Joseph Sagaj Artist Website: https://sites.google.com/view/joseph-sagaj-indigenous-artist From the remote community of Neskantaga to the bustling heart of Canada's largest city, Joseph Sagaj has forged a remarkable career, transforming public spaces into profound canvases for Indigenous storytelling. A distinguished artist and dedicated community pillar, this Anishinaabe Artist of the Sturgeon Clan has dedicated his life not only to sharing his heritage through internationally recognized art but also to lifting up those around him. Educated at the Ontario College of Art & Design, where he graduated in 1985, Joseph has been a powerful voice in the national artistic landscape. His talent for conveying deep cultural concepts was recognized early. In 1992, his work was chosen as the logo for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), setting the stage for decades of influential commissions, including INAC's 2005/06 "Thirteen Moons" planner and the 2017 "Seven Teachings and Seven Stages of Life" paintings for Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General. His work grew in scale and scope, as seen in his 2018 commission: a monumental 30-foot diameter floor installation at Seneca College's Centre for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, which masterfully integrates Inuit, Métis, and First Nations symbolism. On September 28, 2022, Joseph’s work reached an unprecedented level of public visibility. The City of Toronto unveiled “Rekindle”, his design for the new wraparound on the iconic Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square. Created for UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, “Rekindle” is a vibrant declaration of how languages are vital to identity, voice, and expression. With the sign attracting up to 1.8 million visitors annually, Joseph ‘s design has been viewed by an estimated 4.5 million people to date, making him one of the most famous living Canadian Indigenous Artist in history. Yet, beyond these monumental artistic achievements lies a deep commitment to community service. Joseph is a dedicated servant to the Toronto Indigenous community. As a two-time graduate of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE) Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, he has consistently given back, regularly serving as a mentor and inspiring guest speaker for new cohorts since 2020. His leadership extends further. In 2019, he became a founding member of the Native Canadian Toastmaster club and has remained one of its most dedicated members, helping others find their voice. He also regularly volunteers as an instructor for youth art programs and is an active leader in several other local community groups. Through a lifetime of dedicated and heartfelt work, Joseph Sagaj has honored his Anishinaabe ancestry on the grandest stages while simultaneously strengthening its roots at the community level. He is a master artist whose work educates millions and a tireless mentor whose guidance shapes the next generation of Indigenous leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Currently, Joseph is leading a donations drive for art supplies, art literature, and sports equipment to support the underserved youth of his home community Neskantaga. Joseph and the YMCA have just unveiled a new temporary installation 238 Queen Street West YMCA location, on display until September 2025. Of the BEST program, Joseph writes ”I have known the facilitator Zechariah since he started at the CCAE in 2017. During this time, I Completed two Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) programs And I’ve been a regular participant in Toastmasters. I have also been involved in all the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace arts and crafts shows hosted by Zechariah and I’ve found him to be of strong values, having deep respect for people and for good relations in a personal level which is integral to First Nations traditions.”

Chrystal Tabobandung RAISE Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Competency Training Website: https://www.raise-indigenous-cultural-training.com/ Chrystal Tabobandung is confronting history head-on. As the founder of the award-winning Indigenous business, RAISE (Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Competency Training), she is creating vital spaces for dialogue, education, and understanding, driven by a powerful blend of academic knowledge and profound lived experience. A proud Anishnabekwe of the Ojibway tribe from Wasauksing First Nation, Chrystal’s path has been one of dedicated learning and advocacy. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in First Nations Studies and holds an Associate Arts Degree in Indigenous Government Studies from the Institute of Indigenous Government. This formal education, combined with her personal journey and volunteer work in First Nations communities, has empowered her to be a thoughtful and effective advocate for her people. The inspiration for RAISE came after she graduated from university and had an overwhelming realization: most people were only encountering Indigenous history and culture at a post-secondary level, if at all. As she connected with various businesses and organizations, she saw a significant and growing need for authentic cultural awareness training. "Organizations are becoming aware that they are on Indigenous territory," she notes, "and feel that it is imperative to educate their workers about the land they occupy." RAISE was born from this need, offering workshops designed to help companies and individuals increase their knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen the skills of those working with Indigenous peoples. Chrystal is clear that her training is unique. "What you'll get in my workshops is my personal lived experience of how colonialism and genocide affected me, my people, and my community," she explains. "As an Indigenous woman (Anishnabe kwe of the Ojibway tribe), I am greatly impacted by all of the issues that I am sharing with you." Her workshops courageously delve into the historical effects of colonization, focusing on critical topics like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit individuals (MMIWGT2S), assimilation, and decolonization. Chrystal knows she is dealing with uncomfortable topics, but she firmly believes it is a truth that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people must confront together. Chrystal Tabobandung's work with RAISE is a powerful act of truth-telling. She understands that Indigenous peoples have lived in the shadows for far too long. With courage and conviction, she is stepping into the light, ensuring that this generation and the next have the strength to do the same. “It’s now time that we tell our story from our perspective,” she asserts, “so that it gives the next generation that same ability, strength, and courage to do the same.” Of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship CCAE Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training BEST Program, Chrystal says “CCAE’s instructor Zechariah is a highly astute business and marketing consultant; the vast knowledge he has and brings to the table is a benefit to anyone looking for a public speaker, business and/or marketing consultant. I would absolutely recommend Zechariah.”

Essence Wandering Spirit The Essence of Spirit Visit Website Website: https://theessenceofspirit.ca Essence Wandering Spirit, owner of The Essence of Spirit, is dedicated to healing, empowerment, and self-love. Drawing from her Indigenous Cree-Dene and Latina heritage, she offers a unique, trauma-informed, and holistic approach. As a social work student, she blends ancestral wisdom, feminine embodiment, and self-worth coaching to guide women towards their most radiant and abundant selves. Deeply rooted in the traditions of her ancestors, Wandering Spirit creates safe and nurturing spaces for women to reconnect with their spirit, embrace their softness, and release limiting patterns. Her upcoming offerings include "Returning to Ourselves: An Inner Child Healing Journey Workshop," an Indigenous feminist workshop focused on intergenerational healing and cultural reclamation. She also provides personalized one-on-one self-love coaching, designed to empower women to embody deep self-worth and confidence. These sessions incorporate mindset work, feminine energy embodiment, and ancestral spiritual connection, providing practical tools and rituals for daily life. Additionally, Wandering Spirit offers one-hour tarot card readings, tapping into her ancestors and spirit guides to provide intuitive guidance on matters of love, career, and personal growth, creating a sacred space for clarity and healing. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training  (BEST) program, Essence writes “The BEST program has been a truly transformative experience for me as an entrepreneur. It didn’t just provide business knowledge—it gave me the confidence, tools, and support to bring my vision for The Essence of Spirit to life. Through the program, I gained invaluable insights into financial planning, business development, and the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. But beyond that, it reinforced the importance of leading with purpose, cultural connection, and integrity. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the mentorship I received from Zechariah. Through one-on-one coaching, he helped me refine my ideas, strategize my next steps, and even supported me in building my website. His guidance made me feel like my dreams were not only possible but fully within reach. Before BEST, I had always wanted to create something deeply rooted in healing, empowerment, and self-love—but I didn’t know where to start. This program provided the direction, encouragement, and skills I needed to make it a reality. BEST didn’t just teach me how to build a business—it helped me build something that aligns with my values and allows me to uplift others. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, the community, and the opportunities this program has provided.”

Zechariah James CIBN Connect Website: https://thecibn.com/ Zechariah James is a Youth Métis entrepreneur. He started in business in Calgary at the very young age of only 17 in 2013, and currently lives in Toronto. He is a majority shareholder and founder of CIBN Connect Inc. www.thecibn.com with his two partners. CIBN Connect is a private business networking and training organization that has hosted over 365 events per year since 2013. Zechariah also teaches and inspires other potential entrepreneurs with the CCAE’s Aboriginal BEST program across Canada and gets rave reviews for his teaching style, knowledge, and commitment. Obviously, as a firm believer in networking, my best advice for people starting out in business is: “Networking solves all problems in business. Technology, Legal, Marketing, Taxes, Insurance, Hiring, … when you can always say ‘I have a person for that’ then you will never have a problem.”

Davina Serotiuk Diamond Willow Kwe Website: https://sites.google.com/view/diamondwillowkwe/home In the bustling city of Toronto, Davina Serotiuk is meticulously crafting pieces that bridge generations, celebrate identity, and showcase the beauty of contemporary Indigenous artistry. As the founder and artist behind Diamond Willow Kwe, Davina creates authentic, high-quality beadwork that resonates with cultural significance and modern style. Her traditional name, Nindizhinikaaz Gaanoo Oziisigobamiish Kwe, meaning Diamond Willow Woman, reflects her deep connection to her roots. Hailing from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) and belonging to the Binesi (Thunderbird) Clan, Davina's heritage is intricately woven into her life and work. Though now residing in Toronto, her connection to her community remains a vital source of inspiration. Davina's journey into beadwork began in September 2019. Entirely self-taught, she embarked on this path as a means of reconnecting with her culture. What started as a personal exploration has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. Diamond Willow Kwe is more than just a business; it's a platform for cultural revitalization. Each piece Davina creates is infused with meaning, representing "good medicine," contemporary Indigenous fashion, and a powerful expression of identity. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, Davina writes " I first found out about the BEST program in 2021 I wanted join but didn’t as I knew it wasn’t my time to join yet. As I was looking into entrepreneurship programs for Indigenous Youth like myself I seen the post for the BEST Program. I joined to gained better knowledge on entrepreneurship and to obtain new skills as well as learn more in depth about operating and running a business online. I’d like to give a big Miigwetch/Thank you to Zechariah for being an amazing facilitator, and being there to answer any questions when needed. I value all the time that was taken for this program as my daughter can learn from me and hopefully join the BEST program in the future for her own need.