Hi. I’m Michelle!

As an Indigenous Professional from the Cowessess First Nation, my personal and professional career focuses on increasing Indigenous careers at all levels, increasing the number of Indigenous entrepreneurs and improving relations between Indigenous People and policing.

Driven by a desire to continue my late Father’s legacy, my vision is is to:

”Advance Reconciliation by Changing the Narrative to Intergenerational Success.”

It’s an interesting story of how I ended up in this amazing space:

I’m a gal who really loves what I do! I wear many hats as the:

• President of Brooks HR Group

• Owner of Regina’s Venue B (A coffee shop, catering company, event center, mobile espresso service and bannock bites retailer)

• Board Member of Ignite Adult Learning Corporation

• Board Member of Economic Development Regina

• Member of the Regina Police Service Board of Commissioners.

There is a lot on my plate, however, it never feels like work because I have big goals, great teams and passion for what I do.

Let me tell you how being determined, and open to change, completely changed my path!

How did I get here?

In the summer of 2020, I was in a long-term career and planned to retire at this company. However, I went through a few life-changing events and started re-evaluating my professional future. I quickly realized I wanted to dedicate my personal and professional life doing things that I am passionate about that matched my values … and would advance Reconciliation.

If you read my LinkedIn profile, I talk about how not knowing how to do something is never as excuse. That is something I have followed since changing my focus and career path!

My BOLD move!

After a 23-year corporate career as an HR Professional in the Crown sector, I took a risk and moved my career to an Indigenous Economic Development Corporation as the Director of Indigenous HR Strategy.

This was a rewarding role that helped me build my professional network, be involved in impactful Indigenous employment initiatives ….and build my leadership confidence to sit at the decision-making tables as a First Nations, female leader. In January 2024, I left the corporate world and became my own boss!

I am the proud owner of Brooks HR Group, a company dedicated to creating Indigenous careers and leadership through all levels of industry, and Venue B, a coffee lounge, catering company and event centre.

Both businesses keep me busy, however I always make time to give back to Indigenous Youth and professionals, community and my alumni schools, the University of Regina and SIIT.

I am passionate about:

( 1) ADVANCING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND RECONCILIATION

My areas of expertise are Human Resources, entrepreneurship, career strategy and economic reconciliation.

In addition to receiving the above ABEX award, I currently lead the Reconciliation Action & Accountability Network (RAAN) with dedicated employers who collaborate to advance TRC Call to Action #92.

Both of my businesses work together to advance reconciliation and encourage Indigenous leadership in careers and entrepreneurship.

Outside of my businesses, I sit on the Board of Directors for the Ignite Adult Learning Corporation, Economic Development Regina and the Regina Police Service Board of Commissioners.

( 2 ) ENSURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE HAVE REPRESENTATION AND DECISION-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION, BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY.

My father, the late Stanford Sparvier, was an RCMP Officer who dedicated his career to policing and justice. He was my role model and is the reason why I dedicate my personal and professional career to advancing reconciliation. You cannot change the past, however, you can do your very best to create a better future when we work together.

I keep Dad’s legacy alive by working fiercely toward my goals and by ensuring there is Indigenous representation and decision-making ability in the in the sectors listed above. My Regina Police Service Board position allows me to create impact to enhance relations between Indigenous People and police services. This is something where Dad was a change maker!

( 3 ) BEING AN INDIGENOUS LEADER AND ROLE MODEL

I want Indigenous youth to see what I do as an inspiration because they are our future leaders. My father, and many family members, attended residential school. Knowing that history is overwhelming and I choose to use those emotions to help others move forward. I love seeing the light in the eyes of our Indigenous Youth when I show them they can be anything they want in life!

I am an engaging speaker who motivates audiences to take ACTION!

If you haven’t watched my TEDx talk yet, I encourage you to watch it here: Michelle’s TEDx Talk

With an ability to customize presentations and training to your organization or conference, I speak at events on topics including, but not limited, to:

• It Takes More than Desire to Attract and Retain Indigenous Employees
  Leave with Ways to Action your Indigenous Recruitment Plans)

• Recruitment-Focuses Indigenous Awareness Training

  “Real” Training on How Intergenerational Trauma Affects the Workforce Today and How Your Organization Can Help Advance Reconciliation and Change the Narrative to Intergenerational Success)
  

• Entrepreneurship
  Not knowing how to do something is never an excuse when you want to become a successful entrepreneur
  

• Your “Why” and “Passion” Wins Every Time
  How to Create the Future you Want by Focusing on your Passions and Goals
  

• Engaging your Workforce to Excel in their Careers
  Happy, engaged employees are productive employees
  

• Using LinkedIn Strategically Network and Promote Your Brand
  Your employees are the best people to promote your company vision, careers, industry and work culture. This workshop focuses on how to reach many audiences by creating personal and company brand messages that multiply your reach.

If any of these topics sound great to you … reach out and I would be happy to discuss speaking arrangements.