Dr Mawera Karetai (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha) is a social scientist, researching and teaching in climate change, indigenous research methodology, and ethics. Mawera is research lead for the Te Ao Hurihuri: Te Ao Hou project, focussing on climate anxiety in coastal Aotearoa. Awhina Ngātuere (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi). Awhina is a māmā, strategist, and CE of Toi Kai Rawa. A product of Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa and active kaitiaki for her whenua at MountMaunganui. Her doctoral research will explore ancestral knowledge and its role in shaping a flourishing future for her tribal community. Tūmanako McLeod (Tauranga Moana whānui) introduces an Indigenous adaptation pathway of Mātauranga Mokopuna exploring the impacts of climate change on coastal communities, specifically Maungatapu Mārae. Investigating how accumulative Mātauranga Mokopuna help communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change on their lands and way of life.

Chief Darrell Bob and Spiritual Knowledge Keeper from Xaxli'p First Nation, St'át'imc Nation. He has been an elected leader since 2006 and has dedicated his life to fostering spaces for healing, ceremony, and knowledge-sharing both in Canada and internationally.

Kristi Denby (she/her) is a climate and environment policy analyst, researcher, and sustainability professional with extensive experience working at the intersection of environmental and social justice and Indigenous rights. Her work spans diverse geographies—including Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Tanzania, South Africa, and Canada—where she has collaborated with Indigenous communities to advance climate resilience, gender equity, and sustainable development. Kristi holds an interdisciplinary Master’s of Science in International Development Studies from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, where she focused her research on a critical analysis of water policy, land reform and on the ground water governance and access in the former homelands in South Africa. Since joining the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations in 2022, Kristi has played a pivotal role in advancing First Nations’ climate leadership and advocating for First Nations’ rights, titles, and interests, particularly on issues of climate, environment, and fisheries in alignment with the UN Declaration. She works in partnership with climate leads from the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to implement the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action, in addition to co-leading several key BCAFN files and projects in partnership with rights and titleholders, including the BC First Nations Leadership Agenda, the BC First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Project, and the international climate adaptation project Building Climate Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives.

Katisha Paul, Kwikws l̲ vs̲ áos (Little Angel) from W̱ JOȽEȽP and Lil’wat nations, living in Musqueam territory. Guided by her ancestors, she holds a strong belief in the power of balance and equality, and stands up for Indigenous rights, human rights, cultural revitalisation and environmental protection through Indigenous knowledge systems and UNDRIP.

Dr Gwen Point is a well-respected and well-recognized Stó:lō leader, visionary, mentor, and cultural advisor. Dr. Point currently serves as a BCAFN Knowledge Keeper and has contributed her deep cultural knowledge and wisdom to revitalise these teachings in her community and has contributed to numerous books, conferences and workshops.

Janna Wale is Gitxsan/Cree-Métis, and is the Indigenous Research and Partnerships Lead at the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. Her research uses a complex human-environmental systems approach, bridging western and Indigenous science towards adaptation and climate resilience. She has won several awards for her work on Indigenous climate adaptation.