What is your role at OneFeather, and what does a typical day look like?

My role is Client Project Manager, and I often have 1-3 client meetings per day, checking in with team members throughout. Other than that each day looks different!

I originally joined as a member of our Field Staff. I was referred by a family member who is also currently Field Staff. As a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, my family and I were familiar with OneFeather's work and intrigued by the opportunity to travel to voting events.

I really enjoyed attending polling stations in First Nation Communities- it was an opportunity to see parts of Turtle Island that I had never been to before, and it was exciting to see the vote day unfold, and the nations receive their results.

When the Client Project Manager position at OneFeather became available, it was suggested that I apply for it and I'm so grateful that that I did. I enjoy working with our clients for longer periods of time and learning how to support them in their own unique circumstances.

OneFeather is one of the very few companies that I believe chooses not to be extractive in the way they make decisions. OneFeather manages to strike a balance between ensuring a sustainable future while making choices that are guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

How would you describe the team culture at OneFeather?

The entire team that makes up OneFeather aligns on one main vision- we want to use our talents to serve First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in their journeys towards self determination. We care deeply about our work and strive to make decisions that will positively impact those we work with and the world at large. We also take care of each other, if someone on the team needs support we all make an effort to provide it whenever possible.

If you could work on any project at OneFeather, what would it be and why?

I'm currently enjoying my work with Elections Services and would like to stay here long-term. I would like to grow my knowledge by working with nations we haven't yet supported.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming year at OneFeather?

I'm looking forward to my one-year anniversary of working here, as well as seeing the team again at our next summit.

Can you share a memorable project you’ve worked on?

Our team is currently supporting MNBC's General Election. I work remotely, so I don't always see what happens in our offices. I've been blown away by the incredible output of the Election Services team in our offices in Victoria. They've managed to create more than 22,000 mail-in ballot packages while juggling all of the other ongoing projects.

Thanks so much for sharing, Melissa! And stay tuned to learn about more of our 🪶 staff members, folks. 

Meet Our Team: Client Project Manager, Melissa Hardy

My role title at OneFeather is Elections Operations Manager. I work at the office and every time there is a new event I organize them whether it's a standard survey, election, or ratification. 

There is always a set of rules that we must follow, I am in charge of reading those rules and figuring out tasks that our team need to do and assign them, and figure out the logistics so that everything runs smoothly. 

I also help organize the OneFeather work summits which are super fun!

Sarah in her shades having a great time with the team 😎

In a way I feel that OneFeather chose me. In my previous job I used to print the ballots at Staples that OneFeather needed. When OneFeather started expanding their business such as the app being released, they needed someone that could work in project management. 

I came onto the OneFeather team in October 2020, and to make sure that all tasks are assigned and finished, over the years my role has changed to grow with it.

So much makes OneFeather unique because I feel that everything the company does is different, especially compared to other businesses out there.

OneFeather is an Indigenous technology company, which is super cool as here we really focus on the people that it helps, and serve them in the best way possible. 

How does OneFeather offer a positive company culture?

OneFeather comes from a unique Indigenous perspective, so we have our summits where we all come together as a team. Not only is it team building, but it's the lens in which it’s looked through which makes it so special. 

Everything is super supportive whether it's working on the developers' side, or the elections management side of the company. We support each other in every aspect we can to create the best ways to build everything. I believe that collaboration is key to the success of our company.

What’s your go-to productivity hack for staying focused and motivated?

My job requires me to be able to multi-task, so I use a timer to plan my time accordingly to get all tasks done. The timer on my computer makes sure that all notifications are turned of so it really helps me to stay focused and get my work done. 

Some tasks are over multiple days which leads me to be mindful of what I need to get done daily to accomplish everything that needs to be completed.

It's tough because we work together in so many different ways! Each event that we do is completely different to the last one which makes my job varied, which is why I enjoy it so much. 

Though I am curious about the developer's side of the company because of how they come about designing the various parts of the website. Every time I get a glimpse into the design process I find it really interesting.

Sarah with co-workers at the summer 2023 summit!

If you could plan an office field trip, where would you take the team and why?

I do already plan the summits, but every year we have done it locally here in Victoria. Though Victoria is a great place for everyone to experience, we have remote workers all across Canada so I think that being able to experience someplace else would be super fun, instead of the remote workers always coming to us.

Thanks so much for sharing, Sarah! And stay tuned to learn about more of our 🪶 staff members, folks. 

Meet Our Team: Elections Operations Manager, Sarah McIlmoyl

It's National Indigenous History Month; a time to reflect upon the history, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Indigenous peoples.

To commemorate this significant month, we spotlight 5 Indigenous change makers who are making a profound impact on Indigenous excellence with the important work that they do for communities.

Really, we make any excuse to give away prezzies 😉, and especially so when it's a celebration dedicated to honouring Indigenous folks!

 to give away, so here's what to do ➡️  

And now, it's time to dive in to discover all about our visionaries - we guarantee you'll leave blown away 🤩 reading about their innovative Indigenous-driven initiatives!

Racette is actually been nationally recognized as a change maker, by none other than the 

 Her founding company Virtual Gurus, an innovative tech platform that harnesses the power of machine learning to match assistants with clients has created a thriving community of over 800 talented professionals from diverse backgrounds and is recognized as the top 

100 of 425 on the 2023 Report on Business ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies.

It's no secret the Cheekbone Beauty has reached monumental heights of success, the sustainable beauty products one of the first Indigenous-owned made available on the shelves of Sephora Canada. And Harper is steadfast on her mission in supporting Indigenous communities, donating more than $200k to organizations such as 

Ethical denim brand owners, Brodt and Bruegl are fuelled by their Ojibwe and Oneida heritages respectively in creating Native American clothing with a purpose. They collaborate with other Native artisans who receive a percentage of each sale, and have even had their tees featured in 

Startup Canada Social Enterprise Award 2018

- and for good reason. The company trains Indigenous Canadians for jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and to date 347 students have been trained with 102 communities impacted. McIntosh has also been recognized as 

Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 by the Atlantic Program

With values deep rooted in healing the land and environment, recycling and disposal group Salish Soils turns waste into high quality organics. Regenerating everything they receive, the materials turn into compost, soil or energy efficient materials for power. Joe, a member of Shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation is passionate about revolutionizing and reclaiming territories in a more holistic way.

🧡 To learn about more giveaways and the latest OneFeather and community news, 

5 Inspiring Leaders of Indigenous Businesses to Know

But, first prize giveaways

Bobbie Racette | Virtual Gurus

@Bobbie_Racette

Jenn Harper | Cheekbone Beauty

@Cheekbonejenn

Erik Brodt and Amanda Bruegl | Ginew

@Ginew_usa

Keith McIntosh | PLATO

@PLATOtesting

Aaron Joe | Salish Soils

@Salishsoils