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, former Chief from the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, was pivotal in making Braiding Together a success and committing to joining us on this journey. Cadmus was born and raised in Cowessess. He is a proud graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His leadership journey began with his election as Chief in 2016, a position he held for two terms, with a focus on fostering economic development, education, and improving the quality of life for Cowessess members. Delorme has been a strong advocate for the preservation of Indigenous culture and language, as well as for the implementation of sustainable energy projects within his community.  In addition to his work at the community level, Delorme has played a significant role on the national stage, especially in matters related to truth and reconciliation.  His unwavering dedication to Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation continues to inspire many across Canada.  He 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continuing to share the message that “We can’t control other people’s actions and we can’t control a system that is outdated, but what we can control is our thoughts and we can control our own actions.”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, producer and host of the acclaimed podcast “Stolen” from Gimlet Media and Spotify Studios. Its second season is one of the most comprehensive investigations into a single residential school. Connie and her team exposed systemic abuse that permeated the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan for decades, and preserved the testimonies of St. Michael’s survivors through a modern day oral history project.  Her work has exposed the crisis of violence in Indigenous communities and the devastating impacts of intergenerational trauma. 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.  She is a respected leader and educator known for her work in promoting the cultural heritage and rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Wanda has dedicated her life to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages, traditions, and teachings. She holds degrees in both education and Indigenous studies, which she integrates into her work with various communities and organizations. Throughout her career, Elder First Rider has served in numerous roles, including as a teacher, cultural facilitator, and community advocate. She has been instrumental in developing educational programs that incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, aiming to foster a greater understanding of Indigenous cultures among non-Indigenous peoples. Wanda is also a prominent voice for Indigenous rights, actively participating in discussions surrounding land, education, and cultural preservation. Her commitment to fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer and healing through cultural practices has made her a significant figure in the Indigenous community, inspiring many to embrace and celebrate their heritage. 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  is a Canadian Catholic priest of Métis-Cree and Italian descent, known for his efforts in fostering reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples. Raised in Calgary, Alberta, Father Bouvette felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age and pursued his theological studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. Ordained in 2012 for the Diocese of Calgary, he has since taken on several leadership roles, including serving as Vicar for Vocations and working with Indigenous communities in bridging cultural and spiritual understanding. His dual identity as both an Indigenous person and a Catholic priest uniquely positions him as a key figure in the Church’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples in Canada. He is committed to fostering healing and reconciliation among Indigenous people and the Catholic Church. Father Bouvette was notably involved in the papal visit to Canada in 2022, which focused on addressing the legacy of the residential school system and the Church's role in it. He served as the national liturgical coordinator for the visit, which included Pope Francis' historic apology for the harms caused by the Church in the context of residential schools. 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.  Throughout his ministry, Father Bouvette has been an advocate for healing, justice, and mutual respect, striving to create spaces where Indigenous spirituality and Catholic faith can be in dialogue, ultimately contributing to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

• Archbishop Donald Bolen is a distinguished Canadian Catholic leader and a strong advocate for ecumenism, social justice, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Regina, he quickly became known for his deep commitment to building bridges between Christian denominations. Appointed Bishop of Saskatoon and later installed as Archbishop of Regina, Archbishop Bolen has focused much of his ministry on justice issues, particularly around Indigenous reconciliation. He has been a vocal supporter of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and has worked closely with Indigenous communities to foster healing and solidarity. Bolen has also been a key advocate in addressing the harms caused by the Church’s role in residential schools, promoting dialogue and understanding through local and national initiatives. His leadership is marked by humility, a commitment to human dignity, and a deep desire to build inclusive and compassionate communities. Archbishop Bolen was 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.