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Building Bridges Conference Agenda.pdf

Conference

Conference Presenters

Keynote Speaker

We are honoured to welcome Michael Linklater as our 2025 Building Bridges Conference Keynote Speaker.
 

Named one of the world’s top 3x3 basketball players and celebrated for his work dismantling systemic barriers, Michael brings an unshakable message of strength, cultural pride, and leadership. His journey, from inner-city challenges to national recognition, is a living testament to resilience, community, and purpose.


Join us as he opens the conference with a powerful keynote that will set the tone for connection, growth, and transformation.

Workshop Presenters

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Rob Ballantyne

Rob Ballantyne is a member of Misipawistik Cree Nation. He is the Director of Trust Services at TIPI Group of Companies, and works in the TIPI Head Office in Winnipeg. 

An Indigenous executive with over 30 years of experience, e obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. He has held senior roles within corporate, Indigenous and government sectors. Throughout his career he has been committed to Indigenous development and has broad experience with reconciliation from many perspectives.

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Topic: Decolonizing Your Trust

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Marc Lacoursière

Marc Lacoursière is President and owner of The Achievement Centre (TAC), a national business coaching organization specializing in strategic planning, leadership development, and business growth. With a background in sales leadership and an Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School, Marc is also certified in multiple coaching and leadership programs. He actively contributes to several non-profit boards supporting newcomers, hospice care, and individuals with brain injuries.

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Topic: ROI on Coaching

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Tory McNally

Tory is a senior HR professional with experience as a human resources consultant to small and medium businesses as well as First Nation clients. Prior to moving further into the field of HR, Tory was the operational and HR manager of a large nationwide retail environment. Tory brings with her a strong customer service perspective, a background in project management, and full cycle HR with a workforce of over 600 employees. She is a strong relationship builder, and a detail-oriented professional that enjoys assessing and creating strong systems to support human resources in organizations.

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Topics: Stay Interview - Talking Before They Walk; 

"Sick of Sick Notes": Why and How to Eliminate Short-Term Sick Notes

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Kristin Ramlal

Kristin is a passionate wealth professional with over 22 years of experience in financial services. She currently serves as VP, Institutional Investment Sales at Canada Life and has a diverse background in both CND and US personal banking, retail and institutional investment management, financial/retirement planning, estate planning and strategic philanthropy. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Actuarial Mathematics and Finance from the University of Manitoba and several industry designations including PFP®, CIM®, FCSI®, RWM™, MFA-P™, and FDFS™. She believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle and enjoys yoga, dancing, biking, cottage country and spending time with her two sons.

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Topic: Overcoming the Gender Wealth Gap

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Sally Roach

Sally is an HR Professional having a diverse background in Policy Review and Development, Recruitment, Performance Management, Employee Relations, and application of Employment Legislation and HR Best Practices. Sally brings forward experience in HR Consulting services where she has become effective and knowledgeable in developing client-focused HR solutions. Sally is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Sally also holds a Business Administration Diploma from McMaster University. Sally is a proud member of Couchiching First Nation and has worked with many Indigenous clients and organizations in multiple provinces.

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Topic: Building a Values-Based HR Framework: From Theory to Practice

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Joanna White

​Joanna is Anishinaabe from Huron Tract Territory and a member of Aamjwinaang First Nation. Joanna approaches her work from a holistic and relational perspective which is rooted in Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices. Joanna brings 30 years of diversified experience in the human and social services field providing services and leadership to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada and the United States. Joanna currently works with a wide range of organizations and communities to support meaningful Truth and Reconciliation and decolonization initiatives. Drawing on lived experience and a collaborative approach, Joanna leads work that fosters change, accountability, and the creation of more inclusive and equitable spaces across sectors.​

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Topics: Leading from Within: Centering Identity, Healing, and Indigenous Wisdom on the Path to Reconciliation; Leading Together: Relational Leadership, Community Power, and the Practice of Reconciliation

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Roy Bluehorn

Roy is a proud member of Poundmaker Cree Nation with a strong background in government relations, communications, and Indigenous advocacy. He has held roles with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Parole Board of Canada, Affinity Credit Union, and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. Roy has been with TIPI Insurance Partners for over ten years as an Account Executive specializing in Group Benefits and Pensions. A dedicated volunteer, he has served on boards for the Red Cross and CNIB.

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Topic: Employee Benefits Strategy - How well do you understand your employee's benefit plan utilization?

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Ashlee Langois

Ashlee Langlois is proud to be the CEO / Registrar for CPHR Saskatchewan, a position she has served in since July 2024. She has worked in many areas of Human Resources, including organizational development, recruitment, and employee experience. Prior to joining CPHR Saskatchewan, she was the Executive Manager of Human Resources at Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and was a consultant for a global HR consulting firm in the employee engagement space.

 

Giving back to her community and profession is important to Ashlee. She is currently the President of the Board of Trustees for the MacKenzie Art Gallery and a member of the Board of Directors for the Regina Food Bank. She has been on the Board of Directors for Regina Work Preparation Centre, YWCA Regina, and Eden Care Communities Foundation. She has also served as a member of CPHR Saskatchewan’s Mentorship and Professional Development Committees.

 

Ashlee holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (HR) from the University of Regina. She completed her Masters of Applied Industrial Organizational Psychology from Colorado State University in 2019. She holds her designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). 

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Topic: Pathways to Belonging and Leadership: The Power of the CPHR Designation

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Jenn Minor Johannson

Jenn Minor Johannson, of JMJ,  stands out among executive coaches by seamlessly blending coaching and counseling techniques, crafting a unique approach that resonates with ambitious professionals and leaders.  She hosts meaningful discussions daily, delving into often-overlooked questions, igniting curiosity and providing authentic guidance to leaders, business owners, and managers. Whether navigating day-to-day operations or spearheading substantial organizational changes, Jenn serves as a steadfast coach, mentor, and conversation builder.

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Topic: Navigating Change and Enhancing Resilience

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Lauren Remple

Lauren is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Sequoia Collaboration and Consulting, dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion. A proud citizen of Alexander First Nation (Treaty 6), she brings over 16 years of experience in HR, Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity and inclusion across the post-secondary, telecom, and energy sectors. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University and takes a values-driven, intersectional approach to her work. Based in Calgary (Treaty 7), she enjoys outdoor adventures with her partner, two children, and golden retrievers.

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Topic: Wise Practice in Indigenous Retention

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Betty-Anne Smith

Betty‑Anne is the Director of Training at Legacy Bowes, bringing nearly 15 years of leadership experience across diverse industries. With a background in psychology and a passion for coaching and team development, she has built a career cultivating effective, resilient teams rooted in strategic clarity and operational excellence. Betty‑Anne is deeply committed to growth, learning, and contributing to meaningful change both within organizations and the communities they serve.

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Topic: Fuel the Fire: How Constructive Conflict Ignites High-Performing Teams

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Treena Wynes

Treena Wynes is a Registered Social Worker with over 25 years of child and family services experience. She is a former Executive Director of three child and family services agencies and currently works with First Nations communities in developing and enhancing their programs and services that will improve the quality of life and well-being for families and children. She was also an Associate Director for a national Indigenous non-profit outside of Ottawa. She is an award-winning author of non-fiction, a workshop facilitator and has been a keynote speaker at various conferences regarding health and wellness and leadership. She also represented Canada in Ms. Senior World in November 2024 and won second place and People's Choice award.

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Treena is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. She is married to a social worker, has two adult sons and a dog mom to a Bernese and two rescues.

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Topic: Trauma-Informed Leadership - Building Trust, Safety and Support

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