Building the Framework for Multi-Generational Community Success
Holistic community development solutions that help First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities build healthy and thriving futures.
Strengthening Indigenous Communities for Future Generations
Strong communities are built on thoughtful planning, engaged leadership, and programs that support the well-being of current and future generations. The Osborne Group partners with First Nations and Indigenous communities to develop practical strategies, strengthen governance, and enhance community services. Through a collaborative approach that respects community priorities and values, we help leaders build the foundation for sustainable, multi-generational success.
What We Are Hearing From Communities
We need to build a sustainable future for our community.
Chief and Council in each community want to define comprehensive plans that address the core community needs that in turn enable a trained work force, driving independence and financial returns that will fund ongoing and future programs.
Our community members need to have their voice heard.
As leadership teams strive to define their strategy, community engagement is critical to ensure that all voices are heard and that the solutions build from the heritage and learnings of each unique community.
Indigenous communities need to be equal and active partners in projects that impact traditional lands.
To effectively participate, community leadership needs to be fully aware and engaged in these projects including partnerships, funding and support, training, employment and environmental stewardship.
Community Health and Wellness is a fundamental starting point.
Everything we do has to contribute to the mental and physical health of the community members, providing the base for engagement, employment and economic development that provide solid financial returns to be reinvested in the community.
Skill development at all levels is required to enable our goals.
Skill development requirements go far beyond building a trained and motivated workforce. Community leaders want to develop their business acumen and governance skills to ensure the successful and sustained impact of the community initiatives.
Indigenous Community Development Services
Government Relations and Funding Support
With the wide range of support available from federal and provincial agencies, as well as the meaningful infrastructure projects that are planned, it is critical to be connected to the right people and programs to ensure full and appropriate participation. The Osborne Group and our partners can help in a number of ways:
- Understanding what programs are available
- Accessing the available program funding
- Identifying potential projects
- Engaging with the multiple levels of government
Research and Community Engagement
As communities engage in both internal programs and economic development activities, it is critical to ensure that the communities voice is heard and that the dialogue with the community includes all the critical information. Working with our partners, these services include:
- General engagement and communication strategies and execution
- Benchmarking – understanding what other communities have accomplished and how
- Research for specific projects – impacts and benefits
- Engagement strategies and execution for specific projects – surveys, focus groups
Strategy and Planning
This set of services helps communities ensure a focus on the opportunities and priorities that will deliver the desired and expected benefits from any investments, be they community programs or business opportunities. The services include:
- Strategic Planning – Community level, Economic Development, For-Profit Corporations
- Feasibility studies – internal projects and business opportunities
- Business planning
- Capital planning
Program and Project Delivery
Once planning is complete, The Osborne Group offers a full range of implementation services encompassing expertise in the main operational areas, coupled with project and program management.
- HR, IT, Finance, Operations – from project support to fractional executive support
- Project and Program Management
- Client Engagement
- Marketing and communications – internal to the community and to external audiences.
Governance
The overall structure for the operational elements of a community continue to become more complex. Our experts have the experience to help ensure that you have the right structure to operate efficiently and in full compliance with community law and the provincial and federal laws. The focus areas include:
- Board and Operating Structure – Not-For-Profit, For-Profit, Limited Partnerships, Taxation
- Board Manuals and Governance Training
- Advisory Services – Board or Departmental Level
Partner Network and Collaborative Delivery
The Osborne Group works closely with several partners to provide a range of services for Indigenous communities. Our partners include:
- The CCS Group (Government Relations, Project Management and Program Funding)
- Daniel J. Brant and Associates (Research and Community Engagement)
- Maximus Rose Living Benefits Inc.
Examples of Community Development Work
Uquutaq Society
An Osborne Principal served as Interim Director of Corporate Services.
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services – HR Strategy and Support
The Osborne Group provided strategic HR support for this agency included a policy review and the long-term structure required for strong and continued service.
Sagamok First Nation - Economic Development Strategic Plan
The Osborne Group worked with Sagamok Development Corporation leadership and the board to develop a 5-year strategic plan addressing the critical community priorities, including preliminary project plans for the top 5 initiatives focused on Housing, Education, Elder Care and addiction treatment.
Friendship Centres – Human Resources Strategy and Support
Osborne Group Principals have participated in a wide range of projects across Canada supporting Friendship Centres that provide spiritual and emotional support for community members.
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke – Restructuring and Program Strategy
The Osborne Group Principals have worked with MCK Leadership and the Council of Chiefs to address restructuring projects for the overall Executive Office, the Housing Unit and the Sports and Recreation Unit. As an integral part of the work with Housing and Sports and Recreation, the program strategy was reviewed and enhanced to optimize the value to the community members.
Woodland Cultural Centre
Working in association with Otahyoni Management of Six Nations, The Osborne Group developed a business plan to support fundraising for the renewal of the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario, adjacent to the newly restored Mohawk Institute Residential School. The plan was prepared to support a $65 million fundraising campaign which is now underway for the new Woodland Cultural Centre.
Start Building Your Framework for Multi-Generational Success
With The Osborne Group’s deep expertise and collaborative approach, you can identify, implement and maintain the critical community programs that will create a strong and sustainable future.