Why I Built Red Raven

I didn’t arrive at Red Raven by accident. I was guided here — by people, by teachings, and by a program that reminded me I already had everything I needed to build this practice.

Before anything else, I want to honour the Indigenous Entrepreneur Program, and the steady support of Cory Stephens and Tricorp. Their guidance helped me see my work in a new way. They encouraged me to trust my skills, trust my experience, and trust that there was space — real space — for an Indigenous‑centred administrative practice built on care, clarity, and sovereignty. That encouragement lit the path that led me here.

Working backwards from this moment, I can see how each step prepared me.

Opening my dedicated office this year felt like a milestone, but it was also a continuation of a much longer journey, one shaped by nearly thirty years of walking alongside Indigenous organizations and entrepreneurs. Over those decades, I learned how to listen deeply, how to bring calm to complexity, and how to build systems that honour relationship, pace, and sovereignty.

I loved that learning journey. Every project taught me something. Every leader, every community, every late‑night document shaped the way I work today.

Red Raven grew from all of that, from the teachings, the mistakes, the clarity, the laughter, the overwhelm, the breakthroughs, and the quiet moments where someone finally exhaled because they felt supported.

I don’t believe administration is neutral. It can reinforce colonial systems, or it can make space for Indigenous ways of working. Red Raven chooses the latter. This practice is grounded in transparency, relational accountability, data sovereignty, and steady, heart‑forward support.

It’s not just about getting tasks done. It’s about creating room for you to breathe, focus, and lead.

My hope is that when you arrive here, you feel welcomed, respected, unhurried, and supported.

This Reflections space will be where I share what I’m learning along the way — gentle teachings, stories from the work, and thoughts on Indigenous‑centred administration.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for walking this path with me.

Thank you Cory Stephens & Tricorp - Prince Rupert