Employment History

Policy Analyst
Province of Nova Scotia - Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Halifax, NS

This office is responsible for coordinating the Province's response to Aboriginal issues. The majority of work is conducted through the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum and the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process.

• Conduct research and provide analysis on a variety of aboriginal issues, participate in tripartite working groups, and work with First Nation communities on a variety of issues.
• Prepare background reports and briefing notes in support of policy development and strategic business planning.

Economic Opportunities/Government Relations Officer
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Amherst & Halifax, NS

This Federal government department has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. The department's primary role is to support First Nations and Inuit in developing healthy, sustainable communities and in achieving their economic and social aspirations.

• Assessed First Nation proposals against predetermined criteria, to determine eligibility for departmental funding, provided recommendations to senior officers, the Regional Project Review Committee, and various Tripartite committee processes throughout the region.
• Managed and monitored approved programs to meet the criteria as set out by Economic Development Programs of INAC.
• Participated in ongoing review of strategies, plans and policies related to Economic Development, Marshall Strategy, and Gathering Strength Initiatives with respect to First Nation governments, Aboriginal Representative Organizations, and Federal /Provincial Regional Partnerships in Atlantic Canada.

Councillor
Millbrook First Nation, Truro, NS

A Mi'kmaq First Nation community that is governed by a Chief and 12 Councillors who are elected by Millbrook Band Members every two years.

• As a member of council, set policies, procedures, budgets, and strategic direction for the community and participated in regular council meetings to discuss issues concerning the Millbrook community.
• Participated in the analysis and approval of business development projects for the community as member of Millbrook Economic Development Committee.
• Participated in the hiring of several band administrative employees, as member of Hiring Committee.

Business Service Officer
Ulnooweg Development Group, Truro NS

A First Nations owned micro-credit financial company that provides loans and business services to aboriginal entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada. Their employees in 4 offices serve aboriginal clients with lending and business support services.

• Provided business coaching and advice to clients throughout the start up and expansion of businesses.
• Counseled clients in the development of business plans and financial projections.
• Analyzed client business, financial, and marketing efforts and recommended solutions and/or additional training opportunities.
• Act as a liaison for clients to identify external resources, funding sources, and programming.