KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DAVID A. ROBERTSON
David A. Robertson is one of Canada’s most influential literary and public voices. A member of Norway House Cree Nation, he is an acclaimed author, graphic novelist, podcaster, and speaker focused on Indigenous stories, mental health, and freedom of expression. His work has earned major honours, including two Governor General’s Literary Awards and international recognition. His books and memoir explore identity, family, and cultural reconnection, while his podcast amplifies Indigenous perspectives. As a keynote speaker, he fosters empathy and dialogue. He also leads Swift Water Books, supporting and advancing Indigenous publishing for future generations.
DEVAN RAJKUMAR
Chef Devan Rajkumar is a Guyanese culinary talent whose work celebrates the rich flavours and cultural traditions of Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Drawing from his Indo-Guyanese heritage, he blends bold spices, vibrant ingredients, and contemporary techniques to create elevated yet approachable dining experiences. Chef Devan uses food as storytelling, each dish reflects his roots, culture, and lived experience, bringing people together through flavour, memory, and meaningful connection.
ASHLEY MOORE
Dr. Ashley R. Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Dr. Moore is a critical applied linguist whose scholarship broadly aims at grasping the effects of power on the linguistic trajectories of plurilingual people, especially those belonging to equity-deserving groups. Through his scholarship, teaching, and service, he leverages that understanding in the shared project of creating just language education for all learners. He has co-facilitated antiracist caucuses at the University of British Columbia and recently served as co-chair of various justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within the American Association for Applied Linguistics’ (Co-chair: 2022–2025; Committee Member: ongoing). Dr. Moore is an active public scholar.