Nahîwin Consulting Group
Common Ground. Shared Success. Skillfully Delivered.
Nahîwin empowers the partnerships that drive our collective future. We bring together decades of experience, strategic insight, and a specialized set of resources to ensure that collaborative frameworks achieve their true purpose: creating lasting prosperity and meaningful impact for everyone involved.
Who We Are
Our name "nahîwin" means skill, expertise, and adeptness in Plains Cree, reflecting our commitment to capability with integrity.
Nahîwin is an Indigenous-owned management and technology consulting firm co-founded and led by John Longbottom, a proud member of the Red River Métis and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in business, technology, and Indigenous community advancement.
John previously served as Chief Executive Officer of WestGrid, one of Canada's leading advanced research computing organizations, and held senior national roles at IBM, including leadership of the National Aboriginal Strategy and the Smarter Cities initiative. His career reflects a deep commitment to bridging advanced infrastructure, data, and Indigenous partnership to deliver practical, measurable outcomes.
Our Philosophy: Two-Eyed Seeing
We lead with the wisdom of Indigenous values while leveraging rigorous management tools to achieve predictable, sustainable success. We call this Two-Eyed Seeing: a perspective that honors where we come from while looking clearly at where we are going.
Pillars Of Success: A Two-Way Path
Strategic Economic Integration
We facilitate the "Business-to-Nation" relationship, ensuring that projects are built on a foundation of shared value. We educate Industry and Government on how to structure Indigenous Participation (IPP) and Benefit (ITB) frameworks that actually work, turning regulatory requirements into competitive advantages.
Collaborative Workforce & Talent Development
We build a bridge between Indigenous talent and Industrial needs. We provide Industry with the cultural fluency and workforce strategies needed to successfully integrate Indigenous personnel, while equipping Communities with high-tech certifications.
Governance, Clarity & Informed Consent
We remove the friction from the regulatory landscape. By providing tools and frameworks, such as OCAP®-aligned data sovereignty and clear governance structures, we ensure predictable operations and informed decision-making.
The Nahîwin Way: How We Deliver
1. Grounding The Shared Context
Every successful partnership begins with a foundation of respect and mutual understanding. We ensure the journey starts with transparency and respect.
2. Facilitating Reciprocal Frameworks
We act as the bridge between Indigenous Communities, Industry, and Government, turning complex discussions into clear pathways and co-creating robust frameworks.
3. Delivering Certainty Through Innovation
We equip partnerships with advanced resources needed to track progress. By blending strategic advice with innovative digital tools, we turn "good intent" into "measurable outcomes."
The Heart: Our Principles
Working Together In Mino-Pimatisiwin (The Good Life)
We believe that a project's success is inseparable from a community's well-being. Mino-Pimatisiwin guides us to look beyond short-term milestones toward a future where Industry thrives because the Community flourishes.
Navigating Together With Integrity
In a landscape of shifting legal and social realities, respect for Indigenous rights and inherent jurisdiction is the essential starting point. We help all partners move toward a place of Informed Partnership.
Co-Developing Sustainable Capacity
True partnership means growing together. We exist to strengthen the "shared muscle" of the partnership, ensuring the capability to lead remains long after our engagement concludes.
Nihtotemimowin (Relational Mentorship): A Guided Journey
We approach partnership as a shared journey, not a transaction. Nihtotemimowin means prioritizing ethical responsibility and active listening to bridge different worldviews.
Our Consulting Services
Strategic Advisory
We guide Nations and organizations in charting their paths. From long-term visioning and business planning to market entry and growth strategies.
Digital Innovation & Enablement
We provide technical depth required to lead in a digital world. Our expertise spans IT strategy, cybersecurity, and data governance.
Project & Program Management
We bring rigor to complex initiatives, focusing on feasibility, risk mitigation, and schedule integrity to ensure measurable outcomes.
Organizational & Governance Development
We strengthen the structures that support your success by enhancing governance frameworks and operational effectiveness.
Partnership & Relational Engagement
We facilitate connections that drive collective progress through structuring joint ventures and trust-based partnerships.
Economic Development & Equity Strategy
We design frameworks for true prosperity, advising on ownership models and procurement strategies for intergenerational benefits.
Ready To Move Forward?
Two Perspectives. One Shared Path.
For Indigenous Communities & Nations
Strengthen Your Sovereignty
Are you looking to enhance your internal capacity, secure your digital future, or ensure a major project reflects your Nation's true priorities?
For Industry & Government Partners
Build Partnerships with Purpose
Navigating complexities requires genuine relationship and technical precision. Let's discuss how we can de-risk your initiatives.
For Research & Knowledge Partners
Center Indigenous Knowledge
Partner with us to ensure research benefits communities and respects OCAP® principles for actionable insights.