--- title: "Kendal Netmaker" description: "Book Kendal Netmaker, the #1 most requested Indigenous keynote speaker on resilience and leadership, through K&M Productions, Canada. Check fees." canonical: https://www.kmprod.com/speakers/kendal-netmaker updated: 2026-08-14 14:46:12 --- # Kendal Netmaker *Keynote Speaker on Indigenous Leadership, Resilience & Entrepreneurship* ## Biography Raised in Sweetgrass First Nation by a single mother, Kendal and his siblings grew up surrounded by poverty and limited opportunities. Yet one life-changing act of kindness set him on a path he never could have imagined — and ignited a passion to uplift others that has shaped everything he's done since. That path led Kendal to the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts — laying the foundation for a career built on both lived experience and formal training in how people learn, grow, and lead. **A master storyteller, Kendal blends real-life experience with powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and the impact of storytelling. His heartfelt keynotes inspire thousands every year to overcome adversity and reach their full potential**. Kendal is also the founder of Neechie Gear® — a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers Indigenous youth through sports — and the author of Driven to Succeed. He has earned over 25 business awards, including Canada's Top 40 Under 40® and runner-up for YBI Global Entrepreneur of the Year. ## Presentation Topics Kendal Netmaker - based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada - offers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats and moderated Q&A on a variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, personalized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats. All of Kendal Netmaker's programs can be delivered as a keynote (45 - 90 minutes) or as workshop (1.5 - 3 hours) ### Keep Moving Forward: From Poverty To Podium  In this powerful and inspiring keynote, Kendal Netmaker shares his life story—one shaped by adversity, resilience, and an unshakable belief that our past does not define our future. Growing up in poverty on Sweetgrass First Nation, Kendal faced challenges that could have easily derailed his path. Instead, he learned early on that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about movement. Through Indigenous storytelling, Kendal takes audiences on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and one of the world’s most requested Indigenous keynote speakers. At the heart of this keynote is a simple but transformative message: no matter what you are facing, you can keep moving forward. Kendal weaves Indigenous values, real-world lessons, and lived experience into a narrative that resonates with leaders, teams, and communities alike. Audiences leave feeling seen, motivated, and equipped to move forward with clarity and purpose—especially during times of change and uncertainty. ***Attendees will learn:*** - A practical mindset shift to reframe setbacks as stepping stones, not stop signs - Tools to build resilience during change, adversity, and high-pressure moments - Strategies to lead with purpose and values, even when circumstances are difficult - Renewed confidence to take responsibility for their own story and future - Action steps they can apply the same day to keep moving forward personally or professionally Ideal for: Opening or Closing Keynote at conferences, corporate events, associations, education, Indigenous and community gatherings.  ### The Leader Within: The Power to Keep Moving Forward  Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about choices. In “The Leader Within”, Kendal Netmaker inspires audiences to recognize that leadership begins from the inside out. Drawing from his journey from poverty on Sweetgrass First Nation to becoming one of Canada’s most accomplished Indigenous entrepreneurs and keynote speakers, Netmaker shares real-world stories of resilience, accountability, and perseverance. ***Audiences will learn how to:*** - Discover the leader within themselves. - Build resilience in the face of change and adversity. - Take ownership of their actions, mindset, and future. - Lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage. - Keep moving forward — no matter the obstacles. Ideal for: Leadership conferences, corporate events, education, Indigenous and community gatherings, and organizations navigating change.  ### 1/2 Day Workshop: The Leader Within  **Building resilience, accountability, and action** This half-day workshop offers participants a focused, interactive experience designed to translate** inspiration into practical leadership action**. Through storytelling, guided reflection, and discussion, Kendal Netmaker helps participants explore what leadership looks like in their own lives — beyond titles or roles. ***Attendee takeaways include:*** - Greater self-awareness and clarity around personal leadership style. - Practical strategies for building resilience during change and uncertainty. - A stronger sense of accountability and ownership. - Clear, actionable next steps to keep moving forward. Ideal for: **Teams, leaders, and high-performing professionals** seeking practical tools to strengthen accountability, resilience, and day-to-day leadership effectiveness.  ### Keep Moving Forward (Custom Program) – For Your Organization, Conference Theme and Unique Objectives  Just imagine a keynote that could tie together this year's theme, your core business objectives and leave your audience with the confidence and competence to keep moving forward by implementing all that they have learned at your event. Let Kendal Netmaker bring his extensive experience to your industry and craft a one-of-a-kind keynote that is just for you.  ## About Kendal Netmaker is the #1 Most Requested Indigenous Speaker in the World. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and keynote speaker based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Kendal holds a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, and is the founder of Neechie Gear®, a lifestyle apparel brand empowering Indigenous youth through sports. He is the author of Driven to Succeed and has earned more than 25 business awards, including Canada's Top 40 Under 40® and an Indspire Award. Kendal speaks on Indigenous leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurship — helping audiences rise above challenges, unlock their potential, and lead with courage and purpose. ## Expertise - **Indigenous Leadership** — leading with values, accountability, and purpose drawn directly from lived experience on Sweetgrass First Nation - **Entrepreneurship & Business Development** — founder of Neechie Gear®, turning adversity into a purpose-driven, award-winning business - **Resilience & Overcoming Adversity** — practical frameworks for reframing setbacks as stepping stones, not stop signs - **Diversity, Inclusion & Indigenous Perspectives** — helping organizations build cultures grounded in authentic representation and reconciliation - **Storytelling & Motivational Speaking** — a master storyteller whose keynotes move audiences from inspiration to concrete, same-day action ## What Clients Say > It was an absolute pleasure to work with Kendal and welcome him as a keynote speaker to our recent National Indigenous Speaker Series event. Kendal is an amazing speaker, delivering powerful messages in a very authentic, passionate and compelling way. His own personal story of perseverance, resiliency, success and the power of kindness is nothing short of inspiring! I’d highly recommend Kendal for your next leadership event! > > — TD Bank Group > Kendal is an incredibly inspirational speaker. We had asked him to speak at our townhall of over 100 professional staff. The staff loved him and the positive messages he communicated. Fun, heartwarming yet challenging messages on how everyone can overcome any challenges they face, be successful and make a positive impact on the world around them. I would highly recommend him for any speaking engagement. > > — Ernst & Young LLP > Kendal is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs I have had the opportunity to work with. His commitment to his business, his passion and purpose driven goals are evident in everything he does. It has been such an honour to have known Kendal since the early days of Neechie Gear, and to see how much he has given back to the community through his mentoring of youth, entrepreneurs and using his story to show us all that with drive and determination – you can achieve anything! > > — Morguard Investments Limited > Kendal’s keynote presentation to our leadership group was inspirational and actionable. I personally took pages of notes that I refer to regularly – it was some of the most valuable time that I spent during our conference! I really appreciated Kendal’s openness and vulnerability while using his own examples of how leading with respect and humility will help you achieve whichever goals you have for yourself. Thank you Kendal for leading by example and for sharing that example with all of us. > > — First West Credit Union ---