Speaker:  Melody Crowe

Topic: First Nation’s resilience, giving personal and historical insight as she delves into the significance of honouring her Ancestors, while also highlighting Indigenous Peoples ways of knowing in today’s world.

Melody Crowe is a respected Elder of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, a gifted educator, and a powerful bridge between Indigenous and

non-Indigenous communities.

Melody has devoted her life to preserving and sharing the richness of Ojibwe

language, culture, and teachings. As First Nation Education Liaison with

the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board since 2001, Melody has

played a vital role in transforming education—bringing Indigenous

knowledge, truth, and lived experience into classrooms, and guiding both

students and educators toward deeper understanding and meaningful

reconciliation.

An Eagle Feather Carrier, Jingle Dress Dancer, and lifelong Knowledge

Keeper, Melody is recognized for her wisdom, compassion, and

unwavering commitment to raising awareness and imparting a deeper

understanding of First Nations Peoples, culture, and ways of knowing.

Through her teaching, writing, and cultural work, she has empowered

countless individuals to reconnect with Indigenous perspectives while

fostering respect, awareness, and unity across communities.

Guided by a deep love and reverence for her ancestors, Melody carries her

teachings with pride and purpose. She speaks to honour those who have

walked before us, those who walk beside us today, and to generations yet

to come - creating pathways of learning, healing, and connection for all.

Her contributions have been honoured with numerous awards, including a

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Anishinabek Nation (Union of Ontario

Indians) for her work in preserving Indigenous language and culture, the

Honouring Our People Award from the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, along

with other recognitions celebrating her lifelong dedication and impact.

Speaker:  Karen Sanders

Topic: Financial Tips for Seniors

Topics ranging from being financially organized to tax awareness to Reverse Mortgages to scams will be discussed. She will also touch on travel insurance and gifting of assets. All delivered with just a touch of humour.

Karen has been in the financial business since 1997. She worked in banking for 10 years, then became an agent at a large insurance company. After 3 years, she started her own business as an independent financial advisor.

There were very few women in the industry at the time, so she became a trailblazer.  Karen also formed an investment club for women, which she ran for 10 years. The club invested in various stocks over the years. She got great satisfaction from that activity.

Over her 30-year career as an independent agent, she has taught seminars on money to young people, college students, young married couples, and seniors and has really enjoyed it. 

Karen is a charter member of the Probus Club of Clarington.