Associate
Patrick Madahbee sees many parallels in the challenges First Nations face in dealing with other levels of government and in dealing with businesses and financial institutions. He knows about both, and his knowledge can provide significant value to Leonard Domino & Associates clients.
A unique mix of First Nations political plus business and financial knowledge and experience…
In more than 30 years in First Nations politics, Chief Madahbee has had hands-on involvement in critical community-level issues recreation and local infrastructure, employment and human resource development, team-building and cultural and language preservation. He’s also been directly involved in strategic issues like land claims and, in his more than 13 years as Chief, he’s served as spokesman and Tribal Chair for the Robinson-Huron Treaty Region and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin.
He developed his grasp of economic and business while working on economic development issues for his band and in his other career as Manager of Aboriginal Financial Services with TD Trust.
Whether you’re dealing with governments or business, First Nations leaders face a “navigational challenge”…
That’s how Chief Madahbee sums up the basic challenge facing First Nations leaders today.
“Whether you’re talking about dealing with the federal government, the provinces and municipalities – or about dealing with banks and other businesses – the challenge is ‘navigating’ from what seems to us to be a simple matter of what is right and fair and effective for our communities, to an approach that makes sense from the other party’s perspective. We don’t give up intrinsic rights. But we have to understand that not everyone sees things our way and we have to strive to find the words to make our goals fit into the government program or the business case judgments.
“Usually, that works a lot better than yelling although, from time to time, yelling is exactly the right thing to do – and it can be very satisfying.”
There’s a huge opportunity today for First Nations to learn from one another…
Chief Madahbee says the biggest change he’s seen in recent years is “the growing sophistication of First Nations. And the biggest opportunity we face today is the opportunity to learn from each other’s experience.
“That’s why I decided to become associated with Leonard Domino & Associates. I’ve seen the way they’ve helped First Nations succeed – whether it’s dealing with INAC or with forest products companies around cutting rights.
“First Nations leaders face ‘navigational challenges’ every day as we try to resolve issues with people who don’t really understand us. I think I can safely say that Leonard Domino & Associates can be a very valuable ‘navigational aid’.”
Chief Madahbee has been involved in all areas of business development, management, finance, Band management, program supervision, community infrastructure and development, plus federal, provincial and municipal programs – as a proud First Nations leader.
And Leonard Domino & Associates is proud to count Chief Madahbee among our associates.