Our Leadership Team at Kocihta

Kocihta operates under Indigenous leadership and is guided by Indigenous knowledge, values, and community relationships. Our team brings together Indigenous knowledge holders, experienced professionals, and committed allies united by a shared dedication to Indigenous success.

Leadership Team

Kelly J. Lendsay, BSPE, MBA, CAFM, ICD.D

PRESIDENT & CEO, INDIGENOUS WORKS

FOUNDER & CEO, LUMINARY

Kelly is the founder and driving force behind Indigenous Works and its family of organizations, including Kocihta. With over 25 years of leadership in Indigenous workforce development, he has built Indigenous Works into a nationally recognized organization advancing Indigenous peoples' economic participation across Canada. Kelly holds an MBA and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Kathleen Sawdo, CIHRP, THRP

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR · KOCIHTA & INDIGENOUS WORKS HRD

Kathleen is Anishinaabe kwe from the Bear Clan and a member of Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. With over 25 years of experience in HR leadership, she holds the CIHRP and THRP designations and is a registered HR Practitioner with HRPA. Kathleen brings a two-eyed seeing approach to her leadership — grounded in Anishinaabe ways of knowing and deeply committed to building organizational cultures that honour Indigenous talent, voice, and self-determination.

Subash Biswal, CPA, CGA

CHIEF FINANCIAL & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Subash leads Indigenous Works' Finance and Administration, bringing a track record of excellence that earns year-over-year praise from the organization's auditors. He came to Indigenous Works with extensive experience as a bank manager, controller, and general manager across the Bahamas and Canada — including roles with Shoppers Drug Mart, Maple Leaf Foods, and Siemens Transportation Group.

Craig Hall, MBA

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY & INNOVATION

Craig brings a diverse background spanning government service, international trade, and Indigenous relations strategy. He began his career with the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1986, later directing economic development initiatives and negotiating federal-territorial agreements. Since 1999 he has worked with Indigenous Works, directing over 250 projects across Indigenous HR, employment systems, and partnership development. He holds an MBA from the University of Exeter.

Board of Directors

Patricia Baxter

Product Manager

A member of Sheguiandah First Nation, Patricia specializes in organizational development, facilitation, and training with Indigenous peoples across Canada. A board member of Indigenous Works since its inception. Past Co-President of the Canadian Women's Foundation. She established the Patricia Baxter Anishnawbe Kwe Award at Trent University.

Suzanne Gibson

BOARD MEMBER

A gifted consultant with over 20 years of experience awakening the potential of Canadian non-profit organizations. Taught at York University's Schulich School of Business and Ryerson University. Served in leadership roles on seven volunteer boards. Specialty: social innovation and organizational, fund, and leadership development.

Brendan Seale

BOARD MEMBER

AVP, ESG at Definity Financial Corporation, leading sustainability strategy across the Sonnet, Economical, Family, and Petline insurance brands. Previously held sustainability roles at Scotiabank, IKEA, and The Natural Step. Named one of Canada's Clean50 in 2018. MSc in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability.

Cayden Metallic-Janvier

BOARD MEMBER

Denesuline from Cold Lake First Nations and Mi'gmaw from Listuguj First Nation. Third year, Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Finance), Carleton University's Sprott School of Business. Passionate advocate for bridging the Indigenous education and employment gap through lived experience and growing expertise in finance and business strategy.