There are an estimated 370 million indigenous peoples in the world.
Indigenous peoples make up for more than 5000 distinct tribes.
About IISB
The International Indigenous Speakers Bureau-IISB is about creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to connect, and build bridges, by providing access to a wealth of Indigenous Speakers around the world.
IISB is about opening doors for talented, experienced or emerging Indigenous Speakers, and Knowledge-keepers, by helping them share their unique perspectives, solutions, and world views around the globe. At the same time, IISB works to empower the Speakers experience and ensure their talents are honoured appropriately.
At the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau, we believe that building bridges is possible, and that through education and understanding we will create prosperous pathways for all our future generations.
IISB turns to the United Nations for insight into the term “Indigenous”. The UN states that although the term is generic, in various countries there are many ways to describe the “indigenous” people of that place, including tribes, first peoples/nations, aboriginals, ethnic groups, adivasi, janajati.
Vision:
Inspire. Empower. Uplift.
Mission:
To help Indigenous speakers and knowledge-keepers share their gifts on a global stage, give audiences an opportunity to access the wealth of indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and bring together a world of unlimited possibilities.
Mandate:
- Represent Indigenous speakers by negotiating fair value agreements;
- Create a strong presence of Indigenous speakers on-line;
- Build bridges between cultures;
- Improve the financial sustainability of Indigenous speakers;
- Help emerging speakers find their voice;
Values
- Relationship building
- Positive and inspiring messages
- Honour, Respect, and trustworthiness
Our objectives are quite simple:
- Create a safe and respectful platform for indigenous and non-indigenous people to come together and learn from one another;
- Promote Indigenous speakers on a world stage;
- Empower our Indigenous people to value their gifts and talents;
- Assist the development of emerging speakers;
- Ensure Indigenous speakers are seen, heard and valued around the globe.
We come from the world of story-tellers and we understand the power of the spoken word. Stories can heal, inspire and transform lives.
Featured Speakers
Eddy Robinson
Featured in CBC’s Moccassins & Concrete documentary and having performed with the likes of Serena Ryder, Andrea Menard, Plex and many others, Eddy Robinson’s perspective and drum beats are highly sought after.
Eddy Robinson is a caring and motivated educator, speaker, and life changer. He speaks to the need for understanding the benefits of knowing your culture. Eddy will enlighten and entertain with passionate, personal narratives, along with a depth of insight into indigenous culture and knowledge.
Jaris Swidrovich
Swidrovich is Canada's first and only First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy. Lecturer, Mentor, Community leader, Swidrovich combines experience meeting organizational needs and Health Care mandates. Jaris is passionate about health, education, and how Indigenous and marginalized people are impacted. He integrates personal stories to explain complex issues which resonates with both young and old. His powerful presentations illustrate how we can all be part of the cure and partake in the TRC’s Calls to Action.
Michelle Thrush
Gemini Award winning Actress, and multi-award nominee, including Best Lead Actress and Best Actress in a TV series, powerhouse celebrity Michelle Thrush knows what it takes to light up a stage. Wit, humour, passion, and creativity are just a few of Michelle’s attributes, outside of celebrity, that draw her to stages world-wide. Whether she is speaking from her heart, hosting galas, or breaking down the barriers of stereotypes, Michelle engages, captivates, and moves audiences to feel and see her unique vision of life.
Ngahihi Bidois
Multi-award winning International Leadership Speaker and Author, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois is known as "The Face of New Zealand" inspires with the timeless wisdom from the Maori culture. This Modern day warrior’s presentation on "Ancient Wisdom Modern Solutions" is why he is the recipient of the National Professional Speakers Association, New Zealand Inspirational Speaker of the Year. A Maori leader, Ngahi combines centuries of tradition, along with his hands-on business experience, and academic qualifications to bring a message that transcends cultural boundaries.