Building Meaningful Pathways to Achieve Economic Prosperity in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities
Who We Are
Naakah Solutions Inc., a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated company, supports Nation Building through a network of associates across the country. Through our two-eyed seeing approach, Indigenous voices are heard and valued as we collaborate with community leaders and partners to create a shared decision-making process.
Dene Zhatie is a dialect of the Northwest Territories that defines "Naakah" as the Northern Lights. In Indigenous culture, the Northern Lights are often seen as spiritual guides and symbols of connection with nature. They are believed to represent the spirits of ancestors, offering guidance and wisdom. As part of this deep cultural reverence, the Northern Lights are an important component of decision-making processes that align with traditional values and contribute to fostering community ties.
About the Founder
Cara Lenoir has dedicated many years to the public service sector, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous initiatives, community engagement, and facilitation. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in health, education, training, and procurement, always striving to increase Indigenous participation and inclusion. Cara is passionate about facilitating conversations that promote self-determination for Nations across Canada and exploring emerging technologies. She founded this company to advance reconciliation between government, industry, and Nations.
Cara Lenoir is a proud member of the Łıı́d́ l ı̨ Kų́ę́ Kue First Nation and a descendant of the the K’atl’odeeche First Nation. She now resides on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation). This is more specifically on the Capilano Reserve otherwise known as North Vancouver.
Our Services
We offer services based on the shift toward developing and implementing inclusive and shared decision-making processes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities where all voices matter.
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Relationships are established based on trust, openness and transparency with Indigenous Peoples, Organizations and Communities. Our approach starts with understanding your current situation and benchmark against promising practices resulting in reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
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The first step to Indigenous engagement planning is understanding how participants want to be engaged. Whether you’re wanting to gather input from Indigenous Elders, youth, houseless, or professionals, we design a customized approach based on ealy engagement and a collaborative design process.
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Our team facilitates dialogue based on lived experience founded on empathy, respect and understanding which creates a culturally safe space for Indigenous participants to share their perspectives in the moment. We foster dialogue to achieve mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations.
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Although the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) are considered the minimum standards for building relationships and advancing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, our company creates customized training programs to foster learning moving beyond a check-box exercise.
Why Choose Us
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Data-driven
Our approach is grounded in the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP), which empowers Indigenous peoples to exercise self-determination and sovereignty. We believe that data sovereignty is essential for Indigenous communities to shape their futures.
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Collaborative
We ensure all voices are heard and valued. We believe in seeking common ground and fostering open dialogue to achieve meaningful outcomes. By working together, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous stakeholders alike. Perspectives to foster collaboration between all involved to achieve results.
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Impact
By fostering meaningful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, we help to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and drive positive change. Our work contributes to reconciliation and a more equitable future for all.