal organizations such as
the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Métis Federation. Later he came to Ottawa to work on the
Nuclear Fuel Waste Act and Aboriginal consultation with the Government of Canada and nuclear power generators
across Canada. He also has extensive experience with the Privy Council Office on federal-provincial negotiation
and the implementation of Aboriginal rights. Jeff was also Director of International Relations for International
Policing within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and a Senior Advisor – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada.
Jeff has a Masters Degree (with distinction) Political Studies/International Relations from the University of
Manitoba. Jeff was a Board member and Treasurer of the Odawa Native Friendship Centre; a Board Member for
Child Find Manitoba and is currently a member of the Canadian Council On the Social Determinants of Health.
He is also a Canadian Indigenous representative at the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples
and has been working at organizing like minded urban Indigenous organizations in New Zealand, Australia and
the United States to make concerted efforts on a global scale to address and bring attention to urban Indigenous
issues.
Nalani takushi
Capacity Building Manager, Hiilei Aloha, LLC, O’ahu, Hawaii
Nalani Takushi holds a Masters of Social Work degree and has experience working in the
areas of education, sexual assault, domestic violence, and mental health & wellness. She
is the Capacity Building Manager at Hiilei Aloha, LLC and provides capacity building and
leadership development in rural Native Hawaiian communities on the islands of Maui,
Molokai, Hawaii and Oahu. Ms. Takushi takes a strong interest in peace and nonviolence
through traditional flower arranging, peace gardens and community activities. Ms. Takushi
lives on the island of Oahu with her family and friends.
Speakers’ Biographies
15
David Chartrand
President – Manitoba Metis Federation Winnipeg, Manitoba
David was elected President and Chairman of the Board of Directors – Manitoba Métis
Federation and is the longest serving President of the MMF, devoting his career to human
rights, education, child welfare, and economic development and justice issues. In 2008,
Chartrand helped U. Winnipeg launch Manitoba’s first Indigenous Police Preparation
diploma, which has resulted in more than 35 graduates who are now working in the criminal
justice sector. Under Chartrand’s leadership, since 1999, the MMF and its education arm,
the Louis Riel Institute, have provided bursaries totaling more than $1.5 million to Métis
students attending U Winnipeg, funding the University have matched. In addition, a 2008
gift of $100,000 by the Manitoba Métis Federation allowed U Winnipeg to create the Audreen
Hourie Graduate Fellowship, open to all Métis graduate students in the Indigenous Governance or Masters in
Development Practice programs.
Chartrand was born and raised in the small Métis community of Duck Bay, Manitoba. From these roots he grew
to champion the recognition of Métis Land Claims and harvesting rights. Under his leadership, the Métis Nation
in Manitoba has seen tremendous growth in self-government capacity, programs and services. On the national
stage, he is Vice-President of the Métis National Council and holds many key portfolios nationally, such as Minister
Responsible for Social Development; Finance and Administration. His leadership has led to the resurgence of
the Métis Nation, ensuring all Manitobans learn about the contributions of Louis Riel to this province. He was
instrumental in establishing Louis Riel Day as a provincial holiday in February. In 1997 David Chartrand was able
to re-instate the MMF Land Claims Case which is presently before the Supreme Court of Canada. In 2008, under
his leadership, the Manitoba Métis Federation signed a Métis Policy Agreement with the Province of Manitoba.
On June 8, 2012, the Honourable Philip S. Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba presented David Chartrand with
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2006 David Chartrand received the Manitoba Order
of the Sash at the 36th Annual General Assembly of the Manitoba Métis Federation, and for his enduring service
and development work, The University of Winnipeg bestowed on David Chartrand an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Tristina Macek
Informed Decisions Consulting
Tristina Macek, MBA has over twenty years of experience in financial and operational
management with ten years at senior levels within organizations. She now works as a
consultant to transfer the knowledge she has gained to support the growth and strategic
opportunities within organizations to provide optimum outcomes. She works closely
with all levels of an organization to determine internal/external barriers to their success.
Tristina has an MBA in Finance and Accounting and is a member of the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants.
Gilles Dorval
Director of Aboriginal Relations, City of Saskatoon
As the Director of Aboriginal Relations for the City of Saskatoon, Gilles Dorval works
extensively with community partners and Industry to ensure that Aboriginal people are
represented in our workforce and participate fully in the development of our community.
He has a passion and commitment with a keen understanding of the legislation and the
importance of cultivating welcoming environments.
Speakers’ Biographies
16
Gary Davis
President and Chief Executive Officer - National Center for American Indian Enterprise
Development, Mesa, USA
Gary “Litefoot” Davis is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Mr. Davis
currently serves as President and CEO of the National Center For American Indian Enterprise
Development. Before being appointed as President and CEO of the NCAIED, Mr. Davis served
on the organization’s Board of Directors.
He has served as Vice-President of Native Affairs for the Triple Five Group, owners of the
world’s largest retail shopping malls; the Mall of America and the West Edmonton Mall and
he previously served as co-chair of the National Indian Gaming Association’s, American
Indian Business Network. Though his company Litefoot Enterprises, Mr. Davis has facilitated
an array of cross sector business opportunities in Indian Country ranging from acquisitions,
casino gaming, hospitality, land development, green energy and pharmaceutical initiatives.
Mr. Davis is a successful feature film actor and starred in such major motion pictures as, The Indian In The
Cupboard and Mortal Kombat, Annihilation. He has also appeared on the television programs: C.S.I. Miami,
Family Law and Any Day Now.
Mr. Davis continues to motivate and inspire audiences as a highly sought after public speaker. He has lectured at
various colleges throughout the United States ranging from Virginia Tech and Oregon State University to Sitting
Bull College.
Mr. Davis recently self published his first book, “The Medicine of Prayer”; an inspirational and semiautobiographical work that has sold thousands of copies in the United States and Canada.
Philanthropically, he has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles throughout the United States bringing hope
and empowerment to over 450 Native American communities as the spokesperson of the “Reach The Rez Tour”
and he also helped raise nearly $1.5 million to ensure the success of the effort.
For over two decades, Mr. Davis has meshed his success as an entrepreneur, with his passion to better the future
of Indian Country and served as a source of inspiration for thousands of Native people across North America
Toni Ah Sam
Director – Ochre Business Consulting
Toni is the Chair of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN). She is an
experienced business advisor with over a decade of practical business experience in various
industries. She has extensive experience collaborating with both Federal and Northern
Territory Governments to promote Indigenous business development. Toni owns her own
professional advisory and strategic business consultancy firm catering for SME, not-forprofit and government clients.
Brad Jackson
Executive Chairman – Northern Project Contracting
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Brad has been in business supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
for 20 years. He is an experienced company director and has focused on designing and
implementing programs to increase private sector activity in developing communities.
Working with Indigenous Australians and communities throughout the Asia Pacific, Brad has
endeavored to bring key stakeholders together to maximize opportunities for communities
to develop their own skills to participate in the broader market economy.
Speakers’ Biographies
17
David Williams & Amanda Lear
David Williams - Chief Executive Officer, along with Amanda Lear - Managing
Director and Director of Strategic Communications, lead the creative team at
Gilimbaa – an Indigenous creative agency based in Brisbane, Australia. Born out of a passion
for the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture could and should play in contemporary
storytelling, design and communication, the agency’s community-driven creative process
saw them quickly evolve into one of the country’s most recognised and respected creative
companies. Specialising in culturally effective and appropriate communication strategies,
artwork, campaigns and documentaries, Gilimbaa’s client base and project work takes
them across the country, from the most remote Indigenous communities to the biggest city
boardrooms and everywhere in between. The small but agile company, inclusive of both
Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and designers, has been purposefully formed to
navigate the balance between cultural protocols and sensitivities, and inspiring creative
outcomes. Gilimbaa, now six years old, works on some of the most high-profile creative and
social change campaigns in the country. Off the back of their work on educating Australia of
the United National Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Gilimbaa’s passion is
working with communities to drive positive and inspiring dialogue to celebrate, connect and
continue Indigenous cultures, in Australia and around the world.
Stuart Savage
Ambassador of Canada to Guatemala and High Commissioner of Canada to Belize
Stuart Savage (BA [Economics], University of Windsor, 1988; BA Honours [International
Relations], University of Windsor, 1989; graduate studies [International History], Graduate
Institute of International and Development Studies, 1993) was executive director of the
Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County and coordinator, Global Leaders for
Tomorrow, at the World Economic Forum in Geneva prior to joining External Affairs and
International Trade Canada in 1994. In Ottawa, Mr. Savage has worked with the InterAmerican, the Peacebuilding and Human Development, and the Regional Security and
Peacekeeping divisions and has served as deputy director with the Southeast Asia and
Pacific Division and as director of the Intergovernmental Relations Division. In 1996, Mr.
Savage was assigned as a junior adviser to Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City,
which preceded assignments in Havana, in Mexico City on an exchange with Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
and in Madrid as minister-counsellor. Most recently, Mr. Savage was director for consular Case Support and
Children’s Issues.
Chrisch Siririka
Chief Executive Officer – Indigenous Peoples’ Business Forum
The IPBF aims to be a unified and fully representative organization that contributes to a
vibrant, transforming and growing economy in Namibia. Mr. Siririka brings to the position
over a decade of experience in Business Management Consulting and SMMEs Management
Consulting.
Speakers’ Biographies
18
Marc Storms
CEO and Senior Advisor- GMG Consulting Services
Marc Storms has spent the past 14 years with Aboriginal communities and organizations
supporting the achievement of economic, social and health objectives. Marc works
exclusively with Aboriginal communities, leadership organizations and industry or
government partners as a Community Relations Facilitator, Negotiator and Senior Advisor on
Economic and Business Development, and corporate governance. Marc is currently the CEO
of a First Nations Economic Development Limited Partnership working with, and developing
Joint Ventures, primarily with Pipeline-related companies.
Marc has used his experience and expertise in the fields of social work, sociology, training,
marketing and business owner, as well as his knowledge and understanding of rural
Aboriginal issue, to provide assistance and advice in the development of marketing, feasibility, and business
plans, as well as employment and business development training, and organizational management.
Lee White
Negotiator and Senior Advisor
GMG Consulting Services
As a Senior Advisor to GMG Consulting, Lee supports the advancement of Aboriginal
economic development, health and wellness through systems - governance and communitylevel contributions on such fronts as: Strategic Evaluation, Leadership, Organizational,
and Program Development, Community Engagement and Facilitation, Critical Incident
Responses, and Project Management.
Lee has extensive experience in facilitating community-based teams and partner
organizations to develop consensus, cultivate leadership capacities, and achieve intended
outcomes. He is currently lead LNG negotiator for a BC First Nation; the final Band considering
joining the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP) project as part of the 16 Band First Nations
Limited Partnership (FNLP) in Northern BC.
Milton Tootoosis, BA, PAED
Board Member, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute
Milton has over two decades experience in human resource management and Indigenous
policy development at the tribal, provincial and federal levels of government. His
professional and personal interests enhance and build communities of collaboration
with attention to building positive relationships and advancement. Milton has served on
numerous committees with a focused attention to skills development, creating capacity,
effective governance and economic independence within Indigenous communities. He is the
past Chairperson of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc., founders of the
World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF).
Milton is from the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory. Milton received his
undergraduate education from the First Nations University of Canada, has studied public administration and
taken numerous professional development courses. He is an accredited Professional Aboriginal Economic
Developer by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. He subscribes to the Nation
Building approach as researched by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and the
Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy at the University of Arizona. Tootoosis resides
in Saskatoon, SK/Treaty # 6 – Canada.
Speakers’ Biographies
19
Things to do while in Guatemala City
Guatemala City
New Guatemala of the Assumption is the name of the capital
of the Republic, the center of commercial and cultural
activities. This metropolis of over three million inhabitants,
presents a panorama of contrasts between the colonial
architecture that is combined with modern buildings, which,
with its museums and historical sights, offers visitors a
unique experience.
Carmen Cerrito
Considered a historic gem that has the first church built in the
Valle de la Ermita. It was inaugurated in 1620. You can see in
her a beautiful altarpiece of the purest colonial art.
Relief map
Built in 1904, shows in detail the variety has emphasized that
the Republic of Guatemala. It occupies an area of about 1,800
square meters.
The Cathedral
Located in the Plaza Mayor, was built under the neoclassical
architectural standards. Treasured paintings, altarpieces and
expressive examples of colonial imagery.
National Palace
It is one of the great achievements of the Guatemalan
architecture. His eclectic style is a mix of Guatemalan and
French colonial architecture with neoclassical influence,
example of national best expressions of the 40s.
Miguel Angel Asturias Cultural Center
This cultural complex is located in the civic center of the city
where there are buildings with murals by great exponents of
the national art of the current integrated architecture with
art. It has a large theater for opera, chamber theater, outdoor
theater, plazas, rehearsal rooms, workshops and conference
rooms as well as a museum of ancient weapons.
Concord Park
It is the best place to enjoy the most colorful street
performers, from puppetry and mime fishers of souls and
evangelists, not to mention the street vendors.
The main museums
Crafts Museum, the Museo Fray Francisco Vásquez, the
Indigenous Dress Ixchel Museum, the National Museum of
Archaeology and Ethnology, the National Museum of Modern
Art, the Museum of Popular Arts and Industries, the National
Museum of Natural History and the Museum Popol Vuh.
Antigua Guatemala
One of the most important centers of Spanish colonial rule
in Latin America was the Antigua Guatemala and very loyal
city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala - recently
with Mexico City and Lima. For about two centuries, since its
foundation in 1543, he served as the seat of government and
church officials who ruled all of Central America on behalf of
Spain.
Mexico City and Lima had in La Antigua Guatemala, with
its elegant churches, parks, monasteries, universities,
monasteries and colonial mansions, a worthy rival. After the
earthquake of 1773, the capital was moved to the place where
now stands the city of Guatemala. The town was never entirely
abandoned, although much of the inhabitants moved to the
new capital.
The landscape around Antigua Guatemala is beautiful; to soil
fertility abundance springs joins. The valley is full of small
towns, from the coffee center Alotenango more traditional
Things to do While in Guatemala City
indigenous places like Santa Maria de Jesus; It is a city
that jealously guards its traditions and legends. The most
important of them all, is Easter; with carpets of sawdust and
flowers covering the main streets of the city, to the solemn
processional step litter. Visitors can admire many attractions
here. Some of them are buildings that are in ruins after the
earthquake that once plagued the city.
Santa Clara convent
Built in the eighteenth century, has been rebuilt several
times, its facade is richly decorated.
Church of San Francisco
This temple, whose facade with Solomonic columns is typical
of Spanish American Baroque is one of the largest and most
magnificent in the city.
Colonial Art Museum
Its original structure dates from the seventeenth century, with
a central courtyard surrounded by a cloister lobed arches.
Exhibits important treasures of the colonial era.
Museo de Santiago
Situated on the first floor of City Hall has an interesting
collection of weapons, paintings, sculptures and colonial
furniture.
Archbishop’s Palace
The splendid architectural quality of the building is clearly
admires the remains of the cloister, where huge door frames
and door stone.
The Plaza Mayor
Located in the heart of the city, within this traditional line of
grill as used in the Spanish colonial town planning
The Temple and Convent of Santa Catalina Arch
This church and convent of cloistered nuns is located on the
street called the Arc. The arch has been restored several
times, in order to keep it in the best possible condition, it is a
very unique urban element.
The Cathedral
Rebuilt several times due to damage caused by different
earthquakes. Around the main entrance, splendid stucco
ornaments dating from the late seventeenth century admire.
San Antonio Aguas Calientes
This village of Santa Catarina Barahona separately by a
single street and connected to Old Town for a third party
road. Inhabited mostly by Indians, is famous for the quality
of design and technique of their textiles, beautiful blouses,
tablecloths and cuts.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan-a little more than 100 km west of the capital,
surrounded a mountainous region that also contains several
fascinating towns and villages. In these villages many of
the traditions of its inhabitants, such as clothing, food and
lifestyle, have hardly changed over the centuries.
Shopping
In Guatemala the traveler can find lots of crafts and artwork
fabrics, carpets, tops (blouses), pottery, wood, jade, silver
and leather products. Guatemala City malls are open from
9:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs.
Mercado Central
If you really want to immerse yourself in a purely Guatemalan
experience then this is of the best venues of it. Maze of craft
vendors stalls.
20
21
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