Solutions
Strengthening relationships
Earnscliffe Strategies recognizes the need for and supports reconciliation work in Canada. We offer a wide variety of Indigenous advisory services to support nations seeking to engage with governments at all levels and business, municipal and community organizations seeking to engage with a Nation or Nations. We specialize in helping all parties understand each other and clearly communicate their interests.
Reconciliation
An ongoing process to establish and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, including concrete actions that demonstrate real change.
A rights-recognition approach to our work
Indigenous engagement + reconciliation
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is how business is done in Canada. We work with clients to develop and implement Indigenous Engagement Plans bringing stakeholders together with Indigenous Peoples, on a range of issues, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes and sustainable relationships.
Earnscliffe Indigenous Relations work is grounded in the principle of reconciliation.
We work with the client to develop approaches & strategies to implement TRC Calls to Action
UNDRIP + Indigenous governance
UNDRIP is a reconciliation framework that can address a range of issues. Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) is a specific right embedded within the universal right to self-determination recognized in UNDRIP.
We work with clients to operationalize the principle of Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) on projects that affect Indigenous interests. FPIC enable Indigenous Peoples to negotiate the conditions under which a project will be designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated.
Self-determination + economic reconciliation
UNDRIP confirms the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination. All relations with Indigenous Peoples must be based on recognition and implementation of their right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government. UNDRIP further sets out that self-determination includes:
- Governance, fiscal, social & economic autonomy
- Protection of the environment
- Benefit from resources
Indigenous Insights
Subscription-based, quarterly survey of Indigenous public opinion. A national, online survey of 500 Indigenous people living in Canada, (on-and off-reserve) conducted quarterly.
Each survey has core questions and includes the most pressing issues regionally & nationally.
Reports delivered in June, September, December and March.
Subscribers have the ability to suggest topics; options for custom, proprietary questions.
Government relations + policy
This service is offered to Nations seeking to advance their policy issues, claims process or seeking support for infrastructure projects on behalf of their Nation. Working with the Earnscliffe team, the Nation would gain an understanding of government processes and timing and a broader picture of decision-making and the key decision-makers involved in their issue. The Earnscliffe team has successfully worked with Nations to arrive at successful outcomes, more quickly.
Working with us, the team matches their understanding with governments with a respectful approach to each Nation and their histories and interests.
Your Earnscliffe advisor
sXalusat – Michele Guerin
Principal
SXalusat, Michele knows first-hand that integrity is everything when building trust with Indigenous communities across Canada.
A proud member of Musqueam First Nation, with a strong entrepreneurial background, Michele has helped Indigenous communities develop nation building plans as incremental steps to self-governance, and led community engagement around it. Her approach focuses on the strengths in communities to generate ideas and empower her clients.
A non-practicing lawyer, Michele practiced in Aboriginal law, supporting First Nations clients under the modern B.C. treaty process. She is a former director of research, for a national non-profit Indigenous governance organization, commissioning legal, academic and community-based research on key topics related to Indigenous governance best practices and nation building. She also worked for a BC Crown agency on major projects and led Indigenous Relations.
Michele also served as a councillor with Musqueam First Nation and on the Boards of Ecojustice and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
A true change leader, Michele testified as a Survivor at the federal Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 2S+ National Inquiry, and was invited to share her testimony at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. She continues to hold a passion for change in this area.
Michele is a proud mother and grandmother living in British Columbia.
Why Earnscliffe?
Earnscliffe’s people are leaders in solution delivery and masters of their fields. They are our advantage, and they will become yours.
Our government and public policy team understands the process, players and timing to position your team as innovative thought leaders and help you drive change. Our opinion research team ensures our work is underpinned by the data and insights that allow us to deliver clear and actionable recommendations. Our strategic digital and communications team know how to move opinions, generate momentum and connect with key audiences.
Your situation is unique to you. Earnscliffe’s purpose-built teams and adaptable approaches have a 30-year track record of delivering strategies which will set you up for success. Put simply, our team will get it right so you can move forward with confidence.
