Business of the Month: Northwest Solutions’ different approach to working in Northern Ontario

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From huskies to concerted reconciliation efforts, this natural resources service supplier envisions a new way of doing things

The Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action, published in 2015, set goals to help right the wrongs of colonialization. Initially aimed at government, these goals represent ideals that all Canadians — and Canadian companies — can strive for. As powerful as the Calls to Action are, what’s not provided is a guidebook to help reach those ideals.

Kevin graduated from Lakehead University’s forestry program just as the industry started to collapse. Brandi specializes in communications, finances, and grant writing within the company. Together, they draw from a wide range of services tailored to their clients’ needs — and that’s not a slogan. They don’t simply consult on land use plans; they work with communities to create their own plans and train community members to put plans in action. Northwest Solutions can also conduct wildlife surveys and other environmental assessments, source government grants and apply for permits, and generate maps and manage GIS.“We’re problem-solvers,” Brandi said, summing up what they do. Northwest Solutions is about meeting companies and Indigenous communities at their level.

“We’re not perfect — not at all. But we are constantly reflecting, trying to be better and trying not to make promises we can’t keep, especially with our Indigenous projects. As Brandi said, there’s been a long history of unkept promises.”What they are talking about, of course, is operating in the spirit of reconciliation. That’s not always easy to do, as many companies in Northern Ontario have found out. In many cases, it requires philosophical change — often, as Kevin said, at financial cost.

Communication, particularly with surrounding First Nations and Indigenous communities, is key to decolonizing the process, she said. The growing company includes Brandi and Kevin plus three employees, and as of this writing they have job postings for at least two other positions.

 

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