Reconciliation with Partnerships
Advancing Reconciliation Through Municipal-First Nations Partnerships
"Building bridges between Indigenous and municipal governments through trust, shared governance, and collaborative economic development."
My Role as a Reconciliation Strategist
I work with municipalities and First Nations across Canada to strengthen relationships, build economic partnerships, and advance Reconciliation. With over 18 years of experience in policy, economic development, and capacity building, I bring a Two-Eyed Seeing approach—blending Indigenous ways of knowing with municipal governance structures—to foster meaningful partnerships.
As a Dene woman, my lived experience informs my approach to relationship-building, ensuring that First Nations are not just included in conversations but respected as equal government partners in shaping their communities' futures.
The Impact of These Partnerships
Strengthened nation-to-nation relationships between First Nations and municipalities.
Increased economic opportunities for Indigenous and municipal communities.
Elevated Indigenous governance and self-determination within municipal structures.
Fostered culturally informed policy development and Reconciliation strategies.
Sault Ste Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and Garden River First Nation Chief Karen Bell
“It is probably something that hasn’t been done as much as it ought to have been done in the past, but we can change that moving forward”
Municipal-First Nations Partnerships I’ve Supported
Each of these partnerships reflects the power of collaborative leadership, economic opportunity, and shared governance, contributing to lasting relationships between First Nations and municipal governments.
Alberta
Enoch Cree Nation & City of Edmonton – Strengthening intergovernmental collaboration and exploring joint economic opportunities.
Ontario
Fort William First Nation & City of Thunder Bay – Building stronger economic ties and municipal-Indigenous governance structures.
Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Township of Selwyn, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, County of Peterborough & Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development – Multi-government collaboration in economic development.
Saugeen First Nation #29 & Town of Saugeen Shores – Developing governance strategies and fostering long-term municipal-First Nation relationships.
Garden River First Nation & City of Sault Ste. Marie – Advancing economic opportunities and intergovernmental planning.
Northwest Territories
Yellowknives Dene First Nation & City of Yellowknife – Strengthening partnerships and supporting Indigenous-led economic initiatives.
Saskatchewan
Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs & City of North Battleford – Enhancing Indigenous-municipal partnerships and capacity building.
Quebec
Huron-Wendat First Nation & Ville de Québec – Strengthening governance relationships and municipal-Indigenous cooperation.
New Brunswick
Natoaganeg First Nation & City of Miramichi – Developing frameworks for long-term municipal-First Nation collaboration.
Chief Knott of Curve Lake First Nation
In 2016, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Selwyn Township, Otonabee-South Monaghan Township, the County of Peterborough, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development formed a partnership under the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). This collaboration led to the signing of the "Ezhi-Wiijikiwendiyang" or Friendship Accord in 2019, symbolizing their commitment to joint economic development, regional tourism, and mutual respect. Together, they have established working groups focusing on planning, consultation, and Indigenous tourism to foster regional growth and reconciliation.
