In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Founder of Sky-Deer Consulting and Vice President of Dable Advisory and Consulting Services, reflects on her transition from community leadership to entrepreneurship and her continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Kahnawà:ke. She made “herstory” in 2021, when she was the first woman who also identifies as Two Spirit to ever be elected to the position. Prior to that she served her community as a Council Chief for twelve consecutive years.
Interview By SK Uddin
During her tenure as Grand Chief, she signed a historic deal with Hydro Quebec for a partnership to bring clean renewable electricity to New York City (CHPE). She recently was able to help raise 56 million dollars as the chairperson of a capital campaign for a new building for Language, Culture, Tourism and a museum in Kahnawà:ke.
In July 2024, she launched her own business called Sky-Deer Consulting and in January 2025 she became the Vice President of Dable Advisory and Consulting Services in Kahnawà:ke. Through these roles she continues to work in advancing and improving the realities faced by First Nation communities.
Sky-Deer has always been a trailblazer as she was a starting quarterback in the inaugural season of women’s professional tackle football in 2000, playing for 6 seasons in Florida before going back to school and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She was an honored with the United Natives Athlete of the Year Award during the Super Bowl Week in New Orleans in February 2025 for trailblazing in the sport and in leadership.
She received the King Charles III Coronation Medal of Honor in December 2024 for Commerce, Industry and Economy. In 2023 she received a lesbian visibility award from the Quebec Lesbian Network and was on the cover and featured in the 7th edition of lstw magazine.
More recently, she was one of the Stone Gatherers for the Thunderhead Monument in Ottawa to commemorate the LGBTQ Purge.
Sky-Deer continues to motivate and inspire young girls, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals that you can shatter glass ceilings and achieve your dreams by being your true and authentic self. Sky-Deer does public speaking engagements and panels across various sectors to educate andinspire the next generation of leaders.
What inspired you to launch Sky-Deer Consulting?
After my mandate came to an end during the 2024 Election cycle, I took the summer to reflect on what would be my next move. I really enjoyed the work that I was doing during my tenure at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke as a Council Chief and then becoming the first Two-Spirit Grand Chief in the community. I dedicated 15 years of my life to the position, taking valuable time away from family and friends to serve my community, but also doing purpose driven work to leave Kahnawà:ke in a better place than when I got here. So I decided that I didn’t need to be the Chief to Chief and that I could continue to create positive relationships with other Nations, Companies, Corporations and people across Turtle Island. I once had a great mentor who told me that the future of our People will depend on the balance of Cultural Preservation and Economic Development. That stuck with me, so I launched Sky-Deer Consulting on his birthday August 29th, to always remember his legacy and because the date also resonated with me by also being born on a 29th of a month.
How do your community values shape the way you lead and work with clients?
There are many teachings and values in my culture that I carry with me. I’ve learned from a young age to give thanks and to be grateful for all of the elements of creation and to try to live in balance with the natural world as much as possible. I understand the Seven Generations principle and considering the impacts of the decisions we make today, must consider the faces yet to come. Although not from my culture, I find the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishnabek Nations also fundamental of how to be and carry yourself in life. In terms of professionalism and having a strong work ethic, I have had many examples from people on both sides of my family who inspired me. So leading by example, in other words walking the talk is also important when dealing with clients. I treat everyone with compassion, dignity and respect and try to relate to people through my sense of humor. Another value is our reputation of being trailblazers and a proud Nation as the Kanien’keha:ka, so I like to try to help other Nations build their capacity, to inspire their youth by sharing our stories of resilience and success.
What does meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities look like to you?
I’m tired of hearing about IBA’s aka Impact Benefit Agreements! I want to hear more about Equity partnerships, Indigenous ownership and empowerment. I think if this Country is going to move in a positive direction now and in the future, we need to break down the barriers and silos that have kept us segregated. This is what has led to continued stereotyping, ignorance and racism. At the end of the day, we will realize that we all want the same things; peace, love, safety, opportunity, equality. So I’d like to see more collaboration between non-indigenous settlers and the First Nations whose land they are on. A perfect example is how so many people in the Montreal area helped my community raise 56 million for a Language and Cultural Center, Museum, Theatre so that we could have a collective space to share knowledge and history. They seen a vision and dream.
What has been one important lesson from your leadership journey?
I would say to take the risk and follow my gut. In 2021 when I made the decision to run for Grand Chief, had I lost I would have been jobless after 12 years as a Council Chief. I took the chance, won the election and made history, but it was a difficult yet fulfilling 3 years of my life, because I did a lot of amazing things despite the Pandemic. I also learned that you cannot please everyone and that you are the easiest target in the community for lateral violence and personal attacks. When I lost my re-election in 2024 I made the decision to start my own business with my name, experience, reputation and hope that I would be successful. I trustedthat things would work out as the universe intended because I’m a believer in “everything happens for a reason”. It’s been two years and I could not be happier with my freedom, flexibility and passion to do purpose driven work! So the lesson and take away is to not be afraid to take a risk, because if things don’t work out the way you thought, maybe you are just meant to be on a different path.
What advice would you give to Indigenous entrepreneurs and future leaders?
To believe in yourself and You will never be 100 percent ready for the curve balls that life will throw at you.
Disclaimer: Indigenous-SME Business Magazine is committed to providing insightful interviews that highlight the successes and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not reflect the opinions of the magazine or its affiliates.
