Where Story Meets Strategy — For All Of Our Relations

Our Purpose

Takwaxkwe is more than a consulting firm—it's a collective, a calling, and a brand rooted in Indigenous values and committed to the empowerment of all diverse communities.

Founded by Kamryn Whiteye, spirit name Takwaxkwe (Turtle Woman), we believe in walking in good relation—with people, with purpose, and with place.

Our vision is to co-create a future where diverse and equity-deserving communities are not only heard—but centered in the conversations that shape policy, practice, and meaningful change.

While our work includes consulting, public speaking, and publications, who we are runs deeper. We are storytellers, strategists, and system shifters—walking with our clients to build pathways grounded in cultural intelligence, accountability, and care.

From grassroots to governance, from classrooms to boardrooms, Takwaxkwe exists to uplift voices, challenge systems, and reimagine what’s possible—together.

-- —

The turtle is a symbol of life, wisdom, patience, and strength. As it moves through the physical world, it reminds us to walk gently and wisely upon the Earth.

Our Services

  • Indigenous Engagement and Consultation

    We offer specialized support grounded in lived experience, cultural integrity, and community-first approaches to help organizations and Nations navigate complex systems with care and confidence.

  • Diverse Community Engagement

    We partner with diverse communities to create spaces where lived experiences guide engagement, decision-making, and meaningful change - rooted in respect, equity, inclusion, and authenticity.

  • Cultural Safety Training

    Our cultural safety training moves beyond awareness to action—equipping organizations with the tools, understanding, and humility needed to foster truly respectful and inclusive environments.

  • Strategic Communications

    We help organizations communicate with clarity and heart—bridging authentic storytelling with strategic goals to meaningfully connect with diverse audiences.

  • Professional Speaking & Facilitation

    Inspirational, grounded, and transformative—we offer keynote speaking, workshops, and facilitation that create brave spaces for dialogue, learning, and collective action.

  • Publications & Resource Development

    We craft publications, toolkits, and resources that center Indigenous, POC, and diverse voices—offering pathways to deeper understanding, policy change, and collective growth.

Meet the Team.

  • Alexandria Keeshig

    CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Alexandria is an Anishnaabekwe from Neyaashiinigmiing Reserve No. 27 (also known as Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) located along the shores of Georgian Bay. She left her home community to pursue higher education in Toronto, where she earned an Advanced Diploma and later completed a Bachelor of Commerce from York University. Alexandria has proudly served as a Project Manager with the Government of Canada for over 18 years, specializing in Real Property and leading complex initiatives with precision, integrity, and vision.

    A dedicated public servant and community advocate, Alexandria brings strong leadership and strategic insight to every table she sits at. She serves as Chair of the Board for Takwaxkwe Consulting and is a Board of Director of the Nawash Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), where she helps shape opportunities for growth and prosperity within her Nation. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to Nation building, community empowerment, and supporting the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

  • Margaret Jamieson-Hopkins

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Margaret Jamieson-Hopkins is a Lenape, Onyota’á:ka, and Anishinaabe woman and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous education and cultural awareness. As an Indigenous Peoples Educator from August 2022 to March 2025, Margaret played a vital role in educating newcomers to Canada about Indigenous peoples, history, and Ojibwe culture. She facilitated cultural awareness and safety training for staff, fostering understanding and respect across diverse communities.

    Currently, as a Canada Connects Facilitator for the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), she organizes and leads English conversation circles for newcomers, while also planning and hosting networking and community events that create spaces for connection and mutual support. Her experience includes community outreach at the First Peoples Centre, where she led student engagement initiatives and brought cultural traditions to life through the planning of an annual Pow-wow.

    Margaret holds a Diploma in Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention and a Certificate in Indigenous Pre-Health Sciences from Canadore College. She is driven by a commitment to bridge cultures, amplify Indigenous voices, and create spaces of learning and respect for all.

  • Andrew St. Germain

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Andrew St. Germain is a Toronto-based communications strategist and writer from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. A proud member of the Anishinaabe Crane Clan—known for their roles as mediators and knowledge keepers—Andrew brings a strong sense of diplomacy, creativity, and cultural grounding to his work.

    He began his media career with APTN, producing the syndicated radio show Moment of Truth and spotlighting Indigenous artists on air. His path led him to serve as Director of Communications for RoseAnne Archibald during her historic term as the first woman elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. From global audiences with Pope Francis and King Charles III to UN delegations, Andrew’s leadership has helped shape powerful moments in Indigenous advocacy. He now leads communications at the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, continuing to uplift voices and build bridges across communities.

  • Kamryn Whiteye

    FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

    Kamryn Whiteye (Takwaxkwe) is an Lenape and Anishinaabe woman— she is an internationally recognized Indigenous consultant, speaker, and strategist with over six years of experience working at the intersection of policy, communications, and community empowerment. Kamryn has held more than a dozen influential roles across government, nonprofit, and grassroots sectors — including serving as a Policy Analyst for the Ontario Regional Chief’s Office at the Chiefs of Ontario, and as a Communications Officer to the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Her expertise spans Indigenous relations, engagement strategy, cultural education, public speaking, and program design.

    Kamryn is the founder of Takwaxkwe Consulting, a purpose-driven firm that offers consulting services, professional speaking, and publications in support of Indigenous and equity-deserving communities. She previously founded the Wehlahlokehtiit Youth Collective, a grassroots initiative that helped youth reconnect with their culture, step into leadership, and access meaningful resources and support—an effort that now inspires community programming and leadership practices.

    Alongside her consulting work, Kamryn has taught thousands of students across multiple school boards in Southwestern Ontario, sharing knowledge and history while bridging worlds of understanding to promote unity among all people. As a mentor to emerging leaders and a sought-after voice in the movement for Indigenous self-determination and equity in Canada, Kamryn brings lived experience and transformative leadership to every project. Her vision is rooted in healing, innovation, and strength.

  • Charanya Thiyanavadivel

    ASSOCIATE

    Charanya Thiyanavadivel is a communications leader and strategist with over a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations shape their voice, tell powerful stories, and deepen their impact. With a background spanning product marketing, nonprofit communications, and content design, she brings a multi-sector perspective to messaging, community engagement, and brand storytelling.

    She began her career in the learning and development space, leading product positioning and go-to-market initiatives that drove engagement and business growth. Now focused on the nonprofit and public sectors, she helps organizations communicate with clarity, equity, and purpose—centering the voices of communities too often left out of traditional narratives.

    Charanya has collaborated with global organizations like UN Women and the International Organization for Migration to develop communications strategies that advance equity and sustainability goals. Across roles, she has introduced inclusive editorial practices, built frameworks for ethical storytelling, and led initiatives that strengthen audience engagement and community trust.

    A passionate advocate for more inclusive and human-centered communications, she also speaks regularly on topics including ethical storytelling; equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); professional development for emerging leaders; and youth engagement in advocacy. 

  • Kristen Johnston

    ASSOCIATE

    Kristen Johnston has over a decade of experience in digital communications, campaign strategy, and community-centered storytelling. Kristen specializes in crafting ethical, anti-colonial, and non-paternalistic content. Her expertise is rooted in a deep respect for story as both a cultural practice and a tool for transformation. Kristen's work weaves together both narrative and strategy to drive meaningful engagement.

    Kristen has experience writing engaging stories, longform interviews, and digital content across platforms. Kristen centres ethics, consent, and cultural integrity in every project. She's committed to working with organizations that honour storytelling as a relational act - one that connects and contributes to more inclusive, values-led futures.

  • Karsyn Summers

    RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

    Karsyn Summers is a proud member of the Chippewa and Oneida Nations of the Thames. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Studies (2021) and a Master’s degree in Research for Policy and Evaluation (2023), both from Western University. Karsyn brings a strong foundation in community-driven research and policy work, with experience across nonprofit organizations, the federal public service, and First Nations communities. Her work is grounded in amplifying Indigenous voices and advancing meaningful solutions to ongoing challenges. She specializes in Indigenous research methods, data collection and analysis, and community capacity-building through policy advocacy. Karsyn is passionate about fostering relationships rooted in respect, reciprocity, and self-determination.

  • Brandon Doxtator

    ASSOCIATE

  • Chantel Jamieson

    RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Our work

Indigenous Engagement & Consultation

Rooted in respect, relationship, and reciprocity.

At Takwaxkwe, Indigenous engagement is not a checkbox—it’s a commitment to walking in good relation.
We support organizations, governments, and communities in designing engagement strategies that are relational, ethical, and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.
Our services include:

  • Community consultation and facilitation

  • Engagement strategies that uphold the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)

  • Policy review and development through an Indigenous lens

  • Strategic planning with Nations and organizations

  • Relationship building frameworks between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities

Our Approach:
We approach engagement as a long-term relationship, not a transactional process. Every conversation, meeting, and action is guided by care, accountability, and a respect for Indigenous self-determination.

Diverse Community Engagement

Centering Voices, Shaping Futures.

Diversity without inclusion is incomplete.
We specialize in designing engagement strategies that amplify the voices, leadership, and priorities of ALL underserved and equity-deserving communities.

Our services include:

  • Co-creating community engagement strategies

  • Equity-focused consultation and needs assessments

  • Inclusive leadership development

  • Anti-racism and anti-oppression advisory services

  • Facilitating community storytelling and knowledge sharing sessions with culturally relevant practices

Our Approach:
We honour the brilliance and resilience of diverse communities, ensuring that lived experience is embedded into decision-making, program design, and leadership pathways.

Cultural Safety Training

Building Brave Spaces for Real Change.

True inclusion requires transformation—not just tolerance.
Our cultural safety training programs equip teams with the knowledge, self-awareness, and relational tools needed to foster truly inclusive and safe environments for Indigenous, BIPOC, and diverse communities.

Our services include:

  • Customized cultural safety workshops

  • Trauma-informed facilitation and education

  • Training in systemic barriers and their impacts

  • Actionable strategies to move from cultural awareness to cultural safety

  • Organizational audits and recommendations for improving internal practices

Our Approach:
We offer brave learning spaces where honesty, humility, and accountability are at the core. Every session is customized to meet your team’s starting point and goals for growth.

Strategic Communications

Where Authenticity Meets Strategy.

At Takwaxkwe, we know that words can heal—or harm.
We help organizations craft communications that are not only strategic and goal-driven, but also relational, culturally intelligent, and authentic.

Our services include:

  • Strategic communications planning

  • Key messaging and narrative development

  • Community-focused media strategies

  • Speechwriting and storytelling consulting

  • Reconciliation-informed communications audits

Our Approach:
Our communications work is where story meets strategy. We ensure your voice resonates with diverse audiences while remaining true to your organization's mission, vision, and community responsibilities.

Professional Speaking & Facilitation

Inspiration Rooted in Truth and Transformation.

Words hold power to move hearts and minds.
Our founder, Kamryn Whiteye, and senior leadership team offer professional speaking services rooted in lived experience, Indigenous knowledge, and transformational leadership principles.

Our services include:

  • Keynote speaking for conferences and events

  • Panel moderation and participation

  • Workshop facilitation and curriculum design

  • Reconciliation and leadership speaking engagements

  • Youth empowerment and educational topics

  • Marketing and communications topics

  • Professional development

  • Motivational Speaking

Our Approach:
We bring a balance of heart and strategy to every stage, delivering sessions that leave audiences feeling inspired, challenged, and ready to act.

Publications & Resource Development

Knowledge Sharing for Collective Growth.

Stories are medicine. Resources are tools for action.
We develop educational resources, publications, and guides that weave together Indigenous, POC, and diverse perspectives to create systemic change.

Our services include:

  • Educational toolkits and learning modules

  • Research reports and community-led publications

  • Review and proof publications through an Indigenous lens, identifying stereotypes, harmful language, bias, generalizations, and inaccuracies; provide suggestions to ensure authenticity, cultural safety, and respectful representation

  • Policy guides and strategic resource documents

  • Reconciliation learning materials

  • Visual storytelling and cultural design supports

Our Approach:
Our resource development is community-first. We ensure that the knowledge we help share is protected, honored, and mobilized to support real-world action and healing.

Connect with us to learn more about the impactful work we’re leading, the partnerships we’ve built, and the culturally grounded services we offer.

Insights and Publications

Kamryn Whiteye (Takwaxkwe) “Lenape Resiliency and the Gnadenhutten Massacre,” speech is featured in Neil Slater’s novel Atrocity (April 2025). Atrocity is a supernatural mystery, inspired by real events. This collaboration, shaped with guidance from Theresa Johnson of EELÜNAAPÉEWI LAHKÉEWIIT (Delaware Nation), offers young readers a deeper connection to the stories of our Lenape ancestors.

Charanya Thiyanavadivel will be presenting at Button Conference — the premier content design conference — this October 22–24, 2025. Her session, titled “Ethical Language Frameworks: How Content Designers Can Shift Nonprofit Narratives,” will explore how thoughtful content practices can challenge harmful tropes, uplift community voices, and build more just communications in the nonprofit sector.

Takwaxkwe is more than a consulting firm.


We are a movement for relational leadership, collective empowerment, and cultural transformation.

Connect with Us

Have a project, event, or collaboration in mind? Connect with us to start the conversation—we’d love to hear from you.

Anushiik, Miigwech,

Thank you.