Board of Directors
Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sussex Strategy Group
Katherine is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in policy and legal matters, particularly focused on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. She is committed to providing insights into political and policy decision-making processes that shape the laws and regulations impacting Indigenous communities, with a special emphasis on lands and resources, energy, environment, and infrastructure.
Most recently, Katherine served as a Senior Advisor of Indigenous Policy and Litigation in the Prime Minister’s Office. She played a key part in the policy team and advanced the government’s reconciliation initiatives by influencing Cabinet decisions and financial processes. She also helped secure historic federal investments for Indigenous communities, addressing critical issues such as the resolution of historic grievances and major litigation related to land claims, Indian Residential Schools, water, and First Nations child welfare.
Prior to her role in the Prime Minister’s Office, Katherine served as a senior Indigenous policy, regulatory, and legal affairs advisor to the Federal Ministers of Environment Climate Change and Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. She actively contributed to the development and enactment of legislation such as the Impact Assessment Act and Canadian Energy Regulator Act (2019), as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021).
Before her career in political advisory roles, Katherine practiced law, specializing in environment, energy, and Aboriginal law. Katherine strongly advocates for a balanced approach where the environment and economy can coexist, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and stressing the need to work collaboratively to build a prosperous Canadian economy while respecting the environment, Indigenous rights, and knowledge.
Katherine holds an LLB from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (called to the bar in 2008), an Aboriginal Intensive Certificate in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Katherine is Mushkegowuk Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation. Currently, residing in Ottawa with her husband, two boys, and loyal German Shepherd.
Outside of work, she is an avid lover of the outdoors, cherishing opportunities to travel to her traditional territory with her family, and fostering a strong bond with her culture and traditions.
