Jenna Robar

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

"Jenna provided the keynote address at our 2022 Let’s Keep Talking event, and the response from our attendees was overwhelming positive. Jenna’s delivery was warm and comfortable, despite tackling some tough subject matter – eating disorders, food insecurity and indigenous issues. Jenna was engaging and professional, and the audience hung on her every word."

Kate Udle - Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

"We approached Ms. Robar in 2019 to co-host the first virtual edition of Daughters of the Vote in March 2021. Due to the on-going pandemic, the program pivoted to an online platform. Ms. Robar was not only a valuable contributor, but also a key player in the success of the program. As a speaker, she was engaging, knowledgeable, thoughtful, clear, and personable – everything needed to create a welcoming virtual space. We were blown away by her stage presence and ability to confidently lead the delegates through this new experience."

Maggie Patterson, Director of Programs - Equal Voice: Daughters of the Vote

Jenna comes to each presentation with a calm and caring approach that everyone has different stages of learning, and especially with Newcomer Youth as their learning on Indigenous Peoples hasn't happened yet. The youth within all of our programs quickly identify with her as she has a way of presenting that is simplified in a way for new english speaking youth and deep enough to elicit an emotional response from them as well. She is a fantastic facilitator and we will always be welcome at YMCA GTA events.

Matthew Boumeester

Newcomer Youth Advisor, Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program, YMCA, Toronto

Jenna and I have led one of our biggest and successful events to this day. We co-organized Toronto’s first ever Youth Mental Health Conference that focused on creating space for newcomer, immigrant and indigenous youth. She is an excellent presenter and knowledgeable about the wants and needs of her audience. She uses a lot of personal and professional experiences to connect with the audience. Mental health is a highly stigmatized conversation in marginalized communities. Jenna’s delivery has made people feel welcomed and included which allowed them to engage in tough conversations around mental health. I could not be more grateful to have worked with such an incredible, fearless, powerful young woman. The audience always feels inspired, fulfilled and motivated to take the next step in their personal and professional journey.

Sal Sabila
Founder of Youth Gravity


Jenna is a wonderful presenter and human, among many other things! She jumped at the opportunity to present virtual programming to the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Newcomer Youth and Youth Leadership Development programs during National Indigenous History Month in June 2020. Despite the challenges that can come with presenting over a virtual platform to a large group of youth, Jenna was well-prepared and able to adapt her presentation to meet the youth where they were at. Her presentation style is relaxed and relatable, while still covering crucial and important information. Jenna’s approachable nature allowed participants to feel more comfortable asking what can often be difficult and uncomfortable questions. After only a few minutes of conversation, you will feel like you’ve known Jenna for years. She is a good friend of the YMCA of Greater Toronto and we look forward to continuing to build on our friendship.

Lauren Weinberg
Outdoor Education Coordinator
YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre


Jenna is an incredibly versatile speaker that intuitively connects with diverse audiences from our Youth Leadership Group participants to our staff and volunteers. Through stories about her own connection of her Indigenous ancestry and her path into deep learning of traditional knowledge, Jenna introduces key cultural awareness elements that also encourage us all to continue in our own personal learning journey. Jenna is also a strong advocate for Indigenous peoples in Canada and she asks deep questions about Reconciliation and what it really means for each of us, sending a strong message that inspires us to move into real action. More than a one-off invitation, there has been no doubt in the beginning of a long standing relationship and we are very grateful to Jenna for accompanying us as we move on our own journey towards Reconciliation.

Esperanza Monsalve


Jenna Robar

Roster-Video Gallery

Jenna Robar is an accredited Holistic Health Coach, passionate speaker, and a traditional hand-drummer and singer. Jenna carries the title of ‘National Ambassador of Hope’ with Canadian organization ‘We Matter’, frequently travelling across Canada to speak to Indigneous youth on life promotion. Seasoned in speaking up for what she believes in, she has spoken and drummed in the House of Commons, with the United Nations Association of Canada, in schools and universities on behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and with YMCA locations across the country.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Nourishing Our Roots- Wellness with an Indigenous Lens

Growing up in Cape Breton as an L’nu (or Mi’kmaw) woman with an eating disorder, navigating those labels led Jenna to finding wellness through traditional foods and restorative care of self. 

These days Jenna dedicates her time speaking within Indigenous communities around Turtle Island on getting back to traditional ways of movement and eating sustainably from the land, coaching clients to be the healthiest version of themselves, and speaking nationally to Newcomer and Indigenous youth on their value and shaping the future they want and need. 

From shore to shore, Jenna shares the importance of taking care of self in a way that will give the audience the energy and clarity to strive for what's important to them.

WARRIOR WOMEN - DRUMMING SESSION

Jenna formed a drumming group, Ogichidaa Kwe (Warrior Women). They are an Indigenous drumming group that was formed at the Native Youth Resource Centre in late 2018. The group is based in Tkaronto and is made up of young Indigenous women from across the land we know today as 'Canada'. Ogichidaa Kwe have performed at various locations across the city, including Toronto Metro City Hall, TD Bank Headquarters, the Mdewgaan Healing Lodge Grand Opening, the Grand Opening of the Bear's Den at the Martin Garron, for the Canadian Roots Exchange, and Centennial college. Jenna's drumming teachings come from artists like Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone, Sherryl Sewepagaham, Jasmine Spence, and others. She has also drummed for the United Nations Association of Canada, the YMCA (GTA), and for the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.