Foundation
Strategy, brand, & design
A related initiative
foundNATION is an Indigenous-led collective of consultants and strategists passionate about collaborating with businesses, communities, and like-minded thinkers. We are committed to strengthening nationhood and enhancing relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples.
foundNATION is about empowerment. We represent a paradigm-shift in understandings and approaches to nationhood. We see the value in different perspectives, especially when they come together to generate solutions.
Founding Partner/Chief Strategist, foundNATION
Jocelyne is Cree from Kahkewistahâw First Nation, an expert in governance and community engagement, with experience collaborating with a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous government, academic, and community organizations across Canada.
A PhD Candidate at JSGS, her research has focused on community decision-making and definitions of success through the Indigenous lens. Jocelyne and FDN CEO Jacqueline Woods are currently collaborating on their doctoral project, a unique partnership based in reconciliatory research practices, the first of its kind in Canada. They will publish the country’s first joint dissertation in Fall 2024: “The Repatriation of the Matriarch: The Indigenous Woman & Nationhood.”
Jocelyne is a certified ICA facilitator and is proud to work with Nations and organizations to increase engagement and empower participants to make self-determined changes in their communities and workplaces. She has extensive board experience and a deep commitment to building bridges for First Nations. She holds a master’s in Northern Governance & Development (University of Saskatchewan) and a bachelor’s degree in Professional Communications (Royal Roads University).
Founding Partner/Creative Lead, foundNATION
CEO/Owner, Foundation Communications
Jacqueline has worked in communications for more than a decade, doing everything from branding, marketing and strategy to policy and curriculum development, facilitation and everything in between. She believes in the power of heart-and-head solutions created ‘in community’ and is driven by curiosity and the belief that there is real opportunity in doing things differently. Over the years, Jacqueline has worked with organizations of all shapes and sizes, in government, industry, and the nonprofit sector. She is most passionate about opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous businesses and communities to share stories and expand connections and opportunities for growth in the Indigenous economy and beyond.
A PhD Candidate at JSGS, Jacqueline’s research to date has focused on the Indigenous economy and community-led nation building. She and Jocelyne Wasacase-Merasty will publish Canada’s first joint dissertation: “The Repatriation of the Matriarch: The Indigenous Woman & Nationhood,” in Fall 2024.
Dedicated to community, Jacqueline’s most recent volunteer work has focused on Reconciliation Saskatoon, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, and Ritornello Chamber Music Festival. She lives in Saskatoon with her husband, Marc, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds.
foundNATION
To find out more about foundNATION’s extensive range of services, email foundNATION Strategic Director, Jocelyne Wasacase-Merasty.
Every good partnership starts somewhere.
A direction to find. A story to tell.
A conversation worth having.