Odawa Relations

09/22/2026

For many of the First Nations communities and organizations we serve at Odawa Relations the position is not about being anti-development; it’s about being pro-consent. Consent to develop within a territory is the bare minimum.

That distinction matters as Canada continues to advance its major projects agenda and introduce Bill C-39.

The proposed legislation introduces “regions of national interest,” where Cabinet could designate a geographic region and identify categories of projects that would effectively be pre-approved within it. A regional assessment would happen first, with consultation with the affected First Nations occurring at that stage. Once a region is established, consultation on individual projects would largely focus on conditions rather than whether the project proceeds.

That changes where some of the most important conversations with First Nations need to happen.

As the Major Projects Office continues its work, we should be talking about more than how First Nations participate in individual projects. We should be talking about how rights-holding Nations participate in shaping the systems, regional assessments and decisions that come before those projects.

Who helps design a regional assessment? When do rights holders come to the table? What does meaningful consultation look like before a region is designated? Do Nations have the capacity and resources required to participate meaningfully? And how do we ensure conversations about economic participation never replace conversations about rights, jurisdiction, and consent?

There are First Nations across this country interested in development, infrastructure, investment, and economic opportunity. But partnership cannot mean being invited into a process after the fundamental decisions have already been made.

Development and consent are not competing ideas.

For many Nations, the question is not whether development happens. It is how it happens, where it happens, and whether First Nations are part of those decisions from the beginning.

That is the conversation Canada’s major projects agenda needs to get right.

Here at Odawa, we are here to help.

09/01/2026

Our room just got bigger! Today, we are proud to announce that Lodge Consulting Inc. has joined Odawa Relations. Two First Nations owned and led government relations firms are now one team; growing, and hiring, with headquarters in Ottawa and a presence in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Fort William First Nation, and Neyaashiinigmiing.

Full release in the comments.

This is a reciprocal partnership, not an acquisition. Like the braiding of sweetgrass, there is strength in bringing different strands together while honouring the integrity of each. Two firms built by First Nations people, for First Nations communities, recognized the same fire and decided to tend it together.

Questions can be directed to [email protected]

Travis, Hillory, Olivier, Summer, Alyssa

08/31/2026

We're calling this our Week of Growth, and it starts with some exciting news: we are officially hiring a Director of Government Relations.

When we started this firm, the idea was simple. First Nations deserve advisors who know how files actually move through federal and provincial systems, and who have done the work alongside First Nations, Communities, Tribal Councils, and Indigenous organizations.

Understanding First Nations governance, protocols, and the relationships that carry decisions is what makes the difference.

This is a senior role. You would carry your own client files, advise leadership directly, and represent Odawa Relations in big rooms. There is real room here to build something.

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates.

Full posting and how to apply:

https://odawarelations.ca/careers.html

Applications close September 15.

If this role is not the right fit for you, but you're interested in working with our firm in some capacity, please do get in touch. We may not have the posting up yet, but more roles are coming.

Please share widely, and with anyone who should see this.

- Travis Boissoneau Olivier C. Cullen

A senior government relations role at a First Nations owned firm. Ottawa, remote possible. Apply by September 15, 2026.

08/05/2026

We're only a few months into our journey, and we're proud to share that Odawa Relations is already supporting multiple clients across three provinces. We're grateful for the trust our clients and partners have placed in us and look forward to continuing to grow alongside the communities and organizations we serve.

As we continue to expand, we are actively seeking a government relations director and an executive assistant. If you know of anyone, please have them get in touch; stay tuned for more information coming shortly.

06/18/2026

We spent this week at the Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.

We were there mainly to speak to First Nations bylaws and the wider justice file, but the best part of any gathering like this is the people.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk with us, share their thinking, and offer such warm encouragement for Odawa Relations as we get off the ground.

Odawa Relations is a First Nations-owned firm built to help communities and organizations be heard where the decisions actually get made.

Weeks like this remind us why we started.

Miigwech to all who connected with us.