Building a Regional Approach

Unify worked alongside the Village of Burns Lake and six surrounding Indigenous Nations to support the development of a regional economic diversification strategy.

The process began with workshops, interviews, and discussions with leadership, community members, and regional partners. These conversations focused on identifying shared priorities–such as infrastructure investment, business development, and tourism–while also understanding the distinct goals and strengths of each Nation. This ensured the work reflected local priorities and respected Nation-specific decision-making.

Working across partners, we supported the development of a regional roadmap that balanced community-level priorities with opportunities for coordinated action. This included identifying practical project areas, clarifying where collaboration could strengthen outcomes, and aligning governance approaches to support joint initiatives. Research and analysis were used to assess opportunities across infrastructure, small business development, and cultural and nature-based tourism, helping partners understand where regional strengths matched market demand.

The resulting strategy provides a clear foundation for future collaboration, funding, and project development–supporting a more coordinated regional economy while maintaining the autonomy of each Nation.