Meet the Team
We're all enough but, together we're more,
Alone we may rise but, together we can soar!
Rooted in Indigenous cultural values and two-eyed seeing, we are a group of strong Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with experience in public engagement, an understanding of Indigenous history, training in GBA+ and OCAP (all our employees have these certifications), and a passion for Indigenous empowerment. The diversity in our team brings about a wealth of experience-based learning and expertise enabling us to offer well-rounded services with a deeper perspective and intricate understanding of issues that affect Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Donna Dick
MARY JOHN
JENNA CHALIFOUX
SARAH HERR
MAYA DUGGAN
XAVIER HOPKINS
CHRISTINA HUA
DONNA SMYL
JOVANA MILOVIC
LENORE JANVIER
Sarah Herr
Matriarch and Founder
With Indigenous roots, Sarah belongs to Turtle Clan from the Lenape Tribe. The members of Lenape were displaced from Manhattan to Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in southwestern Ontario. Growing up as a day school survivor, Sarah was raised by her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother - a long line of strong Indigenous women. As a professional, Sarah is a seasoned trainer and facilitator who has worked with both government and private sector in capacity building, economic and business development, and engagement and impact. Sarah is a Board Member for the Canadian Mental Health Association - Lambton Kent Chapter, and has 13 years of experience as a soccer coach for her kids Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting as an organization dedicated to empowering fellow Indigenous peoples and helping them scale business, professional, and personal success on all levels. On the personal front, Sarah is a mother, an aunty, and a Godmother – roles that she loves to play and juggle.
Jovana Milović
Project Manager
Our Lead Project Manager, is a first-generation settler from Serbia, who emigrated to Canada with her family to escape the Balkan Wars in the mid-1990's. This move catalyzed her life-long interest in the connection between people and their heritage, identity, and lands. Jovana holds a Master's in Philosophy from the University of Toronto for which she was awarded the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC). She has over 10 years' experience in international project and programs management and loves working on projects that aim to improve the lives of people. As the former Managing Director of an INGO, her experience also extends to cross-cultural stakeholder management and relationship building.
Donna Dick
Operations Manager
Our Operations Manager, was born and raised in the Chatham-Kent area of southwestern Ontario and still calls Chatham home. With a bachelor's degree in business administration, Donna brings many years of leadership experience to the company and takes care of the behind-the-scenes action of the business. While occasionally jumping in to do research or write reports for projects, she is most often taking care of administrative tasks and providing myriad supports to the rest of team. To best support the team and our clients, Donna has completed training in digital marketing, bookkeeping, and Reconciliation Education. She also completed the Indigenous Canada course offered through the University of Alberta, OCAP certification and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training.
Facilitator
Donna Smyl
Facilitator, Donna Smyl, is a proud member of both the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Métis Nation of Alberta, she is also the dedicated President of Bannock Point Consulting Ltd. Donna earned her Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Lakehead University (1996) and has held Registered Professional Forester (RPF) status twice: from 1995 - 2005 and 2020 - 2023. With a robust career spanning various roles in the forest industry, Donna has made significant contributions through her work and as a volunteer for numerous non-profit organizations. Currently, she focuses on facilitation, where she brings her expertise and passion for engaging communities and fostering meaningful connections. As a self-published author, Donna continues to share her creativity and experience by entertaining others with her vivid imagination. Residing in Treaty 7 - Battle River Territory/Rocky View Metis District with her family, Donna's natural creativity flourishes. She loves painting vivid scenes that capture the spirit of her heritage and typing away on her ever-growing manual typewriter collection, which currently boasts four cherished machines.
Xavier Hopkins
Youth Facilitator
A Registered Professional Trainer (RPT), as well as our Youth Engagement Facilitator and IT Tech guru. Xavier is a member of the Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in southwestern Ontario. He graduated from Chatham-Kent Secondary School and was the first Indigenous person in the district to graduate with a French bilingual certification. Xavier has completed several training programs through Indigenous Leadership Development Institute Incorporated (ILDI) and is a member of Empowering Indigenous Youth in Governance and Leadership (EIYGL). Xavier has completed the project management course through the University of Windsor and has received his OCAP certification and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training. As a Youth Facilitator, Xavier works closely with young Indigenous individuals, assisting them in developing confidence, building leadership skills, and bolstering a strong cultural identity. His dedication lies in empowering Youth to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities.
Lenore Janvier
Business Development & Strategy Specialist
Our strategic planner and proposal writer, is Denesųłiné from Cold Lake First Nation, Treaty 6 territory. She is a Business Management and Indigenous Governance expert with experience in program development, policy development, project management and strategic planning for Indigenous Nations and businesses. Lenore has worked for many years for her Nation and has carried out several roles such as Economic Development Officer, Project Coordination, Chief and Council Administrative Assistant, and Employment Counsellor. Over the years, Lenore has provided freelance contractual supports for Indigenous consulting companies and has successfully developed her own Indigenous apparel company - IndigiMerch - from the ground up. Lenore is knowledgeable in Strategic Management and Indigenous Project Management, consistently blending Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and Western Best Practices throughout her endeavours.
Mary John
Facilitator
Mary John is a Sixties Scoop survivor, born and raised in Toronto, who has found her way back to her birth family - the Red Rock Indian Band and the Ogiishkimanisii Doodem. After traveling widely and experiencing life in many different places, Mary now resides on unceded and unsurrendered Anishinaabeg territory. A mother to two adult children, a creator of Indigenous crafts, and a persevering learner of Anishinaabemowin she is on a journey of cultural reclamation. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (2023) from the University of Toronto, the Indigenous Canada Certificate from the University of Alberta, and has completed OCAP and GBA+ training. As the volunteer Secretary for the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, she is dedicated to fostering healing and wellness for survivors and their families. Mary is honoured to support the impactful work of Three Sisters Consulting as our Notetaker, capturing knowledge and information with integrity and respect.
Christina Hua
Christina Hua, our Data Entry Summer Intern, is a talented and driven individual; she puts her analytical skills and problem-solving acumen to work for every project. Christina is of Vietnamese descent – the daughter of immigrant parents. She is returning to the University of Guelph in the Fall to complete a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. Christina is an active member of the Executive Board of Kappa Beta Gamma Sorority, where she serves as Treasurer. Her dedication to leadership and community involvement is inspired by her family and community. Christina has completed OCAP certification and GBA+ training
Maya Duggan
Note-Taker
Our Note-taker, is an aspiring social justice advocate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sustainability Studies from Concordia University, Montreal. Maya was born on unceded Tla’amin First Nation Territory in the city now known as Qathet. Although not of Indigenous roots, Maya’s deep connections to local community, the Land and Waters holds her in an embrace of belonging and mutual respect. In her free time, Maya enjoys snowboarding and spending time on the Salish Sea where she can practice her extensive seafaring acumen. Drawing inspiration from people like Paulo Freire, Bell Hooks, and Noam Chomsky, Maya recently completed research focused on de-colonizing climate policy in British Columbia with a goal to foster a sustainable and equitable future for Indigenous people in the wake of climate change. During her time at Concordia, Maya was a member of the Climate Emergency Committee, Cinema Politica, and the Advancing Climate Policy Group. She is concurrently completing the OCAP certification, GBA+ training, and the IQ Principles workshop.
Jenna Chalifoux
Writer
our Research Specialist and Writer, is also a Jr. high school teacher, and historian. Jenna’s diverse heritage of Métis, Norwegian and Slavic bloodlines has contributed to a love of family, antiquity and storytelling that explores the vital connections between land, culture, and memory. Jenna’s bundle of accreditations includes a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies (2009) and a Bachelor of Education (2019) focusing on Fine Arts and Land-based learning, both from the University of Alberta. She has a penchant for gardening, stargazing, and genealogy, as well as a newfound love of breadmaking. Jenna resides close to kisiskāciwani-sīpiy, the waterway that has carried her ancestry for millennia on what is now in Treaty 6 territory, in the city of ᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ / amiskwacîwâskahikan / Edmonton, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota.
Our Associates
Toni L. Hynes, J.D.
Toni L. Hynes, J.D. is of Mi’kmaq and Acadian descent, she is a member of Qalipu First Nation born and raised in Newfoundland. Toni holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology and minor in Philosophy as well as a Law degree from Dalhousie Schulich School of Law with a certificate in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law. She completed her articling with the Halifax Public Prosecution Service in 2023 and is a member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Association. Currently, Toni sits on the Executive Board of the Community Justice Society in Halifax, which oversees the facilitation of Restorative Justice in the city by Community Justice. Toni balances her work time between Three Sisters Consulting and Archipel Research and Consulting group out of Halifax. She enjoys walking her beagle, Pete, and various hobbies such as yoga and weight training, reading, DIY projects, and painting.