Executive Summary

With over 15 years of experience as a senior executive decision-maker, political and policy advisor and communicator, Bob Goulais is a well-versed practitioner of solid objective-driven management and organization.  Goulais is highly motivated, extremely well-organized, focused and driven.

Mr. Goulais, a member of Nipissing First Nation, has extensive experience in Aboriginal relations having worked directly with First Nations and Métis communities, organizations and leadership.  He has a profound knowledge and insight in First Nation and Métis processes, and an extensive personal network of leaders, senior officials and grass-roots community members.

Goulais has developed and led numerous consultation strategies and processes involving a wide-range of private, public and Aboriginal-specific initiatives.  Goulais has negotiated numerous agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), consultation frameworks and worked directly with First Nations across Ontario, from the Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Treaty #3, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, including tribal councils and independent First Nations.

Mr. Goulais has a range of executive experience working in government, having led both Aboriginal and mainstream policy development for the Government of Ontario.  He is recognized for his innovative approaches to consultation and is one of the highest ranking First Nations people working in the Ontario Public Service.

Bob Goulais is a second degree member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge, the original traditional society of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawotomi) people.  As such, he has extensive experience in integrating indigenous traditional knowledge, First Nations culture, ceremonies and spirituality and an extensive network of Traditional leaders, knowledge holders, Elders and community members across Canada.

Skills Summary

  • Strong and demonstrated leadership skills
  • Extensive experience in public policy on Aboriginal issues
  • Extensive experience in Aboriginal consultation
  • Extensive experience in strategic planning
  • Experience in government policy
  • Demonstrated, sound business management practicum
  • Demonstrated, sound project management experience
  • Strong knowledge in communications strategies
  • Strong negotiation and mediation skills
  • Strong facilitation, presentation and public speaking skills
  • Demonstrated high level of decision-making, responsibility and accountability
  • Exceptional research and writing skills, a practicing journalist

Employment Experience

Effective 01.01.2014 – Present
Senior Principal
Nbisiing Consulting Inc.

To contribute to the success of our clients and indigenous communities through professional advice and unmatched service that is consistent with accepted standards of business and indigenous values. Providing professional advice and services in the areas of Indigenous Relations, Community Engagement, Communications, Negotiation and Mediation, Management Consulting. Competencies:  Business Development, Aboriginal Engagement, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Operations

Effective 10.20.2016 – 01.31.2017
Chief of Staff, National Chiefs Office
Assembly of First Nations

To provide executive leadership and overall strategic direction of First Nations public policy agenda across Canada. Representative of all 630 First Nations across Canada. Highlights: Commitments from the Prime Minister for language preservation legislation, inclusion into the Pan-Canadian Framework on Climate Change, and a new Bilateral Process to implement the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action. Competencies: Executive Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Policy and Program Leadership, Relationship & Political Acuity, Strategic Planning, Operations and Human Resource Management, Financial Management.

Effective 01.14.2013 – 12.31.2014
Vice-President, Communications & Public Affairs
Ishkonigan, Inc.

Supporting collaboration between First Nations and corporate Canada that enables economic development that respects the unique culture, perspective and values of indigenous nations. Ishkonigan is owned and operated by Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  Competencies:  Communications, Aboriginal Engagement, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Operations

05.2011 – 01.2013
Director, Aboriginal Relations
Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Developed a new, innovative approach, strategic framework and mandate for a new Aboriginal Relations Branch for the MTO.  Recruited and established a new Branch from the ground up, with responsibilities for organizational awareness and transformation, policy development and operational advice and facilitation.  Instilled a “new way of doing business with First Nations and Metis communities”, an approach that has transformed the ministry and many other parts of the Ontario Public Service.  Competencies:  Policy Development, Executive Management, Project Management, Political Acuity, Transforms, Inspires, Delivers, Connects, Operations, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Aboriginal Consultation.

02.2011 – 05.2011
Director, Government Relations and Business Development
OI Group of Companies

Provided senior leadership to a diverse private sector enterprise, with a focus on government relations, strategic planning and liaison with clients involving a complex Aboriginal, rights-based, national tax issue.  During my short time with OI, developed a comprehensive marketing plan and lead client and new client communications.  Competencies:  Government Relations, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Communications, Business Development, Aboriginal Consultation.

03.2010 – Present
Manager, Culture Policy Unit
Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Led strategic direction and policy development for Culture Division of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.  Responsible for policy direction in the areas of archeology, heritage, public libraries, museums and cultural planning.  In 2010, launched the governments new Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology, which includes guidance on Consultation and Engagement with Aboriginal Communities.  Competencies: Policy Development, Management, Political Acuity, Project, Management, Financial Management, Aboriginal Consultation.

09.2009 – 03.2010
Senior Communications Advisor
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Primary communications planner and speech writer for the Honourable Brad Duguid and the Honourable Chris Bentley.  Provided leadership in the government’s chairmanship of the Aboriginal Affairs Ministers Working Group, including drafting of the contextual framework of their national strategy and report to the Council of the Federation.   Competencies:  Strategic Communications Planning, Public Relations, Communications Writing, Political Acuity, Aboriginal Consultation.

10.2004 – 06.2009
Chief of Staff & Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief
Union of Ontario Indians

Led the political office for one of Canada’s most influential Aboriginal organizations.  Provided executive-level support to the Grand Council Chief, representing 42 First Nations in Ontario.  Provided operational direction to the secretariat based on political direction.  Developed and implemented complex regional and national political strategies in the areas of self-governance, social development, economic development, and lands and resource management.  Key liaison with Chiefs, government and senior officials.  Transformed the organization to portfolio-based Leadership Council.  Competencies:  Political Acuity, Transforms, Leadership, Policy Development, Executive Management, Strategic Planning, Operations, Business Planning, Financial Management, Government Relations, Aboriginal Consultation.

Other Experience

01.2004 – 01.2006
Corporate Chairperson, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Nipissing District

11.2002 – 04.2007
Chairperson, Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, M’Chigeeng First Nation

1995, 2002, 2004-05
Instructor, Canadore College, North Bay, Ontario

06.1999 – 10.2004
Communications Officer, Union of Ontario Indians

08.2000 – 08.2003
Band Councillor, Nipissing First Nation

05.2000 – 05.2001
Radio Host/Producer, Haliburton Broadcasting Group

11.1998 – 06.1999
Communications/IT Technician, Red Road Technical Services

12.1996 – 10.1998
Communications Officer, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corp.

Highlights

  • Governor, Board of Governors, Humber College, Toronto, Ontario. 2015-Present
  • Chairperson, Academic & Student Affairs Committee, Humber College, Toronto, Ontario. 2015-Present
  • President, Native Mens Residence, Toronto, ON. 2016-Present
  • Director, Circle of Directors, Native Mens Residence, Toronto, ON. 2012-Present
  • Director, Resource Directors Aboriginal Affairs Committee, Government of Ontario. 2011-12
  • Sr. Management Rep, Policy & Planning Management Committee, MTO, Government of Ontario, 2011-12.
  • Member, Provincial Highways Management Committee, MTO, Government of Ontario
  • Nominee, Applause Award.  Ministry of Tourism & Culture, team excellence. 2010,
  • Nominee, Spotlights Award. The Cabinet Office, excellence in Communications, Government of Ontario. 2010.
  • Team Member, national Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Aboriginal process in Aboriginal Affairs. 2009-10.
  • Campaign Manager, John Beaucage for National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. 2009.
  • Nominee, Taabik Singers – Forever Young, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. 2007.
  • Executive Director, Three Fires Confederacy Gathering.  2007.
  • Advisor, Nipissing-Timiscaming Federal Liberal Association.  2003-06.
  • Senior Management Committee, Union of Ontario Indians. 2005-06.
  • Award of Appreciation, Snowflakes, Stars and Hope Committee. November 2005.
  • Coordinator, Delegation representing Canada at the Amerindian Heritage Festival. Trinidad and Tobago. 2005.
  • Corporate Chairperson, Walk to Cure Diabetes, North Bay, ON.  Raised over $300,000.  2004-06.
  • Featured Blog, Blogscanada.com. January 2004.
  • Coordinator, UOI submission and presentation to the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism. Toronto, ON. 2003.
  • Coordinator, Delegation representing Canada at the World Martial Arts Festival, South Korea. 2001.
  • Coordinator, Anishinabek Nation’s representation as a NGO observer to the 30th General Assembly of the Organizations of American States. Met with Foreign Ministers from Panama and Costa Rica. 2000.

Publications

  • Executive Producer, Indigenous Awareness E-learning, new Ontario Public Service Curriculum, 2013.
  • Author, Contextual Framework, Recognizing Diversity, Social Determinants of Health.  A Framework for Action in Education, Economic Development and Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls, report to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Organization Leaders. 2010.
  • Developer and Web Master.  Bobgoulais.com and the “Anishinawbe Blog”.  Nipissing First Nation. 1997-Present
  • Co-Author.  “A Political Manifesto”.  Union of Ontario Indians. Nipissing First Nation, Ontario.  1-896027-63-6.  2006
  • Research and Development, Final Report Co-author.  “Debwewin: Three City Anti-Racism Initiative”.  Communitas Canada. North Bay, Ontario. June 2005.
  • Author. “Four Directions: A traditional approach to identifying issues and solutions on contemporary forms of racism”. Union of Ontario Indians. Nipissing First Nation, Ontario. ISBN 1-896027-60-1. 2003
  • Author. “Lifeblood of Mother Earth: An Aboriginal Perspective of Water”. Union of Ontario Indians. Nipissing First Nation, Ontario. ISBN 1-896027-60-8. 2003.
  • Contributing Editor. “Algonquins”. ABDO Publishing. Adina, MN ISBN 1-57765-383-1. 2001.
  • Contributing Editor. “The Great Lakes Heritage Coast”, Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario. ISBN 0-7778-9497-1. 2000.
  • Assistant Editor. “The Anishinabek News”. Published Quarterly. Union of Ontario Indians. Nipissing First Nation, Ontario. 1999-2003.

Education

  • 2018, Good Governance, Certificate, Colleges Ontario, Toronto, ON
  • 2012, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Certificate, University of Windsor, Toronto, ON
  • 2010, Management Foundations, Centre for Leadership and Learning, Toronto, ON
  • 2010, Essentials of Management, Centre for Leadership and Learning, Toronto, ON
  • 2007, Midewiwin II, Indigenous Knowledge, Three Fires Society, Odanah, WI
  • 2001, Midewiwin I, Indigenous Knowledge, Three Fires Society, Odanah, WI
  • 1997, Lobbying and Negotiation, Domino & Associates, Toronto, ON
  • 1996, Multimedia Development CTS Training Academy, North Bay, Ontario
  • 1994-95, Arts and Science, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario
  • 1993, Broadcasting – Radio, Canadore College, North Bay, Ontario
  • 1992, Broadcasting – Radio, Humber College, Etobicoke, Ontario
  • 1992, OSSD Northern Secondary School, Sturgeon Falls, Ontario
  • 1987-92, St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Secondary School, North Bay, Ontario

References

Available upon request.