JR LaRose
Keynote Speaker | Vancouver, British Columbia
Cfl Champion
Resilience | Equity & Indigenous Inclusion Expert
JR LaRose Expertise Cultural Diversity, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Inclusive Leadership, Mindset & Goal Accomplishment, Mental Health, Health Performance, Influence & Negotiation, Indigenous and Athletes & Sports.
About JR LaRose
JR LaRose is First Nation keynote speaker, 2011 grey cup champion, Indigenous ambassador for Aboriginal peoples, communities across Canada. LaRose is an accomplished speaker speaking and facilitating over 400 presentations throughout Canada and since 2008. He shares his message of diversity & inclusion, leadership, resilience, change, and mindset determination to help others meet the challenges of change and systematic oppression head-on. He is an Indigenous advocate who grew up with a mother who faced challenges of addiction and abuse as Residential School survivor. A six-year veteran of the CFL, JR realized a childhood dream of hoisting the Grey Cup as a champion of the sport that gave him a second chance at life.
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JR LAROSE BIOGRAPHY
JR LaRose is a 2011 Grey Cup champion. A proud member of One Arrow First Nation, he is an ambassador for Aboriginal peoples. He is an accomplished speaker who has facilitated over 400 presentations throughout Canada and the United States since 2008. A proud family man JR’s path to success has been a long and hard-fought journey. Growing up in a low incoming housing in Edmonton’s inner city didn’t exactly set JR LaRose up for success but it did give him the drive to succeed.
JR LaRose grew up without a father and did not have the opportunity to meet him since his dad is of Nigerian heritage was deported back to his native country before JR LaRose was born. The family he was given at birth struggled with drug addiction, specifically his mom. It was not until later on where JR LaRose understood that his mother Barbara was a survivor of the Residential School system, where many First Nations children were torn from their families and culture only to be abused by those who promised them an “enlightened life”.
The abuse experienced by Barbara not only affected her life but also the lives of her children. Turning to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of an abused past, turned Barbara away from her responsibilities as a mother to her two children. Like so many of his peers growing up in high-risk environments, JR LaRose faced a number of challenges with self-value, self-worth and had an anger management problem. Without the guidance and support of parents, JR easily could have fallen into a life of crime and drugs.
But a door opened to JR LaRose when a teacher suggested he become involved in a sport to help channel his aggression. JR LaRose was soon on the football field and dedicating his life to the sport. Coaches became a steadying influence in his life as a youngster and that through the power of sport, through the power of sport JR’s life was to take a new path.
Being taken in by a family at a local church was the catalyst to a new life for JR. The family that took JR LaRose in introduced him to the sport that would forever change his life. Starting football at the age of 15 gave JR LaRose an opportunity to develop skills and build confidence. It would also be the beginning of a long and passion filled career as a football player. In 2005, he originally signed with the Edmonton Elks as a territorial protected junior.
JR LaRose signed with the Edmonton Eskimos as a territorial protected junior for the Canadian Junior Football League’s Edmonton Huskies, where his team won the Canadian Bowl. He then played in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Elks and the BC Lions. As a professional football player in the Canadian Football League for nine years. He played four seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos. In 2008, he had is final season with the Elks In his final season with the team (2008), he severely broke his leg and ended his career with the Eskimos.
In 2010, JR LaRose tried out for the BC Lions and made it as a backup safety, although within playing 15 games with the team he broke the same leg again. After rehabilitation he was able to play in the 2011 season as starting safety, but in the last pre-season game he broke his forearm. LaRose was able make it back for playoffs of the 2011 season and help the BC Lions to victory, winning the 2011 Grey Cup, a moment he pursued for his whole life as his biggest dream. He played two more seasons with the Lions, which included what is said to be his best season of his career.
In 2013, JR LaRose started all 18 regular seasons games as well as picking off his first interception. After his 2013 season, he set his consecutive games played streak to 44 and beat many of his personal best records for tackles, knockdowns and fumbles. This year JR completed his ninth season in the CFL with the BC Lions and retired in 2014.
JR LaRose strives to achieve success not only on the field but off as well. His pride in his Native heritage and his heart for his fellow Aboriginal people was the inspiration behind his speaking tour. JR is a gifted speaker, whose story of redemption is universal, breaking down racial and generational walls, bringing forth a sense of hope and humanity.
His determination not to let a dark past rob him of a bright future has inspired thousands. He hopes to inspire thousands more through sharing his story and is on a mission to change the outcomes for those who face systematic racism, oppression or abuse. He brings the term “resilience” to have a whole new meaning, and is able to share the lessons he has learned along his journey to inspire new ways of thinking about ourselves or each other.
Recognized by his team as a community leader, JR LaRose has been awarded the team’s Jamie Taras award of Community Service for four straight years. He has also been nominated for the Canadian Football League’s Tom Pate award four times, which honors the player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, contribution to his team, contribution to his community, and contribution to his association. JR is a spokesperson for BC’s Be More Than A Bystander campaign.
JR LaRose now travels with other speakers to bring awareness and to educate youth on the issue of violence against women. His mission is to continue to contribute to his team and his community as he endeavors on new ventures; always striving, always achieving.
JR LaRose Topic Presentations
JR LaRose Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.
The Power of Belonging: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Thrives
Building a Culture of Respect: The Foundations of Relationships in the Workplace
Mindset of a Warrior: Rising to the Challenge
Rising Strong: The Mindset of Perseverance and Growth
Raising up Warriors: Redefining Strength and Responsibility
Breaking the Silence: Healing After Sexual Abuse
Empowering Indigenous Youth: Strength, Resilience, and the Future
JR LaRose Books & Articles
JR LaRose Speaking Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is JR LaRose known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?
JR LaRose is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More
What topics does JR LaRose speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?
JR LaRose delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More
How do I know if JR LaRose is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?
JR LaRose is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More
Where is JR LaRose from and where do they speak across Canada?
JR LaRose is from Vancouver, British Columbia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More
Is JR LaRose available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?
JR LaRose is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More
Does JR LaRose deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?
JR LaRose may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More
How do I contact JR LaRose to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?
JR LaRose is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More
How do I book JR LaRose for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?
JR LaRose is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More
How much does it cost to book JR LaRose as a keynote speaker in Canada?
JR LaRose keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More
Are there additional costs to hire JR LaRose for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?
Additional costs to hire JR LaRose may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More
How far in advance should I book JR LaRose for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?
JR LaRose should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More
Is JR LaRose represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?
JR LaRose is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More











