Engagement Forum: National Indigenous Peoples Day

Cynthia Balla is a Director in KPMG Canada’s Infrastructure, Capital Projects and Sustainability practice. A CPA and Corporate Development professional, she has a strong track record in structuring and executing landmark Indigenous partnerships.  

She also serves as the Alberta Indigenous Services Leader and is based in Calgary. 

Sheryl-Ann (SAS) WAAKSISTO AAKII “Courageous Lady” is Cree, a Member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, and a graduate of Banff Centre’s Indigenous Leadership, Strategy and Management Program.  She is the Founder and Owner of Sundance Source Consulting, an Indigenous led consulting practice as well as the Co-Founder of Propel Works – a boutique business advisory firm focused on growth. She is currently working across Canada with Industry and Nations on Major Capital Projects, Economic Development and Indigenous Sovereignty through strong relationship building and expertise in Indigenous Wisdom and Finance.   SAS has also worked with Nations, Corporations, and Universities to develop and deliver Inclusivity, Belonging, and Unconscious Bias Programs and Initiatives.  Through these contributions, she has been recognized, nominated, and received The Governor General of Canada Award.  She attended Harvard, Western, McGill, and The University of Alberta.  Most important to her, is her lived experience as an Indigenous Person and her dedication to supporting and leading not only parallel ways – but also braiding these ways together for strength in ethical space.    

Matthew Foss is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. He brings over 25 years of public policy experience, specializing in energy economics along with research and public policy development. Mr. Foss currently serves as the Vice President of Research & Public Policy for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, is a Member of the Board for the Canada Energy Regulator, serves on the Indigenous Advisory Circle for Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and is an Executive Fellow at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy.  

Matthew’s focus at the CCIB is on advancing Indigenous business through research and advocacy related to procurement, international trade, celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs and natural resource development. Matthew has frequently provided seminars and presentations to domestic and international audiences and has taught university-level economics courses. Prior to joining CCIB, he ran his own energy economics and public policy consulting business for several years and served as the Chief Energy Economist for the Alberta Government. 

Matthew has a Master of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts First Class Honours in Economics, both obtained from the University of Calgary.  

Steve Saddleback, a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta, is a recognized leader in advancing Indigenous economic participation across Canada. He is a Partner at the 100% Indigenous owned Opimoyaso Group and serves as the Senior Advisor for External Relations for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition.

With a background spanning finance, real estate, government relations, and non-profit leadership, Steve has played key roles—including co-chairing the First Nations Site Rehabilitation Program and partnering in an oil and gas construction firm. He is an active board member of organizations such as Renfrew Educational Services, the Clean Resource Innovation Network, Calgary’s Hydrogen Hub, and Equitable Origin. He serves on the Alberta’s Energy Future Initiative Leadership Council. He also holds the ICD.D designation.

Sandra Sutter is a Métis consultant, community leader, and award-winning singer-songwriter and filmmaker with extensive experience in Indigenous community-industry relations, engagement, and partnership development. She has served on boards and committees at the local, provincial, national and international levels and has supported initiatives related to economic development, employment, and Indigenous inclusion. Sandra is known for fostering respectful dialogue and creating space for meaningful conversations that build understanding, relationships, and action.