There’s a word in Katy’s traditional Secwépemc language that reflects the rich and nuanced spirit of reciprocity: knucwentwécw-kt (“we help one another”). And it’s fundamental to the way Katy shows up in every aspect of her life.

“For me, practicing knucwentwécw-kt means fostering and supporting the gifts and strengths of others,” explains Katy. “It’s about bringing kindness and love to all situations; and taking actions that bring positive change where I can.”

Katy is one of Pathways’ senior consultants, responsible for overseeing search assignments from start to finish and delivering the highest quality executive search product to Pathways’ clients.

With a certificate in Human Resources Management from BCIT, and an Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University, Katy is passionate about advancing Indigenous communities nationwide.

Prior to joining the Pathways team, she was an elected Council Member for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for nine years, responsible for a variety of portfolios, including Human Resources, Finance, Lands, Leasing and Taxation, and Economic Development. She also served as Deputy Chair for the First Nations Finance Authority.

“Katy’s broad experience, deep cultural knowledge, and high degree of post-secondary education, give her a unique perspective and allow her to walk in both worlds,” observes Mike Eager, one of Pathways’ three partners.

Other Pathways colleagues are also quick to acknowledge her commitment to Indigenous values, professionally and personally, and speak to how she is grounded in her culture and commitment to family.

“She is personable and warm, and leads with kindness and respect always,” comments Laurie Sterritt, Pathways’ managing partner.

Another partner, Darrin Jamieson, notes, “Katy’s approachability puts colleagues, candidates, and clients at ease, and she has an ability to tap into key aspects of people to be able to highlight their strengths.”

It’s this spirit—combined with her insatiable curiosity, effective communication skills, and the ability to find solutions when there are no obvious answers—that enables Katy to connect with the people with whom she works. She describes how every conversation with a client, a candidate, or an Indigenous leader teaches her about all the work and successes of Indigenous peoples, in Canada and around the world.

These interactions fuel Katy’s unwavering commitment to seeking out and creating environments where Indigenous leaders can thrive, ensuring that actions and people align with the goals of reconciliation, decolonization, and re-Indigenizing.

“I can’t in good conscience recruit Indigenous leaders into spaces where these values are not upheld,” she admits; something that connects every member of the Pathways team.

“We don’t just focus on the project side of things here,” Katy explains. “Our team cultivates ideas on how to better support Indigenous people, promoting diversity while ensuring all of our team members’ voices are heard and included.”

She continues, “I didn’t realize recruiting would be such a fulfilling career, but it really aligns with my passions around re-Indigenizing Canada and bringing our voices to leadership tables in corporate Canada and empowering our own governments with our own leaders.”

We’re grateful for all you do, Katy!