Our Story
Our Journey So Far
The Centre for Native Nation Builders started as a story of two Nations working together, Tsimshian and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, grounded in respect, learning, and a belief that our futures are stronger when we walk together. What began as collaboration has grown into a movement for Nation-led innovation, community-centred strategy, and relationship-based change.
Where We Begin
Founded by Tracy Ridler, Tsimshian from the Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Centre exists to move beyond business as usual. We design strategy that brings people and systems together, planning for the next one hundred fifty years, not just the next quarter. Our work is rooted in values, story, and the understanding that leadership comes from community.
Our Origin Story
During the Indigenous Business Leadership MBA at Simon Fraser University, Tracy and Jacob Lewis connected over a shared principle, strategy only matters when it strengthens relationships and serves community. Jacob is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and was already contributing to the Sen̓áḵw project with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). He invited Tracy to support the work, and together they advanced a relational and strategic approach. From that shared work they co-founded the Centre for Native Nation Builders, with the same commitment that brought them together, Nations lead on our own terms and we build with partners who honour that.
Two Paths, One Purpose
The Centre was born from work already underway with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and from a shared commitment to strengthen relationships through strategy. Jacob chose to take a leadership role at Nch’ḵay̓ to create impact for his Nation at scale. Tracy continues to lead the Centre, carrying the same focus on community, long-term stewardship, and practical action.
Our collaboration continues through trust and clarity. We honour distinct roles, we stay aligned in purpose, and we keep building models where Nations and partners move forward together.
Tracy Ridler and Jacob Lewis, co-founders of the Centre for Native Nation Builders.
Two Nations, Shared Vision
From Vision to Relational Frameworks
Our foundation is respect for Nation to Nation relationships and unapologetic change. This led to the creation of Relational Frameworks during Tracy’s MBA. These are not static consulting tools, they are living systems that align values, support community-driven planning, and bring strategy to life in ways that honour culture and move us forward together.
Community Building and Strategic Planning in a New Way
Our ancestors understood the interconnectedness of people, lands, waters, and governance. We bring these systems back. Our approach blends story, facilitation, and planning into strategy that breathes, adapts, and acts. This is community building with intention. Every plan is alive and grounded in our values.
A Movement, Not Just an Organization
The Centre for Native Nation Builders is more than an organization. We are building a think tank where First Nations knowledge drives innovation, policy, and economic growth on our own terms. This is land back in action, where our values and our people define the path forward. We stand with every Nation, and together we are building the futures our ancestors always envisioned.