Cristi is a proud member of the Lake Babine Nation and an Indigenous Project and Engagement Manager with Creative Fire, one of Canada’s only Indigenous Strategy, Communications, Design, Engagement and Research agencies that provides Indigenous insights and strategy in mining, nuclear, energy, real estate, retail, not for profit and financial services structures. Cristi is a certified Program Management Professional (PgMP) with the Project Management Institute, one of less than 3,000 certification holders worldwide. Previously, Cristi spent 21 years as Senior Project Manager at TC Energy leading construction, IT, regulatory and lobbying projects. In her spare time, Cristi is an appointed advisor to Mayor and Council as Chair of the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC), a Director on the Board for Trellis and the Indigenous Gathering Place and has decades in Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation Efforts. Cristi’s vision is to develop more Indigenous Project Managers to ensure not only Indigenous engagement within projects – but Indigenous led projects as a step in economic reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous peoples play an active role in the processes and policies that impact them.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.