CSBA Trustee Gathering
on Education, Innovation and Reconciliation
Presenters
Tyler Smith has no memory of the worst day of his life, something the 24-year-old considers “a blessing in disguise.” On April 6, 2018, Tyler and his junior hockey team, the Humboldt Broncos, were on their way to a play-off game when a semi-truck struck their bus. He lost 16 of his teammates, staff members, and coaches, while he and 12 others survived.
After he physically recovered, Tyler returned to the Broncos. He made it back for ten games, and although his body felt fine, his mental health was starting to catch up with him. Tyler didn’t feel like himself and knew he needed to step away from the game and prioritize his mental recovery. He has made progress with his recovery, but the battle that Tyler is facing is an ongoing one – some days are better than others, and some will always be challenging, but he now feels better equipped to handle the difficult moments when they come.
Tyler Smith’s remarkable journey on Season 9 of the Amazing Race Canada was a testament to his competitive spirit. Alongside his partner Kat Kastner, #TyKat carried the Humbolt team with them navigating the challenges of the race with exceptional determination, clinching victory in four individual legs. From trauma to recovery and then champion, Tyler’s victory added layers of significance and emotion to their achievement, marking it as a win that extended far beyond the race itself. Their triumph harnessed the powers of resilience, healing and advocacy, honouring his fallen teammates and spreading awareness for honest conversations surrounding mental health,
Tyler has founded his mental health awareness clothing line called ‘Not Alone Co.’ Not Alone is all about helping facilitate meaningful conversations around mental health with the messaging that is presented on Not Alone’s variety of apparel. Not Alone donates portions of the proceeds to different charities and foundations across Canada including Jack.org. Tyler’s commitment dedicates his platforms to fostering awareness, healing, and purpose. Through sharing his own journey, he aims to assist others in navigating their paths to recovery. Tyler’s mission is deeply rooted in creating safe environments and encouraging open dialogues, focusing on preventative strategies for mental health, trauma, and recovery.
Cadmus Delorme is a leader dedicated to the pillars of cultural rejuvenation, political sovereignty, and economic self-sustainability. Cadmus is a citizen of the Cowessess First Nation, where he served as Chief from 2016 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Nation saw massive advancements in governance, child welfare reform, and renewable energy.
Today, Cadmus is the Founder and Partner of OneHoop Advisory Services and Flowing River Capital Group, where he focuses on bridging the private equity market with Truth and Reconciliation. He is also the Chancellor of the University of Regina and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Passionate, animated, and full of energy, Matthew Corkum never backs down from difficult conversations. Throughout his life, he has pushed boundaries and challenged expectations to thrive in environments that were not always designed with disability in mind. Matthew is not your average speaker—he has a unique ability to weave personal experience, education, and humour into stories that both challenge perspectives and inspire action.
A 2006 valedictorian of Acadia University, Matthew went on to earn a PhD in Atmospheric Science from York University and spent 13 years as Head Meteorologist at an energy hedge fund in Calgary. He knows how to track the weather—but he also knows what it feels like to be excluded, bullied, underestimated, and discriminated against.
Matthew brings that lived experience to his advocacy and leadership. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a Community Advisory member with Calgary Adaptive Hub, and a past member of the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility. In 2023, Avenue Magazine named him one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 for his advocacy and work promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. In 2025, he was named Acadia University’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in recognition of his achievements and contributions.
Today, Matthew lives in Fernie, BC—a mountain community renowned for skiing and biking. His contagious smile, quick one-liners, and animated storytelling bring humour and authenticity to conversations that can otherwise be difficult. From downhill skiing and mountain biking to travelling independently around the world, Matthew uses his adventures to demonstrate what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity, support, and freedom to pursue what matters to them.
Matthew also shares the story of growing up in the Nova Scotia public school system, where he struggled socially but excelled academically despite being unable to handwrite. The accommodations and supports that allowed him to succeed were made possible in large part through self-advocacy by Matthew and his family.
His message is simple but powerful: disability should never be allowed to define a person’s potential. Through humour, lived experience, and practical insight, Matthew challenges audiences to look beyond limitations, rethink assumptions, and recognize the ability in disABILITY.