Debwe Maada'ookii Maamawi
Speaking and Sharing Together
Debwe is a First Nations-led consulting practice providing facilitation, engagement and consultation, event planning, research, policy, strategic advice, and governance support. We primarily serve First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, communities, and organizations, while also working with other clients seeking culturally informed approaches to their work.
What We Do
Every project is different. Some clients need someone to bring people together and guide an important conversation. Others need help planning an engagement process, organizing a gathering, researching a complex issue, or providing advice to help leadership determine what comes next.
Debwe offers four areas of consulting support that can be used independently or brought together depending on the needs of the project.
Engagement & Consultation
Engagement should begin while there is still something to shape.
We design and support engagement and consultation processes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, communities, and organizations, as well as governments and institutions seeking meaningful participation from the people affected by their work.
Research, Policy, Strategic Advice & Governance
Making complex information useful for the decisions in front of you.
We provide research, policy development and review, strategic advice, and governance support to help clients understand issues, consider options, strengthen their operations, and make informed decisions.
How We Work
Debwe Maada'ookii Maamawi means “Speaking and Sharing Together.” Our name reflects how we approach our work. We listen before assuming we know what is needed, bring knowledge and experience together, and work alongside our clients in ways that respect their voice, priorities, and authority. The goal is not to arrive with all the answers, but to contribute the knowledge, capacity, and support that helps move the work forward.
These principles guide how we work:
Listen First
Respect Distinctions
Understand Before Acting
Build Capacity
Strengthen the Client's Voice
Adapt When the Work Requires It
Experience Behind the Work
Debwe is led by Chad Kicknosway, an Anishinaabe Legal Political Sociologist with more than 20 years of professional and community experience, nearly a decade in the federal public service, and interdisciplinary training in sociology, political science, and law.
Whether you have a project in mind, need support with a particular issue, or simply want to discuss whether Debwe is a good fit for the work ahead, call out to us.