Welcome

Ishkonigan is owned and operated by Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  The firm was established in 2009 and specializes in consultation and mediation services to Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and business. Fontaine’s experiences which range from former National Chief to Special Advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada, offer an exceptional understanding of the issues from all angles and gives the Ishkonigan team the advantage in promoting strong partnerships to address outstanding treaties and land claims. At Ishkonigan, we believe that by providing greater certainty over rights and responsibilities of land and resources, it establishes the foundation for economic development and growth.

Fontaine’s expertise has guided Ishkonigan to becoming the most successful Aboriginal consulting venture in Canada.   He has developed networks and partnerships that reach across every First Nation, Metis, and Inuit community in Canada and increasingly internationally including Australia, South America, and Africa.    The Ishkonigan team, which includes Ontario’s first Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, has unparalleled knowledge of Historic Treaties, Agreements and Land Claims, Benefits and Rights, Economic Development and Community Partnerships.

Above all, we are proud that our organization has helped First Nation people gain greater control over the decisions that affect their lives.


Our Approach

We build pro-active relationships with open communication and mutual respect to achieve positive outcomes with communities, business, and government.


Our People

Phil Fontaine, Founder of Ishkonigan
S Michael Fontaine, Vice-President
Scott Patles-Richardson, Managing Partner 
Michael Bryant, Principal
Sarah Loft, Manager
Deborah Richardson
Saga Williams
Luc Laine
Bob Goulais
Carol Hill
Penny Jacko
Joe Anderson
Vincent Fontaine
Barry Spence
Darrell Boissoneault
Darrah Beaver
Read Team Bio's


Testimonials


"Chief Fontaine's experience and commitment to the advancement of Canada's First Nations is beyond comparison, and his time in public service has earned him the respect of the Aboriginal community and Canadians from all walks of life."
Eric Sprott, Chairman of One Earth Farms' Board of Directors

"...We look forward to benefitting from his wisdom and expertise, gained from a tremendous career as a leader within Canada's First Nations communities."
Royal Bank of Canada
 
"The mistreatment of Canada’s aboriginal peoples is not a historical artifact; it’s a contemporary reality, one that betrays our values as a nation.  Fortunately the attitudes which lead to that are beginning to change, very slowly but they are
beginning to change.  And one of the main reasons for that… has been Phil Fontaine.” 
Rt. Hon. Paul Martin









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Photos by Fred Cattrol