300+
participants
60
exhibitors
15
presentations
4
speakers
EXPLORE, DISCOVER & FIND A PATH
THAT’S UNIQUELY YOU.
The focus of SPARK is to provide awareness and understanding of the different careers available to young Indigenous peoples. This unique Conference is removing barriers and building opportunities.
SPARK is designed to bring together Indigenous owned companies, sectors of industry, educational institutions, businesses, and career development resources to highlight the number of careers available to Indigenous youth (ages: 16-30) across Canada.
Thank you all for joining us at this year's SPARK! We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you – your support, energy, and contributions were truly the heart of this event, and you played a vital role in making it such a success. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you all, and we can't wait to come together again next year for even more unforgettable moments!
Indigenous Youth Careers
2024 Wrap up
SPARK CONNECTION
Attendees can expect keynote and breakout sessions with practical pointers and valuable takeaways.
SPARK INSPIRATION
Discover successful examples of Indigenous development within various career sectors.
SPARK THE FUTURE
SPARK will showcase the importance of understanding & supporting Indigenous cultures within the workplace
Keynote SPEAKERS
SHANE CHARTRAND
TAMMY LAMOUCHE
LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
HAYDEN & CAMERON SADDLEBACK
LINSAY WILLIER
EVENT EMCEE
Orest Zwozdesky
Orest is a person of Metis ancestry born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. To date, he has touched the lives of thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous People through Team building facilitations, Reconciliation talks, Personal development workshops, Emceeing events and 1:1 coaching.
NATIVES GOT TALENT EMCEES
Tony Tootoosis
Tony Tootoosis better known as “Toosick” is an Indigenous artist from Poundmaker Saskatchewan. Born, raised and currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, he is best known for his hip-hop music as well as being a champion grass dancer. Tony typically incorporates his traditional powwow dancing into his contemporary music performances to provide a meaningful link between the Indigenous communities and the greater urban communities of Canada. He has travelled across Canada making visits to Indigenous communities to share his music, dance and most importantly his story with the youth, with the hopes to inspire them to dream big and know they have the potential to be and do anything they want in life.
Sheena T. Kaine
Sheena T. Kaine (STK) is a member of the Fishing Lake Mètis Settlement. She is a former professional boxer showcasing on the undercards of TSN, Sportsnet, and ESPN. Sheena also facilitates model training & hosts fashion shows, health &wellness workshops, along with many other responsibilities behind-the-scenes for multiple fashion shows around Canada. Kaine is either displaying her powerful runway walk, assisting behind-the-scenes or entertaining the crowd as she emcees countless events. Kaine continues to grow in any industry she pursues. As an entrepreneur, Sheena has created a merchandising brand (Pain Mafia - A logo with a purpose, with a story) and continues to channel her relentless focus into building successful ventures. Sheena had earned a certification as a personal trainer as well. She inspires numerous individuals to learn their limits and push past them to achieve their goals. Alongside her athletic pursuits, Sheena has showcased her versatility as an actress, stuntwoman, and voice actress, captivating audiences with her charisma and presence. She was a stunt actor in "ChokeHold," "The Detour," and more. Sheena landed her first speaking role in 2019 on a feature film as Kharis Redwater (in addition to stunt acting) in "Don't Say its Name," followed by the role of Chief Pine Leaf in "The Secret History of Women Warriors" in 2022. She was also the voice of Gwayum, Widi and Klundux in the animated series "Raven Tales".
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
EXPO CENTRE
THE VENUE
7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0J2
The Edmonton EXPO Centre and Explore Edmonton respectfully acknowledge that we are located within Treaty 6 territory, and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional home for many Indigenous Peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.
