Our Services

We provide practical, sustainable, and effective strategies that ensure we meet our clients’ needs and priorities. Combining anti-racist, intersectional feminist, and Indigenous methodologies, we approach all our projects with ethical and professional rigour. 

Research

We conduct qualitative and quantitative research projects informed by Indigenous, decolonizing, and intersectional Black feminist methodologies, the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP®), and Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus). Our research specializes in topics related to Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), Black and other racialized communities, and the needs of other equity-deserving groups. We conduct research in a variety of areas, including public opinion, arts and culture, museums, heritage, governance, health equity, social services, environment, climate change, and marketing.

How we can help

Engagement & Facilitation

Our team’s highly skilled facilitators conduct accessible and tailored focus groups, engagement sessions, and one-on-one interviews guided by Indigenous, anti-racist, and inclusive methodologies. Archipel maintains strong relationships with communities across North America to ensure spaces are held and voices are heard in all our engagement and facilitation projects.

Community-Centred Research

With the core belief that Indigenous people, Black and other racialized people, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community are experts in their own experience, we work with community organizations and partners in all our research and help connect our clients with the communities they impact.

Historical Research

Our team’s historical researchers conduct research using archival collections, academic publications, and oral history.

Evaluation & Planning

We provide customized evaluations of organizational practices, policies, and programs to identify barriers and opportunities for advancing distinct priorities. We design tailored action plans to ensure our clients can make sustainable and effective changes to meet their goals.

How we can help

Organizational Reconciliation & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Frameworks

We create tailored action plans to help our clients advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, equity, diversity, and inclusion within their organizations. From actions that are quick to implement to transformative actions leading to systems-wide change, our frameworks include concrete recommendations with immediate and long-term impact.

Program Evaluations

We offer program evaluations to help organizations to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the projects they develop and implement. Any evaluation involves a systematic approach to collect, synthesize, and use credible evidence to answer questions about the effectiveness of projects and programs to achieve desired outcomes. We work to develop a customized sequence of phases to best capture the needs and scope of each evaluation.

Needs Assessment & Review

We conduct document reviews and equity audits to help organizations identify barriers to access and inclusion. We help our clients understand and prioritize organizational needs related to equity.

Strategic Planning

We help organizations embed reconciliation and equity within their strategic visions and plans, working with clients to develop practical, effective, and sustainable strategies for change.

Community Planning

With understanding of the unique challenges of working on reserves and under the federal government, we work with First Nations and Indigenous communities as mediators between multiple stakeholders and strategists in community planning. We support community organizing, policy analysis, and facilitation to help communities meet their goals related to housing, transportation, infrastructure, disaster and climate adaptation and mitigation, land code revisions, and water and land use planning using Traditional Knowledge.

Crisis Management

We bring our extensive professional and lived experience to communities and organizations in crisis, working on pressing timelines to help evaluate and recommend strategies to mediate challenges and mitigate harmful impacts.

Inclusive Marketing & Communication 

We work with clients to identify opportunities for more inclusive and diverse representation in program offerings and communications. This includes, but is not limited to, marketing and promotion strategies, advertising and social media campaigns, and PR programs.

Archipel’s extensive work conducting community-centred research and the professional and lived experience of our team equips us with unique expertise and insight to ensure inclusive marketing is respectful, effective, and conducted with cultural sensitivity and safety.

Through the extensive research Archipel has conducted through our Indigenous and equity, diversity, and inclusion projects, we have developed a national network of equity-deserving individuals who trust Archipel to provide honest feedback.

How we can help

Consultation & Advising

We work with clients to ensure they have the appropriate tools and training to address organizational concerns and public relations. We offer executive coaching, media coaching, and PR and communication strategizing.

Consumer Insights Research


Consumer Insights Research: Drawing on our team’s diverse research networks, we conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gain consumer insights on brand perceptions that can maximize clients’ performance. Through environmental scans, focus groups, and other engagements, we gain insight into accepted consumer beliefs related to clients’ brands and industries to identify opportunities and barriers to engaging diverse customers.

Inclusive Marketing Strategies

Our team’s professional expertise and lived experience equips us to support clients as they develop inclusive marketing strategies. We help clients enhance product development and communication strategies to better meet the needs of consumers from equity-deserving groups.

Evaluation of Communication & Creative

Bringing together our team’s insights and extensive experience facilitating focus groups and engagements, Archipel supports clients in evaluating marketing and other consumer-facing communication and other creative products, testing new concepts with designated equity-deserving groups to ensure they are inclusive.

Film & Television Advising

As the film and television industry strives to become more inclusive in representing diverse experiences of Indigenous, racialized, and other equity-deserving groups, our team is uniquely positioned to offer advising services to ensure these representations are respectful and accurate.

Trainings & Education

We provide customized trainings and education related to Indigenous Peoples and culture, anti-racism, and equity. Our facilitators bring real-world experience, sensitivity, and Indigenous and inclusive teaching methods to trainings to help organizations grow their awareness. We meet clients where they’re at and work together to build knowledge and competency

How we can help

Indigenous Cultural Awareness

We help organizations learn about Indigenous communities, cultures, history, and experiences to reduce bias and equip clients with the knowledge they need to build more respectful relations with Indigenous people. 

Anti-Racism &
Anti-Bias

We help clients learn how to identify and combat racism and bias, using real-life examples and meaningful exercises to help build shared understanding of how discrimination is a barrier to equity and inclusion.

Truth & Reconciliation

We provide workshops to share the findings of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Final Report, which outlines the history of residential schools for Indigenous children and provides recommendations directed to all levels of Canadian society to respond to the TRC. We help clients understand how the TRC affects their organization and how they can implement the report’s relevant Calls to Action.

Climate Change

We provide training related to climate change on how to facilitate cross-cultural collaborations with Indigenous groups and how Indigenous cultural awareness is important to consider in climate action.

Custom Trainings

We provide custom trainings on topics related to Indigenous people, equity, diversity, and inclusion to address clients’ specific needs and priorities related to their operations and programming. We can help fulfill training requirements by professional governing bodies.

Translation

Our team of professional translators are well-versed in the complex and nuanced craft of translation. We are experts in the local subtleties of language, particularly relating to Canadian English, Canadian French and Indigenous languages in Canada.

Our translators’ extensive experience working in diverse fields has given them a thorough knowledge of various subject matters including governance, immigration policy, business, Indigenous communities, and more.

We work on swift timelines and handle requests efficiently and professionally, combining exceptional talent and up-to-date translation technologies to deliver the finest results for our clients. Urgent requests can be processed more rapidly at an extra cost.

We offer translation services in the following languages

  • Indigenous languages in Eastern Canada, especially Anishinaabemowin (including Ojibwe and Algonquin) and Mi’kmaq
  • Inuktitut (various dialects)
  • French and English
  • Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian
  • Languages of East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia (including Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Pashto, Somali, Swahili, Urdu)
  • Other related languages may be available with longer processing time—please inquire.

Consulting

With Archipel’s variety of expertise, we provide strategic advice for consideration and decision-making. We are attuned to our client’s needs and can provide emergency to long-term consulting services.

Speaking & Events

Archipel team members are experienced and in-demand keynote speakers who can lead conversations on topics and events related to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion—for example, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples/Red Dress Day.

Samoon Tasmin

Samoon Tasmin, PhD (Cand.) MA, R.P (Qualifying)

CONSULTANT

Samoon Tasmin, PhD (Cand.) MA, R.P (Qualifying) is a mental health professional and researcher with a focus on the mental health of immigrants and newcomers to Canada. He is currently consulting on Archipel’s curriculum development project with OCASI, and works closely with leading immigrant-serving organizations including Muslim Family Services of Ottawa, Jewish Family Services of Ottawa, Ottawa Muslim Community Services and REPFO (Ottawa’s Black Francophone Serving Organization), Afghan Network for Social Services (Toronto based organization serving immigrants and newcomers from the South Asia region). 

He has expertise in qualitative research design for social sciences and has led multiple qualitative research projects.  Samoon is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselling and Psychotherapy focusing on Psychotherapy for Immigrant communities.. Samoon is also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with years of working experience in Afghanistan, India, and Canada. He provides psychotherapy services to a diverse population of clientele.

Portrait of Jeremy Speller

Jeremy Speller, MA, BA Researcher

ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER

Jeremy Speller, Mi’gmaq from Gespe’gewa’gi, Mi’gma’gi (Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec), is a facilitator, researcher, and community worker with a B.A. in Political Science and Native Studies (St. Thomas University) and M.A. in Indigenous Governance (University of Victoria).

He is guided by a strong sense of purpose in supporting Indigenous self-determination, particularly through his work with Indigenous communities in policy development and analysis. Both personally and professionally, he has dedicated his efforts to Indigenous resurgence, revitalization and decolonization.

Jeremy has delivered workshops, developed curriculum and facilitated research with the ultimate goal of supporting and advocating for the health and wellness of Indigenous youth and communities.

Portrait of Yusra Osman

Yusra Osman, MSW

EDI PROJECTS MANAGER

Yusra is a Black Canadian anti-racist advocate and educator, registered social worker, mental health counsellor, and researcher. She was the City of Ottawa’s first Anti-Racism Specialist, leading the Anti-Racism Secretariat from 2020-2022. Yusra recently joined Archipel as the EDI Manager. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Carleton University. Her experience includes working as a frontline social worker and counsellor in community settings and as a contract instructor in Carleton University’s School of Social Work. Her work in Ottawa begins with a deep recognition of Algonquin Anishinabeg presence and nationhood, and the importance of solidarity between Indigenous and racialized communities. She is committed to the well-being of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities in the face of racism and racial trauma, and to intersectional anti-racist work that strives to bring about systemic change.

Portrait of Megan Julian

Megan Julian, MA

RESEARCH MANAGER

Megan Julian, MURP is a Coast Salish daughter and a member of Stó:l Nation. Growing up in an urban environment Megan experienced the duality of life as an Urban Indigenous, working to maintain a connection with her ancestral community while navigating the requirements of survival in a modern world. This duality persisted further as she pursued goals to travel internationally, while always and simultaneously being drawn back to the necessary work of indigenous self-determination and revival. 

Guided by a drive to improve the quality of life for the world’s most vulnerable she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in International Development; gaining insight into the ways that macro-level policies and political decisions impact the lives of people every day. In order to gain a more locally based understanding of the policies that impact everyday life, Megan completed a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. 

Megan has worked as a facilitator, researcher, and Urban Planner. Her most recent work has focused on Disaster-Mitigation Planning, Planning Urban areas for Sea-level rise, and Indigenous Water Planning. Megan is passionate about Indigenous self-determination, indigenous land planning, GIS mapping, learning new languages, and aerial acrobatics. 

Roxanne Buckle

Roxanne Buckle, MBA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Roxanne Buckle, MBA, is a settler woman of Italian, Irish and English ancestry living and working on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin territory. She brings to Archipel a passion for helping organizations thrive, with over two decades of leadership, marketing, and organizational development experience in private and not-for- profit organizations. Roxanne has helped shape some now well-established global brands. She has a particular expertise in helping to build an organization’s capacity and capability through coaching, training, mentorship, and empowered leadership.

Portrait of Muna Osman

Dr. Muna Osman, PhD, MA, BA

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIST & FACILITATOR

Muna Osman is a researcher and facilitator specializing in social and cross-cultural

psychology, ethnocultural diversity, and the psychosocial development of adolescents. She has a PhD in Psychology at the University of Ottawa and is published in leading journals such as Canadian Psychology and Psychology of Music.

She is a dynamic speaker, facilitator, and researcher who has a passion for understanding the resilience and development of racialized youth. She has facilitated workshops on supporting racialized youth and their families, and has extensive experience speaking in academic and community settings. 

With Archipel, Muna has led several EDI projects, as well as played a key role in developing and implementing the research methodologies for all of our projects.  She has also delivered trainings for local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. She is fluent in English and Somali and proficient in French.

Portrait of Janet Ferrante

Janet Ferrante

ASSISTANT

Janet is an Algonquin woman and member of Pikwakanagan FIrst Nation. Providing administrative support to the business development and leadership teams, Janet brings over 15 years of clerical experience in the customer service and health care industries.  Her great poise, ability to navigate high pressure situations, and excellent organizational and time management skills are a tremendous asset to our fast-paced, multi-client, and growing organization.  Janet resides in Niagara Falls Ontario and loves to spend her spare time connecting with her Indigenous roots and staying active with family and friends.

Portrait of John Carlson

John Carlson, PhD (Cand.), MA, BA

CO-FOUNDER AND SENIOR RESEARCHER

John Carlson is Anishinaabe and a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. He has worked on issues of Indigenous self-determination, land-use conflict, and cultural revitalization. He has conducted research on the economics and politics of trapping in northern Ontario, as well as the importance of manoomin to Anishinaabe communities. His research expertise lies in the area of political economy, land use, community development, and economic history. 

His passion is understanding and determining the multiplicity of factors that affect the empowerment of Anishinaabe communities. His article “Manoomin is not Wild Rice: An Anishinaabeg Treaty” appeared in Zeitschrift für Kanada-Studien, the journal of the Association for Canadian Studies in German-Speaking Countries. He teaches Indigenous and Canadian studies at Carleton. He is fluent in English, French, and German.

Candidate, PhD Indigenous and Canadian Studies (Carleton University); M.A. Indigenous Governance (University of Victoria); B.A. Art History and Philosophy (Carleton University).

Portrait of Roxanne Korpan

Roxanne Korpan PhD (Cand.), MA, BA

HISTORICAL RESEARCHER

Roxanne Korpan is a historical researcher, writer, and educator. She lives in southern Saskatchewan—Treaty Four territory on the lands of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation—near where her ancestors immigrated to from Norway, Ukraine, and Scotland. Roxanne is passionate about how public-facing research can foster critical engagement with the institutions, policies, practices, and ideologies that govern individuals’ lives. 

Roxanne’s academic research and publications focus on histories of religion, colonialism, and multiculturalism in Canada and Indigenous histories of the Great Lakes region. She has experience teaching in higher education, including designing and teaching undergraduate courses at the University of Toronto on topics ranging from religion and multiculturalism to theory and method in the study of religion. 

Additionally, Roxanne has a background working for non-profit organizations in the areas of policy research and arts and culture, and she is a contemporary dance artist. 

PhD (Candidate) Study of Religion, Book History and Print Culture (University of Toronto); M.A. Religious Studies (University of Regina); B.A. Hons. Religious Studies (University of Regina). 

Portrait of Pitsulala Lyta

Pitsulala Lyta

RESEARCHER & TRANSLATOR

Pitsulala Lyta (she/her) is Inuk originally from Iqaluit, Nunavut and comes from a long line of strong Inuit women ancestors who lived off the land. Fluent in spoken and written English and Inuktituk, she is a first generation relocatee to settlements before her parents and other Inuit were forced to leave their way of life in the early 1900’s. Pitsulala has worked on the front-line services, and numerous research projects representing in particular Inuit organizations on the local, territorial and national levels related to health, social, justice, human rights amongst other areas of interest.

With over 20 years of working for Indigenous and non-indigenous NGO’s, private companies and local and federal governments, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience through her work and through her own personal lived experiences. Pitsulala brings a strong understanding of northern and urban issues related to social determinants of health for Inuit.

Pitsulala comes with formal and informal training in the field of social work (McGill University), Corporate Business Management studies (Algonquin College), Epidemiology Research (Inuit Institute for Research and Planning) and has trained in translating and transcribing Inuktitut to English-English to Inuktitut.

Portrait of Travis Wysote

Travis Wysote, PhD (Cand.) MA, BA

ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER

Bio coming soon.

Jean-Marie Rurangwa

Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa, MA, BA, BA

TRANSLATOR

Jean-Marie Vianney Rurangwa is a sociologist, educator, and author with decades of experience illuminating the most pressing social and political questions through social science inquiry. His MA research, entitled La question de l’ethnicité au Rwanda. Idéologie raciste et pouvoir, explored the origins and causes of the genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda.

His critically acclaimed and widely studied works, published in France, Sweden, Mali, Rwanda, and Canada, include Les identités lourdes à porter, essai littéraire (L’Harmattan), “Lorsque la langue devient une arme prônant la destruction de l’autre : parcours diachronique” (in Le génocide des Tutsi. Rwanda, 1994 : lectures et écritures.  Presses de l’Université Laval), “Afrika, vem är du?” (in Emergencia, Bild Museet, Umea Universitet), his novel Au sortir de l’enfer (L’ Harmattan), and his autobiography Un Rwandais sur les routes de l’exil (L’ Harmattan). He has also directed and produced theatre in several countries, as well as being a fellow of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. He is fluent in French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Italian, and English, and proficient in Spanish, Swahili, and German.

Candidate, Ph.D. Sociology (University of Ottawa);  M.A. Sociology (University of Ottawa); BA (Licenza in Sociologia) Sociology (Pontifica Universita Gregoriana), BA (Licence en Lettres françaises) French Language and Literature (Université du Burundi).

Shaniqwa Thomas

Shaniqwa Thomas, JD, MA

CONSULTANT

Bio coming soon.

Aliqa Illauq

Aliqa Illauq

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE & TRAININGS FACILITATOR

Aliqa Illauq is an Inuk woman originally from Kangiqtugaapik in the Qikiqtaaluk region in Nunavut. She was born and raised in Inuit Nunagat and brought up in a strong Inuit community where Inuit culture, language, and traditions were very much alive and lived. She has Inuit skills that she has been taught from a very young age from the elders of her home community. Aliqa is of the first generation after Inuit displacement through the processes of colonization. Aliqa grew up surrounded by the strong presence of Inuit arts – literature, music, dance, films, carvings, printing, and more. 

Aliqa knows the importance of Inuit arts and their connection to keeping Inuit culture, language and traditions alive so the next Inuit generations may learn from them. Currently, Aliqa is pursuing an undergraduate degree with a combined Honours in Law and Human Rights and Social Justice with a minor in Indigenous Studies at Carleton University. Aliqa is also a mother to three children with mixed Indigenous ancestry: Inuk, Plains Cree, Oji-Cree, and Métis. 

Through Aliqa’s lived experiences and family ties, she has a deep understanding, connection and respect to Inuit, First Nations, and Métis cultures and knowledges. She is an experienced facilitator and researcher who has worked on a variety of projects for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. These include the GALA project researching Inuit literature from the 1960-1970’s, and the Carleton University Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Committee. Aliqa is fluent in Inuktitut and English. 

Graham Paradis

Graham Paradis

ASSISTANT RESEARCHER

Graham (he/him) is Michif/Wiisaakodewin from Penetanguishene with ancestral ties to the Métis homelands, specifically Lesser Lakes Lake, AB and the Red River Settlement. He is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Graham has been beading since 2012 as a self-taught artist and started mentoring under Naomi Smith (Chippewas of Nawash, Neyaashiiningmiing Unceded Territory) in 2014. His beadwork and quillwork have been feautured at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Art Mur, the PAMA Museum, Guelph Civic Museum, the Niagara Falls History Museum, and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Giniw is Red/Green colour blind which at times gives his beadwork an interesting and unique colour palette. He presently serves on the Indigenous Arts Committee of the Toronto Arts Council. Graham is one of Archipel’s leading facilitators, having conducted dozens of interviews and focus groups with Indigenous communities, organizations, artists, culture carriers, and elders. 

Catherine Stockall, MA, BA

Catherine Stockall MA, BA

ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER

Catherine Stockall MA, BA is an Archipel researcher and a settler woman, originally from unceded Mi’kmaq territory in what is now known as New Brunswick. Catherine holds an M.A. in Indigenous and Canadian Studies (Carleton University) and a B.A.(Hons) in Canadian Studies (Mount Allison University.) 

Catherine’s academic work has focused mainly on deconstructing the origins and manifestations of Canadian identity, and the criminalization of Indigenous peoples, focusing specifically on issues of gendered violence and environmental justice. 

Guided by a strong sense of purpose in supporting Indigenous self-determination, she has a breadth of experience related to Indigenous inclusion, development and policy analysis, having worked on numerous projects including Archipel’s national study for the Canada Council of the Arts, an environmental scan for the Geographical Names Board of Canada and a language study for the Assembly of First Nations. 

She has also worked in the area of affordable housing and community organizing.

Hope Metallic

Hope Metallic

ASSISTANT RESEARCHER

Hope Metallic, BA is Mi’kmaq from Listuguj First Nation and holds a BA with a double major in Criminology and Native Studies (St. Thomas University). Hope is passionate about advocating for indigenous communities and especially for Indigenous women.  Hope has many years’ experience supporting Mi’kmaq communities throughout New Brunswick through her work at Wolastoqiyik family services, Mi’kmaw Kinamatnewey, and  Listuguj Youth Center. She has managed projects related to Treaty education, alternative housing for indigenous youth, and Family services to First Nations families across New Brunswick. With her years of experience within Indigenous communities, Hope understands what it takes to build an effective professional relationship with colleagues, clientele, and the general public service.  Hope resides in New Brunswick and is an active member of the rugby community, playing for the provincial women’s team and a coach for Indigenous youth rugby. 

Latissah Alleyne, BA

Latissah Alleyne, BA

RESEARCHER

Latissah Alleyne, BA. is an assistant researcher who specializes in equity, diversity and inclusion.  Latissah holds a BA in sociology from X-University (formerly known as Ryerson). Her studies focused on social justice, gender and racial equity.

Through her work with the sociology department at Ryerson, she was able to influence change in the curriculum. She also was involved in advocating for the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to be practiced throughout the institution, as the Caribbean Studies student coordinator. 

Dr. Safiyah Rochelle

Dr. Safiyah Rochelle

RESEARCHER

Dr. Safiyah Rochelle, PhD, MA, BA. is an experienced researcher, scholar and community advocate in the fields of social  justice, race, and gender equity. Safiyah holds a Ph.D. in legal studies from Carleton University, Canada. Her research focuses on contemporary political and legal theory, critical race and visual studies, state violence, and violence and the body.  

She is a well respected published author, speaker and professor lecturing on a variety of topics related to law, gender, race, social justice, and Canadian legal institutions. Safiyah  is currently leading a nationwide research project for the Elizabeth Fry society examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on accessing and securing housing for criminalized women.

Illuminée Kanazayire, SSW

Illuminée Kanazayire, SSW

CONSULTANT

lluminée Kanazayire is a community worker and facilitator with decades of experience working with the survivors of war, genocide, and other forms of communal trauma. She has significant expertise in the areas of community healing, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural communication. For over a decade, she worked as a workshop facilitator for World Vision Rwanda, helping teachers, healthcare professionals, administrators, and faith leaders to heal the open wounds of conflict through education, dialogue, and community consultation. 

Illuminée brings to Archipel an expertise in harnessing community potential and grassroots expertise in order to approach complex social problems. She has also worked in Rwanda with children as an outreach nutritionist, and with newcomers to Canada at the Maison Marie-Louise in Ottawa. She has a diploma in Social Services from La Cité Collegiale, and a Diploma in Social Sciences from Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  She is fluent in French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Swahili, and English.

Hosai Qasmi

Dr. Hosai Qasmi

CONSULTANT

Hosai Qasmi is a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies, University of Ottawa. Hosai’s Doctoral project focuses on the role of television in representing gender relations in a post conflict society such as Afghanistan and on challenging representations of gender roles in Afghan media. She has a Master of Arts degree in Communication from  the University of Ottawa. Hosai has worked as researcher on developmental and academic projects in Canada and Afghanistan. 

She has been actively engaged in areas of women’s empowerment, media, immigration, resettlement, and reintegration. Her areas of research expertise include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA +), international development, and immigrant and refugee communities. She has over eight years of experience of designing and implementing developmental projects in Afghanistan. She is actively involved in Afghan refugee resettlement organizations in Canada. She is fluent in English, Persian, Urdu, and Pashto.

Candidate, Ph.D. Feminist and Gender Studies (University of Ottawa);  M.A. Communication (University of Ottawa); B.A. Psychology and Educational Sciences (Kabul University).

Sonja Belliveau

Sonja Belliveau

INDIGENOUS ELDER ADVISOR

Sonja is Mi’kmaq and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation (ERB), a mother of three, a friend to many, and a practitioner of traditional medicines. Sonja has a strong and diverse portfolio and a variety of special skills including conflict resolution, mediation, human relations, and team building. She is known for her nurturing nature and ability to take initiative. Sonja prioritizes and enjoys continued learning and is a forever student of her medicinal teachings and botany. She currently lives in her home community of ERB, where she works with her band to adopt best governing practices.  

Portraint of Sabre Pictou Lee

Sabre Pictou Lee JD, MA, BFA

FOUNDER & CEO

Sabre is Archipel’s CEO and co-founder and is a Mi’kmaw citizen of Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation) in northern New Brunswick. Sabre holds a Juris Doctor of Law with a specialization in Indigenous and Aboriginal Law from Dalhousie University, an M.A. in Indigenous and Canadian Studies from Carleton University and a B.F.A. in Art History and Indigenous Studies from Concordia University.

Sabre is a highly experienced and sought-after Indigenous liaison and researcher with over ten years of experience in the areas of Indigenous and Aboriginal law, mediation, Indigenous arts & culture, identity, health, and language revitalization. She has worked in Indigenous-related program development, community planning, facilitation, marketing, and policy development and analysis. Her work includes developing reconciliation frameworks and relation tools, First Nation band codes, economic development initiatives, brand management, harm-reduction tools, Indigenous law revitalization and Aboriginal and Treaty Right projects.

Sabre has led a variety of projects seeking to augment Indigenous sovereignty, stewardship, and inclusion in provincial, federal, and organizational relations and workings. Under Sabre’s leadership, Archipel has served such noteworthy clients as ISO/APTN ,Canada Council for the Arts, Assembly of First Nations, Global Centre for Pluralism, , CN Railway, Covenant House Toronto, Department of Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada, The Native Women’s Association of Canada, and the Ottawa Museum Network, to mention just a few.
With her facilitation and mediation expertise, Sabre works to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, uplift community voices, and facilitate reconciliation. In 2022, Sabre was recognized as Invest Ottawa’s International Woman of the Year and received the Donald Marshall Junior Memorial Award for her Aboriginal Treaty Rights advocacy.

A former downhill skier who competed internationally, and varsity rugby player, Sabre continues to be heavily involved in the world of sports and is an avid outdoor enthusiast who works to honour and promote land stewardship. She serves as a board member/advisor to Protect our Winters Canada, Outsiders Network and AndHumanity.