Advancing Indigenous Leadership in Governance and Decision-Making

When we talk about reconciliation at the corporate level, we often think about consultation. But I would suggest that the future of reconciliation does not stop at consultation. The future is proactive participation. And not participation after decisions have already been made. Participation when decisions are being discussed, shaped, debated, and then ultimately made.

Here’s the issue: Governance in a changing Canada requires that Indigenous leadership is at the decision-making table.

Historically, that has not been our reality.

For generations, decisions affecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples were made without their voices present. Policies were created, resources were allocated, lands were impacted, and futures were shaped by people who often had little understanding of the communities most affected by those decisions. And, while important progress has been made, significant gaps remain and we need to ask an important question:

What opportunities are we missing when Indigenous leaders are not there?

Today, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders represent less than one percent of corporate board directors in Canada. Less than one percent.

When we consider the enormous opportunities and challenges facing this country, that should give all of us pause. It also begs a question of whether we are bringing the full breadth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom available as Canada faces decisions that shape outcomes for generations.

What Indigenous Leadership Brings to the Table

My team at Pathways has been digging into this issue, seeking solutions. We recently held focus groups with Indigenous leaders from across Canada on this important subject. We also partnered with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business on a national study examining the reality of Indigenous peoples’ participation in leadership and governance.The message we heard was remarkably consistent.

Indigenous leaders are often consulted on organizational issues that can be categorized as “Indigenous issues.” Sometimes their perspectives are sought in discussions around ESG, environmental, sustainability, and governance issues. And those contributions are incredibly valuable.

But Indigenous leaders bring far more than that. What we heard was compelling.

Indigenous leaders bring a worldview grounded in long-term thinking. A worldview that asks not only, “What will this decision mean for shareholders next quarter?” but, “What will this decision mean for communities, economies, and future generations?”

Also, many Indigenous cultures have long embraced the understanding that we are all connected: to one another, to the land, and to those who will come after us. That understanding shapes concepts such as seven-generation thinking, consensus-building, collective responsibility, and what many know as Two-Eyed Seeing: a framework that encourages us to see with one eye the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and with the other, the strengths of Western approaches, using both together for the benefit of all.

Now imagine the power of governance that embraces both. Governance that values financial performance and relationships. Economic growth and stewardship. Innovation and wisdom. Governance that recognizes the strongest decisions are not made by choosing one perspective over another, but by weaving together the best of many perspectives.

Imagine what happens when boards and executive teams benefit from the lived experiences of Indigenous leaders, including a deep commitment to stewardship, resilience, relationship-building, and responsibility to community.

Those experiences influence how risks are assessed. How opportunities are identified. How partnerships are developed. How trust is built.

And I share all of these benefits before we even consider the remarkable business, legal, financial, operational, and executive expertise that many Indigenous leaders bring to their governance and professional roles.

From Intention to Action

Clearly, the question is not whether Indigenous leaders are qualified. The question is whether our systems are creating enough pathways for those leaders to contribute at the most senior levels of decision making. And today, the answer is not yet.

Our national research highlighted a familiar pattern.

• Many organizations recognize the importance of Indigenous representation.
• Nearly half of the respondents rated Indigenous participation on their boards and executive teams as low or very low.
• More than half have established goals to address this however, far fewer have implemented targeted recruitment strategies.
• Only a small number report having adequate resources to support those efforts.

In other words, the intention exists.

But intention alone does not create change.

Action does. Investment does. Accountability does. And pathways do.

Indigenous participation in governance matters because it strengthens decision-making, builds trust and helps advance reconciliation. And in a world defined by complexity and change, an Indigenous worldview may become your strategic advantage.

Building Pathways to Indigenous Governance Leadership

And that brings me to what gives me hope….and what we are proposing to address this missed opportunity.

In response to what we’ve heard through the research, and frankly, my own impatience with the pace of change, Pathways and several partners across Canada are exploring the development of an Indigenous Directors Initiative.

The goal is straightforward: to strengthen the pipeline of Indigenous governance leaders through the various channels of board training, mentorship, leadership development, and more inclusive recruitment practices.

But this initiative is about more than preparing individuals; it is about changing systems. It’s about building a national community of Indigenous directors, aspiring leaders, and allies who can create opportunities and accelerate progress across the country.

Better Decisions for Canada’s Future

As we all know, Canada is entering a period of profound change. We are navigating economic uncertainty, major infrastructure projects, geopolitical challenges, energy transformation, not to mention, the ongoing work of reconciliation. The decisions made over the next decade will shape our country for generations. And those decisions will be stronger if Indigenous voices help make them.

So my challenge to all of us is this:

Don’t ask whether Indigenous leaders belong at the table. Ask what opportunities we are missing when they are not there.

This conversation is ultimately about better decisions; Stronger organizations; Healthier communities. And a more prosperous future for everyone.