2023 Schedule
Keynote Presenter: Cheif Gordon BlueSky
Chief and Treaty One Chairperson, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Description:
. About the Presenter:
Chief Gordon BlueSky was elected to serve his home community of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) in 2022. Chief BlueSky is a highly motivated, results-based professional and leader with tremendous experience in lands governance, resource management, and negotiations. He was recognized by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association in 2016 for excellence in Lands Management that has contributed and influenced the field of land management beyond their community. BlueSky received an Honourable Mention for the Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Award for being a catalyst in bringing First Nations together in the creation of the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective in 2015. Prior to his election, Chief BlueSky worked as the Director of Lands for the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC). This was a very fitting role for BlueSky due to his involvement with the Kapyong Barracks land claim during the early years of its initiation by BON in the early 2000s. During his time at Treaty One, Bluesky successfully led negotiations to finalize the “Gaawijijigemangit Agreement”, the Municipal Development Services Agreement with the City of Winnipeg which secures the provision of basic infrastructural services for the Naawi-Oodena Treaty One Joint Reserve. Prior to his time with T1DC, BlueSky had 18 years of experience working with BON, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba. In these roles he championed the work on important land claims—with a primary focus on reserve creation—as well as land, environment, and resource protection. Chief BlueSky is also a strong advocate for reform to child welfare and educational systems, having lived experience in Canada’s colonial history as a survivor of the 60s Scoop who eventually returned home from the United States to rediscover his heritage and become the leader he is today. |