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, ICD.D
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.