While Indigenous peoples total only about 6% of the world's population, they represent 90% of the cultural diversity.
Of more than 130 clinically useful major prescriptive drugs that are derived from plants over 70% came to the attention of pharmaceutical companies because of Indigenous peoples use in traditional forms of medicine.
Dallas Soonias Athlete + Inspirational Keynote
“Never Stop Reaching New Heights”
Role Model, International Volleyball Star and Proud Aboriginal Canadian, Dallas Soonias means it when he says ‘Never Stop Reaching for New Heights’. Never taking life too seriously yet Dallas puts everything he has into what he does. This is all part of what Dallas passes on when helping youth realize their unlimited potential. Dallas’s fearless comic approach to life and sport keeps his audience on their toes and smiling.
Dallas Randolph (Keeshig) Soonias is a Volleyball phenomenon! Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and featured as a Neechie Gear Role Model, Dallas has excelled on the national and international court. Playing college ball for Red Deer and then for the UofA Golden Bears, winning multiple gold and silver medals before successfully excelling onward to the Canadian National Mens volleyball team for the next 10 years, then professionally in China.
Dallas is proud to be the first aboriginal Canadian to represent Canada at the highest level of his sport and feels honored and blessed that the game he loves has taken him to all the corners of the planet. He always keeps in mind when he puts on the jersey, he’s not just representing Canada, but also the First Nations peoples. Over his decade with Team Canada, Dallas has played professionally for clubs around the world.
Dallas has won League cups and been a statistical league leader in several categories. Dallas has made a number of trips to northern native communities to meet with the young athletes and give volleyball clinics. Dallas spends time after each game talking to young people and accommodating them with stories, photographs and autographs. He is especially aware of aboriginal youth in the audience and seeks them out when they are too shy to come forward.
-
Never Stop Reaching for New Heights
Dallas shares with the audience his journey to the International Court, competing with the worlds best, and how dreams truly are attainable. For Dallas, his dream was Volleyball. But every step of the way Dallas made himself reach higher and higher. His approach to life is what has helped him achieve his dream and taking him to the highest levels of his sport. Whatever your sport, dream, or background “Never Stop Reaching for New Heights”.
-
-
-
Highlights & Awards
Speaker Categories:
Youth Champions Athletes Leadership and Mentorship Motivation Actors Entertainers and CelebritiesDallas Randolph (Keeshig) Soonias is a Volleyball phenomenon! Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and featured as a Neechie Gear Role Model, Dallas has excelled on the national and international court. Playing college ball for Red Deer and then for the UofA Golden Bears, winning multiple gold and silver medals before successfully excelling onward to the Canadian National Mens volleyball team for the next 10 years, then professionally in China.
Dallas is proud to be the first aboriginal Canadian to represent Canada at the highest level of his sport and feels honored and blessed that the game he loves has taken him to all the corners of the planet. He always keeps in mind when he puts on the jersey, he’s not just representing Canada, but also the First Nations peoples. Over his decade with Team Canada, Dallas has played professionally for clubs around the world.
Dallas has won League cups and been a statistical league leader in several categories. Dallas has made a number of trips to northern native communities to meet with the young athletes and give volleyball clinics. Dallas spends time after each game talking to young people and accommodating them with stories, photographs and autographs. He is especially aware of aboriginal youth in the audience and seeks them out when they are too shy to come forward.
Speaker Summary
Location: Canada
Language: English
Website: Click Here
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
Named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s "Future 40", Dr. Jaris Swidrovich is Canada's first self-identified First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy. As President of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists, and member of numerous other boards Swidrovich brings his successful multiversity experience of bridging organizational needs with Health Care mandates. Passionate about health, education, and how Indigenous and marginalized people are impacted at local, provincial, national, and international levels, Dr. Swidrovich delivers powerful presentations illustrating how we can all be part of the cure and partake in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada'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.