About

THE biggest obstacle to reconciliation in Canada is ignorance. The most common response to my presentations by non-Indigenous Canadians is "I DIDN'T KNOW". Although unfortunate, Canadians cannot be expected to understand what they were never taught. Canadian school systems played a role in erasing Indigenous history. One cannot understand reconciliation without understanding colonial history that made reconciliation a reality. The unfortunate things is non-Indigenous Canadians 'still do not know'. This can be corrected.

Most Indigenous cultural awareness training sessions are superficial in nature. To move beyond this level is strengthen the culture of your organization. This type of commitment moves Canada's reconciliation needle. Being aware of superficial Indigenous concepts from 30,000 metres does nothing to move reconciliation forward. The only things available at this altitude are comfort and political correctness. Speaking uncomfortable truths is difficult, but avoiding them delays meaningful progress.

Since Delgamuukw, governments and organizations have increasingly required Indigenous cultural awareness training. While that may raise awareness, it is not reconciliation. Cultural awareness is an introduction. Indigenous engagement is a much deeper discipline, informed by more than 160 years of Canadian law, policy, and Indigenous and Crown relations. It requires an honest examination of systemic racism, prejudice, privilege, Aboriginal rights and title, and the continuing effects of colonization.

Many municipalities, businesses, and organizations sincerely want to advance reconciliation, but too often they focus on symbolic actions rather than building the knowledge and relationships needed for lasting change. Every city, municipality and town in Canada has an Indigenous history and, in many cases, an Indigenous neighbour. Reconciliation should begin there.

Canada made profound mistakes during colonization. Those decisions continue to shape legal, economic, and social realities today. The consequences are no longer historical. They are unfolding in the present. The question is not whether Canadians will engage with these realities, but whether they will do so honestly and with the courage to move beyond awareness toward meaningful Indigenous engagement.

Most asked questions by non-Indigenous Canadians usually includes:

Why do Indigenous peoples receive so much attention from federal, provincial, regional governments through Indigenous relations and reconciliation departments, ministries, agencies, and other reconciliation initiatives, yet so many problems still exist?
What can I or my business do to further truth and reconciliation?
Do traditional territory acknowledgements accomplish anything?
What is the difference between Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal, First Nation, status Indian, Métis and Inuit?
Why are so many First nation communities so dilapidated and run down?

Strength of Indigenous Culture Test/Assessment

Awareness is easy to demonstrate. Meaningful Indigenous engagement is much harder to measure. The Indigenous Insight Strength of Indigenous Culture Assessment is designed to challenge organizations to look beyond land acknowledgements, statements, and good intentions. It examines whether Indigenous engagement is actually embedded within leadership, communication, accessibility, organizational thinking, and decision-making.

This assessment asks the questions organizations may not be accustomed to hearing, including the uncomfortable ones. Where does your organization truly stand, and is it prepared to move beyond awareness into meaningful engagement and action?

Has your organization's leadership bought into the importance of Indigenous engagement?
Does your organization’s leadership have a strong understanding of Canada’s colonization history and how it continues to shape Aboriginal rights and title and the challenges of meaningful engagement today?
Does your organization advertise Indigenous ideas, concepts, accomplishments?
Is your organization's Indigenous designate easily contacted?
Does your organization believe traditional land and territory acknowledgments are sufficient?
Has your organization identified a strategy beyond simple traditional land & territory acknowledgements?

Don't worry if you answered 'no' to most of these questions as the vast majority of organizations, governments, corporations (e.g., leadership in Canada) score low on this assessment. Let me help you navigate intiatives that correct this.

One city, one corporation, one chamber

Over the course of the next year, Indigenous Insight will mentor ONE city, ONE corporation and ONE chamber of commerce committed to turning truth and reconciliation into measurable action. Guided by 94 Calls to Action and Tla'amin Nation - City of Powell River Community Accord, this mentorship will help participants move beyond performative reconciliation toward meaningful, lasting relationships with First Nations. One city and one corporation have been identified. However, this opportunity is still open. It isn’t too late to step forward and become a leader.

MY PERSONAL OPINION: every city should be negotiating their own intergovernmental relationship building agreements (e.g., Community Accords) with neighbouring Indigenous community.

The opportunities are real, but reaching them requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Mistakes have been made by all sides, yet First Nation communities are ready to build respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with organizations that are prepared to listen and learn.

Indigenous Insight's Indigenous Engagement e-Course will challenge your assumptions and, at times, make you uncomfortable. That discomfort is part of the learning process. Meaningful Indigenous engagement requires more than awareness. It requires commitment, critical thinking, and genuine effort.

If you're ready to move beyond the minimum and engage in honest dialogue, I'll help you navigate these conversations in a respectful, supportive, and safe learning environment.

Public speaker, facilitator

As a public speaker and facilitator with more than 30 years of First Nation leadership and governance experience, KWAST-en-ayu leads respectful, thought provoking conversations that challenge assumptions and build a deeper understanding of Indigenous realities in Canada. His presentations address difficult but essential topics including racism, systemic racism, prejudice, white privilege, colonization, and the ongoing impacts of assimilation policies on Indigenous peoples. Drawing on lived experience and decades of work in Indigenous governance, Aboriginal rights and title, and community leadership, he provides practical insight into Canada's colonization history, including the Indian Act, the Indian Reserve System, the Indian Residential School System, Band Office administration and governance, and the foundations of Truth and Reconciliation. Participants leave with a stronger understanding of Indigenous perspectives, greater confidence to engage respectfully with First Nation communities, and practical knowledge they can apply in their organizations and everyday decision making.

Speaking fee includes the day of, and travel days to and from venue. Travel and accommodation costs not included.

Indigenous Insight Blog

TRIGGER WARNING ...

Indigenous Engagement content developed by Indigenous Insight is not for the faint of heart. Much of the dialogue traces back to 2017, when the Advanced Business Match “Uncensored” model was first being developed.

Maynard collaborated with the ABM team during the creation of this initiative. At the time, it became clear that an uncensored forum was urgently needed to address difficult issues such as the Colten Boushie murder in Saskatchewan, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and many other sensitive Indigenous topics affecting Indigenous communities.

For many participants, particularly settler Canadians, engaging with this material can be challenging and emotionally confronting. That discomfort is intentional and necessary. Meaningful understanding in the Indigenous engagement space rarely grows in comfort. It emerges through honest examination, critical thinking, and a willingness to sit with difficult truths. The content presented here does not rely on opinion but instead prioritizes factual representation and lived realities.

This material is not directed at any specific individual in Canada. Rather, it offers direct and candid insights intended for leadership audiences, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. The purpose of this program is not to tell people what they might prefer to hear, but to focus on what must be understood in order to grow. These truths are not meant to burden the listener. They are meant to expand perspective and spark meaningful reflection.