Harvey Thunderchild
Saskatoon,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Director of Operations with over 10 years of experience in community engagement and program management within Indigenous organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, budgeting, and stakeholder relations, successfully negotiated $120 million compensation for flood impacts while supervising 70 employees. Proven track record in fostering partnerships and delivering culturally relevant initiatives. By leveraging extensive knowledge of Indigenous health and community services, aim to enhance operational effectiveness at upcoming opportunities.
Overview
54
54
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operation
Naicatchewenin First Nation
05.2024 - 07.2025
- Spearheaded all band operations and personnel management, ensuring accountability to the Chief & Council.
- Directed strategic planning, oversight, and monitoring of all programs, services, and financial operations.
- Coordinated and facilitated the development of new legislation (Bill C92), collaborating with the band CFW Services Advisory Group, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, along with legal assistance.
- Promoted youth initiatives, conducting cultural activities with Elders in the community and developing traplines for hunting and fishing.
- Managed and nurtured relationships between the Ministry and Naicatchewanini First Nation, ensuring fair and equitable service delivery for the community.
- Formulated comprehensive work plans and budgets.
- Designed and executed the tribunal process.
- Provided cultural training, prevention services, protection services, and customary care.
- Cultivated strong relationships with other First Nations, municipal, and federal governments, as well as key stakeholders.
- Oversaw the Government Planning & Strategic offices, including staff and resources pertaining to governance, trust administration, and community engagement.
Cultural Coordinator/Knowledge Holder/Facilitator
University Of Saskatchewan; College of Medicine
09.2018 - 05.2024
- Investigated HEP C, AIDS, HIV, and STBBI (sexually transmitted blood-borne infections).
- Collaborated with First Nation and Métis communities to enhance understanding of these diseases.
- Acted as a liaison and knowledge holder for the Office of the Vice Dean on Indigenous Health & Wellness.
- Conducted surveys and interviews with First Nation and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan members.
- Addressed concerns of the current healthcare system affecting Indigenous people.
- Supported grant writing initiatives.
- Collaborated with various departments within the University of Saskatchewan.
- Established MOUs with NGOs (FSIN - Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, MNS - Métis Nation of Saskatchewan) and several First Nation communities, developing resources for these organizations.
Community Navigator/Emergency Management
Thunderchild First Nation
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Crafted a comprehensive communication strategy, enhancing collaboration across all departments and Band-owned businesses.
- Negotiated funding agreements with federal and provincial governments as part of my responsibilities.
- Assisted the Director of Operations in various duties.
- Oversaw departmental coordination and task management.
- Developed budgets and financial strategies.
- Implemented community work plans to engage youth in cultural activities.
- Collaborated with housing and public works departments.
- Authored proposals and grant applications.
- Facilitated community consultations and presentations.
- Coordinated emergency management planning, including fire department operations.
- Served as a member of the Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Task Force.
Band Administrator
Sunchild First Nation
05.2015 - 08.2019
- Managed the daily operations of Sunchild First Nation's Administration.
- Negotiated Federal and Provincial Government contribution agreements.
- Developed networks and joint ventures with various companies in the surrounding county.
- Fostered relationships with the Government of Alberta.
- Drove the development of Sunchild First Nation group companies, such as Sunchild Construction, Sunchild Oil & Gas, and Sunchild Utility Company, to establish a revenue-generating enterprise for the First Nation.
Chief Executive Officer
Chiniki First Nation (Stoney Nakoda Nation)
12.2012 - 03.2015
- Oversaw the comprehensive operations of Chiniki First Nation Administration.
- Negotiated a $120 million compensation settlement regarding the 2013 flood litigation in Morley.
- Supervised a team of 70 employees.
- Managed all band contracts and project oversight.
- Produced grants and proposals to secure funding.
- Facilitated negotiations with federal and provincial governments regarding contribution agreements.
- Networked and established joint ventures with various companies in the surrounding county.
- Strengthened relationships with the Government of Alberta.
Interim Band Manager
WhiteBear First Nation
11.2012 - 12.2012
- Directly responsible for the overall operations of White Bear First Nation Administration.
Interim Director of Health
Saulteaux First Nation
03.2012 - 09.2012
- Managed the overall operations of the Saulteaux Health Centre while overseeing community health and early childhood programs.
Senior Policy Analyst
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation (FSIN)
02.2009 - 02.2012
- Consulted with First Nations communities throughout Saskatchewan to disseminate diabetes information.
- Delivered workshops and awareness campaigns focusing on diabetes.
- Functioned as Project Manager for the $2.5 million Canadian Partnership against Cancer (CPAC) initiative, one of only seven funded projects across Canada.
- Spearheaded initiatives in partnership with the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs to deliver this program.
- Collaborated with Saskatchewan and Manitoba chronic disease agencies such as the Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Lung Association, and Kidney Foundations.
- Sought partnerships with educational institutions to develop a two-year certificate program for First Nations health care workers focused on chronic disease management.
- Developed awareness programs for the Bold Eagle Program, a six-week summer training initiative offered by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for Indigenous youth incorporating cultural training and military qualifications.
Community Resource Coordinator
Gang Strategy of Saskatoon, City of Saskatoon
09.2005 - 02.2009
- Created awareness campaigns about gang-related issues in Saskatoon.
- Assisted gang members in accessing cultural ceremonies.
- Presented gang awareness topics to Catholic and public schools.
- Collaborated closely with Saskatoon City Police and RCMP.
- Worked alongside Father Andrea Straight Up, Crime Stoppers, John Howard Society, Elisabeth Fry Society, and various agencies addressing gang offenses.
- Partnered with Indigenous organizations to develop programs benefiting First Nation communities.
Director of Human Resources
Thunderchild First Nation
11.2004 - 06.2006
Director of Health
Mistawasis First Nation
06.2004 - 11.2004
Director of Health
Thunderchild First Nation
10.2001 - 01.2003
Executive Director
Southern Ont. Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI)
12.1999 - 04.2001
Manager – Employees Assistance Program (EAP)
Vegas Keewatin Casino
09.1992 - 04.1998
Native Inmate Liaison Officer
Sault Ste Marie Provincial Ministry of Correctional Centre
08.1990 - 08.1992
- Advocated for Native inmates within the corrections system.
- Prepared pre-disposition reports and managed inmates' cases, facilitating case planning before release into their communities.
Native CourtWorker
Vancouver Native Courtworkers Association of British Columbia
06.1989 - 06.1990
Correctional Officer Level II/Kilborn Hall
Saskatoon Provincial Ministry of Correctional Centre of Saskatoon
03.1988 - 06.1989
Director of Firemen’s Training Program
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT)
02.1982 - 01.1988
- Served as Interim Student Recruitment Officer for Thunderchild Technical Institute.
Therapeutic Counselor & House Parent
Lakehead Child & Family Services
02.1978 - 09.1981
Project Manager
Metis Society of the Battleford’s
01.1977 - 06.1978
Public & Water Works Department
City of Prince Albert
03.1974 - 04.1975
Labourer
Eldorado Mining Company
03.1972 - 05.1972
Fire Fighter
Department Natural Resources
03.1971 - 10.1971
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Algoma University College
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon01.1987
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Algoma University College
Sault Ste Marie01.1983
Grade 12 - undefined
St. Mary’s High School
Prince Albert01.1971
Skills
- Management
- Leadership
- Business Development
- Negotiation
- Budgeting
- Human Resources
- Computer
- Program development
- Operations Management
- Staff Management Coaching
- Budget development
- Developing Policies/Procedures
- Employee Planning & Scheduling
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation’s skills Federal/Provincial
- Public Speaking
- Facilitating
- Communication
- Customer Service
- Reporting
- Workload prioritization
- Motivational Skills
- Personal Development
- Supervisory Skills
Accomplishments
Succession were ability to negotiate multi-million dollar projects.
Languages
Cree Fluent Cree Speaker
Affiliations
Flood Claims 2013
CPAC Coronic 2.5 project
Interests
To assist in the growth in any organization
Timeline
Director of Operation
Naicatchewenin First Nation
05.2024 - 07.2025
Community Navigator/Emergency Management
Thunderchild First Nation
08.2019 - 11.2022
Cultural Coordinator/Knowledge Holder/Facilitator
University Of Saskatchewan; College of Medicine
09.2018 - 05.2024
Band Administrator
Sunchild First Nation
05.2015 - 08.2019
Chief Executive Officer
Chiniki First Nation (Stoney Nakoda Nation)
12.2012 - 03.2015
Interim Band Manager
WhiteBear First Nation
11.2012 - 12.2012
Interim Director of Health
Saulteaux First Nation
03.2012 - 09.2012
Senior Policy Analyst
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation (FSIN)
02.2009 - 02.2012
Community Resource Coordinator
Gang Strategy of Saskatoon, City of Saskatoon
09.2005 - 02.2009
Director of Human Resources
Thunderchild First Nation
11.2004 - 06.2006
Director of Health
Mistawasis First Nation
06.2004 - 11.2004
Director of Health
Thunderchild First Nation
10.2001 - 01.2003
Executive Director
Southern Ont. Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI)
12.1999 - 04.2001
Manager – Employees Assistance Program (EAP)
Vegas Keewatin Casino
09.1992 - 04.1998
Native Inmate Liaison Officer
Sault Ste Marie Provincial Ministry of Correctional Centre
08.1990 - 08.1992
Native CourtWorker
Vancouver Native Courtworkers Association of British Columbia
06.1989 - 06.1990
Correctional Officer Level II/Kilborn Hall
Saskatoon Provincial Ministry of Correctional Centre of Saskatoon
03.1988 - 06.1989
Director of Firemen’s Training Program
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT)
02.1982 - 01.1988
Therapeutic Counselor & House Parent
Lakehead Child & Family Services
02.1978 - 09.1981
Project Manager
Metis Society of the Battleford’s
01.1977 - 06.1978
Public & Water Works Department
City of Prince Albert
03.1974 - 04.1975
Labourer
Eldorado Mining Company
03.1972 - 05.1972
Fire Fighter
Department Natural Resources
03.1971 - 10.1971
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Saskatchewan
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Algoma University College
Grade 12 - undefined
St. Mary’s High School
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Algoma University College