Building Bridges for a Stronger Canada
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.
We are more than just consultants—we’re storytellers and bridge builders. Our approach is rooted in personal experiences and decades of industry expertise, with a human touch that ensures your team not only learns but feels empowered to make a difference. We believe in the power of education to transform perspectives, and our work reflects a deep commitment to fostering relationships between rightsholders and stakeholders. Our story-based training and consulting services are designed to bring people together in a way that’s relatable, actionable, and inspiring.
-
Houston Barnaby, JD
Founding Partner
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.
Growing up on a First Nation's reserve, Houston has seen firsthand the importance of all levels of government coming together to find a solution that respects the inherent right of the First Nations to govern themselves and the needs of surrounding communities. Houston is passionate about bridging the gap between stakeholders and rightsholders for a stronger Canada.
-
Corey Mattie, B.Comm
Founding Partner
Corey Mattie, a proud Canadian with Historic British and Mi'kmaq Ancestry, hails from Kjipuktuk and is a co-founder of Indigenous Treaty Partners. As a member of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada, he has dedicated his career to navigating Canadians through intricate issues. Renowned as a professional keynote speaker, Corey has addressed international forums such as the G7 Research Summit, United Nations Canada, and Parliament Hill, advocating fervently for environmental enhancement, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. With deep roots in Mi'kma'ki (Atlantic Canada), he emphasizes the significance of embracing Indigenous practices and advocates for a triple bottom line approach in corporate Canada.
Corey's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, Certificates in ISO Management from the University of Toronto and Ryerson, a Certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship, a LEED Accreditation, and Antiracism training from both the Human Rights Commission and InterActivist. His diverse expertise spans the Canadian economic sector and ethical management.
Currently, Corey is furthering his education at Harvard University's Kennedy School, where he is immersed in an Executive Program focused on Energy and Climate Change.