Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group Association

About IEEGA

Established in 2021, the Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group Association (IEEGA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building meaningful relationships through the celebration of cultural diversity and unity. We believe in the power of coming together—honoring both our similarities and differences—to create a more vibrant, connected community.

Rooted in the success of our 2022 programming, IEEGA continues to expand its impact with bold and inclusive initiatives such as:

  • An Annual Indigenous Music & Arts Awards

  • A Heritage Walk Travelling Exhibit

  • Indigenous Vendors Network

We are proud to acknowledge that we operate on the traditional territory of Treaty 6, including the ancestral lands of the Enoch Cree Nation and the Papaschase First Nation, and recognize the homeland of our Métis and Inuit relatives.

The Indigenous Experience at KDays 2025

Step into a world of culture, connection, and celebration.

The 2025 KDays Indigenous Experience invites you on a powerful journey through the traditions, stories, and contemporary expressions of Indigenous communities across Alberta and beyond. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edmonton, this 10-day showcase brings together artistry, performance, cuisine, and education—all grounded in Indigenous brilliance.

What to Expect:

  • Vibrant Powwow Dancing, Metis Dancing & Inuit Performances

  • Live Performances by Indigenous musicians, drummers, and storytellers

  • Cultural Exhibits & Workshops led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers

  • Traditional Foods that highlight Indigenous culinary excellence

  • Artisan Market featuring handcrafted jewelry, clothing, beadwork, and more

  • Traditional Round Dance, Games, and an Indigenous Fashion Show

Every performance, every flavor, and every story shared is an invitation to experience the depth and resilience of Indigenous heritage. From ancestral teachings to modern-day expressions, the Indigenous Experience is a living celebration of culture and creativity.

Why It Matters

The Indigenous Experience at KDays is more than a festival, it's a movement.

We aim to honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape a shared future by fostering dialogue, creating economic opportunities, and showcasing the excellence of Indigenous communities. Together, we gather not only to celebrate but to learn, to reflect, and to uplift.

Join us in 2025 for a celebration that is as empowering as it is unforgettable.

Meet the Board

The Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group Association (IEEGA) is proud to be led by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring deep cultural knowledge, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, arts, and intergenerational impact.

Together, our board provides strategic guidance, governance oversight, and community accountability as we grow the Kiyanaw Indigenous Experience at K-Days and beyond.


  • President

    Lyle was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Coming from a proud family of traditional Métis dancers, Lyle has been involved with 5 generations of Métis Dance and music. Throughout the years, Lyle has worked in the community for Métis Child and Family Services, AMMSA, Native Counselling Services, the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre and sat as the President of the Metis Nation of Alberta (1993-1996), and managed many Indigenous showcases for Northlands, the Edmonton Metis Traditional Dancers and has volunteered as a board member for Oteenow for six years.

    In 2022, Lyle was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for the work he has contributed to the urban Indigenous community.

  • Vice President - IEEGA

    President, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak

    Melanie Omeniho is a descendent of the historical Métis community of Lac Ste Anne, Alberta. Melanie has been involved in advocating and working within the Metis community for many decades. As a young woman she attended meetings and gatherings with her mother and other Matriarchs who guided her in her journey to support Indigenous women and families.

    Her political and advocacy career led her to play a role in the development and incorporation of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO). Melanie has extensive experience in the areas of community development, economic development, environment, social programming, and family and children services. She has worked to develop to programs and advocate on behalf of her community to effect changes to the various social programs to better meet the needs of the Aboriginal community.

    She has received the following medals for her work and advocacy for education, Metis women, and working with families involved in Children Services:

    ·       Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

    ·       Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal‎ 

    ·       King Charles III Coronation Medal.

     

    As a mother of three daughters and a Kookum of two beautiful granddaughters she continues to live and exemplify the rich, proud heritage that her ancestors instilled in her.

  • Executive Director

    Indigenous Advocate | Entrepreneur | Cultural Producer

    Cree-Métis | Treaty 6 & 8 Territories | Founder of Pawatakan

    Kendel Potskin is a visionary Cree-Métis leader, creative strategist, and community advocate dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, storytelling, and intergenerational wealth. Based across Treaty 6 and 8 territories, she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group Association (IEEGA), where she leads the curation and expansion of The Indigenous Experience at K-Days—one of the largest Indigenous-led cultural showcases in Alberta.

    With a background in Indigenous education, arts programming, and nonprofit governance, Kendel brings over a decade of experience in creating impactful spaces that bridge tradition, innovation, and empowerment. She is a board member of AFOA Alberta, a certified life coach, and a trusted speaker on topics ranging from economic development and life promotion to motherhood, matriarchy, and sacred business.


  • MANAGER OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND EVENTS

    Sheila is a proud Métis professional and Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) with over 20 years of experience working in Indigenous organizations across Canada. She brings deep expertise in strategy planning, governance and management, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, as well as event and project management. Sheila currently serves as Manager of Community Relations and Events at Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, and provides behind-the-scenes strategic support to IEEGA. She also serves on the Board of Directors for AFOA Alberta and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), committed to advancing strong, values-based Indigenous governance.

  • BOARD MEMBER
    KNOWLEDGE KEEPER

    Sharon Morin is a distinguished Métis cultural leader and educator based in Edmonton, Alberta. She co-founded the Michif Cultural and Resource Institute (now Michif Cultural Connections) alongside her mother, the late Senator Thelma Chalifoux, with the mission to promote, preserve, and protect Alberta's Métis heritage.

    As past Director of Programs at Michif Cultural Connections, Morin has been instrumental in developing initiatives that celebrate Métis traditions and foster community engagement. Her work includes organizing educational programs, cultural events, and workshops that highlight the rich history and contributions of the Métis people.

    Morin's commitment to cultural preservation and education extends beyond local initiatives. In 2022, she represented Canada's Métis delegation at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, bringing Métis specific perspectives to global discussions on climate change and food security sovereignty.

    Through her various roles, Sharon Morin continues to be a passionate advocate for Métis rights and cultural education, working tirelessly to ensure that Métis history and traditions are recognized and celebrated.

  • BOARD MEMBER

    Martha is a respected, community-driven leader with deep roots in the city of Edmonton and a lifelong connection to the land and its people. Grounded in her culture, Martha has brought respect, knowledge, and cultural understanding into schools and community spaces throughout her life.


    She has played a central role in advancing Indigenous education and cultural programming, including her work with the White Braid Society to teach youth about traditional values, and her leadership as President of the Edmonton Native Friendship Centre, where she helped build inclusive, community-centered initiatives.


    Martha currently serves as President of the Alberta Indigenous Games, an organization that has empowered Indigenous youth through sport, culture, and leadership development for over 15 years. Under her leadership, the Games are held annually in Edmonton and have grown to become the largest Indigenous Games in both Canada and North America. They are guided by the motto: Coaching Youth for Life, Career, Sport, and Culture.

  • BOARD MEMBER
    Stephanie Harpe is a Cree, Dene, and Métis woman from Fort McKay First Nation in Alberta. She is a nationally recognized advocate for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), and a passionate musician, speaker, and community builder.

    Stephanie’s advocacy is deeply rooted in personal experience. A survivor of both the residential school system and an attempted murder, she lost her mother, Ruby Anne McDonald, to violence. She is also the niece of the late Chief Dorothy McDonald, a trailblazer for Indigenous leadership in Fort McKay.

    Her career includes roles such as Community Outreach Coordinator with the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) and National Representative with AboriginalAlert.ca. In 2019, she toured 31 Indigenous communities across western Canada, supporting families through the Safety and Wellness Super Clinic.

    Stephanie has presented at the National Model United Nations International Conference and shared her story through a TEDx Talk titled “Indigenous Suffering and Survival to Success.” Her work continues to raise awareness, inspire resilience, and advocate for systemic change.

    As a board member of IEEGA, Stephanie brings her lived experience and voice to the forefront of cultural celebration and community advocacy.

  • BOARD MEMBER

    Colleen Tweedle is a Cree-Métis artisan from Northern Alberta, with ancestral roots in the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement and the Papaschase Reserve. Currently residing in Treaty 6 Territory, she is the creative force behind Kokum’s Trading Post, a venture that showcases her dedication to traditional Indigenous beadwork and sewing. Her passion for crafting was deeply influenced by her Kokum (grandmother), Melanie “Minnie” Blyan, who was renowned for her beading & sewing.

    Following an extensive career in Finance and Administration, Colleen experienced a life-changing brain injury followed by a stroke in 2012. During her recovery, she began beading as a way to regain focus and rebuild her life. What started as therapy soon became a livelihood, allowing her to turn her creative passion into a small business as a crafter and vendor.

    Colleen now serves as a board member of IEEGA, where she advocates for local Indigenous artisans and vendors.