Debwe was created with a clear purpose: to strengthen First Nations voices in the decisions and processes that affect them.

 

Too often, First Nations governments and communities are asked to participate in engagement and consultation processes designed by others. They may be expected to respond to complex policies, legislation, programs, and government proposals without the same research, policy, legal, administrative, and financial resources available to the institutions seeking their participation.

 

We believe engagement should work differently.

 

First Nations governments and communities should have the information, preparation, and support they need to determine how they want to participate, advance their priorities, and make informed decisions about matters that affect their people. Engagement should begin while there is still something to shape, and participation should mean more than being asked to respond to decisions that have largely already been made.

 

Debwe grew from that belief, but the work is not limited to engagement.

 

The same principles apply when a client is developing policy, reviewing its governance practices, planning a gathering, working through a difficult issue, conducting research, or bringing people together for an important conversation. Our role is to understand what the client is trying to accomplish and provide the knowledge, capacity, advice, facilitation, or practical support that helps move the work forward.

 

Debwe Maada'ookii Maamawi means “Speaking and Sharing Together.” The name reflects the kind of practice I wanted to build: one grounded in listening, sharing knowledge, respecting different perspectives, and working alongside clients rather than assuming that a consultant should arrive with all the answers.

 

That principle continues to guide our work today.