Stephanie Blackbird
Winnipeg,Manitoba
Summary
Dedicated to fostering collaboration with First Nations across Turtle Island. Recent roles as Regional Senior Manager and National Business Development Manager at EASE Indigenous Services plays a pivotal role in advancing the future prosperity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Extensive knowledge of First Nation governance, culture, and unique financial management requirements enhances the ability to drive impactful initiatives. Proven expertise in leadership, persuasion, and presentation effectiveness facilitates strong relationships and successful outcomes. A deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Nations allows for insightful identification of dynamics that influence their success, complemented by adept communication skills and modern marketing strategies.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Capacity Development
FMB
11.2021 - 08.2025
- Led a cross-functional team to support First Nations in the central region, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and the North West Territories, to enhance or develop operations and capacity development.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Established strong relationships with clients to build trust and promote Financial Management Systems Certification.
- Assisted First Nations with NFR (10 Year Grant) preparation for review of agreed upon procedures.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other service lines to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
- Implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges, leading to enhanced support for the First Nations.
National Business Development Manager
EASE Indigenous Services, MNP LLP
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Proven success working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct financial assessments, gather information from multiple sources, analyze information, prepared final report and present on findings, implications and recommendation solutions.
- Change Management - Assess needs, establish plan, introduce change, sustain change
- Collaborate with internal team and client to achieve best solution, change management and road map to success.
- External Financial Advisory Services
Chief
O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Ensures public resources are used effectively and efficiently.
- Fostered progress in economic, social and political development of the community.
- Promoted, supported and maintained strong cultural identity and governing system for the Nation.
- Resolved issues by recognizing and addressing conflict or problems.
- Along with Council, we oversaw and delegated the management and administration of services as well as establish and enforce policy and laws.
- Represented and advocated for the people to ensure overall health, well-being and sustainability of the community.
Assistant Controller
Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre
04.2014 - 04.2016
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Introduced internal controls to monitor critical areas of financial control and devised work templates and plans for corrective actions to address risks or deficiencies.
- Used Sage 300 to prepare external audit documentation and financial reports to assist management in operational planning and key decision making.
- Assisted with analysis and building of new school division's financial management systems and reports
Director of Finance
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
05.2012 - 04.2014
- Performed Financial Management (Full Cycle) and Reporting
- Conducted Financial Planning and Analysis
- Participated in Strategic Planning
- Maintenance of Funding Agreements & Reporting
- Prepared and monitored Budgets, Cash Flow, monthly project/departmental reporting
- Ensured Financial Policy was properly implementation and adhered to
Finance Consultant/Interim Controller
Long Plain First Nation
09.2011 - 05.2012
- Performed Financial Planning and Analysis
- Conducted Financial Reporting
- Provided Financial Advisory Services
- Updated, implemented and enforced Financial Policy and Procedures
- Reviewed and updated Finance Salary Grid
Manager of Accounting
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
09.2007 - 08.2011
- Provided Full Cycle Accounting
- Supervised finance team
- Tracked business revenue and expenditures and reconciled accounts to maintain high accuracy.
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls.
- Performed spending analysis and partnerships to refine policies and develop recommendations for improvement.
- Kept up-to-date and accurate funding accounts for internal departments, key programs and special projects.
Education
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager
Aboriginal Financial Officers Association
Ottawa, ONBusiness Administration
RRCC
Winnipeg, MBSkills
- Operating Procedures and Policies
- Relationship Building
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Public Speaking
- Training
Accomplishments
- Founding President of AFOA Manitoba. Held that position for maximum terms allowed and then held the Vice President position.
- Co-authored and published an article in the 27th Edition of JAM: The Journal of Aboriginal Management - " Weather the Uncertainty in the Cloud" .
- Initiated the Orange Shirt Day awareness campaign at MNP in 2020.
- 2023 Manitoba Softball Hall Fame Inductee - Co-ed Team Category
- 2024 Field of Dreams Manitoba SPN Hall of Fame Inductee, Individual Category and Women's Category
Timeline
Senior Manager, Capacity Development
FMB
11.2021 - 08.2025
National Business Development Manager
EASE Indigenous Services, MNP LLP
11.2018 - 11.2021
Chief
O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation
05.2016 - 05.2018
Assistant Controller
Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre
04.2014 - 04.2016
Director of Finance
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
05.2012 - 04.2014
Finance Consultant/Interim Controller
Long Plain First Nation
09.2011 - 05.2012
Manager of Accounting
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
09.2007 - 08.2011
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager
Aboriginal Financial Officers Association
Business Administration
RRCC
Professional Development
- Enrolled in CAPA (Certified Aboriginal Professional Administration)
- Public Speaking - Developing Change Management - Writing Effective Reports - Understanding Self and Others - Business Planning - White Board Selling Techniques - Technology - Critical Thinking - Accounting Software Programs