Event Speakers

Antonella, who goes by Toni, has been a Child & Youth Practitioner for 17 years. She graduated with her C.Y.W 3-year diploma in 2004 from Centennial College. She then went on to work in the educational system with youth on the autism spectrum for almost 2 years then moved on to working with youth 15 and young adults who were dealing with trauma, addictions, criminal justice system, intergenerational trauma, housing, academic and career pathway planning.

Darin Wybenga is a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Currently, he is the First Nation's Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator where his responsibilities include conducting historical research on behalf of the First Nation, educating interested parties about the history of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and providing guidance on historical matters pertaining to the First Nation.

Jamie Whitecrow is writer, producer, multi–media artist and aspiring filmmaker from Seine River First Nation, Treaty #3 and lives in Toronto. She’s created artistic works in film, visual art, music, and performance, most which have been showcased through LGBTQ2S and BIPOC circles and film festivals.

Jon Davey is the National Director of Aboriginal Financial Services at the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank). He works with Indigenous communities and corporations to find banking solutions and wealth management options to help Nations achieve their respective visions for future generations.

Keith McCrady is an Ojibway and Cree man from the Bear Clan who has worked with Indigenous families for over twenty years. Born in Thunder Bay and raised traditionally by both parents in Blinjitwaabik Zaaging Aaishinaabek (formerly Rocky Bay First Nation). He has worked at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto as Senior Supervisor of the Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre, and Child Care and Aboriginal Head Start Programs; currently, Keith is the Executive Director of the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

Larry Frost is a long-time Indigenous leader in Toronto, he has been actively engaged in previous terms of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee. Larry Frost held various executive positions throughout his career, most recently, Executive Director of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, a membership-based, charitable organization whose mission is to empower the Indigenous community in Toronto by providing programs that support their spiritual, emotional, physical and mental well-being.

Michael Lawrenchuk is a Cree man from the Fox Lake First Nation and former Chief. He is an actor known for Indian Horse (2017), Road of Iniquity (2016) and Cashing In (2009) and Cowboys and Indians – The J.J. Harper Story (2003). He has worked in theatre, film and television across Canada as a producer, writer, actor and director. His writing for theatre and performance focuses on the struggle and search for Indigenous Identity in two one person plays, The Trial of Kicking Bear (1991) and The Gravedigger (2018). He is a Fellow of the Globe Theatre in London England.

Nicole McCormick is a proud Kanyen’kehá:ka [Mohawk) woman, whose family is from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She currently lives in Hamilton. Ontario. Nicole is the Senior Manager of News Gathering at CityNews Toronto and Breakfast Television, part of Rogers Sports & Media. Nicole is an award-winning journalist, who has worked behind the camera, for over 20 years.

Steve Teekens has been working with the marginalized and homeless sector in Toronto since 1995. Steve is the Executive Director at Na-Me-Res where he has worked since 2008. He has a degree in Public Administration and Governance from Ryerson University and is working on his Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Queen’s University.

as a way to engage with the community and humanize the badge. “How I am online is exactly how I am as a person. If I don’t educate, I at least hope to entertain,” says Arsenault, who is famous for the way he spreads information about preventing crime. Arsenault’s work on addressing bullying in schools, homelessness and mental health are also important assets that he brings to his role as an OHRC Commissioner.

Valerie Kerr was born In Winnipeg and has been living in Tkoronto for over 20 years. Valerier has family roots in Norway House Cree Nation. She has many years of personal and professional experience working and supporting our early years community.

Vicky auf der Mauer is a proud Inuk from the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, turned Urban Inuk living on the the land of the Haudenosaunee, the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, the Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, that we call Toronto.