Mokwateh

As the earth reaches its furthest from the sun, we pause to reflect on the year behind us and all that is ahead. We are deeply grateful for our clients, partners, and colleagues who have walked alongside us, sharing in the work of building meaningful relationships and stronger communities. From all of us at Mokwateh, we wish you warmth, peace, and joy this season. We are taking a break to rest, rejuvenate and spend time with our loved ones. We’ll return to work on January 6 and look forward to the challenges and opportunities 2025 will bring.

Our conversations this week with colleagues, partners and clients all shared a moment of recognizing the sad loss of Niilo Edwards, ICD.D First Nations Major Projects Coalition. Our team at Mokwateh echoes JP Gladu's heartfelt sentiments. Niilo was not only a trusted partner, but a dear friend and an absolute force for change. May we honour his legacy, by continuing the incredible work he set in motion. "We lost a beautiful soul this week. Nillo was a friend, colleague and inspiration to many. Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with him knew how big his heart was, how passionate he was about his work, how he made us better and made this country better by challenging the status quo. I've gone through the range of emotions from crying to laughing thinking about him and sharing stories with friends and colleagues. We miss him and we send love and strength to his beautiful wife Rachael who shared Niilo with us and the country over the years. I'm so very sad and also proud to have known Niilo. His impact is going to be felt for generations to come through his steadfast commitment to the First Nation community.--Thank you Niilo, much love, JP"

Congratulations to JP Gladu BScF MBA ICD.D LL.D on being recognised as this year's Colleges Ontario Premier's Awards recipient in the business category! His transformative leadership in advancing Canada’s Indigenous economy and inspiring career in forestry are remarkable achievements. Mokwateh is proud to share this well-deserved honour and celebrate JP’s ongoing advocacy for Indigenous leadership. To learn more about JP Gladu’s inspiring journey and his impact, visit www.co-awards.org. #2024PA #IndigenousLeadership #ReconciliationInAction #IndigenousBusiness #TrailblazingLeadership

Today, we celebrate an important milestone as CN releases their Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). This plan is more than just a document—it’s a testament to the dedication required to foster understanding, build trust, and take meaningful action. Reconciliation is hard work. It demands courage, honesty, and persistence. At times, relationships may falter, missteps may happen, but what truly matters is the decision to return to the work, learn, and move forward together.  CN’s IRAP stands out for its focus on practical, day-to-day improvements paired with thoughtful leadership. It reflects the understanding that reconciliation is an evolving journey, not a static achievement. At Mokwateh, we don’t shy away from challenges. We embrace them, knowing that progress is built step by step, through patience and perseverance. We applaud CN Rail for their commitment to walking this path and contributing to a brighter, more inclusive future.  Let’s keep moving forward together.   #Reconciliation #IRAP #IndigenousRelations #LeadershipInAction #Mokwateh  Mélanie Allaire, Daniel Gagné, Lauréanne Fontaine, Brie Ferguson, Karla Graf, Steven Santelli, Theresa Nelson, Jennifer Jerome , Olivier Chouc, Vanessa James, Brie Ferguson 

It’s go time for #Neeganii25! We’re thrilled to support the planning for this milestone event celebrating Indigenous leadership, economic development, and community collaboration. Join us by registering for the live event, explore exhibiting opportunities, or learn more about sponsorship and speaking engagements. With an exciting agenda ahead, we’ll be sharing the panelists and additional details as we get closer to the event. This gathering is made possible by the Windigo Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with Matawa First Nations, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Shibogama First Nations Council, and Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA), with the support of Industry Canada Fednor, Indigenous Services Canada | Services aux Autochtones Canada and Partner Sponsor North Star Air. 🔗 Learn more and stay updated: https://lnkd.in/gG6eAfiP

Join us in taking a moment of silence today as we honour the courage, skills, and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans. On National Indigenous Veterans Day, we acknowledge the thousands of Indigenous peoples who served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Military in the spirit of peace and unity. 

November 7 is a day to honor the rich cultures, languages, and identities that shine across the Arctic. At Mokwateh, we have the privilege of working in Nunavut, enjoying our time in the wonderfully warm (even when it’s cold!) community of Baker Lake and all the adventures along the way. From enjoying the beauty of the land to sharing in local traditions, including playing games on the ice, we are grateful for the connections we’ve made. Today, we celebrate the Northern spirit and the joy of Inuit music, games, traditions, and storytelling. Happy International Inuit Day! #InuitDay #ArcticCulture #Nunavut #BakerLake #IndigenousEngagement #Mokwateh 

November 7 is a day to honor the rich cultures, languages, and identities that shine across the Arctic. At Mokwateh, we have the privilege of working in Nunavut, enjoying our time in the wonderfully warm (even when it’s cold!) community of Baker Lake and all the adventures along the way. From enjoying the beauty of the land to sharing in local traditions, including playing games on the ice, we are grateful for the connections we’ve made. Today, we celebrate the Northern spirit and the joy of Inuit music, games, traditions, and storytelling. Happy International Inuit Day! #InuitDay #ArcticCulture #Nunavut #BakerLake #IndigenousEngagement #Mokwateh 

Our team is out in full force at the 8th Annual Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) First Nations Energy Symposium in Toronto.  Today, Katarina Savic, Mokwateh’s Director of Advisory Services, contributed to an insightful panel on enhancing Indigenous participation in procurement and supply chain opportunities. The discussion spoke to the value of supportive policies, strong partnerships, and equitable access to contracts to promote diversity and growth.  Right after, on the very same stage, Dazawray Landrie-Parker, our Director of Strategy and Governance, joined a conversation on emerging trends in Indigenous project financing, highlighting the financing options available to Indigenous proponents.  If you’re attending, be sure to connect with us. Katarina will be speaking again tomorrow on best practices for building successful partnerships between First Nations, government agencies, industry, and non-profits in advancing clean energy projects.  Visit mokwateh.com to learn more about our work supporting the Indigenous Economy in Canada’s energy transition.

Today, our team at Mokwateh honours the memory of Senator Murray Sinclair, whose life’s work transformed the country’s journey towards Reconciliation and inspired our own.  Sinclair's work revealed the deep scars of residential schools, challenging the country to confront its history, commit to healing, and envision a better future. He positioned Reconciliation as the key to creating a new relationship, one based on mutual respect and understanding. A proud Anishinaabe leader and Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, Senator Sinclair was a powerful advocate for justice and dignity. His work continues to humble us to listen deeply, act with integrity, and uphold the spirit of reconciliation. Our founder, JP Gladu, had the honour and privilege of acknowledging Sinclair's incredible impact as the Chair of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’s 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations.  Thank you, Senator Sinclair. May your legacy guide us forward.