Keynote Speaker: Dr. Pamela Palmater
Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation). She has 4 university degrees, including a doctorate in law from Dalhousie University specializing in Indigenous law. She currently holds the position of full Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. Pam was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other movements focusing on social justice and human rights. She is frequently called as a legal expert before parliamentary, senate and United Nations committees dealing with laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples and is considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post.
Jessica Antony
Jessica works with the HEQCO research team to offer guidance and expertise in the framing, writing and editorial development of research publications and other communications material. Jessica comes to HEQCO with ten years of experience as a managing editor for an academic book publisher and another fifteen years as an academic writing and editing instructor at the University of Winnipeg. Prior to joining the team at HEQCO, Jessica worked as an independent editor, publishing consultant and communication skills trainer, providing editorial, writing and workshop facilitation services to publishers, authors and organizations. She has a BA from the University of Winnipeg and an MA from Concordia University. Jessica is the lead editor and a contributor for the two most recent editions of Power and Resistance: Critical Thinking About Canadian Social Issues (Fernwood Publishing, 2022) and has published several articles with CBC Arts.
Miha Isik
Prior to joining the HEQCO, Miha developed her expertise in research methodologies, data analysis and project management through her roles at Forum Research and Hotspex. Her background as an international student and her involvement in curriculum development and student success tracking at community schools have deeply influenced her approach to education which emphasizes policy research, social issues and community engagement. She is passionate about educational equity, evidence-based policymaking and program evaluation. Miha holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a research analyst postgraduate certificate from Humber College.