Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant.

Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 34 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

She has 12 books ranging for readers across the life span. Her books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine.

Leona Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whu’ten and belongs to the Likh Tsa Mis Yu (Beaver) Clan. She is a descendant of Chief Kwah and Stiche. Leona is an award-winning educator and is currently the District Principal of Aboriginal Education for School District 91 (Nechako Lakes). She is the co-author of Be A Good Ancestor. In Be a Good Ancestor, thought-provoking stanzas encourage readers of all ages to consider they ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, the message delivered by the authors is universal: Be a good ancestor to the world around you.

Reg Klassen is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA).

Prior to his time as Executive Director for the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA) Reg spent thirty-six years serving students in several communities and a variety of educational positions. He has worked in numerous capacities including Guidance Counsellor, Resource Teacher, Classroom Teacher, School Administrator, Superintendent, and Chief Superintendent.

Reg brings with him a comprehensive understanding of education as it relates to leadership, administration, staffing, curriculum, and community. He sees the main goal of education is “to prepare students to take their place in society as citizens in a democracy, a democracy that gives time for and encourages people (students) to discuss those issues that are common to them with the intent of finding a resolution that is beneficial to all involved so that a good life can be achieved”.

Reg Klassen is a well-respected educator, leader and visionary, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing quality educational programs for diverse students in a variety of settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology, Arts, and Education, and a master’s in Education Administration.

He has served as the Chair of the Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools and the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools Education Committee, and as the President of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents and President of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators. Currently he is a Board member of the Toba Centre for Children and Youth.