Panel Discussion

Cheryl Gehue is a Mi’kmaw leader and experienced Indigenous Blanket Instructor with over 10 years of facilitating learning and dialogue that deepens understanding of Indigenous history, perspectives, and reconciliation. In her professional role as Director of Indigenous Relations at Clearwater Seafoods, she helps position economic reconciliation as a measurable driver of business growth, industry change, and community prosperity. Cheryl leads the advancement of Clearwater’s Indigenous Strategy, embedding reconciliation into how the company builds relationships, grows its workforce, and creates shared value with Indigenous communities. Her work supports key priorities across HR and employment strategies, culture and brand, and business partnerships, ensuring meaningful outcomes that align with both community needs and corporate objectives.

Cheryl brings extensive experience in Indigenous-led business, governance, and community development. She is the founder of CPS Excavating, an award-winning Indigenous-owned company, and has worked with organizations across Mi’kma’ki and Atlantic Canada to strengthen governance, secure funding, and create long-term employment opportunities. She has also held leadership roles as an elected Council Member for Sipeknekatik First Nation and been in senior leadership roles at both municipal and Indigenous organizations, contributing to reconciliation-focused policy and advancing Indigenous women’s leadership. Recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Most Powerful Women in Business for 2026, Cheryl’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to accountability, partnership, and lasting impact that benefits both Indigenous communities and the seafood industry.

Matthew Martel is the Chief Executive Officer of the Black Business Initiative and a senior executive with experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, governance, and organizational strategy. Matthew holds a Master's degree in Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation, is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and has completed the ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Matthew has significant experience leading organizations, supporting entrepreneurs, developing strategic partnerships, and working with public, private, and community stakeholders. Areas of expertise include governance, economic development, program oversight, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership.

Sherry Dean is an Assistant Chief with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, with more than 20 years of experience spanning fire service operations, training and leadership. She began as a volunteer firefighter in rural Nova Scotia before joining Halifax Regional Municipality in 2007, where she progressed through frontline operations, training and senior leadership positions.
Over the course of her career, Dean has helped develop firefighters, officers and instructors through programs focused on fireground operations, specialty training and leadership development. Prior to becoming Assistant Chief, she served as District Chief of Operations, coordinating emergency response, incident command and workforce development.
As Assistant Chief, her portfolios have included both Operations and Workplace Culture. In these roles, she has provided leadership for frontline emergency services, guided recruitment and outreach initiatives and led implementation of HRFE's Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Dean holds a Certificate in Adult Education along with certifications in Fire Officer, Fire Service Instruction, Fire Investigation, Hazardous Materials Technician and Technical Rescue. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Maritime Fire Chiefs Association, contributes to several national and international fire service committees and was a long-standing columnist with Fire Fighting in Canada.
Committed to leadership development and inclusive workplaces, Dean supports firefighters at every stage of their careers while helping shape the future of the fire service in Nova Scotia and across Canada.