Step into a space where governance expertise is guided by cultural understanding and responsibility. Our work goes beyond conventional consulting, offering Nation-specific governance and policy development that strengthens institutions and supports informed, accountable decision-making.

Governance and policy development rooted in Indigenous values that advance self-determination.

Our company ethos

Our approach centres collaboration, clarity, and long-term thinking in every engagement. We work alongside Nations to develop governance and policy frameworks that are practical, culturally grounded, and respects the unique histories of each community we work with.

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Meet the Founder

Cole Gladue is the founder of Kihêw Waciston Consulting and a proud member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation #131. He brings lived experience in First Nations governance, education, and community leadership, shaped by years of service working directly with Nation leadership, schools, boards, and community organizations.

Cole has served as a Band Councillor with numerous portfolios including, but not limited to, education, post-secondary, and child and family services. Through this work, he has been directly involved in governance decision-making, policy development, and the design of Nation-based systems that reflect Indigenous values while meeting contemporary institutional needs.

Grounded in Cree worldview and guided by principles of kinship, responsibility, and long-term thinking, Cole’s approach to governance is relational, practical, and future-focused. His work emphasizes clarity, accountability, and capacity-building—supporting Nations to strengthen their institutions in ways that honour culture, uphold Treaty responsibilities, and advance self-determination.

Through Kihêw Waciston, Cole works alongside First Nations as a partner, not an outsider—helping communities build governance and policy frameworks that are rooted in who they are as Nations and where they are going.

Work With Us

Our Services

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Support for designing and strengthening governance structures that reflect Indigenous law, roles, and accountability.

This includes:

  • Governance frameworks and operating models

  • Council, Board, and committee structures

  • Roles, responsibilities, and authorities

  • Governance reviews and gap analysis

Governance Frameworks & Structures

Policy Development

Development of Nation-specific policies that align governance practice with values, law, and institutional needs.

This includes:

  • Policy drafting and review

  • Policy alignment with governance frameworks

  • Plain-language policy summaries

  • Implementation guidance

Governance Training & Workshops

Facilitated learning sessions that support governance literacy, role clarity, and effective decision-making.

This includes:

  • Governance fundamentals workshops

  • Indigenous law and governance sessions

  • Policy literacy training for leadership

  • Board and Council governance workshops

Neutral, respectful facilitation of governance-focused conversations and working sessions.

This includes:

  • Facilitation of governance meetings

  • Governance-focused working sessions

  • Engagement and consultation processes

  • Support for complex or sensitive discussions

Facilitation & Engagement

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