Featured Entertainment and Speakers

Conference Emcees

Jade Baanstra 
Coast Salish, Kānaka Maoli
AISES Region 1 Student Rep

Jade Baanstra is Coast Salish and Kānaka Maoli. She is finishing her undergraduate degree in mathematics at the University of British Columbia. She also does research with the Institute of Oceans and Fisheries on glaucous-winged gulls and hopes to continue her research with a master’s degree. She loves the outdoors, science communication, and working with youth. She is the President of the UBCV Chapter of AISES and hopes to help build a stronger AISES community within UBC and strengthen relationships with nearby communities.

Hailey (Lee) Barrell
K’ai Tailé Denesuline
AISES Senior Canadian National Student Representative

Hailey (Lee) Barrell is a member of the K’ai Tailé Denesuline and a PhD student at the University of Calgary. Her current research focuses on plant biochemistry and microbial production platforms for medicinal plant compounds. One day, she hopes to leverage these molecular tools for more environmentally stable clinical benefits. She is proud to work with and represent Indigenous students in the ways they know best to cultivate a love of good learning. She will continue to inspire Indigenous students to take their rightful place in STEM, encourage future Indigenous students to take command of their own learning in the ways they identify with and most importantly; to give back to our communities near and far. When she’s not in the lab, she can be found working as a graduate teaching assistant and drinking coffee. She is an ardent collector of beaded earrings and loves to spend time with family and friends.
 

Jayson Pomfret
Métis Nation of Ontario
AISES Junior Canadian National Student Representative

Jayson Pomfret is a student attending Queen’s University pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science degree while simultaneously pursuing a certificate in Law. Jayson hopes to pursue medical school after completing his undergraduate degree. Outside of his studies Jayson strives to be active in his school’s indigenous community. Jayson holds research positions in indigenous cancer policy and culturally safe communication. Jayson enjoys traveling and sampling cuisine all over the world.

Keynote Speaker

Friday, March 1
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

Dr. Lisa Monkman
Dr. Lisa Monkman is an Anishinaabe rural Family Physician. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba where she currently works as the Indigenous Health Curriculum co-lead at the PGME level. She practices primary care at the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Medical Clinic and is a member of Lake MB FN. Lisa is an elected member of the CPSM council and chairs their TRC advisory circle. She is also a physician advisor for Jordan’s Principle, the Mercury Disability Management Board, and the Canadian Medical Association’s indigenous advisory circle.  

Closing Banquet Entertainment
 

Alex Wells – Hoop Dancer
Alex Wells is from the Lil’wat Nation, Mount Currie, BC, Canada. First Nations Dance and Cultural traditions such as hoop dancing, has been his family’s way of life for Alex and his brothers, who were brought up through many years of cultural ceremonies and gatherings. While traveling across North America since childhood, competing in First Nation's dance competitions, hoop dancing has led Alex into making his passion and talent, a professional business, and a way of life. Alex has also taken part in many world indigenous cultural events throughout the last few decades, giving him the natural ability to teach the cultural dances, step by step, to his daughter and family members, as to pass this traditional along to the next generation.

Francis James Jr – Singer
Francis James Jr is from the Sto;lo, Plains Cree Treaty 6 Territory and is a singer, dancer, and song composer.