ORGANIZATIONAL & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Helping First Nations Define and Achieve Their Long-Term Vision
Okimaw’s strategic planning services are custom-built for First Nations communities and organizations, blending proven planning methods with Indigenous knowledge systems. We work alongside leadership, staff, Elders, and community members to create clear, achievable, and culturally grounded strategic plans that guide decision-making and resource allocation. Our process includes engagement sessions, environmental scans, and capacity assessments to ensure alignment with each Nation’s values, priorities, and long-term goals. Strategic planning retreats can also include governance training and team-building to strengthen leadership cohesion.

Assessing and Strengthening Governance, Systems, and Leadership
Okimaw conducts thorough organizational reviews to help First Nations improve internal effectiveness, clarify roles, and rebuild alignment across leadership and administration. Each review looks at governance structures, mission and purpose, workplace culture, staffing, systems, and overall performance. We combine interviews, surveys, document reviews, and facilitated dialogue to provide an honest and constructive assessment. Our final reports include practical recommendations and implementation strategies that support self-governance, accountability, and community trust.

Community-Driven Planning for a Self-Determined Future
Our Comprehensive Community Planning (CCP) services help First Nations map out long-term, holistic development that reflects their unique identity and aspirations. Okimaw facilitates inclusive community engagement to create plans covering key areas such as governance, health, education, infrastructure, economy, culture, and the environment. We ensure that CCPs are vision-led, locally owned, and ready for implementation, with built-in tools for tracking progress and adapting over time. CCPs developed with Okimaw support intergenerational visioning and long-term Nation-building.

Building Sustainable Economies Under Indigenous Control
Okimaw supports First Nations in creating and growing community-owned businesses, partnerships, and investment strategies that promote economic sovereignty. We provide expertise in business planning, governance structuring, feasibility analysis, and strategic investment readiness. Our approach ensures that each project or enterprise is rooted in community values and contributes to long-term wealth generation, employment, and Nation-building. From duty-free shops and retail development to community corporations and investment strategies, we help position First Nations to succeed on their own terms.