Rooted in the principles of Ethical Space, Two-Eyed Seeing, and respectful knowledge sharing, our speakers bring deep lived experience, expertise, and vision. Their contributions reflect the IISAAK OLAM Foundation’s core values: advancing Indigenous self-determination, fostering intergenerational learning, and supporting conservation grounded in Indigenous rights, relationships, and responsibilities with the Land.
Our Keynote Speakers are available on a limited basis. For a truly transformative experience, we invite you to join us at the Clayoquot Campus, where they are more often present and available to share their knowledge in circle and on the Land. Joining us in person allows you and your group to move beyond listening to a keynote and step into a space where Indigenous-led conservation is lived, practiced, and advanced.
See below for speaker biographies, examples of their past engagements, speaking topics, fees, and how to get in touch.
Eli Enns is an internationally recognized expert in Indigenous-led conservation. From Tla-o-qui-aht Nation on his father’s side, and of Dutch Mennonite heritage on his mother’s side, Eli promotes holistic solutions for community and ecosystem health and well-being. With a background in political science, Eli is a ‘Nation-builder’ with values and approaches rooted in Indigenous economic theory and practice.
In 2017, a decade after co-founding the Ha-uukmin Tribal Park in his own territory, Eli co-chaired the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) for the Pathway to Canada Target 1, which culminated with the groundbreaking 2018 report, We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in the spirit and practice of reconciliation. IPCAs are now a central component of Canada’s conservation efforts. Eli supports Indigenous Nations across Canada to advance their conservation efforts.
Terry is from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, House of Hi-you-eah, represented by the Seitcher family. In 2003, he was given the Nuu-chah-nulth name “Seit-Cha” (One who swims around in the water). Raised in Port Alberni by his great-grandmother Susan Marshall (Xwisten, St’át’imc Nation), he became an activist for Indigenous rights and land defense at age 12, after joining the 1984 blockades that declared Wah-Nah-Jus/Hilth-Hoo-is (Meares Island) a Tribal Park. He was also active in direct action movements defending fisheries and removing open-net fish farms.
As a former Tla-o-qui-aht councillor (2010-2016, 2018-2022), he co-founded the Tribal Parks Guardian program. From 2007 to 2023, he coordinated Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks projects.
Terry currently serves as President of the Board at IISAAK OLAM Foundation and Director of the West Coast IPCA Support Program (WISP).
Interested in booking Eli or Terry for a speaking engagement?
Contact us for availability and rates: keynote@iisaakolam.ca
