2026 Speakers and Presenters

Dr. Rudy Reimer (Yumks) is a member of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University, where he holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Community-Based Archaeology. His work brings together western scientific methods and Indigenous Knowledge systems to illuminate long-standing relationships between people, culture, and place across the Northwest Coast, Interior Plateau, and western Subarctic.

Grounded in his home territory around the Salish Sea, Dr. Reimer’s research uses geoarchaeological and archeometric techniques and aligns these data with Indigenous oral histories, toponymy, and ancestral memory. His approach centres Indigenous priorities, working collaboratively with communities to ensure results are accessible, relevant, and support cultural continuity. His long-term work in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound exemplifies this commitment, bringing together archaeology, ecology, and Indigenous Knowledge to understand deep-time human–environment relationships across this culturally and ecologically significant region.

Dr. Reimer is also widely known as a public educator and communicator. He is co-host of Wild Archaeology on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), an award-winning series that travels across Canada to explore archaeological sites and highlight Indigenous leadership in uncovering and interpreting the past. He has also appeared in other educational programs, helping dispel misconceptions about Indigenous history and deepen public understanding of the scientific and cultural significance of archaeological work.

Through his scholarship, community partnerships, and public storytelling, Dr. Reimer has become a leading voice in Indigenous archaeology; advancing research that is scientifically rigorous, culturally grounded, and committed to community wellbeing and sovereignty.

Christy Smith is a member of the K’ómoks First Nation and a recognized leader in bridging Indigenous perspectives with the natural resource sector. She holds a Bachelor of Native Studies from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia. With over 25 years of experience, Christy has worked extensively at the interface of Indigenous communities and resource companies, serving in leadership roles such as Senior Vice President Indigenous Interests and Community Wellbeing at Falkirk Environmental Consultants, Vice President of Sustainability at TDG Gold Corp., and director of Talisker Resources Ltd.

 Christy is co-author of Weaving Two Worlds: Economic Reconciliation Between Indigenous Peoples and the Resource Sector, a book that combines Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives to guide resource companies in building respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities. Known for her relationship-centered approach and commitment to decolonizing business practices, Christy works to foster trust, equity, and meaningful collaboration between Indigenous Peoples and the resource sector, while drawing on her deep connection to her community, heritage, and the land.