Q: What does "collaboration" look like in practice?

• True collaboration is built on trust, humility, and active listening rather than imposing top-down solutions

• In my work managing federal health promotion and crime prevention programs across Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, I have always approached Indigenous communities as partners. This means prioritizing Indigenous self-determination.

• My work involves showing deep respect and ensuring that plans are built directly upon the unique, community-identified priorities of the people they serve.

 

Q: How do you handle complex, multi-partner funding allocations while maintaining community trust?

• During my time with the federal government, I managed a $7 million program budget and oversaw funding allocations, grant reviews, and program monitoring for Indigenous organizations in the North.,

• My approach to maintaining trust is simple: absolute transparency and shared accountability.

• I act as a practical bridge between the rigorous reporting demands of federal, provincial, or municipal funders and the operational realities of local organizations, ensuring compliance is met without burdening community relationships.

 

Q: How do you bridge the gap between municipal/government frameworks and local First Nations?

• This is a core focus of my current role as the Manager of Community Safety and Social Development for the City of Port Alberni

• I bring together municipal staff, provincial ministries, first responders, and local First Nations around shared community objectives

• By starting every initiative with a commitment to listening, finding common ground, and coordinating "multidisciplinary contributions," we ensure that all parties have an equal voice in shaping strategic, measurable wellness outcomes

 

Q: How do you ensure accountability and risk management without compromising local community autonomy?

• I design practical, people-centred program monitoring frameworks.

• Working closely with project teams and community coordinators, I help structure simple milestone-tracking processes that allow partners to monitor progress, identify risks early, and resolve issues collaboratively.

• This results-focused stewardship ensures that public funds are managed responsibly while the local community retains full ownership of the delivery and outcomes.