Michael Linklater

Keynote Speaker | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Indigenous Basketball Champion
indigenous Advocacy, Youth Growth & Leadership Expert

Michael Linklater Expertise: Indigenous, Personal Leadership, Personal Growth, Leadership Development, Resilience & Adversity, Mindset & Goal Accomplishment, Trust Relationships and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Michael Linklater

About Speaker Michael Linklater

Michael Linklater, a proud Nehiyaw (Cree) father from Thunderchild First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, is one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous athletes and advocates. He led the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to their first-ever national basketball championship in 2010, represented Team Canada at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, and helped the Saskatchewan Rattlers win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship in 2019. Off the court, Michael Linklater founded Boys with Braids, an international campaign promoting the cultural significance of braids for Indigenous boys and men, and co-founded Sôhkisiwin Solutions, focusing on strategies aligned with Truth and Reconciliation. In 2024, he and his son, Amari, made history as the first Indigenous father-son team to compete on The Amazing Race Canada.

Career Talks: Entrepreneur (Michael Linklater)

Career Talks: Entrepreneur (Michael Linklater)

Michael Linklater, Humber College Honorary Degree Recipient 2023

Michael Linklater, Humber College Honorary Degree Recipient 2023

Canadian Basketball Player Michael Linklater on the Needs of Indigenou

Canadian Basketball Player Michael Linklater on the Needs of Indigenou

Becoming a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Mentor: Michael Linklate

Becoming a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Mentor: Michael Linklate

Michael Linklater Biography

Michael Linklater is a proud Nehiyaw (Cree) father descending from the Thunderchild First Nation. Michael is a community leader and one of Canada’s most decorated indigenous basketball players. A former professional basketball player, Michael achieved international acclaim as captain of Team Canada in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, earning a global ranking among the top players. In 2010, he led the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to their first-ever Canada West and U SPORTS National Championship, a milestone in Canadian basketball history.

His professional career also includes a 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League championship with the Saskatchewan Rattlers, and he remains one of the most accomplished athletes to represent Canada on the international stage. Michael Linklater represented the Canadian national team at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup with a second-place finish and remains heavily involved in the sport as a coach, his basketball camp and as an announcer for the Canadian Men’s Basketball team.

Off the court, Michael Linklater has made a lasting impact as an advocate and community builder. He founded “Boys with Braids”, an international campaign to raise awareness about the cultural significance of braids among Indigenous boys and men. This initiative has helped combat stigma and foster cultural pride across generations. He is also co-founder of Sôhkisiwin Solutions which is a strategic implantation firm that focuses on creating actionable work plans and processes that help organizations on strategy related to the TRC Calls to Action, inclusivity and many other topics.

As a current Nike N7 Ambassador, he champions healthy living and athletic engagement in Indigenous communities. A certified yoga instructor, Michael Linklater also integrates Traditional Cree values into his practice, promoting holistic health and spiritual well-being. In addition to his roles as a Nike N7 Ambassador, basketball instructor, Michael Linklater continues to inspire and advocate for Indigenous communities through education, sports, and cultural preservation.

Michael Linklater has been called to sit and serve on numerous boards and advisory committees including Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, the FIBA 3×3 Commission, and the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He currently co-chairs the $20 million “Early Learning. Equal Start.” campaign and contributes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders Indigenous Task Force and the Toronto Raptors Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Michael’s achievements have earned him widespread recognition and he has won numerous awards for his athletics, advocacy for indigenous youth, and community service. He has been inducted into both the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame. Among his many accolades are the National Indspire Award, the Tom Longboat National Award, and the Inclusion Award for Breaking Barriers in Sport.

In 2022, his contributions to Indigenous culture and wellness were honored with an invitation from U.S. First Lady Jill Biden to the inaugural Native American Heritage Month Reception at the White House. He also received an honorary degree from Humber College in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership.

As a public speaker with over 24 years of experience, Michael Linklater has inspired audiences across Canada and beyond, delivering hundreds of keynotes on topics such as traditional knowledge preservation, community healing, resilience, mental health, inclusion, and wellness.

Michael Linklater owns a consulting firm that helps organizations assess and instill the Actions they are responsible for TRC, and raise awareness to how colonialism, systematic oppression and discrimination have led to negative outcomes and relations for First Nation populations on Turtle Island.

In 2024, Michael and his son, Amari, became the first Indigenous father-son team to compete on The Amazing Race Canada, highlighting their Cree heritage and the importance of family and resilience. Michael continues to inspire through his dedication to fostering Indigenous pride, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting communities across Turtle Island. Their journey highlighted their Cree heritage, resilience, and the strength of their bond, leaving a lasting impression on audiences nationwide. Their participation underscored Michael’s dedication to showcasing Indigenous excellence and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Michael Linklater values his role as a father and cultural role model. Remaining drug- and alcohol-free throughout his life, he is deeply committed to passing down Cree traditions and values to his children while inspiring others to live with resilience and purpose. Through his advocacy, leadership, and commitment to community, Michael continues to be a beacon of hope and pride for Indigenous people across Canada and beyond.

Michael Linklater Topic Presentations

Michael Linklater From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 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.

Leadership Through Adversity: Mental Toughness, High-performance Teams, and Overcoming Challenges

Creating Cultures of Belonging: The Foundation of Inclusive Excellence

Resilience in Action: Leading Through Change with Strength and Purpose

Mental Health, Crisis Response, and the Power of Peer Support

Truth and Reconciliation in Action: Meaningful Steps Toward Indigenous Inclusion

Decolonizing the Workplace: Shifting from Inclusion to Empowerment

Advocacy in Action: Strengthening Indigenous Communities Through Leadership and Responsibility

Honoring Traditional Knowledge: Resilience, Healing, and the Future of Indigenous Communities

Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Systemic Challenges and Creating Opportunity

Indigenous Sport and Wellness: Strengthening Mind, Body, and Culture

Indigenous Youth Empowerment: Confidence, Identity, and Opportunity

Interviews
Michael Linklater
  • Retired Basketball Player Michael Linklater on the Importance of the National Indigenous Basketball
Podcasts
Michael Linklater
  • Thunderchild First Nation Father-son Duo Take on Amazing Race Canada
  • Michael Linklater on Sports, Culture & Braids
  • Nph Podcast: Michael Linklater
Articles
Michael Linklater
  • Saskatoon Father-son Michael and Amari Linklater Team up on Amazing Race Canada
  • 'amazing Race Canada' Season 10: Eliminated Father-son Team Amari and Michael Linklater Have
  • It Was an Amazing Race for Saskatoon's Michael and Amari Linklater

Michael Linklater Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michael Linklater known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater from and where do they speak across Canada?

Michael Linklater is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 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 Michael Linklater available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Michael Linklater 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 Michael Linklater represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Michael Linklater 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