Meet the Members

Ben is a First Nations communicator, educator, and publisher from Yellow Quill First Nation. He currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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Wáhiakatste Diome-Deer is a forward-thinking leader driving Indigenous-led investments that deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic outcomes. At Raven Indigenous Outcomes Funds, she leads fundraising, builds partnerships, drives strategic initiatives, and engages governments, communities, and investors to enable scalable impact. With experience across education, journalism, and consulting, she consistently championed the integration of Indigenous perspectives into organizational strategies and societal discourse. A proud Onkwehón:we from Kahnawà:ke and member of the Kanien’kehá:ka [Mohawk] Nation, Wáhiakatste holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. from McGill University. Her name, meaning “strong or everlasting fruition,” reflects her dedication to creating meaningful, lasting progress.

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Tyler is a proud Mi'kmaw man from Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island), with an MBA from Laurentian University and a BBA from the University of Prince Edward Island. He began his career in 2015 as a consultant with MacPherson Roche Smith, specializing in research, business planning, strategy, and project management. In 2019, Tyler joined the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, focusing on Indigenous social enterprise development. He later became Director of Economic Development at Abegweit First Nation, leading several strategic initiatives and capital projects, including the construction of the Nation's first commercial centre. Tyler recently founded Abegweit Development Inc., where he serves as Acting CEO, supporting the Nation’s sovereign wealth strategy. Tyler also serves as Vice-Chair of the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI, co-chairs ISC's Atlantic Economic Development Advisory Committee, and was appointed to the Rural Communities Council of PEI in 2023. He is also a part-time instructor at Mount Saint Vincent University.

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Kayla is Ojibwe on her mother’s side and a community member of Big Trout Lake First Nation. She grew up in Ear Falls, ON in northwestern Ontario and now resides in Toronto, ON. She works at RBC on the Global Diversity & Inclusion team as Manager, Indigenous Talent. She is also the co-chair of the Ontario chapter of the Royal Eagles (Indigenous employee resource group).

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Dylan MacLennan, P.Eng., is the founder of L'nu Energy, an Indigenous-owned company specializing in community and utility-scale energy projects. With a background in Sustainable Design Engineering and a Ph.D. in progress at the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, Dylan's work focuses on advancing clean energy solutions while ensuring Indigenous sovereignty over land and resources. Under his leadership, L'nu Energy is successfully leading the development of over 50 megawatts of solar projects across three Atlantic First Nations. Beyond business, Dylan is deeply involved in policy discussions, moderating panels at industry events and supporting Indigenous-led energy initiatives. His passion and research explores pathways for First Nations to achieve net-zero emissions while bridging the infrastructure gap.

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Misko Kijig McGregor is Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi and Aamjiwnaang First Nations. Misko has a passion for economic reconciliation, community development, and social finance. Misko has worked with a variety of organizations including Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, NACCA, KPMG Canada, CPA Canada, and the First Nations Financial Management Board. Misko gives his time by volunteering as a board director for the Ashbury College Foundation and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Misko is an ardent supporter of social/alternative financing and strives to assist Indigenous nations and businesses access capital for economic development, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.

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Leah is a Métis woman currently living in Ottawa, ON. She has a diverse background of lived, work, and educational experiences; including working and traveling abroad and obtaining Diplomas in the fields of Travel & Tourism, Indigenous Community & Social Development, and Indigenous Policy & Administration. Her 20 years of professional experience has given her unique perspectives that guide her as she works to amplify the wellness and resilience of Indigenous peoples globally. She enjoys being on the water, traveling, sharing a laugh, and learning new things.

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Monika Bear Robe is Cree, a member of Fort McKay First Nation, and a mother to a wonderful five-year-old boy. She is the Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting with MNP and is passionate about assisting Indigenous communities achieve economic prosperity. At MNP, she provides a holistic approach to Indigenous economic development by supporting the development of investment strategies, governance policy development, and corporate structuring. She assists Indigenous communities with mid-market acquisitions and has in depth experience working with Indigenous communities and consortiums who are pursuing equity ownership in major energy infrastructure projects. Prior to joining MNP Monika was the Vice President of a First Nation owned private equity fund and has spent time working for a national law firm and a municipal government. She has dedicated her career to working with Indigenous communities and peoples and has also held many volunteer roles such as Finance and Audit Committee Member, Director positions on private company Boards, and on Land Code Committees. Monika holds a Juris Doctor with a specialization in Aboriginal Law, an MBA with a specialization in Indigenous Business Leadership, and she was called to the bar in British Columbia. She also completed the CVCA-ICD Private Capital Governance Program and is currently a CFA candidate. In her spare time, Monika enjoys kickboxing, hiking with her dogs, country music, and travelling with her family.

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Taylor is an Indigenous-Cree woman from Treaty 6 territory. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Business minor from Concordia University College of Edmonton. Taylor has experience leading and conducting community-based research projects with a focus on community engagement and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. She understands the power held in stories, and within knowledge gathering that can initiate positive changes. Taylor loves being outdoors, watching her two boys play sports, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Heather Watts is Mohawk & Anishinaabe from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Education has been a central part of her work over the past ten years, graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Inclusive Education, Columbia University Teachers College with a degree in Literacy Coaching, and working as an elementary school teacher in New York City and Rochester, NY. Heather has studied at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) in the Education Policy & Management Program and graduated with her Ed.M. in 2019. Heather is currently a doctoral candidate at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education – University of Toronto, in the Social Justice Education program. Over the past two years, she has published three chapters on the topic of Reconciliation and education in Canada. Her research centers on Reconciliation and reclamation of Indigenous ways of knowing in modern-day education systems. Heather serves as Principal of First Peoples Group, an all-Indigenous consulting firm. She also is currently an Action Canada Fellow with the Public Policy Forum.

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Kyle is an experienced finance professional and a proud member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. As a seventh-generation Métis, he is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous communities and advancing economic reconciliation. Currently, Kyle serves as Chief Investment Officer at the Metis Settlements Development Corporation (MSDC), where he oversees investments designed to foster economic prosperity for Metis Settlements in Alberta. In this role, Kyle is building innovative processes for Indigenous impact, driving strategic partnerships, and advancing Indigenous equity in various sectors, including energy transition, clean tech, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. With diverse experience in the financial industry, Kyle is passionate about quantitative analysis and making data-driven investment decisions. His expertise spans investment management, compliance, and corporate finance, emphasizing innovative investment strategies and risk management, while spearheading initiatives in the fintech space. As a CFA Charterholder and an MBA graduate from the University of Calgary, with a BBA from Mount Royal University, Kyle combines technical expertise with a commitment to meaningful impact. Outside of his professional endeavors, Kyle enjoys basketball, golf, slo-pitch, and snowboarding. He is also an active alumnus of the Mount Royal Cougars Varsity Men's Basketball Team as President of the Mount Royal Cougars Booster Club and a member of the Mount Royal University Finance Partnership Council, demonstrating his dedication to teamwork and community involvement.

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