Join Canadian Club Toronto on June 5 for a compelling panel discussion in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. This event marks an important conversation about integrating Indigenous perspectives and practices within Canada’s financial and business sector, located at the heart of the country’s economic activity: Bay Street.
This panel will delve into practical steps and innovative strategies that Bay Street entities can employ to not only foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities but also enhance their profitability. By ensuring the active involvement of Indigenous communities in Canada’s economic framework, we aim to uncover mutual benefits that drive both societal value and financial gain.
The discussion will feature four distinguished Indigenous professionals who have made significant strides in various sectors along the Bay Street corridor. They will share insights into how businesses and financial institutions can actively participate in the reconciliation process through partnerships, inclusive practices, and recognition of Indigenous rightsholders.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in achieving reconciliation in the corporate sphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a transformative dialogue that bridges gaps and inspires action that contributes to a stronger economic future for both Indigenous communities and Canada alike. This conversation will be moderated by Karen Restoule, Vice President, Crestview Strategy and will feature:
*Live stream for virtual guests starts at 12:40 pm ET*
Krystal Abotossaway
Senior Manager, TD Bank
Krystal Abotossaway is from Aundeck Omni-Kaning First Nation and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. In her current capacity as Senior Manager at TD Bank, Krystal actively rotates through various Centers of Excellence within the HR function. Her responsibilities encompass providing strategic guidance, executing critical initiatives, and fostering collaboration among internal teams and external partners. Krystal has successfully attained a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from York University and a Master of Business Administration from Ivey, Western University.
As the President of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada, Krystal is at the forefront of redefining agendas and identifying innovative measures to advance opportunities and capabilities for Indigenous Peoples across turtle island.
Jaimie Lickers
Senior Vice President of Indigenous Markets, CIBC
Jaimie Lickers is Senior Vice President of Indigenous Markets at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In this capacity, Jaimie leads a team of trust and lending experts across the country who provide dedicated service to Indigenous Nations, businesses and individuals, and provides advice and guidance on Indigenous issues across all lines of business at the Bank.
Prior to joining CIBC in 2020, Jaimie was a partner in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office and the national leader of the firm’s Indigenous Law Group. Jaimie’s legal practice focused on the structuring and drafting of trust deeds for Indigenous communities, financial services and lending for First Nations, First Nations tax law, and the provision of policy advice in relation to education, social services and membership law.
In 2020, Jaimie was distinguished by Lexpert as a “Rising Star” and in 2019 she was named one of Canada’s “Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers” by Canadian Lawyer. She was recognized as a leading practitioner in Indigenous law by Lexpert in 2018, and she was listed for three consecutive years in Benchmark Litigation’s “Under 40 Hot List.” In 2017, she was also awarded a Lexpert Zenith Award – an honour that celebrates the advancement of women who have demonstrated excellence and thought leadership in the legal profession.
Jaimie is Onondaga and a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River.
Sarah Midanik
President & CEO, The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Sarah Midanik is an Indigenous professional who is passionate about increasing capacity and social impact across Indigenous communities. Born and raised near the historic Métis community of St. Albert, Sarah is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Cunningham family. She is currently the President & CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, a national charity that builds cultural understanding and creates a path towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Sarah is committed to advancing Indigenous programs and projects and has sat on many advisory councils and boards including the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Indigenous Professionals Association of Canada (IPAC), the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for the City of Toronto, the Toronto Indigenous Health Advisory Circle, the Toronto Police Service and was the co-chair and co-founder of the Indigenous Place Making Council. A dedicated volunteer, Sarah currently sits on the national boards for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Sarah is a Founding Member of Honouring Nations Canada Circle of Advisors which is a collaboration between Fulbright Canada and the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. She also serves on the CRA’s Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector. Sarah completed her MBA in the Indigenous Business and Leadership program at Simon Fraser University in 2023 and was named one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders of 2022.
Karen Restoule
Vice President, Crestview Strategy
Karen Restoule is a Vice President at Crestview Strategy with a specialty in strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement. She led Ontario’s administrative justice system as a public sector executive at Tribunals Ontario, including key transformations at Ontario Parole Board and Landlord and Tenant Board.
Karen is committed to advancing economic growth and prosperity for both First Nations and for Canada. She cofounded BOLD Realities to advance the industry-Indigenous relationship, building on a role prior role where she served First Nations leaders at Chiefs of Ontario creating innovative policy solutions to legacy challenges. In 2018, she partnered with TakingITGlobal to launch whose.land, a web-based mobile app that provides users with information about Indigenous territories as a starting point for mutually-beneficial partnerships.
A sought-after voice on Indigenous economic and governance reconciliation, Karen engages audiences across North America and contributes to The Hub Canada. Karen is Ojibwe from Dokis First Nation.
