Braiding Together  2024

“In Two Canoes” is the third conference in our Braiding Together series, and will delve more deeply into human dignity as we dialogue together, side by side, considering the metaphor of two canoes, in our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.  

• Cadmus Delorme has served two terms as Chief of Cowessess First Nation, and is currently a consultant to Indigenous Nations and others, continuing to share the message that “We can’t control other people’s actions and we can’t control a system that is outdated, but what we can control is our thoughts and we can control our own actions.”

• Connie Walker, a member of the Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan, has been named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2024.  She has spent over two decades shedding light on often overlooked Indigenous stories, and is a Pulitzer Prize and Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist and host of the acclaimed podcast “Stolen” from Spotify Studios. Her work has exposed the crisis of violence in Indigenous communities and the devastating impacts of intergenerational trauma stemming from Indian Residential Schools. A powerful storyteller, Walker’s presentations help audiences better understand their role in reconciliation and provide valuable tips for meaningful inclusion in the workplace.

• Elder Wanda First Rider is an Indigenous Elder from the Blood Reserve / Kainai in traditional Blackfoot Territory.  Wanda shares her wisdom and insights as an Advocate, Elder and  Knowledge Keeper, supporting youth and adults alike as we walk together, gaining a deepening awareness of the historical and cultural richness and experience of Indigenous Peoples. 

• Fr. Cristino Bouvette was born and raised in Alberta, being of mixed Cree-Métis and Italian descent. He is committed to fostering healing and reconciliation among Indigenous people and the Catholic Church. In March, 2023, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal from the Holy See in recognition of distinguished service to the Church and Roman Pontiff, specifically for his work towards the Papal Visit to Canada.

• Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina is one of six bishops to accompany the delegation of Metis, Inuit, and First Nations to Rome to meet with Pope Francis. He was instrumental in coordinating the Papal visit to Canada in July of 2022.