minopicak, wachiyay, welcome

About

Mission Statement: To support Indigenous Nations in strengthening governance systems that reflect their inherent sovereignty, laws, and lived realities. Indigenous Politics Consulting works alongside leadership and communities to translate ancestral knowledge, contemporary policy, and strategic practice into governance structures that are accountable, resilient, and community-driven. New client and partnership inquiries are welcomed where values align, including a shared commitment to accountable Indigenous representation and due diligence that protects Indigenous spaces from false claims.
Vision Statement: A future where Indigenous Nations exercise self-determined governance rooted in their own political traditions, supported by strong leadership, clear systems, and policies that sustain cultural continuity, economic resilience, and collective wellbeing across generations.
Core Values:
Courage: Advancing governance reform with integrity, even when change requires difficult conversations or challenges to existing power structures.
Honesty: Practicing transparency, truth-telling, and accountability in all advisory, policy, and leadership work.
Respect: Honouring Indigenous laws, protocols, knowledge systems, and community authority in every engagement.
Love: Centring care for people, land, language, and future generations in governance decisions.
Wisdom: Bridging ancestral teachings with contemporary governance, policy, and political realities.
Humility: Working as partners and listeners first, recognizing that communities are the experts of their own Nations.
Forgiveness: Supporting healing-informed governance that acknowledges past harms while focusing on collective growth.
Kindness: Conducting all work with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to human dignity.

Our Initiatives: What we believe in

Sovereign First Nation communities uphold their inherent right to self-governance while honouring all of creation. This governance is rooted in the preservation and protection of their values, principles, and sacred customs—timeless laws that guide each community’s way of life.

With a deep respect for the past, present, and future, Sovereign First Nations assert their inherent title to their lands and remain steadfast in upholding treaty agreements; agreements that endure "as long as the sun shines and the rivers flow." Through this commitment, they continue to safeguard their sovereignty, culture, and the well-being of future generations.

Accountability to Indigenous Communities Pledge

Support for First Indigenous Peoples is more than a statement. It is a practice.

Organizations that hire, fund, feature, or platform Indigenous people have a responsibility to protect Indigenous spaces, uphold community authority, and prevent false representation from displacing Indigenous voices.

We pledge to:

Verify with accountability
Use respectful, appropriate verification practices for Indigenous identity and community connection, especially when roles, contracts, funding, or visibility are intended for Indigenous Peoples.
Prioritize community-confirmed relationships
Recognize that Indigenous identity is not a branding tool, and that Nation and community accountability matters in Indigenous-specific opportunities.
Follow protocols and protect privacy
Apply cultural protocols and consent-based practices, and handle identity information with care and confidentiality.
Practice fairness and due process
Respond to concerns professionally, avoid public speculation, document decisions, and address issues in a way that reduces harm.
Resource Indigenous leadership ethically
Compensate Indigenous knowledge and labour fairly, avoid extractive engagement, and ensure Indigenous-led work remains Indigenous-led.
Correct course when needed
If we make a mistake, we will take responsibility, adjust our processes, and act in alignment with Indigenous community guidance.

“Accountability is not cruelty. It’s protection. It’s love for our communities, our history, and the next generation who deserve better than lies.” -Tanya Matthews, HBA

When organizations verify Indigenous identity with community accountability, they help protect Indigenous self-determination, safeguard limited opportunities and resources, and reduce harm caused by false representation.

Our responsibility:

Sovereign Governance: Indigenous Nations hold inherent rights to self-governance rooted in their own political orders, laws, and responsibilities to land, people, and all of creation. Governance work must protect and advance these inherent rights.
- Treaty Responsibility and Land Stewardship: Upholding treaty agreements and inherent title to land is central to Indigenous political life. Our work honours treaty commitments understood to endure across generations, supporting Nations in asserting jurisdiction, protecting land, and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
- Knowledge Integrity: We are committed to providing accurate, current, and culturally respectful research while upholding the integrity of each Nation‚ traditional knowledge systems, protocols, and authority over their own stories and data.
- Community-Centred Research and Action: Our approach brings together researchers, knowledge holders, and community members to design and implement best practices tailored to each Nation‚ unique needs, priorities, and governance realities.
- Strategic Collaboration and Political Advocacy: Through partnerships and coalition-building, we design and support campaigns, initiatives, and governance strategies that strengthen connections, empower communities, and advance Indigenous political movements.
- Ancestral Wisdom and Contemporary Practice: By integrating ancestral law, lived experience, and contemporary research, our work advances self-determination, strengthens sovereignty, and supports long-term, community-driven solutions.

Projects and Events

Past

Experience & ExpertisePolitical Campaigns & Indigenous Law Promotion
Organized political campaigns advocating for traditional Indigenous law practices
Successfully supported the campaign and election of Indigenous Bear Clan Matriarch Chief June Black
Leadership & Governance Engagement
Emcee for Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Annual General Meetings (2020-2024)
Led successful ratification meetings for Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) and Community Laws
Community & Cultural Initiatives
Project Coordinator for the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Elders “Knowledge Keepers Documentary Project” (Part 1 Completed)
Organized special events and executive meetings to support community governance
Financial & Administrative Coordination
Managed financial budgets and compliance with financial requirements
Created professional reports and booklets, including the AGA Booklet (2020-2024) for Apitipi Anicinapek Nation
Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) Coordination
Served as IBA Information Coordinator, facilitating meetings between membership, Chief & Council, and resource development companies
Historic & Advocacy Events
100-Year Commemoration Coordinator – Organized a gathering on Abitibi Island for National Chiefs and community members to honor the Treaty signing
Rally Organizer – Led a successful protest in Toronto, Ontario, advocating for Land Rights and Freedoms on behalf of Chief & Council and community members during a legal dispute with an extraction company
Assisted Fort Albany First Nation in governance support in the Administration, researching traditional governance, treaty rights, and self-determination to support informed decision-making and policy development.
and provided the community reports booklets for the FAFN Chief, Council and Administration, as well as the Governance Policy update and booklet
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Annual Pow wow 2025- CoEmcee

Present

Ongoing Projects & Advocacy

Apitipi Knowledge Keepers Documentary Series – Part 2
- Continuing the development and production of the Apitipi Knowledge Keepers Documentary Series, preserving and sharing Indigenous oral histories and cultural knowledge.
Healing Through Music – Policy Development & Youth Advocacy
- Assisting in the development of policies for Healing Through Music, supporting their Youth Advocacy Initiative to empower Indigenous youth through music and cultural expression.
Assistant Program Manager for 67 Records, Owned and Opreated by Jeremiah Otis
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Communications Support
- Providing ongoing communications support for Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, ensuring effective information sharing and engagement with the community.
Community Advocacy & Governance Research
- Serving as a Community Advocate for Positive Change within Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, conducting research on traditional governance structures, treaty rights, and self-determination to support informed decision-making and policy development.

Future

Building Stronger Governance & Expanding Our Impact

Strengthening Community Governance
- Committed to supporting Indigenous communities in developing effective governance strategies that reflect their values, traditions, and self-determination.
Expanding Services to More Communities & Organizations
- Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with communities and organizations looking to enhance governance, advocacy, and policy development through our expertise and strategic guidance.
Offering Comprehensive & Internationally Recognized Services
- Providing a diverse range of professional services, with the capacity to support Indigenous governance and advocacy efforts at local, national, and international levels.
Let’s Work Together
- Contact us today to explore how we can support your community or organization in achieving its governance, advocacy, and policy goals.

Meet the Team

CEO, Owner/Founder

Tanya Matthews, Honours Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Political Science

Tanya Audrey Matthews is the Founder of Indigenous Politics Consulting and currently serves as Communications Manager with Apitipi Anicinapek Nation.

Her work supports Indigenous Nations in strengthening governance systems that reflect inherent sovereignty, cultural laws, and lived realities, with a focus on practical, community-driven structures that are accountable and resilient.

Tanya holds an Honours degree in Political Science and brings a principled, policy-oriented approach that stays grounded in respect, truth-telling, and community responsibility.

New client and partnership inquiries are welcomed where values align, including a shared commitment to accountable Indigenous representation and due diligence that protects Indigenous spaces from false claims.

Partner and Media Expert

Jeremiah Otis- J.Otis

Jeremiah Otis (J. Otis) is an independent Indigenous artist, producer, music engineer, and emerging documentary storyteller from Fort Albany Cree First Nation. In 2018, he founded the record label 67 Records, where he serves as CEO and supports independent artists by sharing resources, mentorship, and industry pathways. His music spans R&B to Indigenous-language rap, and he is a gifted engineer who produces and delivers his songs in their entirety.

J. Otis has released three albums and sixteen singles on all major streaming platforms, with ongoing projects in development. Through 67 Records, he maintains a growing network of engineers and collaborators and continues supporting independent artists in building sustainable careers.

Beyond music, J. Otis leads Healing Through Music programs for youth in his home community, working with at-risk youth to build musical skills, confidence, and leadership. He is also expanding his creative practice into documentary production, including filming, interview work, and community-based storytelling that centers Indigenous voices. His approach includes culturally grounded interviewing, working respectfully with Elders and knowledge holders, and supporting story integrity through consent, protocol, and relationship. Rooted in ceremony, culture, and tradition, J. Otis is committed to creating fair, honest, and community-connected creative systems in both music and media.

Fellow Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Scholar, Independent Business Owner

Denyse Nadon, MEd

Bear Vision Consulting & Training, and Founder and COO, Tribalure Cosmetics & Skin Care Inc.,

Indigenous governance specialist and adult education professional with extensive experience in business administration, workforce development, and culturally grounded training. A respected advocate for equity, strong governance, and raising community voices. Denyse works at the intersection of education, economic development, and Indigenous self-determination. Bear Vision is an Indigenous-owned business established in 2000 to support Indigenous organizations, First Nations communities, industry partners, and government in the employment and training sector through holistic, culturally grounded approaches that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Denyse leads the development of culturally appropriate employment and training models tailored to the unique needs of each community. Denyse is also the Founder and COO of Tribalure Cosmetics & Skin Care Inc., an Indigenous woman-owned company rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth. Tribalure centres matriarchal values, cultural heritage, and Indigenous knowledge systems, with product lines such as the Oteimi^ Strawberry Collection, symbolizing women as the heart of the Nation, and the Blueberry Collection, grounded in ceremony and healing practices. Tribalure is committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical production, offering cruelty-free products free from parabens, sulphates, and alcohol. Denyse is Kokokoo Ik8e (Screech Owl Woman) of the Mak8a (Bear) Clan from Apitipi Anicinapek Nation. Her grandmothers are Mary Black and Mary Nadon of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation. As a daughter, granddaughter, sister, and auntie, she brings a matriarchal, relational, and governance-informed perspective to her work, grounded in ceremony, holistic health, and Indigenous identity. She also serves as Board President, ensuring strong governance oversight, strategic direction, and accountability within Indigenous-led enterprises. Website: www.bearvision.ca and www.tribalure.com

Our Services

Community Research and Governance

Policy and Procedures Analysis and Research:

Review policies and procedures for clarity, compliance, and usability, then provide prioritized recommendations that are realistic to implement.

Policy gap analysis and risk review
Alignment checks with governance structure and decision-making authority
Revision recommendations and implementation support

Annual Reports:

Develop clear, professional reports that document results, strengthen transparency, and support community trust.

Annual report writing, editing, and layout-ready content
Department and program summaries
Key achievements, challenges, and next-step planning language

Project Management:

Manage governance and community-focused projects from planning to completion, with strong documentation and coordination.

Workplans, timelines, and deliverables tracking
Stakeholder coordination and meeting support
Progress reporting and accountability tools

Political Advocacy:

Provide strategic political advisory and advocacy support grounded in Indigenous rights, community voice, and governance integrity.

Briefing notes and advocacy messaging
Strategy development for priorities, negotiations, and intergovernmental work
Support for leadership communications and public positioning

Election Law and Code Updates:

We can support election code review and updates to improve legitimacy, fairness, and clarity, with a focus on strong process design.

Election code review and written recommendations
Draft revisions and rationale notes
Implementation guidance, including community communications and timelines

Public Engagement

Emcee for Meetings and Traditional Events:

Serve as a professional emcee who keeps the agenda moving, supports speakers, and maintains a respectful tone throughout.

Agenda flow, timing, and transitions
Speaker introductions and audience engagement
Protocol-aware hosting for community and formal settings

Event Planning:

Plan and coordinate events with strong logistics, clear roles, and reliable follow-through.

Run-of-show, timelines, and task coordination
Vendor and venue coordination, travel and accommodations support
On-site support, troubleshooting, and post-event wrap-up

Keynote Speaker:

Deliver keynote talks grounded in governance, leadership, accountability, and community-based decision-making.

Custom keynote development to match your theme and audience
Clear, professional delivery with practical takeaways
Pre-event briefing to align messaging with your priorities

Chair for Administrative and Community Meetings:

Chair meetings to support structure, fairness, and decision-ready outcomes.

Meeting facilitation, speaking order, and time management
Motions support and decision-tracking (as required)
Clear action items, responsibilities, and next steps

Elections Coordination:

Coordinate election logistics and administration support to ensure a smooth, credible process.

Election planning, timelines, and communications coordination
Candidate package coordination and process support
Voting-day logistics support and documentation tracking

Community Research

Language Translation and Interpretation:

Provide live interpretation at events and translation support for written materials, with attention to accuracy, tone, and cultural context.

Live interpretation for meetings, gatherings, and community events
Translation for documents, communications, and public materials
Terminology support to maintain consistency across projects

Traditional Land Use Interviews:

Coordinate and support Traditional Land Use interview work that is organized, respectful, and documentation-ready.

Interview planning, consent processes, and scheduling
Interview facilitation, support, and structured note-taking
Organizing outputs for mapping, reporting, or internal records

Treaty Knowledge and Education:

Provide treaty-informed research and knowledge support tailored to your audience, priorities, and local context.

Treaty briefings and learning sessions
Background research and plain-language summaries
Support for community communications that explain treaty-related issues clearly

Film and Documentary Support:

Support community-led documentary work that centers lived experience, historical truth, and cultural integrity.

Story development and interview planning
Research support and narration or script drafting support
Participant coordination and release/consent documentation support

Community History and Knowledge Documentation:

Help communities document histories and knowledge in a way that is organized, respectful, and usable for future generations.

Oral history and knowledge-gathering support
Writing and structuring community history documents
Archiving support, metadata basics, and community-access planning

Land Back Support"

Support community-led Land Back work through education, communications, planning, and documentation support, aligned with lawful, strategic, and community-directed approaches.

Strategy support for messaging and public communications
Community engagement planning and meeting facilitation
Documentation support for priorities, proposals, and governance direction

Sakieto8in Ki Pimatisi8in- Love Your Life

You have the power to heal your life for the better by loving your life.

Sakieto8in Ki Pimatisi8in (Love Your Life)
Heal Your Life® Workshop Facilitator,

Youth Empowerment and Life Coach

About Tanya Audrey Matthews

I am a proud Certified Heal Your Life® Workshop Facilitator, Youth Empowerment Leader, and Life Coach—trained and certified by Heart Inspired Presentations, LLC, the only company worldwide authorized and approved by Hay House, Inc. and Louise Hay herself to teach these powerful healing techniques.

I received my training from Victoria Johnson in Banff, Alberta, and completed the training twice. To sign up to become a trainer, visit www.healyourlifetrainer.com

My mission is simple: to help you heal your life and live your dreams. I've lived the work I teach, and it has transformed me. Now, it's your turn. With love, Tanya xx

About Heal Your Life®: A healing movement founded by Louise Hay. Louise Hay was a renowned American self-help author, motivational speaker, and founder of Hay House publishing, known for her influential books, including the bestseller You Can Heal Your Life(1984). She taught the connection between the mind and body, teaching that positive thinking and self-love are keys to healing and creating desired life changes. Her philosophy, forged from her own difficult childhood, reached millions globally through her writings, workshops, and the Hay Foundation, which supported causes like HIV/AIDS.

To reach out for a workshop with Tanya, please click the link to sign up.

What You’ll Learn & Experience:

Each Saturday (DATE TBD), we’ll meet in a heart-centred, supportive space to explore the teachings of Louise Hay, my First Nations values and principles, and to practice life-changing self-help techniques designed to:

Release limiting beliefs and blocks
Self-love, confidence, and

inner peace

Discover your dreams and turn them into real-life goals
Reprogram your mindset with powerful affirmations

Tap into your inner wisdom and healing power

Strengthen your relationships with yourself and others.

Create the life you know you deserve.

Whether you're just beginning your healing journey or you’ve been on the path for a while, this program will uplift, inspire, and empower you.

Ten-Week Study Group Schedule Overview:

WEEK 1: Welcome: Introduction, Group Guidelines, and Points of Philosophy

WEEK 2: Mindset Reset – Deservability

Week 3: Loving Your Inner Child

WEEK 4: Emotions- Willingness to Change

WEEK 5: Forgiveness and Meditation

WEEK 6: Creating Your Future – Daily plan- Vision Board

WEEK 7: Relationships & Boundaries – Loving Others While Honouring Yourself First

WEEK 8: Affirmations: Awareness, Career & Success

WEEK 9: Prosperity & Abundance – Aligning with a Wealth Mindset

Week 10: Health, Vitality & Self-Care – Loving Your Body, Honouring Your Temple

Integration – Closing Ceremony

Online Program Details

Duration: 90 minutes each Saturday (10 weeks)

Platform: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Group Size: Small, safe, and supportive

Extras: Worksheets, affirmations, and optional homework

Bonus: 1-on-1 coaching sessions available by request

Let Me Guide You to Create the

Life You Deserve

Do you have a dream? A goal?

A vision of the best life possible?

YOU CAN CREATE IT.

I’ll show you step-by-step if you’re willing to do the work and open your heart. This program is to heal the past, but also about creating a bold, beautiful, joy-filled present and future.

Registration Now Open!

Ready to transform your life?

Join me for the next session of Heal Your Life:

Live the Life You Deserve!

For registration or private coaching inquiries, email:

tanya@indigpolitics.com

Follow here for updates.

OTHER NEW SERVICES:

Usui/Holy Fire® II Reiki Master Practitioner-You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of healing.

“Reiki is the secret art of inviting happiness. Reiki is a Japanese technique for relaxation that also promotes healing.” – Usui Sensei

Gentle, Culturally Safe Healing for Everyone

I offer Reiki sessions that honour both traditional Japanese teachings and Indigenous ways of knowing. My intention is to create a calm, respectful space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members can rest, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on (or hands-off) energy-based practice that can help with:

Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Supporting the body’s natural healing processes
Emotional balance and grounding
Feeling more peaceful, centred, and present

Sessions are fully clothed, non-invasive, and adapted to your comfort level.

Services Offered

One-on-one Reiki sessions (in-person, [location])
Distance/online Reiki sessions (by appointment)
Community healing circles
Healing Fair participation – offering mini-sessions at local wellness and community events

Rooted in Community

As an Indigenous practitioner, I carry my work with respect for the land, the ancestors, and the communities we serve. All backgrounds, cultures, genders, and ages are welcome.

Booking & Contact

Email: tanya@indigpolitics.com
Facebook: Tanya Audrey Matthews
Location: Apitipi Anicinapek Nation or Distant Reiki available (Distant Reiki is a way of sending Reiki energy to someone who is not physically present, using intention and Reiki symbols to connect beyond time and space. It feels similar to an in-person session and can support relaxation, stress relief, and healing wherever the person is).
Private 1:1 sessions (in person or distance)
Occasional free or donation-based sessions for elders, youth, or frontline workers
$100 for a 60-minute session
$50 for a 30-minute or “intro” session
$20–$25 per person for group circles or healing fair mini-sessions (e.g., 15–20 minutes each)
If you want, I can help you choose an exact price list that feels respectful to your community, honours your time/energy, and still feels accessible (including ideas for free spots for elders or people in crisis).

Contact me to book your session or to invite me to your next healing fair or community event.

Begin your journey into relaxation, balance, and gentle healing – one session at a time.

Guided Meditation Circles-

Offering Guided Meditation Circles

Card Readings-

Intuitive Guided Card Readings are now offered! I have a few intuitive card decks that I enjoy working with, and if you'd like to book a session, please email me your request. I can take you on a journey of intuitive-led self-discovery. $50.00 a session.

Lateral Kindness Training with certification- By Tanya Matthews

This two-day workshop explores the issue of lateral violence and its impact in the workplace. Together, we will examine:

The meaning and origins of lateral violence.
The individuals who engage in it and the reasons behind their actions.
When and where these behaviours begin, and how they can be addressed or stopped.
Practical strategies to go from lateral violence to lateral kindness within professional settings.

More Info

Through group activities, discussions, and guided reflection, participants will gain insight into how lateral violence affects their work environment and learn practical approaches to fostering lateral kindness, respect, understanding, and balance in the workplace. Certification will be issued upon completion of the two-day workshop.

At Indigenous Politics Consulting, you have the option of requesting a variety of trainers to join the event. Inquire for further details by email to tanya@indigpolitics.com

On your path forward, the first and most important step is action

We believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution; every effort contributes to making a difference.

There are many meaningful ways to achieve your mission. Following is a list of services we offer.

Organizing an Event

We can help organize your next public engagement event

Volunteering

empowering communities and Nations to become a powerful force for good with volunteer opportunities for your organization

Rooted in First Nations sovereignty and self-determination, we deliver outcomes-focused growth for leaders, teams, and individuals. Now Featuring Sakieto8in Ki Pimatisi8in (Love Your Life): Heal Your Life® Workshops , Reiki Healing, and Lateral Kindness Training.