World Indigenous Business Network - Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Inc.

The World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBN) is an online community that will connect, inspire, and mobilize organizations and entrepreneurs for collaborations in the sustainable development of Indigenous businesses at a national, and international level, providing opportunities to widen the markets, form partnerships, and enhance Indigenous prosperity through economic growth.

WIBN is an extension of the business partnerships that have been formed in person at the annual World Indigenous Business Forums (WIBF) which attracts close to a thousand Indigenous businesspeople every year. WIBF has been running annually for 15 years, generating momentum, as the forum is meeting the demand of Indigenous people who are committed to forming business partnerships that are focused on enhancing the economic prosperity of Indigenous people. Noticing the commonalities, these international Indigenous leaders have recognized that they are in a position to share their knowledge and resources with other entrepreneurial Indigenous people who are striving to find ways toward economic prosperity. Partnerships have been created at the WIBF events that go beyond borders and can continue to grow using technology. That’s why a protocol was signed at the 2013 WIBF in Guatemala by leaders from the following countries who have committed to supporting the WIBN Community: Guatemala, Chile, Canada, United States, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Fiji, and Nepal.

WHAT WE DO

These Indigenous leaders will:

Provide an online supportive business environment for Indigenous people to engage nationally and internationally.
Cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities to improve access to business opportunities nationally and internationally.
Enhance the capacity of Indigenous business development organizations to provide services, business information, and developmental support services.
Increase Indigenous participation in economic benefits from major resource development and energy investments.
Increase the participation of Indigenous people in the economy through providing resources to economic opportunities.

Indigenous businesspeople can be isolated in their communities, and lack access to information, resources, and knowledge sharing, which limits their potential for prosperity, and puts them at risk of being taken advantage of, making them dependent on intermediaries and external service providers. The WIBN addresses this challenge through an online platform already developed and soon available for the public, that will facilitate the exchange of ideas, generate proposals, make investments, conduct market research, and create sustainable partnerships.

WIBF COUNTRY CHAPTER MEMBERS

Australia Chapter Presidents

Brad Jackson – Australia Chapter President and Secretariate

Brad Jackson is a community development specialist with over 3 decades experience assisting Indigenous communities throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific to build their local economies. Brad takes people on a journey to identify markets, to change the way of business so that more money finds its way in the pockets of local people. His methodology develops business and financial skills as part of a working system to ensure those new skills transform into ongoing behaviour; it contributes to improving the overall enabling environment for business to operate and attract the necessary capital to grow and scale and positively impact many more people; and it guides the overall process to ensure it remains relevant to local people and the markets being served.

Brad has recently established a boutique crowdfunding platform known as Elevate My Community to raise funding for small, achievable economic development projects that can be replicated and scaled and led by the very people who can sustain their success, the local people of the community.

Phil Lockyer – Head of Indigenous Affairs, Tourism Australia

Phil Lockyer is a Noongar man from Western Australia with over 22 years of experience working in Indigenous Affairs across government, community organizations, employment, and corporate sector.

His career focus is creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations people businesses, and communities, and is one of Australia’s leading practitioners of the Reconciliation Action Plan Program which strengthens relationships between First Nations people and the broader community.

His experience includes roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and is currently Head of Indigenous Affairs at Tourism Australia where he is focused on ensuring the diversity, warmth and humour of First Nations people is central to the narrative of Australia as the world’s most memorable destination.

Phil doesn’t believe in leaning in but knocking stuff over to ensure First Nations people are the ones at the table making the decisions that impact us.

Chile Chapter President

Sandra Paillal – Senior Project Consultant, Indigenous Economic Development

Sandra Paillal Venegas; Chilean, strong Mapuche woman, serving her indigenous people, professional Accountant-Auditor, Businesswoman/Entrepreneur, Indigenous Consultant for Latin America; Advisor to Chilean government entities such as Sercotec Inakeyu. University Professor in Business Management/Commerce at various universities in Chile; Sandra leads projects in business, social reform and revitalizing cultural identities for different indigenous peoples; connecting to the global, local and international markets.

Over 15 years working and supporting indigenous economy in Latin American countries, her passion is to help Indigenous Entrepreneurs and giving back to the community; achieving collective objectives, which have impacted families and communities in agriculture initiatives in Chile, cocoa in Ecuador, fish farming in the Amazon of Peru and communication projects in Colombia.

Sandra has held positions as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Santiago, Chile; Business Manager, and was the Lead Negotiator & Administrator for the 2017 World Indigenous Business Forum, held in Santiago, Chile.

Africa Chapter President

Chrisch Siririka – General Manager, Indigenous Peoples’ Business Forum (IPBF)

The IPBF aims to be a unified and fully representative organization that contributes to the growth, transformation and vibrant economy in Namibia. Mr. Siririka brings more than a decade of experience in Business Management Consulting and SMMEs Management Consulting to the position.

Colombia Chapter Presidents

Brad Jackson – Australia Chapter President and Secretariate

Jaime Ramirez – Legal Representative and Project Manager, Ancestry & Development

Ancestry & Development (A&D) partner; A&D legal representative and project manager. MBA, professional in business administration, expert in formulation and project management, coach, senior management advisor and management teams; experience in organizational change management processes, lecturer, teacher and trainer in business strategy, innovation, marketing, associativity, finance and internationalization, for more than 20 years.

Fiji Chapter President

John Tuiono – General Secretary, Fiji Chapter for World Indigenous Business Network

John is secretary of the Fiji Chapter for the Indigenous Business Network. He has a diploma in Theology from South Pacific Bible College and an Advanced Certificate in Personnel Management. John was Manager of the Nasinu Business Incubation Centre, he worked in the Vievueti Community & Social Services Trust in New Zealand, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation for the Government of Fiji, and at the Ministry of Regional Development with the Government of Fiji.

Guatemala Chapter President

Maria Tuyuc – President, World Indigenous Business Network

Maria is President of the Global Network of Indigenous Companies, World Indigenous Business Network and Global Network of Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Guatemala promoting the development of women and Indigenous peoples. Maria created the Mayan School of Business and has worked with the Peace Process and National Conciliation, the Justice Center of Chimaltenango and the Indigenous Peoples Area, Gender, Publication and Investigation of the Institute of Comparative Studies and Criminal Science from Guatemala.

Nepal Chapter President

Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary – Founder President of BASE (Backward Society Education)

At the age of 17 Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary began his lifetime of work as an organizer for the socially, politically and economically deprived people of Nepal.

In 1985 Dilli organized, along with 15 youth, a club called MisritCharpate. A group of Tharu Indigenous youth created a movement to improve inadequate programs and services. Between 1985 to 1990, Mr. Chaudhary was able to unite around 300,000 members into the organization. Administration of autocratic Panchayat regime had accused him of being traitor at that period. Their efforts in introducing literacy, income generation, and advocacy were recognized by the funders. By 1991 they formalized their efforts by creating BASE (Backward Society Education) which still, today, upholds its vision “first sight on education” with mass coverage in rural and marginalized areas. The literacy rate among Tharu Indigenous people increased due to formal and non-formal literacy campaigns led by Mr. Chaudhary. More than 350,000 women, men and children have become literate.

BASE founder president, Dilli led the Kamaiya (bonded laborer/slaves) movement and in 2000, this enormous activist effort led to the outlaw of bonded labor altogether, essentially “freeing” over 200,000 people. These kamaiyas were then socially and economically empowered. Despite difficult circumstances, Mr. Chaudhary was able to organize Indigenous and marginalized women forming more than 800 saving credit women groups in mid and far west regions. Currently in the Nepal Government Minister of Labor and Employment, Dilli helped bring forth a National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labor (2018).

New Zealand Chapter Presidents

Richard Jefferies – CEO, Tiaki Global

Richard affiliates to the Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Tukorehe tribes of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Richard is Development Manager with Waikato/Tainui tribe and is committed to generating opportunities for Indigenous businesses to collaborate and trade.

Richard is passionate about the development of Maori and Indigenous business models that reflect and integrate the culture of the Tangata Whenua (original people of the land) into the way in which they conduct business and clarify their vision and purpose. He has provided advisory services to over 300 Maori organizations during 18 years as a management consultant and has been involved in a range of strategic initiatives for Maori across various industries.Richard sits on several boards and is also a businessman in his own right with interests in the kiwifruit industry. He is a fluent speaker of the Maori language, has wide experience in Maori education, and is happily married with six children.

Richard also leads Te Ohu Whai Ao Charitable Trust which was set up to organize WIBF 2018 to be hosted by the Māori people of New Zealand/Aotearoa. The Trust will also represent Māori from New Zealand on the World Indigenous Business Network.

Rachel Petero – Founder and CEO, Rise 2025

With strong Māori genealogy to her tribal lands and people of Waikato- Tainui, Rachel advocates and drives gender equity, diversity and inclusivity through her leadership roles in governance, business and community development.

Rachel’s management consulting business grew exponentially from 2010 starting in London, UK to Doha, Qatar and returning home to Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2015. She continues to receive recognition and awards as the Founder of Rise2025, Women leading change Qatar and her internationally recognised leadership, business and coaching programmes. Internationally trained in Human Resources, Executive and Business Coaching, her vision for Rise2025 Global is to transform the lives of 100,000 Indigenous women and their families by 2025.

Against all odds, in May 2020, Rachel secured a new global partnership with Shopify Canada to launch ‘HIWA’ an e-coaching, e-commerce programme for Indigenous women.

And in October 2020, she launched her first co-authored published book titled ‘Take Your Space’ sharing the secrets of 14 successful and diverse women.

Through her corporate business development and governance experience as Co-Chair of Te Ohu Whai Ao Trust, Trustee on Ngāti Tamaoho boards, Rachel continues to remain locally grounded and globally focused. With partnerships in the UK, Middle East, Pacific Islands, Chile, Canada and North America she also holds Cultural Advisory roles for Sysdoc NZ (since 2018) and Otara Bluelight Committee (since 2016).

Rachel has stepped into the Vice Chair role of UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand in May 2022 and an International Director role with IP CFT Los Lagos in Chile in January 2022 ensures Rachel brings a truly global focus with a unique Indigenous lens. Her ministerial governance role with Pacific Cooperation Foundation ended in January 2022.

Alongside her husband John, (Niuean, Cook Island, Tongan) they are investing and expanding their for purpose business Rise 2025 to pass on to their six nieces and nephews.

United States of America Chapter President

Ivan Makil – CEO, Generation Seven Strategic Partners

With expertise in government affairs, business and economic development, Ivan Makil founded Generation Seven Strategic Partners to provide a conduit between tribal governments and non-tribal entities. To further strengthen tribal economies, Makil also created a Native-owned venture capital fund. Ivan Makil was elected to three consecutive terms as President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SPRMIC). Under his leadership, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community became a nationally recognized model for successful business enterprises, land use planning and overall economic development that is creative, diversified, and culturally sensitive. Makil has played a highly influential leadership role in Indigenous communities, by advancing economic linkages, governance practices, and youth leadership programs. Through his many initiatives, Makil strives to bring Indigenous peoples to the forefront, such that, he played an active role in establishing a meeting between tribal leaders and the president of the United States and cabinet members (a feat that has not happened since the 1800’s!) Makil has been highly recognized for his numerous leadership initiatives, as he was selected as “One of the 100 Most Influential in Arizona” by The Business Journal.

Canada Chapter President

Rosa Walker – President & CEO, Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc & World Indigenous Business Forum

Rosa is a member of Peguis First Nation of Manitoba and is currently the President and CEO of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc. in Manitoba. She was the Executive Director of Taking Charge! Inc. – a Federal and Provincial initiative for single parents to transition into the workforce. She was a Manger at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for Workplace Diversity and worked with the Bank of Montreal as Manager, workplace Equality for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Rosa was a former Board Member of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, Board Member of Accreditation Canada, member of the Faculty of Business and Economic Alumni Committee and a member of the Global College Advisory Council both of the University of Winnipeg, she was the Chair of First People’s Economic Growth Fund.

Rosa is the recipient of the YM-YWCA Women of Distinction Award and was named in 2014 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100, She is the recipient of an Inspire Award in 2021.

Partners

Suzara Viray – Senior Finance Advisor, WIBN Fund Initiatives

Suzara Viray, CPA, CA, is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience driving success in sustainable real estate and hospitality sectors. She has played a pivotal role in developing profitable business models, scalable corporate structures, and impactful marketing strategies that align financial performance with environmental responsibility. As Partner at SustainEdge Fund, Suzara ensures the fund’s portfolio prioritizes high-value investments across multiple sectors.

Hoovest (SustainEdge): The SustainEdge fund is already established, allowing for an immediate launch if transferred under the World Indigenous Business Network. However, Hoovest’s international outreach is even more limited. Peter Fang only has five brokers and a more limited international outreach. I would only use this fund if we were bringing in Canadian funds.

Suzara’s expertise includes structuring complex ESG-aligned development projects, guiding sustainable real estate acquisitions, and overseeing financial frameworks that enable projects to deliver long-term economic and environmental returns. Her experience spans mixed-use developments, eco-conscious resort communities, and regenerative tourism initiatives, where she has successfully collaborated with Indigenous groups, governments, and global stakeholders to create projects that advance environmental stewardship while achieving financial scalability.

Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering real estate solutions that merge innovative design, operational efficiency, and sustainability, positioning her as a key driver of progress in the evolving sustainable development sector.

Sandi Lesueur – Principal Advisor for Economic Empowerment and Sustainability

Sandi Lesueur is a globally recognized leader in sustainability-focused wellness real estate development with over 30 years of wellness expertise. She transforms the luxury hospitality and resort sectors through ESG integration, net-positive strategies, and regenerative design principles. As Head of ESG & Indigenous Relations at SustainEdge Fund and Founder & CEO of VIRTU Resort & Residences Ltd., Sandi has spearheaded transformative projects that set new benchmarks in eco-conscious luxury real estate.

Sandi is developing sustainable master-planned communities, net-zero hospitality properties, and integrated resort developments that prioritize environmental impact without compromising profitability. Her focus on renewable energy solutions, circular building practices, and carbon reduction strategies will help deliver landmark projects internationally that redefine modern real estate sustainability.

As Chair of the CleanTech Alliance Hospitality Real Estate Cluster, Sandi is championing advancements in renewable energy adoption and fosters global collaborations that bridge innovation with investment opportunities. Her leadership is further defined by her dedication to building respectful, enduring partnerships with Indigenous communities—ensuring that each project delivers shared economic, cultural, and environmental value.

Her visionary approach to real estate development integrates wellness, sustainability, and cultural inclusion, creating transformative spaces that inspire both investors and future generations.

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