Deshkan Ziibiing Economic Development Corporation
Chief Executive Officer

The Organization

The Deshkan Ziibiing Economic Development Corporation (DZDC), as the economic development arm of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, is far more than a corporate entity; it is a living expression of sovereignty, cultural resurgence, and intergenerational responsibility. Wholly owned by the Nation, DZDC is entrusted with advancing economic independence in ways that honour our ancestors, empower our present, and protect our future. It operates within and on behalf of our sacred traditional territory, where every initiative must reflect our enduring relationship with the land, waters, and spirit of Deshkan Ziibiing. The next CEO must be a visionary leader who understands that economic development is not just transactional, it is transformational. This role demands deep fluency in First Nations governance, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development, alongside a fierce commitment to innovation, accountability, and community-rooted leadership.

Vision

The vision of restoring cultural and traditional values while advancing self-governance is not a distant goal; it is a daily responsibility. It calls for a CEO whose economic development is a sacred act of reclamation and renewal, an opportunity to build prosperity that reflects our identity, responsibilities, and collective strength. The successful candidate will lead with humility and courage, championing a future where Deshkan Ziibiing flourishes socially, culturally, spiritually, and economically. This requires working in deep partnership with leadership, Elders, youth, and community members, as well as navigating private and public sector relations with clarity and integrity. Every initiative must reinforce a self-reliant, safe, and culturally vibrant Nation rooted in our land and guided by our teachings.

Mission

DZDC’s mission to align economic growth with self-determination, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment is both strategic and sacred. The incoming CEO will be responsible for advancing Nation-led projects that generate wealth while protecting the lands and waters that sustain us. They will foster meaningful employment rooted in pride, purpose, and cultural continuity. This role demands a leadership style that is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in reciprocal relationships, ensuring that DZDC’s work reflects the Nation’s broader goals and sacred responsibilities. The CEO must be a bridge-builder, a systems thinker, and a relentless advocate for economic pathways that honour our sovereignty and uphold our obligations to future generations.

Values

While DZDC’s formal values are in development, the foundation is already firmly anchored in Anishinaabe teachings of respect, humility, courage, honesty, wisdom, truth, and love. These teachings are not symbolic; they are operational. They guide how we lead, how we relate, and how we make decisions that shape our collective future. The CEO will be expected to embody these values in every aspect of their leadership, from governance and organizational culture to external partnerships and investment strategies. They will model ethical leadership, foster trust, and ensure that DZDC remains a visionary and trusted steward of the Nation’s economic future, one that honours our traditional territory not just in word, but in action.

The Opportunity

DZDC is seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization through its next stage of growth. This is an opportunity to have a significant impact: driving investments, expanding partnerships, and building sustainable wealth for the Nation.

As the senior executive of DZDC, the CEO will report to an independent Board of Directors and be accountable to the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Council. The role requires balancing disciplined governance with forward-looking strategy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with Anishinaabe values.

• Location: Hybrid, based at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, with travel required.
• Compensation: The position offers a competitive compensation package with a salary range of $180,000 to $200,000.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a long-term economic development strategy that aligns with DZDC’s mandate and the COTTFN Prosperity Development Strategy.
• Lead opportunity mapping and deal flow in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, land development, and emerging industries.

Economic Partnerships:

• Establish and manage relationships with government, Indigenous organizations, private industry, and investment partners.
• Advance Nation-to-Nation and industry-to-Nation partnerships for large-scale projects.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee corporate governance, legal compliance, financial management, and reporting.
• Build and lead a high-performing management team to scale operations and investments.

Community Wealth Building:

• Design inclusive economic pathways that stream Nation-level opportunities into community-accessible outcomes: employment, training, entrepreneurship, and equity participation.
• Champion community engagement and ensure projects reflect Anishinaabe values and long-term prosperity.

The Candidate

• The CEO will demonstrate bold leadership, disciplined governance, and sustained investment.
• Success will be measured not only in financial returns but also in sovereignty, capacity-building, and the ability to shape the future economy for our Nation and partners.

Preferred Attributes:

• Anishinaabe worldview and values integration.
• Ability to work in a community-first, culturally grounded leadership environment.
• A changemaker mindset with a strong commitment to reconciliation, equity, and Indigenous self-determination.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven experience as a senior executive in corporate development, Indigenous enterprise, infrastructure, or investment leadership.
• Demonstrated success in governance, finance, and partnership development.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous governance structures, economic sovereignty, and community-driven development.
• Strong networks in public-private partnerships, Indigenous business, and intergovernmental relations.
• Exceptional strategic, relational, and communications skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Awareness of human-resources-related issues specific to First Nation peoples and culture.
• Able to prepare accurate and professional documentation, reports, submissions, and recommendations.
• Able to work independently and in cooperation with others with minimal supervision.
• Able to establish effective partnerships with internal and external programs and resources.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Skilled in project management and project evaluation techniques.
• Skilled in electronic data reporting.
• Skilled in note-taking, file management, and record-keeping.
• Able to prepare budgets, read financial statements, and maintain accurate monthly reports.

Education

• Master of Business (MBA) with a minimum of 5 years of successful work experience directly related to the abovementioned Responsibilities.

or

• University Degree — in a related field such as Business, Economics — with a minimum of 10 years of successful work experience directly related to the abovementioned responsibilities.

Experience

• Deep understanding and practical application of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Demonstrated success in start-up environments, especially in Indigenous or community-based economic development.
• Lived experience with Indigenous cultures and ways of being and knowing; An ability to lead in a culturally safe and respectful way with diverse Indigenous participants, communities and organizations; Specific knowledge of Anishnaabe laws and culture would be an asset.
• Project Management training would be an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and proven presentation skills.
• Proven leadership skills, developed through previous senior management roles and professional development, and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated success in creating, fostering, and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Ability to solve problems and inspire excellence in a team.
• Experience working with First Nation governance and Boards, with strong knowledge of corporate governance and First Nation communities.
• Proven record of managing the overall business and achieving financial, commercial, and operational objectives.
• Ability to meet budgeting and financial reporting requirements for the Board.
• Experience in construction, project management, tourism, and technology.
• Previous experience working with/in an Indigenous-owned business/community.
• Appreciation of First Nations culture, traditions, procedures and protocols.

About the Community

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (COTTFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located in southwestern Ontario, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of London. With a registered population of 3,223 members, 1,013 of whom reside on reserve, COTTFN maintains a strong and enduring connection to its traditional territory. The Nation’s land base spans 3,652.60 hectares and reflects a deep cultural and spiritual relationship with the natural environment.

COTTFN’s historical roots trace back to a migration from the northeastern region of North America, with the community formally establishing itself along the northwestern banks of the Thames River in 1760. The name Deshkan Ziibiing, pronounced Desh-Kan-Zee-Bing, translates to “people along the antlered river,” signifying the community’s sacred bond with the land and waterways.

The Nation’s formal relationship with colonial governments began with the signing of the McKee Treaty in 1790, one of the earliest land surrender agreements in the region. This treaty marked the onset of systemic land dispossession, as vast territories were ceded under terms that did not reflect the true value or informed consent of the signatory Nations. In the years that followed, COTTFN endured significant disruption due to imposed government policies that undermined traditional governance systems and land-based economies.

Despite these challenges, the Chippewas of the Thames have remained resilient and steadfast in asserting their rights and responsibilities. Through ongoing land claims, treaty negotiations, and strategic advocacy, the Nation continues to protect its territory and uphold its sovereignty.

Today, COTTFN is focused on building a prosperous and self-determined future rooted in Anishinaabe values and principles. With bold ambitions for economic empowerment and intergenerational wealth, the Nation is undertaking transformative change across its governance structures, financial operations, and organizational performance. This work will inform a strategic roadmap that strengthens economic independence, enhances community well-being, and honours the sacred relationship between the people and the land.

The Chief and Council of COTTFN serve two-year terms, with elections held in July. The most recent election occurred in 2025, continuing the Nation’s commitment to accountable and community-driven leadership.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to Pathways Executive Search outlining your interest, qualifications, and experience.

Email: Applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com, please include DZDC – CEO in the subject line.

For more details or to further explore this important strategic leadership opportunity, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter in confidence to Pathways Executive Search.

Please note: In the latter stages of the selection process, the following additional steps may be required for individuals who are invited to an interview with the selection committee:

• Declaration of Indigenous heritage.
• Information and/or correspondence that supports their self-declaration. Items supporting the self-declaration may include:
  • Letters of support from your Indigenous community.
  • Reference letters from Indigenous members of your community.
  • Documentation supporting your confirmed citizenship as a member of a recognized First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis group.
• Proof of Education.

For more details or to further explore this important strategic leadership opportunity, please contact:

Amelia Williams • Senior Consultant
Pathways Executive Search
Telephone: 905-995-3148
AmeliaW@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

Katy Gottfriedson-Jasper • Senior Consultant
Pathways Executive Search
Telephone: 250-318-6788
KatyGJ@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.ca

Pathways Executive Search is an international executive recruitment firm, known for its ability to attract and recruit talent in culturally grounded ways. Guided by Indigenous values and principles of Indigenous inclusion, Pathways walks with those looking to broaden candidate pools, find qualified and experienced candidates, and live out their values and commitment to creating workplace cultures where people can thrive.