Crystal Shwanda

At the opening night kick-off event on Tuesday, May 14, award-winning recording artist Crystal Shawanda will share her personal journey. Born on the Wikwemikong Native Reservation on Manitoulin Island, Crystal’s single You Can Let Go was the fastest rising single in Canadian BDS history. Her 2008 debut album Dawn of a New Day was Billboard’s highest charting album by a Native American, and sold over 400,000 copies. Her latest album Just Like You was released in 2012 on her label New Sun Records, with the single Chains released in November. Crystal performed at the presidential inauguration in Washington DC on January 21, 2013.

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Dr. Ernesto Sirolli

On Wednesday, May 15, Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, chairman of the Sirolli Institute, will deliver the keynote presentation. Italian-born, Dr. Sirolli received a Laurea di Dottore in Political Science from Rome University in 1976 and a Ph.D in Philosophy from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia in 2004. A noted authority in the field of sustainable development and job creation, Dr. Sirolli is an Adjunct Professor at University of British Colombia. He has worked in Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, Asia and the US, in the field of local economic development and corporate social responsibility.

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Tantoo Cardinal

Accomplished and celebrated actor Tantoo Cardinal is keynote presenter on Thursday, May 16. Known for her authenticity, Tantoo has brought to life complex and diverse Aboriginal characters, and worked to dispel stereotypes. She has advanced Aboriginal performing arts throughout the world, and her performances on stage and in film and television helped blaze a trail in an industry where few roles for Aboriginal women previously existed. Her 80 plus credits include North of 60, Shattered, Legends of the Fall, Dances With Wolves and Black Robe. In 2010, Tantoo was inducted as a Member into the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions.