Our Story

The Centre for Native Nation Builders was created by Tracy Ridler as a space for bold and unapologetic change. Drawing on years of work in strategic planning, economic development, and First Nations entrepreneurship, Tracy envisioned a Centre where Nations, governments, and partners could engage in new ways that honour First Nations knowledge and leadership.

In its earliest stage, the Centre collaborated with Jacob Lewis during launch. Today, Jacob holds a leadership position at Nch'ḵay̓, and we continue to connect through that relationship. The Centre now moves forward under Tracy’s leadership, guided by storytelling, First Nations ways of knowing, and a commitment to unlocking the economic power that has been denied to Nations for too long.

From Vision to Relational Frameworks

Our foundation is built on unapologetic change and respect for Nation-to-Nation relationships. This belief led to the creation of Relational Frameworks, developed during Tracy’s MBA. These frameworks are not 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

We are systems thinkers, as our ancestors always were. They understood the interconnectedness of people, lands, and governance. Through our work, we are bringing these systems back. Our approach blends storytelling, facilitation, and planning into strategies that breathe, adapt, and act. This is not strategy as usual, it is community building with intention, where every plan is alive and grounded in the wisdom of our Nations.

A Movement, Not Just an Organization

The Centre for Native Nation Builders is more than an organization, it is a movement. We are creating 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 because we have power together, and together we are building the futures our ancestors always envisioned.