Meet this Years Speakers:

In this session, Jen Prpich, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Human Resources at Huna Totem Corporation, shares how one Native corporation is transforming workforce development by embedding cultural identity at the heart of its strategy. From onboarding and leadership training to shareholder career pathways and engagement initiatives, Jen outlines a replicable framework that prioritizes people, honors tradition, and builds long-term economic strength.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A blueprint for integrating Indigenous values into modern workforce systems
• Real-world tools to support leadership readiness, employee retention, and community investment

• Lessons learned from implementing engagement surveys, leadership pathways, and cultural orientation programs across multiple tourism and corporate entities

In this session, attendees will learn about the importance of maintaining balance between pursuing passions and managing full-time jobs and other commitments. Life is about balance—while we all wear many hats, feeding your soul provides the fuel for a fulfilling and sustainable life. 

A member of the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she has dedicated much of her career to education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University. In her free time, Julie finds joy in walking the lakeshore, collecting beach glass, driftwood, and rocks, which she transforms into jewelry. She also enjoys yoga, indulging in desserts, and spending time reading and writing. Her love of creative expression led to the publication of her inaugural book, Who Am I, in July 2023, with her second book, Mama’s Song, slated for release in March 2026.

This presentation will explore cultural practices designed to promote healing. Particular focus will include the medicine wheel model of wellness, Anishinaabemowin, Baaga'adowewin, traditional foods, and sweat lodge ceremonies. 

Following the presentation, attendees will collectively create actionable steps to promote healing for individuals and communities at large.

Joseph was born and raised in White River Junction, Vermont. He attended Penn State University for his undergraduate education before earning his master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University. He worked as a primary care provider for nearly a decade before returning to school and obtaining his psychiatric training at Johns Hopkins University. He has more than 15 years of clinical experience in settings ranging from community health centers, inpatient hospitals, emergency rooms, and Indian Health Service clinics.

Proud Member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Owner of Cup of Joy in Mt. Pleasant, and Tribal Chaplain- Alice Joe Ricketts joins us to share what it means to have a heart to serve.

Boozhu. My name is Alice Jo Ricketts. My Ojibway name is Shagi Kwe (blue heron woman). I have lived on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian reservation my entire life. I will be 60 years old March of 2026. I have served as our tribal chaplain for the Saginaw Chippewa tribal council for the last 3 terms. I also own Cup of Joy cafe located on our reservation. We have been open for a little over a year. I run the business with my husband, children and grandchildren. We our most blessed to be able to serve our community.

Drawing on her experience running a cloth diaper education program and secondhand outfitting program, Leah will highlight the sustainability practices that have guided her success while maintaining Tribal values at the center of her work. 

Leah will discuss the "why" behind her business, weaving in examples of how she leveraged small grant opportunities to build a program that is both impactful and replicable in other communities. 

Participants will gain insights into balancing entrepreneurship with social responsibility and think about practical ways to weave simple, thoughtful practices that lead the way towards more people and planet focused business.