Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) Announces Kathleen BlueSky’s Appointment as Chief Executive Officer

T1DC Welcomes Kathleen BlueSky as New CEO to Spearhead Economic Development at Naawi-Oodena

May 6, 2024 – Treaty One Territory –

Following an extensive selection process with National and International applicants from around the globe, the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Kathleen BlueSky has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 6, 2024. Kathleen BlueSky, a Cree and Anishinaabe Ikwe from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Minegoziibe Anishinaabe First Nation, is a visionary entrepreneur and devoted mother of three who brings with her a remarkable blend of experience, expertise, and dedication to Indigenous economic development.

“In the past year, we have built up optimal business and governance structures for Treaty One. Kathleen BlueSky has been integral in keeping this major project moving forward and on track,” stated T1DC President and Sagkeeng First Nation Chief EJ Fontaine. “Her education, extensive experience, and steady leadership will be a tremendous asset for T1DC as we move to the next phases of growth and development of Naawi-Oodena. I look forward to working closely with our new CEO as we continue to advance economic growth for Treaty One.”

With an MBA from the Asper School of Business and over two decades of executive leadership, Kathleen BlueSky champions holistic well-being, economic independence, and self-governance for First Nations. As the founder of Seven Feathers Consulting and former CEO of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, she empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizational leaders to thrive and build intergenerational leadership. Notably, she serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the $300M First Nation Market Housing Fund and co-founded Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, securing Manitoba’s inaugural Social Impact Bond in 2019.

Kathleen BlueSky expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am very honoured and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the CEO of T1DC. Economic Development and intergenerational wealth serve as the foundation for strengthening our local economies, supporting community growth, and impacting social and economic well-being. Together, we have the power to build a brighter future for generations to come.”

In her time working closely with the T1DC Board of Directors as Interim CEO since June 2023, Kathleen BlueSky has played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing relationships between T1DC and key stakeholders from a range business sectors and levels of government. Kathleen BlueSky’s leadership is grounded in principles of holistic well-being, economic empowerment, and self-governance.

With Kathleen BlueSky at the helm, T1DC is poised for a future of meaningful growth and prosperity for the Treaty One First Nations and the Naawi-Oodena development. We are proud to welcome Kathleen BlueSky as the new T1DC CEO!

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nation
Email: vsavino@treaty1.ca | Cell: 204-770-0392