Michael Linklater is a proud Nehiyaw (Cree) father from Thunderchild First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. He is a business and community leader, Indigenous youth advocate, international speaker, entrepreneur, and one of Saskatchewan’s most accomplished basketball players.

Throughout his life, Michael has worked to strengthen communities, create opportunities for young people, advance Indigenous inclusion, and build greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples

Community Leadership and Service

Michael’s community involvement includes:

• Serving as a Headman of Thunderchild First Nation

• Serving as a Treaty Land Entitlement Trustee

• Serving on the Board of Directors of Thunder Developments

• Contributing to the development of the $24-million Thunderchild Wellness Centre, including helping secure funding for its completion

• Serving on the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation

• Co-chairing the Early Learning. Equal Start. campaign, created to raise $20 million for early childhood education

• Leading Hoist the Hoops, a $900,000 initiative that created Saskatoon’s first premier outdoor basketball court

• Sharing traditional teachings, cultural knowledge, and an Indigenous worldview with communities and organizations

• Providing more than a decade of project leadership, coordination, and business-development experience

Indigenous Advocacy and Youth Development

Michael is the founder of Boys with Braids, an international initiative that celebrates the cultural significance of braids and encourages Indigenous boys and men to take pride in wearing their hair according to their traditions.

He is also the founder of Prime Basketball Development, through which he has taught young athletes how to become champions both on and off the court.

Michael’s advisory and inclusion work has included:

• Toronto Raptors Indigenous Advisory Circle

• Saskatchewan Roughriders Indigenous Task Force

• Canada Basketball Indigenous advisory work

• Canada Basketball Hall of Fame Selection Committee

• FIBA 3x3 Commission

• Canadian Elite Basketball League Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

• Nike N7 Ambassador, promoting sport and physical activity in Indigenous communities

Michael was also invited by Dr. Jill Biden to attend a White House reception celebrating Native American Heritage Month.

Business and Speaking

Michael is the Co-Founder of Sôhkisiwin Solutions. Through this work, he draws on his leadership experience, traditional knowledge, and ability to bridge cultures to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations work together more effectively. He has supported national and international in strategically integrating Indigenous worldviews into their operating models.

For more than three decades, Michael has spoken to audiences throughout Canada and internationally. He has delivered hundreds of keynote presentations to thousands of youth, professionals, athletes, educators, business leaders, and community members.

His speaking has addressed personal experience, motivation, Indigenous identity and worldview, cultural understanding, advocacy, inclusion, leadership, and the importance of creating opportunities for young people. His audiences have included events connected with the International Olympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee.

To book or inquire about speaking engagements from Michael, please visit the contact page and send us a message