Bridging tradition and innovation

How Indigenous leadership, systems thinking, and collaborative research are shaping Canada’s future.

How can Indigenous leadership reshape Canada’s future? In this episode, we speak with Kelly Lendsay — Cree-Métis leader, social entrepreneur, and President & CEO of Indigenous Works — about his groundbreaking work in workplace systems change, Indigenous business education, and inclusive innovation. From creating Canada’s first Aboriginal business program to launching Luminary, a national initiative for Indigenous innovation, Kelly shares powerful stories and insights rooted in culture, systems thinking, and collaborative leadership.

We explore key ideas like the “Inclusion Continuum,” data sovereignty, and how Indigenous knowledge is opening doors in emerging industries like seaweed farming. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about bridging tradition and innovation, and redefining economic success through well-being and shared accountability.

Connect with Kelly Lendsay & Luminary

📧 Indigenous Works: klendsay@indigenousworks.ca
📧 Luminary: klendsay@iworks.org
🔗 Kelly J Lendsay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-lendsay-4935597
🔗 Luminary Network on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/luminary-network
📱 Phone: (306) 291-0424
📣 Follow on Social: @luminarynetwork

What happens when Indigenous values meet resource development and leadership? In this episode of Resonance, we sit down with John Desjarlais, a Nehinaw (Cree)-Métis leader whose journey spans engineering, economic development, and advocacy for Indigenous inclusion in the resource sector.

From growing up in Cumberland House and learning deep respect for the land to leading national conversations on Indigenous participation in industry, John’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and impact. He shares insights on navigating corporate spaces, championing equity and sustainability, and fostering meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities and resource industries.

🔹 The influence of culture & heritage in leadership
🔹 Balancing economic growth with sustainability & self-determination
🔹 The importance of Indigenous representation in engineering & resource development

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges perspectives and highlights the power of Indigenous-led solutions.

🎧 Listen now!
#IndigenousLeadership #ResourceDevelopment #EconomicReconciliation #ResonancePodcast

Bridging Worlds, Empowering Communities: Chana’s Inspiring Journey of Heritage, Resilience, and Economic Impact

In this episode, Chana shares her inspiring journey of resilience and determination, shaped by her Cree and Ukrainian heritage. From a finance career to leading transformative initiatives at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), Chana discusses how her roots guide her work in empowering Indigenous communities through strategic investments and economic development. Her story highlights the power of authentic leadership, economic reconciliation, and creating meaningful change by bridging the corporate and Indigenous worlds.