Jarret Leaman is a member of Magnetawan First Nation, who is nationally recognized for his public speaking and work addressing Indigenous economic development, technology, reconciliation, 2SLGBTQIA community and the building of leadership capacity within the Indigenous community. He is the co-founder of the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT), a non-profit working to increase the presence of Indigenous Peoples in the technology sector, while promoting innovation with an Indigenous lens. Jarret is also the co-founder of Akawe Technologies, a blockchain and software firm that creates customized technology solutions for organizations owned and led by Indigenous Peoples and other unique groups. Awake Technologies aims to provide the means and capacity for under-represented groups to harness the power of their data, and realize the economic opportunities and potential that come with it. Jarret is a recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal of Honour, was named one of the Huffington Posts Top 3 Indigenous Millennials in Canada, and Ten to Watch in 2020 by the Indigenoimic Institute. Jarret has completed fellowships with CivicAction and Future Cities Canada and participated in the Governor General’s Leadership Conference. In addition to his work with the CIIT and Akawe Technologies, Jarret is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors for OCAD University, Co-Chair of the Pearson Canada Reconciliation Advisory Circle, and a Community Council Member with Aboriginal Legal Services in the area of restorative justice.
