Deborah Green (Gopher)

Deborah Green (Gopher) is a proud Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) from the Kawacatoose and Piapot’s First Nations in Saskatchewan. Her journey began many years ago with the history of her ancestors, and the intergenerational impacts of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples, within her family. She experienced barriers to fair opportunities, racism, intergenerational trauma, and wanted to make her life’s work dedicated to drive change for future generations. 

Deborah has 20+ years’ experience in Diversity and Indigenous HR solutions, keynote and panel speaking, and extensive community advocacy. She has developed and integrated workforce diversity strategies, policies, and processes, fostering inclusive work environments, and ensuring leader accountability within corporate, oil and gas, education, and private consulting industries. Deborah has an extensive network within Canada, and is established and recognized as an authentic, humble subject matter specialist, and role model in the Indigenous Community, and within mainstream society. She is the recipient of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth “Changemaker” Award and was gifted an “Equao” Award from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Her passion is evident in the changes she has driven from seeing pride in Indigenous youth, equitable Indigenous employment in Canada, and the education and awareness of all Canadians about the true colonial history of the country.

Professor Kimberlé W. Crenshaw

Professor Kimberlé W. Crenshaw is a pioneering scholar and writer on civil rights, critical race theory, Black feminist legal theory, race, racism and the law. Crenshaw is a sought-after, award-winning speaker who conducts workshops and trainings on intersectionality and structural racism around the world.

Linda Kongnetiman

As the Managing Lead of the Anti-Racism Program at The City of Calgary, Linda leads a team that deliver research and quality improvement projects, on a local, provincial, and national setting.

Linda is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary. She also lectured at Gonzaga University (Spokane, Washington), St. Mary’s University, and Mount Royal University (MRU). As a co-founder and Vice President of YEEPI Education Foundation of Calgary Inc. she helps to increase access to health care, education, and general support to low-income citizens in Canada and Suriname.

Linda earned Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. She also graduated from the University of Suriname with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and obtained her Pedagogical Teaching Certificate.

Eren Cervantes-Altamirano

Eren Cervantes-Altamirano has rich and varied experience working in the public and non-profit sectors, including in municipal, provincial, and federal government. Throughout her career, Eren has worked closely with various interested parties, Rights Holders, and community members locally, provincially and nationally on projects related to social inclusion, gender equality, Indigenous relations, transportation safety, waste management and social assistance.