Jenni Lessard - Métis Executive Chef & Culinary Consultant

As Chef in Residence at the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market from 2013 to 2016 she found new and exciting recipes to highlight vendor’s products, from pickled beef to edible flower butter.

In 2019 Jenni closed the catering arm of her business to become the first female and Métis Executive Chef at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a world renowned Indigenous Interpretive Centre, where she’s still involved as the culinary consultant and chef for the Han Wi dinner series.

Susan Brazeau - Polio Survivor & Social Activist

Living a life of always being curious, Susan has disciplines in researching various areas of history, social sciences, culture, education, law, and genealogy. 

She also has written articles and spoken on several topics of interest, including Canada’s British Home Children, positive behavior supports, the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, the Empress of Ireland tragedy, and of course Polio.

Joan McCusker - Olympic Curling Gold Medalist & Broadcaster

Joan McCusker helps organizations build extraordinary lives using their best resources of ordinary people. An Olympic Gold Medalist and CBC commentator, Joan uses sports examples and humour to get the point across that attitude and teamwork are important to success.

Joan and her six brothers and sisters were raised on the family farm near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. It was a busy and active family that supported her first successes in school and sport. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987 with a Bachelor of Education.

Anna Marie Robertson - Humanitarian Advocacy Officer

Paul Harris Fellow & Global Grant Scholar in Peace and Conflict Resolution

Ramesh Ferris - Polio Survivor, Polio Eradication Advocate & District DGE 2025-26

Sharing the Rotary End polio message with countless heads of state and other world leaders including:
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Former Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon, The Director General of the World Health Organization Dr. Adhanom Tedros, as well as Bill Gates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, & His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Ramesh  has travelled  throughout Canada, India, USA, Puerto Rico, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and  Afghanistan, all to convince more people to support the end of polio. 

Tinisha Young - Manager, Indigenous Support Services Teaching & Learning Lakeland College

Tinisha Young is a member of Treaty 5 Territory, though she was raised in the heart of Treaty 6 in Lloydminster, Alberta. Throughout her life, she has maintained a deep connection to her Indigenous heritage, which she weaves into her daily existence. Serving as a mentor for Indigenous youth in her community has been an integral part of her personal journey. One of Tinisha's greatest passions is sharing her culture and knowledge with individuals of all ages. As a knowledge keeper, Tinisha takes great joy in passing down the teachings of her ancestors. She firmly believes that Reconcili-action is paramount for constructing a decolonized world, not only for her own children but also for the prosperity of future generations.

Joseph Desjarlais - Metis Fiddler

Joseph was born and raised in Ile-a-la Crosse, a small Metis community in Northern Saskatchewan. He was taught by John Arcand when he was 10 years old to play the Metis fiddle and has since then branched out into a few other styles of fiddle playing, though he finds it hard not to turn every tune he plays Metis.

Joseph has finished his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biomedical Neuroscience and is now looking to undertake Medical School and Postgraduate doctoral studies.

Joseph has played for many events and people over his 11 years of fiddle playing. From large events like Back to Batoche all the way to a small supper for his family and friends, he isn’t picky about who, what, when, or where he plays the fiddle.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Lloydminster

Standard Room w/ 2 Queen Beds - $159/night

*Taxes are in addition to the above rates – currently 5% GST + 4% Tourism Levy.  

Group-specific rate will be able to be booked via phone directly to the hotel, on our website, or through the Hilton Central Reservations system by providing your unique Group code:________

This hotel located at 8288-44 street, Lloydminster, AB is 2.5KM from the conference venue.