Panelists
Hilary Fry, BN, MN, RN
Hilary Fry is a beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claim, twin boy mom, and registered nurse of 10 years. Born and raised in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, when she’s not working she spends most of my time out on the land or at the cabin with family — hunting, fishing, and skidooing.
Hilary is very passionate about working towards the achievement of an equitable, culturally safe health-care system. This passionate motivated her to complete her master’s degree in nursing with a focus on Indigenous health, to better equip her to advocate for much needed systemic change. Currently employed as CNA’s Indigenous policy analyst, Hilary is privileged to be able to focus her passion and effort’s in nursing and health care from a national lens.
Bryanne Smart
Senior Reconciliation Consultant, NVision Insight Group
A proud member of the Six Nations of the Grand River, Bryanne is deeply committed to fostering strong, meaningful relationships in all aspects of her work. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous individuals, communities, and organizations, particularly in navigating the complexities of colonial and institutional systems. As the senior reconciliation consultant at NVision, Bryanne leads and supports initiatives aimed at advancing reconciliation with organizations nationwide.
Bryanne is passionate about integrating Indigenous perspectives into governance and decision-making. She currently serves as chair of the board for the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal health centre, and as a board member for the Canadian Mental Health Association, where she supports the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples.
Marilee A Nowgesic
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association
Originally from the Fort William First Nation, adjacent to the city of Thunder Bay Ontario, Marilee received her traditional teachings from the recognized Miidewin and First Nations Elders of her home community. Her formal education was obtained from Lakehead University and Carleton University. She also studied music with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and obtained achievements in violin, classical guitar and music theory. She is currently the chief executive officer with the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA).
Over the past 25 years, Nowgesic has worked with numerous clients from various platforms in the FPT government and numerous Indigenous and non-government and/or private sector agencies to develop social marketing campaigns, communication strategies, education programs and policy development guidelines that were targeted for Indigenous communities across Canada. With a focus on Indigenous governance, she remains committed to building capacity and designing the environments necessary for the Indigenous community to make informed decisions and to engage in their empowerment. At present, Nowgesic is developing resources and tools to bring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to a forum for Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.
Moderator
Jennifer David, BJ, BA
Lead, Truth and Reconciliation, Senior Consultant NVision Insight Group
Jennifer David (Chapleau Cree First Nation) is a skilled and experienced communicator, project manager, speaker and presenter. She is committed to creating and portraying an accurate and positive narrative of Indigenous People in Canada. She oversees NVision’s popular suite of Indigenous cultural awareness and cultural competency learning opportunities. Outside of work, she’s an avid reader of Indigenous literature and co-hosts a podcast called Storykeepers to talk about Indigenous books. She’s married with two kids in university, and loves to spend time at her cottage, in the garden or in the canoe.