WHO WE ARE

Our Value Proposition

Okimaw understands the needs of our people and have the utmost respect for the communities we serve. Our training is meant to add value, not replace the Nation’s ways.

Proven Success

Okimaw Background

Okimaw understands the needs of our people and have the utmost respect for the communities we serve. Our training is meant to add value, not replace the Nation’s ways. Our proven techniques and tools help to ensure that the transfer of knowledge and skills build your organizations so that complex projects are handled with less stress and less conflict.

okimaw background

Okimaw is a service-based business that works exclusively with First Nations and related Indigenous entities to assess, train and support their teams.

Okimaw specializes in community well-being through helping clients be more effective with their planning, governance and management, especially their management of people and how they collectively make organizations more effective.

Okimaw strives to combine traditional nation values with a modern approach to community planning and HR challenges. Using experience combined with best practices for learning, and customized solutions, the company appreciates and understands the various challenges that are faced running the affairs of the nation. They have experienced these challenges firsthand.

Founded in Canada in 2019
Collective experience of 100 Nations served throughout Turtle Island (North America).

Leadership

OUR PRINCIPALS

TERRY BROWN

CEO

“I’ve served over 100 Nations and I am very passionate about transforming governance to secure financial stability and building sovereign wealth.”

Terry Brown Bio

MIRANDA KENNEDY

Senior VP of Human Resources

“I am very passionate about assisting First Nations organizations meet their overall business strategy and individuals reach their career goals.”

Miranda Kennedy Bio

Our team of experts is committed to your prosperity using our hearts, minds and imaginations!

When you choose to work with Okimaw you get a long-term partner that is dedicated to your success. We design solutions that are practical, effective and in harmony with your values.

OKIMAW TEAM

Our Team’s Locations

The Okimaw Community & HR Solutions team are located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Ottawa.

Our team works across Canada to provide First Nations and related entities with effective community and HR Solutions.

Over the years, our team has served over 150 Nations throughout Turtle Island (North America).

CORPORATE OFFICE

18th Floor - 201 Portage Ave

Winnipeg MB R3B 3K6

HEAD OFFICE

200 - 100 Park Royal

West Vancouver BC V7T 1A2

CONTACT US

+1 800 469 6895

info@okimaw.com

Terry Brown

Terry Brown B. Comm (Hons) is the CEO of Okimaw Community and HR Solutions, a member of the EDIP Sovereign Wealth Solutions Group of Companies focused on providing indigenous communities with the tools to grow their sovereign wealth through economic reconciliation. In addition to being the CEO of Okimaw, Terry is also on the Board of Okimaw and the EDIP Foundation and is on the EDIP SWS Executive Committee.

Terry is a proud Indigenous businessperson with extensive experience working with the First Nation, Metis, Inuit and Native American communities. He has been sought out by numerous organizations for his strong command of corporate and Indigenous issues, particularly in capacity building and connecting mainstream and Indigenous businesses.  Terry’s background has given him a dynamic understanding of the issues and opportunities facing both companies doing business in traditional indigenous territory as well as indigenous communities expanding into mainstream markets.

Terry is a confident, award-winning business leader who takes pride in being a strategic problem-solver, envisioning smart solutions and executing with expediency across all areas of an organization. He has had experience with Federal, Provincial, Municipal and American Indian and First Nations governments, Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, including consumer goods, manufacturing, banking, transportation, hospitality, marketing, wholesale, energy, procurement, and healthcare. Terry advises business entities, Indigenous communities and entities on policy initiatives, corporate setups, joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions.

An experienced negotiator, Terry has successfully closed hundreds of business deals on behalf of both Indigenous and Fortune 100 companies. As a business leader and VP of a First Nation owned franchise for one of the world's largest beverage companies, Terry focused on corporate growth by helping others start and grow their own business ventures throughout the regions of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, and Nunavut.

Terry is a Board member at Building Urban Industries for Local Development (BUILD); Champion for Little Stars Playhouse; and has sat on numerous boards over his career. In 2019, he was appointed to the role of Commissioner with the Province of Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education.

Husband of 19 years and father of a beautiful 8-year-old girl, Terry's traditional name is “Who-Zu Ski Geezhig Ininini”, which translated to English means “Blue Sky Man” which means he always sees the bright side when it is darkest. He was honored with the name of “Red Star Turtle Man” and has been told by elders that he’s obligated to share his knowledge throughout Turtle Island (North America).

Miranda Kennedy

Mrs. Miranda Kennedy serves as Vice President of Human Resources and has over 20 years of combined experience in human resources, social work, and business management. Her Cree name in English is “Woman who sits with the Rocks” and is from Saskatchewan - Treaty Six Territory.

Mrs. Kennedy is a commerce graduate from the University of Saskatchewan and holds a degree in Human Resource Management. She served as President of the Aboriginal Business Students Society during her studies. Miranda also holds a diploma in Travel and Tourism and helps individuals and businesses with their vacation and travel plans.

Mrs. Kennedy has an extensive network within the First Nation community and has hands on experience with project management and administration. She has led various HR initiatives such as: policy development and payroll administration, recruitment and orientation, file audits and compliance reports, performance reviews and professional development, and has helped organize staff retreats, conferences, and career fairs to help nations build capacity within their community. Miranda worked in many different industries during her career and is a highly skilled HR professional as a direct result of these experiences. She also serves as a mentor and life coach to many who seek her knowledge.

Mrs. Miranda Kennedy is a dynamic and engaged speaker. She is a results-driven and HR focused individual with a strong understanding of an organization’s priorities and challenges. Miranda believes in people and their potential; and encourages others to develop personally and professionally in their careers to change businesses and even nations.