Carved wooden poles at the Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site

Kennedy Governance Strategies

Senior advice for navigating Indigenous governance, Treaties and the government.

We are a boutique advisory practice supporting Indigenous governments, and the companies and foundations that work with them, to navigate complex intergovernmental relations, the implementation of Treaties and Self-Government agreements,
and Arctic and Northern policy.

What we do

Kennedy Governance Strategies supports Indigenous governments and their partners across three modes of work:

‍ ‍Advising on strategy,

‍ ‍Building the institutions and tools that
governance requires, and

‍ ‍Implementing at the tables where
decisions get made.

Who we work with

Indigenous Governments

  • Modern Treaty Nations

  • Self-Governing Nations

  • Métis Governments

  • Nations advancing Treaty, Self-Government, or major project files

Foundations & Non-Profits

  • Foundations working on Modern Treaties, Self-Government, and Arctic / Northern policy

  • National and regional Indigenous organizations

  • Sector initiatives and policy-focused non-profits

Industry

  • Proponents and investors in major projects

  • Professional services firms requiring Indigenous governance insight

  • Institutional clients navigating rights, consultation, and Nation-to-Nation relationships

Partner Firms

  • Specialist firms in defence, security, and major projects

  • Multi-disciplinary advisory and analytical firms

  • Co-delivered engagements where we contribute Indigenous governance depth

Who we are

Led by Jake Kennedy

Kennedy Governance Strategies is led by Jake Kennedy, a senior advisor with nearly two decades of experience in Indigenous governance, modern treaty implementation, intergovernmental relations, and Arctic and Northern policy. Jake previously served as a Director General at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, where he worked on federal policy, Nation-to-Nation relationships, and the practical realities of Treaty and Self-Government implementation.

Kennedy Governance Strategies reflects the way he works: senior, relationship-based, and grounded in the judgment that complex governance files require. The firm supports a small number of Indigenous governments, foundations, and partner organizations at a time, ensuring each engagement receives the attention it deserves.