Training Series Panellists: Empowering Indigenous Leadership

On September 4, 2025, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce will host Training Series Part 3: Empowering Indigenous Leadership at the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel. This workshop will focus on advancing Indigenous leadership within organizations by exploring mentorship, governance, and cultural values as pathways to reconciliation and economic growth.

The session will feature three of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) board members who are accomplished leaders in their respective fields. Their experiences span business, engineering, nonprofit development, and community advocacy; together, they will share insights on strengthening Indigenous representation and building inclusive workplaces.

Terry Brown

A proud member of Peguis First Nation, Terry Brown is the Co-founder and CEO of Okimaw Community and HR Solutions, part of the EDIP Sovereign Wealth Solutions Group of Companies. With decades of experience working with First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and Native American communities, Terry has closed hundreds of business deals across multiple sectors, contributing to over half a billion dollars in sales.

He is a sought-after strategist in economic reconciliation, business development, and governance, serving as Co-Chair of the Economic Reconciliation Committee at the Business Council of Manitoba and as a board member of BUILD.

Cheryl Baraniuk

An Anishinaabe leader and Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Cheryl Baraniuk brings a rare blend of technical expertise and community advocacy. She currently serves as Indigenous Relations & Project Coordinator for Bird Construction, where she advances Indigenous perspectives in corporate environments, develops strategies for inclusion, and creates opportunities for non-Indigenous colleagues to engage with Indigenous worldviews.

Cheryl has co-developed Indigenous strategic planning processes, authored practices adopted nationally, and designed onboarding solutions that strengthen organizational culture. Rooted in both her technical training and Anishinaabe values, she works to bridge communities and organizations through education, collaboration, and reconciliation.

Kyle Mason

Kyle Mason, an Indigenous and Non-Profit Consultant, is a recognized leader in nonprofit development, fundraising, and community engagement. He is the founder of the North End Family Centre in Winnipeg, which grew into a vital hub for thousands of families under his leadership. Kyle’s dedication to social change has earned him numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, CBC Manitoba’s Future 40, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Community Hero Award.

Deeply shaped by his own family’s history as the son of Residential and Day School Survivors, Kyle brings authenticity and empathy to his work. He continues to serve on multiple boards, advancing reconciliation through dialogue and strategic leadership.

Together, these three panelists embody the strength, diversity, and vision of Indigenous leadership. Their stories and expertise will guide participants in building pathways for inclusive leadership rooted in reconciliation and cultural values. We look forward to your participation!