Indigenous peoples hold 20% of the earth's landmass but that land harbours 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity.
Indigenous peoples speak thousands of languages.

Latest NewsOct 30, 2020
IBM is rewriting normal & IISB's Neurodiversity expert Jolene Stockman is helping them to get there!
This proud New Zealand Maori Woman, with her infectious enthusiasm, is revolutionizing perceptions and rewriting normal. Award-winning author and an internationally recognized TEDx speaker, Jolene Stockman doesn’t believe in deficit-based thinking. Diagnosed as an adult with Autism, she says she escaped the disadvantages of having a label growing up, but also tells you, that she also missed out on the advantages of the diagnosis. “Neurodiversity is a superpower,” says Jolene, and “Autism friendly is actually Human friendly”. The oversensitivity’s of a person with autism is not a disability but rather a super ability. The autistic brain can see and feel things that a neurotypical brains cannot. This gives autistic people the ability to unlock a new world of potential and possibilities. Stockman shared her story and expertise with IBM’s team globally, helping them to move from Binary to Spectrum and teaching them how to engage with this world of potential.
Find out more about this amazing woman and her story:
https://iisb.ca/our-speakers/jolene-stockman/
Latest News / Events
Latest NewsOct 30, 2020
IBM is rewriting normal & IISB's Neurodiversity expert Jolene Stockman is helping them to get there!
“Neurodiversity is a superpower,” says Jolene, and “Autism friendly is actually Human friendly”.
Latest NewsSep 30, 2020
Joseph Naytowhow speaks on Residential Schools: My truth is Your truth. We are All in this together.
IISB Speaker Joseph Naytowhow speaks with Lululemon to educate on the significance of Orange Shirt Day in Canada elevating our understanding with his experience in Residential School.
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.