2024 Strategic Speakers

Alvin is of Plains Cree and Anishnawbe ancestry, a registered member of the Muskowekwan First Nation of Saskatchewan, Canada. As a respected Elder, he is often called upon to share his extensive knowledge of traditional teachings, culture, history, healing practices and spirituality at health and wellness conferences and workshops throughout North America and abroad. Alvin has considerable experience in initiating and developing innovative capacity-building initiatives such as the national environmental training program, BEAHR sponsored by Eco-Canada and co-founded the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School in Calgary. Through his position with Secretary of State he provided initial funding to the Awotaan Healing Lodge, an agency that provides support and housing to Indigenous families at risk. In 1995, Alvin organized the first gaming conference in Canada for First Nations which prompted the Alberta government to develop a First Nations gaming policy. In 1992, he declared Nose Hill as a sacred Indigenous site which prompted the Alberta government to mark the hill as an official park which is the largest urban public park in North America.  As a residential school survivor, Alvin has delivered Truth and Reconciliation training to several major corporations and organizations. He is an accomplished traditional dancer on the North American pow-wow circuit and is a part time actor. Alvin is a recipient of the Calgary 2022 Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award

Alvin has 25 years of experience managing social programs in areas of project and community development, primarily as a consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada, Employment & Immigration Commission, and Secretary of State. He has been involved in developing community engagement policies for corporations and First Nations in areas of consultation processes and impact benefit agreements.  Alvin has also functioned in the capacity as an advisor for numerous corporations and First Nations leadership in areas of self-government, treaty interpretation, economic development, duty to consult, corporate strategic planning, market expansion, business development, human resource development, and joint ventures projects associated with resource and environmental development operations on First Nations lands. He served several years for Alberta Justice in the preparation of Gladue Reports for Indigenous offenders. Alvin is owner of Earthcode Enterprises Ltd, a consulting firm, that advances Indigenous economic development projects and assists First Nations Bands to be engaged in the clean energy industry in aeras of geo-thermal, solar, pyrolysis energy recovery, greenhouse/hydroponics, and hempcrete home construction. He is the owner/operator of Earthcode Tours, an Indigenous touring company. Alvin received his certification in Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre.