Summit Emcee

Justin “Jahkota” Holness

Jah’kota is an Afro-Indigenous humanitarian, artist and entrepreneur and elected council for Ocean Man First Nation. His father is from Kingston Jamaica and his mother is Nakota Assiniboine, signatories to Treaty 4. He was born and raised in Winnipeg and now lives full time in his community of Ocean Man First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Jah'kota has had two songs reach number one on the Indigenous music countdown and has been nominated for multiple awards including the Indigenous Music Awards 2019, the Native American Music Awards 2024, and the SaskMusic Awards 2025, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards 2025.

Justin “Jahkota” Holness uses music as a way to amplify the message of self-determination and to empower the welfare of people and the planet.

Summit Co-Founders

Janice Gladue (Asini waciy iskwêw – “Rocky Mountain Woman”) is a member of the Sweetgrass First Nation. She has spent her professional career building and supporting capacity development in Indigenous communities. As a values-driven visionary, she questions the status quo, leads through change, and influences adjustments through her people-focused leadership approach. Janice sees potential where others would see challenges and bridges gaps by creating linkages to opportunities.

Michele Young-Crook is an Algonquin consultant belonging to the Nijkwiwisens (Antoine) Family and Bear Clan, her grandmother was a member of Nippissing FN. With over 20 years of experience in event planning and community development, she specializes in creating impactful events that empower Indigenous communities. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Sage3, an Indigenous-women-led firm, her mission is to provide the tools, connections, and capacity-building opportunities necessary for sustainable community growth.