ABOUT US

I am known for building trusted relationships that bring together Indigenous communities, governments, industry, and technical professionals to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and create partnerships that deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits.

​

I am a strategic advisor, relationship builder, business development leader, and project manager with more than 35 years of experience working at the intersection of Indigenous relations, reconciliation, infrastructure, archaeology, research, program management, and public policy.

​

Throughout my career, I have helped organizations build meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities that support both community priorities and organizational objectives. My work focuses on advancing reconciliation through action—developing practical strategies, strengthening organizational capacity, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and creating partnerships built on trust, respect, and mutual benefit.

​

I have extensive experience leading Indigenous engagement and consultation initiatives for complex infrastructure and capital projects, advising organizations on reconciliation strategies, developing cultural awareness programs, and supporting Indigenous procurement and capacity-building initiatives. Equally, I have a strong background in strategic business development, identifying opportunities where trusted relationships create value for both Indigenous communities and project proponents.

​

As Business Leader – Indigenous Communities with McElhanney, I was responsible for expanding the company's Indigenous client base, developing strategic relationships with First Nations, identifying new business opportunities, and bringing together multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, planners, surveyors, environmental specialists, archaeologists, and project managers—to deliver infrastructure solutions that responded to community priorities. I worked collaboratively with Indigenous Nations to identify opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships while helping position the organization as a trusted long-term partner. At the same time, I provided leadership for corporate reconciliation initiatives, chaired the Reconciliation Committee, and led McElhanney's participation in the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business' Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR), embedding reconciliation into corporate governance and business practices.

​

A significant part of my career has focused on the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, Missing Children, Indian Hospitals, and unmarked burials. I have worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Indigenous communities across Canada researching residential school deaths and burial locations, supporting community-led initiatives, and advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. This work requires a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach grounded in trust, respect, and the recognition that communities must lead these important processes.

​

My background in archaeological consulting throughout British Columbia provides a strong understanding of cultural heritage, archaeological resource management, and the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, land stewardship, and infrastructure development. Combined with formal Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, I bring the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and deliver projects that balance technical, cultural, environmental, and community priorities.

​

Through Salal Consulting, I work with Indigenous communities, governments, engineering firms, and organizations seeking to strengthen Indigenous relationships, advance reconciliation, develop strategic partnerships, and create sustainable opportunities that deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic value.

​

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic Indigenous Relations
• Business Development & Client Growth
• Strategic Partnerships & Relationship Building
• Reconciliation Leadership & Organizational Change
• Indigenous Consultation & Community Engagement
• Infrastructure & Capital Projects
• Indian Residential Schools, Missing Children & Unmarked Burials
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Management
• Project & Program Management (PMP)
• Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
• Strategic Advisory Services

 

Professional and Client Experience

• McElhanney
• Chatsworth Enterprises
• Steveston Waterfront Properties Inc
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
• BC Hydro
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• IR Wilson Consulting (Archaeology)
• Irish Archaeological Consultancy
• Fraser Valley Treaty Advisory Committee