Theme: Legacy

Legacy is the theme for TEDxWhistler 2021. This interactive virtual event will feature speakers sharing world-changing ideas connected to this year’s theme of Legacy, presented in front of the gorgeous alpine backdrop of Whistler.

Prepare to be engaged, connected, and inspired to live a life that leaves a legacy you can be proud of.

Virtual Event
Virtual Event
Whistler, British Columbia, V8E 0X5
Canada

Chief Gélpcal

Community Leader

Kúkwpi7 Gélpcal (Cultural Chief R.A. Joseph) was born in Sk̲ wx̲ wú7mesh (Squamish), British Columbia and is a citizen of the Lil’wat Nation (Mount Currie). His roots are gathered from Tsal'alh (Seton Lake), home of his mother Xí7tsa7, and Lil'wat, home of his father Saw'. He is a multi-medium artist, specializing in carving wood and soapstone, acrylic painting, pine needle basketry, and pyrography. He loves being self-sufficient in the outdoors and spending his time fishing and harvesting medicine, tea, berries, pine mushrooms, and other food from the land.

Chief Janice George

Artist

Chepximiya Siyam’ Janice George is an accomplished weaver and teacher from the Squamish Nation. She, along with her fellow weaver and teacher Skwetsimeltxw Willard “Buddy” Joseph, co-founded L’hen Awtxw Weaving House to share the teachings and practice of traditional Coast Salish wool weaving. A hereditary chief, trained museum curator, and educator, Janice co-organized the 1st Canada Northwest Coast Weavers Gathering, with other Squamish Nation Weavers. Janice and Willard are from prominent Squamish families and have numerous ceremonial and cultural responsibilities in their community.

Claire Yeung

Educator

Claire Yeung is a lawyer, writer, educator, coach, and lifelong learner. She is a Whole Person Certified Coach and Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer, and owns her own coaching business. She earned her Juris Doctor degree (also known as Doctor of Law) from the University of British Columbia and was called to the BC Bar in 1989. Currently she holds a position as Adjunct Faculty at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Claire is the author of the book The Eighty Year Rule: What Would You Regret Not Doing in Your Lifetime? She loves to run, cycle, and kayak, and lives in North Vancouver.

Dr. Karin Kausky

Frontline Worker

Dr. Karin Kausky graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto and completed her Family Practice residency at the University of Western Ontario, obtaining certification from the Canadian College of Family Physicians. Dr. Kausky was also the Chief Medical Officer for Women’s Alpine Events at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Currently Dr. Kausky is co-chair of the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice and has practiced full service family practice in Whistler, BC since 1993.

Dr. Renata Lewis

First Responder

Dr. Renata Lewis is an emergency physician with expertise in mountain search and rescue. She also works as a guide, instructor, safety consultant and medical advisor for the tourism, guiding, aviation, and film industries. More recently she has appeared in front of the camera in several US and Canadian productions as a field doctor for reality television, a rescuer in outdoor commercials, and a high-flying stunt woman. She is based in Whistler, BC.

Jillian Harris

Storyteller

Jillian Harris is the Founder and Creative Director of Jillian Harris Design and The Jilly Academy, co-author of Fraiche Food Full Hearts, and co-founder of The Jilly Box. As former co-host of HGTV’s Love It Or List It Vancouver, she loves bringing her designs to life through fresh and inspiring refreshes to homes needing love. Her work with local charities fuels her desire to help those in need and give back to those less fortunate.

Jon Montgomery

Gold Medal Olympian

Jon Montgomery won a gold medal in skeleton during the 2010 Winter Olympics. His now-famous victory walk through Whistler Village while enjoying a golden pitcher of beer handed to him by a fan (his “beer angel”) gave Jon instant folk-hero status with Canadians from coast-to-coast. Jon has appeared on Oprah, co-hosted the JUNO Awards, and been the memorable host of The Amazing Race Canada since 2013.

Mayor Jack Crompton

Politician

Jack Crompton, the Mayor of Whistler, has deep roots in the community—his grandparents were original shareholders in the Garibaldi Lift Company and his family has been engaged in business and community organizations since the beginning. Jack began serving as the Mayor of Whistler in 2018.

Mr. Morgan

President of OVO Sound

Mr. Morgan is president of OVO Sound, the record label that represents popular artists like Drake, PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, Dvsn, and many others. A native of Toronto, Canada, Mr. Morgan started his career as a DJ where he picked up the “Mr. Morgan” moniker. After moving to New York he joined Atlantic Records, then took on the role of SVP of A&R (artists and repertoire) at RCA Records and Warner Records respectively before helping to launch OVO Sound. Mr. Morgan also created M3 Entertainment, which manages some of the biggest producers in music including Noah “40” Shebib, Supa Dups, Vinylz, and Nineteen85. Mr. Morgan has been a strong supporter of the music scene in Toronto and is passionate about bringing Canadian music to the world stage.

Omari Newton

Actor

Omari Newton is an award-winning professional actor, writer, director, and producer. As a writer, his original Hip Hop theatre piece Sal Capone has received critical acclaim and multiple productions, including a recent presentation at Canada’s National Arts Centre. Omari’s work in Speakeasy Theatre's production of Young Jean Lee's The Shipment earned him a 2017-2018 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor, as well as a nomination for Best Direction. Most recently, Omari has a recurring role as Nate on Corner Gas (the animated series) and a recurring role as Corvus in Netflix’s hit new animated series The Dragon Prince.