RECONCILIATION
SPEAKERS BUREAU
JASON RASEVYCH
An accomplished economic and business development professional with over 20 years of experience working with First Nations, community economic development corporations, and government departments, securing over $500 million in capital projects. Notable achievements include leading Ontario's largest infrastructure investment in broadband fibre optics for remote First Nations, negotiating historic forest management agreements, and advocating for the adoption of the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples, with recognition as one of Canada’s top economic developers in 2018.
MY STORY
I am Jason Rasevych (Chief’s Warrior), an Anishnawbe member of Ginoogaming First Nation, with over 20 years of experience in economic and business development. I have had the privilege of working with First Nations, community economic development corporations, and various government departments, specializing in areas like strategic planning, infrastructure development, corporate governance, negotiations, and project management. Over the years, I’ve successfully secured over $500 million for capital projects, including Ontario's largest infrastructure investment in broadband fibre optics, extending connectivity to five remote First Nations.
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In addition to this, I led negotiations that allowed three First Nations to take over the forest management of the Ogoki Forest, marking a historic achievement. My passion for Indigenous rights and governance took me to Guatemala in 2015, where I helped provide shareholder advocacy strategies to remote Indigenous Mayan tribes, reigniting my commitment to advancing the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent principles. I've also served on numerous boards, including the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) and the Ginoogaming First Nation Timber Claim Trust, and have been involved in various advisory committees and task forces related to energy, natural resources, and economic development.
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My work has been recognized with multiple honours, including being named one of Canada's top economic developers by CANDO in 2018 and leading Agoke Development Corp. to win Partnership of the Year at the NADF Business Awards. In 2019, I was recognized by Natural Resources Canada as a "20/20 Catalyst" for my work in renewable energy systems and micro-grids in Indigenous communities. That same year, Agoke won the First Business of the Year award at the Northern Ontario Business Awards. I also co-founded the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association to advocate for Indigenous business development in the northern economy.