At Balsam, we believe that Reconciliation is more than a conversation; it's a commitment to creating a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities thrive together. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to help businesses and governments develop meaningful, long-lasting partnerships with Indigenous peoples based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared goals. We do this because we know that when we move forward together, everyone benefits.
Our approach is grounded in lived experience and decades of work across industry and governance. We advise organizations on how to build respectful, productive relationships with Indigenous communities, and we provide the training that helps teams develop the understanding they need to take meaningful next steps. Our advisory and training services are designed to bring people together in a way that is relatable, actionable, and grounded in reality.
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We help organizations develop lasting relationships with Indigenous communities by focusing on trust, shared goals, and genuine collaboration.
We combine strategic guidance with story-based learning to deepen understanding, shift mindsets, and move teams toward meaningful action.
With deep industry knowledge and years of hands-on work, we provide clear, actionable strategies that support reconciliation in a way that is realistic and effective.
Our advisory and training services connect rights holders and stakeholders, helping teams communicate better, work together, and build a stronger future.
8,000+ professionals trained across Canada
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Mi'kmaw from Listuguj, QC, Houston is an Indigenous Rights lawyer who has represented the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs in areas of Governance and has gained industry knowledge and experience negotiating Impact Benefit Agreements with proponents in the Province during that time. Houston is also a Board member of the Nova Scotia Community College Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to helping students in financial need and improving access to education, and Co-Chair of the Millbrook FN Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.