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Speaking Engagements

Our team actively contributes to discussions and learning events to advance Reconciliation. We focus on strengthening relations between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and charting pathways to improving diversity, equity and inclusion on a societal level. 

We value opportunities to share and build knowledge and are grateful to contribute to the conversation on Reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion at the foundation of our organization. 

Patti Derbyshire and Annie Korver at the Experience Solidarity Conference with the Hospital Employees’ Union, March 2025
Patti Derbyshire speaking on the Partnership in Principle and in Practice: Measuring Progress panel at the Partnerships Success Showcase, June 2024
Annie Korver speaking on the Amplifying the Voices of Others: Indigenous Women as Trailblazers and Changemakers in a Quest for Progress panel at the Forward Summit Workforce Forward West, May 2024 (IC: Millie Reeder)
Najah Al-Atassi speaking on a panel with other Haskayne School of Business MBA Alumni. The conversation was about work-life balance, networking and the importance of strategically planning the MBA journey, February 2025.

With a team of experienced speakers, we share knowledge in podcasts, magazines and newspapers and present at multiple events annually, to audiences ranging in size from 5-1,000. We welcome the opportunity to share knowledge on topics related to Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion, Econcomic Reconciliation Histories of Colonial Harm and Indigenous Survivance Economic Reconciliation, or anything related to our Areas of Practice or Learning and Development Program

From a keynote address, participation on a panel, moderating an event, leading a workshop, participating in a media interview, podcast or a fireside chat with a member of your team or community, connect with us and we’ll brainstorm an approach that works to meet your objectives.

Past Speaking Engagements, Podcasts and Articles

Beyond the B Podcast

In this episode of the Beyond the B podcast, Annie Korver and Hayley Roulstone joined Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison to chat about Rise’s journey as a certified B Corporation and participation in the B Corp Level Program. The conversation focused on the importance of centring humans, relationality, reciprocity, Rights, holding grace, values and — love.

Unapologetic Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Annie Korver joined Erin Davis, Founder of the Erin Davis Co. and the Unapologetic Podcast for a conversation about what it means to lead with courage, care, and unwavering purpose.

Alberta Native News (April 2025)

In a conversation with Journalist Laura Mushumanski, Annie Korver shares ideas about Reconciliation as relationship. The first lesson that she speaks about is understanding that none of us are experts, as we are in a cyclical relationship with exchanging knowledge and walking into relationship with how we can be good relatives, listening to understand, and be a part of humility.

2025 Experience Solidarity Conference with the Hospital Employees’ Union

Indigenous Peoples in Canada have been an integral part of the labour movement for over a century. Led by Patti Derbyshire and Annie Korver, this workshop, “Solidarity as Medicine”, explored the vital connection between Indigenous self-determination, and strengthening the labour movement. Fostering relational trust and solidarity among members is crucial to the work.  From an Indigenous perspective, solidarity is a healing force, and the collective agreement can be a powerful tool for positive change.

BC Business (October 2024)

In the fall of 2024 Annie Korver was recognized by EY Entrepreneur of the Year as a finalist, celebrating entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact. This article shares more about her journey as the Founder and Principal of Rise Consulting.

Forward Summit West Coast 2024

At its inaugural event, Annie Kover and Colette Trudeau, CEO of the Métis Nation of British Columbia, shared knowledge about the history of the Nation, their journeys and the opportunity and importance of celebrating contemporary communities in the workplace. During this fireside chat, Annie and Colette discussed honouring people and places and celebrating and honouring culture. Also at the event, Patti Derbyshire joined Robert Doan, Lauren Remple and Heather Wolf-Ear in a panel to discuss Indigenous board representation, Indigenous relations roles within organizations, measurable diversity goals, and ESGI metrics — crafting Indigenous Reconciliation Strategies involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of organizational structure, governance, and relationships.

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Aboriginal Business Report (Spring 2024) Future Success: Prosperous Partnerships

Alongside peers Ron Hyggen with Kitsaki and Gary Flett with Acden, in this magazine article Annie Korver shared insights on how to build successful business partnership that will stand the test of time.

2024 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase

The Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase seeks to highlight the ways that leading-edge relationships between Indigenous businesses and corporate Canada are making reconciliation a reality for the whole nation. Alongside Chief Gilbert “Gibby” Jacob, Caoimhe Laird, and Kat Holman, Rise team member Patti Derbyshire spoke on the panel Partnership in Principle and in Practice: Measuring Progress. With the theme “Reconciliation in action,” diverse guest speakers offered practical ways to advance reconciliation, especially through the unique opportunities presented through partnerships and Indigenous equity ownership.

2024 Forward Summit Workforce Forward West

Forward Summit Workforce Forward West was sold-out event in Mohkinstsis that brought together over 1000 participants, 100+ speakers and 200+ communities for two days focused on Indigenous-led dialogue and economic Reconciliation. Alongside Grand Chief Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer, Geena Jackson, Hope Regimbald and Amanda Ens, Annie Korver spoke on the Amplifying the Voices of Others: Indigenous Women as Trailblazers and Changemakers in a Quest for Progress panel discussion, speaking to areas surrounding Indigenous inclusion and economic Reconciliation.

2024 Champions Retreat

Champions Retreat is the key catalytic and inspirational event for the B Corp movement in Canada and the U.S. connecting and mobilizing values-aligned people using business as a force for good. Riser team members Annie Korver, Dean Schroeder, Hayley Roulstone and Patti Derbyshire led the Paths to Reconciliation: Building Meaningful Relationships with Indigenous Communities workshop alongside guest speakers Ali Pearce, Ash Modha and Naz Lauriault.

2024 Globe Forum

The 2024 GLOBE Forum represented society’s toughest challenges and greatest opportunities. These outcomes-focused action areas are intrinsically linked, and we must accelerate solutions that address them together. Annie Korver spoke alongside Indigenous women and Two Spirit leaders on the A Matriarchal Movement: The Vital Role of Indigenous Women in the Energy Transition panel.

2023 CPA ESG Symposium

In recent years, gender diversity on boards has been a hot topic of discussion and research has shown the importance of diverse voices on boards and their influence on organizational performance and decision-making. Following an overview or recent research findings conducted in partnership with DirectHer Network and Mount Royal University that fills the gap in previous research, Annie Korver participated in a conversation about the front end of the board talent pipeline to high highlight her board experience, aspirations, barriers, and training needed for board work.

2023 Forward Summit West

During a roundtable at the 2023 Forward Summit West, Annie Korver facilitated a discussion surrounding the biggest issues HR departments are facing in hiring Indigenous Peoples. The roundtable shared knowledge about the biggest barriers for Indigenous peoples to overcome when entering or advancing in the workforce and how companies can focus on retention.

Speaker for the MSc Program in Sustainability Management

As a visiting speaker for the MSc Program in Sustainability Management, Maya Douglas offered an overview of emerging topics and invited students to explore where and how Indigenous Reconciliation and Inclusion underpins sustainability and ESG.

Moving the Needle: Advancing Gender Representation in Board Leadership

Moving the Needle: Advancing Gender Representation in Board Leadership with Annie Korver, Chantel Cabaj, Cody Slater and CBC’s Nancy Carlson as part of the YWCA Power lunch series with DIrectHer on March 10, 2022.

Taking The First Step, A Path Toward Inclusion And Reconciliation

Taking The First Step, A Path Toward Inclusion And Reconciliation. Annie Korver joined Hailey Taskey on the Lloyd Saad The Right Side of Risk Podcast on November 9, 2021.

Annie Korver – Truth, Reconciliation and Our Path Forward

Annie Korver joined Jeff Tetz, CEO at Results, on the Unleashed podcast on September 30, 2021, to discuss Truth, Reconciliation and Our Way Forward.

What Does Indigenous Reconciliation in CRE Look Like?

What Does Indigenous Reconciliation in Commercial Real Estate Look Like? Annie Korver joined REALPAC’s CEO, Michael Brooks, on July 22, 2021 on the REALtalk podcast.

CFAR Society – Interview with Annie Korver

Circle for Aboriginal Relations (CFAR) March 26, 2021 interview blog post with CFAR Member, Annie Korver.

A Commitment to Building Knowledge

Young Women in Energy March 22, 2021 blog post: A Commitment to Building Knowledge by Annie Korver.

Celebrating Alberta’s Powerful Women Leaders

Annie Korver joined Brittany Brander and Alicia Planincic with the Business Council of Alberta’s International Women’s Day podcast series to celebrate Alberta’s Powerful Women Leaders on March 8, 2021.

Raise Her Up: Annie Korver

March 8, 2021 Poppy Barley and DirectHer International Women’s Day Collection, featuring Annie Korver.

Canadian Energy Centre’s October 29, 2020 article

Indigenous Inclusion and Economic Development Practitioner Sees ‘Truly Big’ Opportunity in Oil and Gas, features Annie Korver.