Director, Red River Métis Leader | Indigenous Governance Specialist | Strategic Advisor

 

Andrew Carrier is a nationally respected Métis leader with over two decades of political, governance, and programmatic leadership experience. As a Director of i2i, Andrew brings deep insights into Indigenous self-determination, policy, and economic development, helping shape strategies that empower communities to lead their own futures.

Currently serving his eighth term on the Cabinet of the Manitoba Métis Federation, Andrew is Vice-President of the Winnipeg Region and Minister responsible for key portfolios including Economic Development, the Michif Language, Residential and Day School Survivors, and the Métis Heritage Trust Fund. His role has placed him at the forefront of initiatives that protect Métis identity, advance reconciliation, and generate wealth within the Red River Métis Nation.

Andrew’s leadership extends internationally as Chairperson of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, where he oversees the World Indigenous Business Forum—an influential global platform advancing Indigenous economic empowerment. He also serves on the Governing Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, contributing to national dialogue and healing.

With a background in human resource development and professional training, and a long career in public service, Andrew is uniquely positioned to guide i2i’s partnerships, governance frameworks, and business development efforts—ensuring they remain accountable to Indigenous communities and aligned with their long-term aspirations.

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Email: andrew@i2icommunity.com

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Mapuche Business Leader & International Indigenous Business Advisor

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Proudly Chilean and with deep roots in the Mapuche people, Sandra Cecilia Paillal Venegas is passionate about sharing her valuable experience in the business world, cooperativism, and associations. Her enthusiasm for teaching and transmitting knowledge has made her a talented Professor in the areas of taxes and business economics.

 

As co-founder and director at i2i, Sandra considers herself a bridge that connects and fosters communication between Indigenous economic development and major private and/or governmental allies, leading Indigenous initiatives internationally in Latin America, encompassing significant economic, social, and educational reforms. Her leadership was forged through directing her own companies and advising both community leaders and directors of foreign companies.

 

Her leadership ability shone especially during her two consecutive terms as president of the Mapuche Chamber of Commerce of Chile, where she skillfully negotiated and directed important development projects, including the organization of the historic seventh World Indigenous Business Forum in 2017, the first held in a Latin American country. Currently, Sandra contributes her vision and experience as Head of Sponsorships and Partnerships at WIBF. Sandra firmly believes that true strength lies in the communication of efforts and in building solid alliances to achieve a more prosperous and equitable future for our entire community.

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Email: sandra@i2icommunity.com

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Rural Economic Development Specialist | Business Trainer & Coach | Indigenous Youth Advocate

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Nicole Isifu is a skilled economic development strategist and business trainer with over nine years of experience working at the intersection of agriculture, enterprise, and community transformation. She has delivered training and coaching to more than 5,000 individuals and farming families across Papua New Guinea—empowering rural communities to transition from subsistence livelihoods to profitable, sustainable businesses.

Nicole brings deep expertise in financial literacy, agribusiness development, and youth entrepreneurship, with a strong track record in designing and delivering culturally grounded training programs that drive measurable impact. Her work has supported clients ranging from multilateral organizations and joint ventures to grassroots cooperatives.

A passionate advocate for Indigenous youth and inclusive economic growth, Nicole has represented her work and ideas at multiple international Indigenous forums, contributing to global conversations on rural innovation, youth leadership, and Indigenous-led development.

As a Director at i2i, Nicole applies her extensive field experience to help shape strategies that center community priorities, strengthen local economies, and build long-term capacity across Indigenous regions.

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Email: nicole@i2icommunity.com

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Strategic Designer | Indigenous Economic Development Specialist | Project Leader

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Brad Jackson is a seasoned strategist and practitioner with over 30 years of experience supporting Indigenous communities across Australia, the Pacific, and globally to design and implement resilient, community-led economic systems. As a Director of i2i, Brad plays a central role in shaping strategic development frameworks and leading the design of scalable, culturally grounded initiatives that unlock long-term prosperity for Indigenous peoples.

Brad has worked with hundreds of communities to translate opportunity into enterprise, guiding the development of market-based solutions that are both practical and rooted in local values. His expertise spans project design, systems thinking, and sustainable enterprise growth, with a proven ability to deliver outcomes that build wealth, improve governance, and embed lasting capacity at the community level.

A founding force behind the World Indigenous Business Network, Brad also serves as CEO, where he has helped convene global forums and broker partnerships that advance Indigenous entrepreneurship and self-determination.

At i2i, Brad leads on strategic design, service innovation, and project management—ensuring every engagement is purpose-driven, participatory, and built for impact.

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Email: brad@i2icommunity.com

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