CEO & CO-FOUNDER

Chelsee Pettit is an Anishinaabe entrepreneur, retail innovator, and industry leader in Indigenous economic reclamation. A proud member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, she is the Founder, CEO, and President of multiple ventures that prioritize Indigenous ownership, sustainability, and economic sovereignty.

As a recognized speaker and thought leader, Chelsee has presented at numerous industry events, conferences, and forums on topics ranging from Indigenous economic development to brand strategy and market expansion. She has a wide-reaching network of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers, making her a key connector in the Indigenous business ecosystem.

With deep expertise in retail strategy, brand development, and digital marketing, Chelsee has successfully positioned Indigenous brands for long-term success and mainstream visibility. She has led high-impact initiatives, including pop-up retail experiences in premium commercial spaces, proving that Indigenous brands are competitive and highly sought after. Her ability to craft powerful brand narratives has positioned her as a key strategist for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses sustainably.

Beyond her own ventures, Chelsee has curated and secured speakers for multiple high-profile events, ensuring that BIPOC voices are elevated in business, innovation, and leadership spaces. As a sought-after consultant, mentor, and advocate for Indigenous economic sovereignty, she actively supports Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing guidance on pricing strategies, inventory management, business development, and retail expansion. She is also committed to disrupting extractive business models, ensuring that Indigenous creators and businesses retain ownership over their work while building generational wealth.

At the heart of her work is the belief that Indigenous economies must be Indigenous-owned. Chelsee envisions a future where Indigenous businesses are self-funded, self-sustaining, and thriving in both online and brick-and-mortar retail spaces. She continues to challenge industry norms, curate impactful speaker lineups, and reclaim economic spaces for Indigenous entrepreneurs—proving that Indigenous business success is not just possible, but essential. Through her leadership, she is paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders to take their rightful place in the global economy.

CO-FOUNDER

Michele Young-Crook is an Algonquin consultant belonging to the Nijkwiwisens Family and Bear Clan. Her grandmother was a member of the Nipissing First Nation. With over 20 years of experience in event planning, speaker curation, and community development, she specializes in designing impactful events that empower Indigenous communities across Canada and the USA.

As the CEO of Sage3, an Indigenous-women-led firm, Michele's mission is to provide the tools, connections, and capacity-building opportunities necessary for sustainable community growth. She has spent over 15 years planning and curating conferences, summits, and speaking engagements, ensuring that diverse and influential voices are elevated in corporate, nonprofit, and grassroots spaces.

Michele's expertise stems from her journey in nurturing a national charitable entity from inception with limited resources. This experience honed her skills in diverse roles, ensuring organizational triumph—from fundraising and strategic event planning to developing accredited educational programs.

A key strength of Michele's success is her robust network of thought leaders, executives, policymakers, and changemakers. She has built a reputation for forging strong connections and partnerships that amplify her initiatives' impact, bridging Indigenous, corporate, and community-driven sectors.

Michele is pursuing an MBA at York St. John University, with an expected graduation in 2026.Michele is pursuing an MBA at York St. John University, expected to graduate in 2026.

COORDINATOR

Raquel Keshane-Watetch is a Cree (Piapot, First Nation) and Seaulteaux new media and digital artist living in Treaty 13. Raquel’s artistic practice
is a dynamic fusion of their background in new media, and coding design with her Indigenous
cultural traditions. Their work is full of life: vibrant, evoking and deliciously irreverent. Using
their new media arts practice as a tool of decolonization, Raquel centers Indigenous love and joy to create works that invite the viewer to imagine Indigenous futurism grounded in liberation. Works were previously showcased in BAO’s Pixel Garden exhibition, Small Arms Inspection Building (SAIB), imagineNATIVE.

COORDINATOR