Jean-Marie is a renowned sociologist, educator, and author with decades of experience addressing critical social and political issues through academic research and creative works. His MA research, “La question de l’ethnicité au Rwanda. Idéologie raciste et pouvoir,” examined the origins and causes of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda.

Of Mi’kmaq and Acadian ancestry, Toni resides on unceded Mi’kma’ki territory in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University cum laude and was the recipient of the Loretta Saunders Community Scholarship Award during her time as a student there.

Idil Oumalker Kalif is a consultant/sociologist, she is the founder of Ayeeyo Podcast, and has been a youth advocate for over 2 decades. She has worked within various community and public organizations. Born in Djibouti and proudly raised in the Petite-Bourgogne neighbourhood, she has lived in Quebec for over 35 years.

With over two decades of experience working for Indigenous and non-Indigenous NGOs, private companies, and local and federal governments, Pitsulala has amassed extensive knowledge through her professional work and personal lived experiences.

Abbe Edelson, PhD is a researcher, writer and evaluator with a background in community-based research and community development. Abbe has over 15 years experience working on a range of projects in the nonprofit sector including documenting best practices for developing community hubs for the Ontario government and as a researcher for APCOL, an anti-poverty community organizing and learning project.

Casey is a settler scholar and educator from Castlegar, in the West Kootenay Region of British Columbia, the traditional shared territory of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa First Nations.

Izu is a multifaceted economist and research analyst with experience across public, private, and academic sectors. He has a demonstrated ability to apply economic theory to real-world challenges, particularly in energy, environmental, and social policy analysis.