Our Work

Decolonizing decision-making, reasserting First Nations jurisdiction, and advancing meaningful dialogue in British Columbia

Resonant Strategic is dedicated to fostering social and political transformation.  Since incorporating in 2018, Resonant has worked with more than 25 Nations, allied organizations, and governments to decolonize decision-making, reassert First Nations jurisdiction, and support meaningful dialogue in British Columbia. 

Decolonizing Decision-Making

We support our clients to engage with their membership in developing truly postcolonial decision-making processes within their own Nations.  More than a century under the Indian Act has forced traditional governance to work alongside Chief and Council systems as recognized by Ottawa, often concentrating power and excluding traditional leadership.  As Nations work to reconcile these systems, a neutral third party can help ensure the process is fair and legitimate.  

We’ve partnered with 5 First Nations to design custom engagement processes that incorporate the perspectives of traditional and elected leadership and membership at large into new ways of making decisions that are durable, transparent, and respectful of the various roles held within the Nation. 

Reasserting First Nations Jurisdiction in British Columbia

Resonant Strategic bridges the gap between Crown and Indigenous governments through post-colonial diplomacy.  We facilitate processes that build collaborative management and decision-making for natural resources in BC.  For example, through coordinating the First Nations Steering Committee for two of the province’s forest landscape planning projects, we promote the inclusion of Indigenous values, enhance collaborative governance structures, liaise between First Nations and provincial staff, and support the co-development of management plans that respect First Nations’ inherent stewardship roles.  

We’ve supported 7 First Nations and Indigenous organizations in articulating their priorities to Crown governments and advancing recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction and legal pluralism.  Our work fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, leading to transformative changes in decision-making and advancing Indigenous sovereignty. 

Advancing meaningful dialogue

We build communications strategies and public-facing products that educate non-Indigenous audiences about British Columbia’s colonial history and the need for change.  Most of BC was never subject to treaty, and First Nations continue to win precedent-setting decisions in court.  Yet many British Columbians, shaped by a colonial education, remain unaware of this history and react against these political victories.  

We’ve worked with 25+ clients to build better relations with non-Indigenous neighbours through compelling stories and educational tools that ease friction, improve decision-making, and build bridges for mutual understanding.