Wilton Littlechild, IPC, CM, AOE, MSC, FP, QC, LLD (Hon.)

Willie Littlechild has exemplified tremendous leadership throughout his career as an accomplished lawyer, respected politician, exceptional athlete and community advocate. He has worked tirelessly to promote human rights, in particular those of Indigenous peoples. Willie was brought to residential school at the age of six and went to another residential school to complete high school, living 14 years of his life in these institutions.

He has worked with the United Nations for more than 30 years. In Canada, Willie was the first Treaty Indian Member of Parliament. He served a five-year term from 1988 to 1993, representing the riding of Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Willie is known as a pioneer for the global Indigenous rights movement. Willie is currently a commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and sits as a Trustee on the Board of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

His commitment to excellence in everything he does is reflected in the vast number of honours Willie has received during his career. He has been awarded Queen’s Counsel and Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel, the highest honours of the legal profession. He was honoured as Lawyer of the Year (Aboriginal Law) and received the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He received the Distinguished Award from the Association of Former Parliamentarians in 2006 and an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree from University of Alberta in 2007. He was named as one of the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century in 2004, and was inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999. In 2018, Willie was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Nicole Robinson

Nicole Robinson is of mixed Haudenosaunee and European ancestry and a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Nicole lived most of her life in Ontario’s ‘Near North’ and moved to the Waterloo Region in 2007 for her Master of Social Work degree.

Nicole has been working at the Waterloo Region District School Board as the Equity and Inclusion Officer – Aboriginal Focus since 2009. Nicole’s own experiences in education often left her feeling isolated and defeated, which is what drives her work each and every day. In her role, Nicole’s passion for raising Indigenous awareness in the classroom is fundamental to the supports she provides to educators and students alike.

Her vision is for an education system that acknowledges Indigenous histories and helps students to feel proud, hopeful and empowered in their school experiences.

Pardeep Singh Nagra

Professionally, Pardeep Singh Nagra is a speaker, teacher, trainer and consultant with substantial experience in organizational change. He specializes in employee engagement, inclusive workplace strategies, equity, and diversity work. He has held positions in University, College, Public Health, Police and Human Services sectors and has worked both as a Diversity Officer and Diversity Manager.

Personally, Pardeep’s interest in charitable, community spirit, and humanitarian work has touched the lives of many people and communities over an extended period of time. His work and service has been recognized and valued as he was the recipient of the YMCA Canada Peace Medal, University of Toronto Arbor Award, Region of Peel Chair’s Award for community service, Auxiliary Constable of the Year with Peel Regional Police, and recently the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

As an athlete, Pardeep has played and won championships in many sports including soccer, track, tennis,  and ball hockey.  He enjoys running marathons and recently qualified and competed in the Boston Marathon. In addition to being highlighted in various text books in Canada, Pardeep is featured as a question in the Trivial Pursuit board game. Recetnly, the Hollywood movie Tiger released based on the true story of Pardeep’s journey as a boxer.

Pardeep currently is a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  He continues to a leading ally and and advocate for the removal or pejorative Indigenous mascots and names.  Personally and as an ally, Pardeep is on the journey of reconciliation. He continues to be regarded as a positive role model and productive member of Canadian Society. Pardeep continues to dream the Canadian dream, peace, prosperity, and happiness, and struggle the Canadian struggle, rights, equality and nationhood.