Meet our Board of Directors
Michelle Cameron
Chair
Executive Committee and Operational Excellence and Innovation Committee
Michelle Cameron is a treaty-status woman and a proud band member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she is a dedicated mother of five, carrying on the legacy of her late husband, Dennis Cameron, who passed away in 2020.
In 2011, she founded Dreamcatcher Embroidery, later expanding it to Dreamcatcher Promotions to provide a wide range of promotional products. Despite initial hardships, Dreamcatcher Promotions grew into Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned promotional company and one of Winnipeg’s biggest, employing 42 staff members and serving high-profile clients, including government agencies like Parks Canada and the RCMP. Registered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Dreamcatcher Promotions is a recognized leader in Indigenous business.
In 2021, Michelle launched Indigenous Nations Apparel Company (INAC), the first Indigenous-owned store in Manitoba’s CF Polo Park. INAC quickly found success with Indigenous apparel and gifts and now aims to expand across Canada, supporting Indigenous artists by featuring their work.
In addition to her business ventures, Michelle is a member of the Assembly of First Nations Focus Group for Women in Business and mentors new entrepreneurs through Red River College’s Side Hustle 101 program.
Adam Nepon
Vice-Chair
Executive Committee and Operational Excellence and Innovation Committee
Adam, born and raised in Winnipeg, is proud of his Red River Métis and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Discovering his Indigenous roots later in life, he embarked on a personal journey to understand his identity and the history of Indigenous peoples. In 2018, he became the first student in Manitoba to earn a graduate degree focused on Indigenous Business and Economy from the Asper School of Business, under the mentorship of Dr. Wanda Wuttunee.
Adam serves as Vice-Chair of the ICC Board, offering valuable insights in human resources. He also sits on the board of the Young Associates, a business networking group. With 15 years of board experience, he joined Legacy Bowes and TIPI Group of Companies in 2023, bringing expertise as an Indigenous talent advisor and advocating for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Adam’s dedication to Indigenous economic development and his strategic approach to sustainable growth make him a valuable member of the ICC Board of Directors.
Brian Kelly
Secretary
Executive Committee, Human Resources and Governance Committee, and Client, Communication, and Collaboration
With roots in rural Manitoba and active ties to his family farm, Brian Kelly brings over 35 years of experience in governance and policy from roles on the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (Board Chair and Policy Committee Chair), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Board Director), and currently, the ICC as a Board Director. His work on the MCC Board led to Indigenous-focused policy resolutions adopted nationally by the CCC, a proud achievement that underscored the importance of advocacy. Brian believes that passionate, dedicated efforts by small groups can drive meaningful change, a vision he brings to his work with the ICC to support Indigenous businesses in Manitoba.
Christopher Henry
Treasurer
Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee and Operational Excellence and Innovation Committee
Christopher Henry, a citizen of the Red River Métis Nation, serves as Treasurer on the ICC Board of Directors, where he actively supports Indigenous business growth across Manitoba. With over 25 years in the construction industry, he has contributed to numerous major projects shaping the Manitoba and Winnipeg skylines and held board positions with the Winnipeg Construction Association, Electrical Association of Manitoba, and Construction Labor Relations Association of Manitoba.
As President of Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries (IcMD), founded in 2018, Christopher champions equity and sovereignty in healthcare for Indigenous communities. IcMD’s mission is to provide accessible, culturally sensitive healthcare, promoting health equity and self-determination. Dedicated to advocating for policy changes, he seeks to improve healthcare access for Indigenous people across Canada.
Ganga Atmuri
Director
Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee
Ganga Atmuri, an Environmental Engineer with 20 years of consulting experience, joined Stantec Consulting in 2022, where she serves as Project Manager and advocates for diversity through the Inclusion and Diversity Council. A first-generation Indo-Canadian, she actively supports underrepresented groups and has collaborated extensively with Indigenous communities across Canada. Ganga is a Board Director with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Manitoba and a mentor for Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s Women in Engineering Program. Dedicated to the TRC Calls to Action, she incorporates cultural insights into her work, particularly in reconciliation-driven projects like British Columbia's Highway 8 restoration.
Raena Baker
Director
Human Resource and Governance Committee
Raena has dedicated the last 15 years to furthering Indigenous initiatives in Manitoba in collaboration with grass roots organizations and each level of government.   She currently leads the Indigenous Business Development Services advocacy project, through Community Futures Manitoba, which supports new and existing Indigenous entrepreneurs with business plan development, and general business advisory services. This project assists organizations to implement projects that will encourage, support and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.  Â
Matthew Carriere
Director
Matthew Carriere is a Red River Métis born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is entering his final year at the I.H. Asper School of business, majoring in Management Information Systems and International Business. Matthew brings a breadth of volunteering knowledge and experience, volunteering for the MMF at a city and provincial level for the last 6 years in Manitoba. He is dedicated towards being an empowering leader who supports indigenous youth to achieve their full potential in life, both personally and professionally.
Daniel Friesen
Director
Client, Communication, and Collaboration
Daniel is the owner and principal of DLF   Consulting, Daniel   works with clients to create sustainable development   solutions in the areas of renewable energy, business planning, and community development.
Andrew Lawson
Director
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Andrew Larson has dedicated over 22 years to service as a firefighter for the city. Andrew is also the President & CEO of Lawson Consulting & Surveying and Lawson Pipeline & Utility Services, Indigenous-owned companies providing surveying and utility locating services. Discovering his Métis ancestry later in life, he is now a passionate advocate for Indigenous business engagement and procurement. With a strong commitment to teamwork from his years coaching youth sports, Andrew brings valuable insights as a Manitoba-based business owner to the ICC, supporting its mission to uplift Indigenous businesses across Canada.
German Leal
Director
Operational Excellence and Innovation Committee
​German Leal is the AECOM Geotechnical Manager and Discipline Lead with 14 years of experience. He has a PEO license and
has worked with First Nations in Manitoba and Ontario. He is experienced in the field of geotechnical engineering including
analysis, supervision and coordination of subsurface investigations, and construction field reviews for commercial and industrial
developments.
Adam McPhearson
Director
Adam McPherson, a member of Peguis First Nation, is the COO of First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), bringing extensive experience in finance and economic growth. Previously the Director of Finance at MCA Media Group and with over ten years at the Canada Revenue Agency, Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba. He has served as Treasurer on the Transcona Golf Club Board for four years. A devoted husband and father, Adam is passionate about golf, pickleball, and lifelong learning, and is dedicated to supporting Indigenous business growth as a Board Director for the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
Nicole Montminy
Director
Client, Communication, and Collaboration
Nicole Montminy has 14 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a Red River Métis citizen. She is passionate about uplifting others and fostering connections among those dedicated to economic reconciliation. Nicole advocates for integrating two-eyed seeing into business practices to promote balanced growth.
With a strong understanding of business risk, financial impact, and the quadruple bottom line, Nicole brings valuable insights to her work. Committed to continuous learning, she seeks to share her knowledge, promoting growth and understanding within her community and beyond.
Ilona Niemcyzk
Director
Operational Excellence and Innovation Committee, Client, Communication, and Collaboration
Ilona Niemczyk has over 25 years of experience in sales and revenue generation, focusing on community engagement and growth. Currently, as Director of Corporate Partnerships at Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW), she has driven significant revenue increases and strengthened EDW’s role in economic and tourism development. With a Master’s and Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Manitoba, Ilona manages over 150 corporate partnerships, collaborating with government and business leaders. She is eager to bring this expertise to the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Board, supporting sustainable growth for Indigenous businesses and communities.
Perry Schoffner
Director
Perry Schoffner, a proud member of the Red River Métis, brings significant experience in business growth, regulatory compliance, and financial literacy. Previously a managing partner in a manufacturing firm listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges, Perry now works in the construction industry, adept at navigating complex regulations and collaborating with key stakeholders. Committed to lifelong learning, he has pursued education through various institutions, valuing both formal studies and life experiences. As a board member, Perry is dedicated to the ICC's mission of fostering growth and connections for Indigenous businesses.