Manitoba's Treaty One Development Corporation names new CEO
The development corporation currently working to bring Canada’s largest urban reserve to Winnipeg has a new Chief Executive Officer.
On Monday, the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) Board of Directors announced Kathleen BlueSky has assumed the role of CEO, following an “extensive” selection process that included both national and international applicants.
“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,” T1DC said in a Monday media release.
T1DC represents the seven Treaty One First Nations in Manitoba, with the goal of advancing the economic and social well being of Treaty One citizens and communities.
The corporation is also now beginning construction work on a major development project that will see the former Kapyong Barracks developed into Naawi-Oodena, which, once completed, will be Canada’s largest urban reserve.
According to T1DC, BlueSky has a MBA from the Asper School of Business and over two decades of executive leadership experience.
“Kathleen BlueSky champions holistic well-being, economic independence, and self-governance for First Nations,”T1DC President and Sagkeeng First Nation Chief EJ Fontaine said.
“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.”
BlueSky currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the $300M First Nation Market Housing Fund and has worked with T1DC as interim CEO since June of 2023.
“BlueSky has played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing relationships between key stakeholders from a range of business sectors and levels of government,” Fontaine said about BlueSky’s work with T1DC.
“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.”
— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun
