“The whole team at Rise are wonderful, personable and relatable. They provide so much more than just a Truth and Reconciliation Plan.”
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Workplace Agency
Kind Words
“Some consultants want you to start with the basics. But Rise understands where you are today and helps you move step by step from there, working within the capacity of our organization. Rise helped us create an 18-month plan, and we’re sticking to it and working the steps. We’ve held planning and education sessions, created committees, and we’re on the pathway to submit our level 2 PAIR Certification.”
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Workplace Agency
“What I appreciate about Rise is their ability to meet organizations where they are. Even though this was my first time working in Reconciliation, they provided clear guidance and structure. Rise understands how existing systems operate and how to work within them — while also helping organizations thoughtfully evolve those systems. They bring a clear process that supports certification and, more importantly, meaningful reconciliation.”
Amanda Pate, Director of Inclusion and Belonging, Sun Life
“We knew this work needed to be guided by Indigenous‑led expertise and informed by many Indigenous voices. Without lived Indigenous experience ourselves, we chose not to do this alone. Rise demonstrated a clear plan and partnered with us to walk alongside this journey with care and accountability.”
Amanda Pate, Director of Inclusion and Belonging, Sun Life
“Rise supports us across strategy, Indigenous procurement, community engagement, employee benefits, and philanthropy — it was a comprehensive partnership, not a single initiative.”
Amanda Pate, Director of Inclusion and Belonging, Sun Life
“I really appreciate that the entire Rise team is willing to work with you - and challenge you - on the journey.”
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Aviso
“What stood out for us is Rise’s head and heart model. We knew it would resonate with our Corporate Sustainability team, our Senior Leaders and Board. Rise was thoughtful in their approach to working together. They guided us in co-creating the start of a process to meet the needs of community and people, while recognizing where we are in our journey towards Reconciliation as a business.”
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Aviso
“We were conscious that we have a lot to learn in our journey, and it would be wise to move forward in this journey with a supportive, Indigenous-led and founded partner.”
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Canadian Financial Services Company
“Our work with Rise played an important role in helping us move forward. With their support, we developed our Indigenous Relations Policy and began implementing it, and we are now working toward PAIR certification. In conversations with peers at other companies, I have noticed that this level of progress has been harder to achieve without that kind of guidance and relationship.”
Michelle Reid, Manager Indigenous Reconciliation, BDC
“I purposely chose Rise because I knew they would walk us through this challenging journey. The team at Rise became a partner and confidant. We created relationships beyond “the work.” That's really important. Rise provided the long-term relationship and safe space needed to do this work meaningfully.”
Michelle Reid, Manager Indigenous Reconciliation, BDC
"Rise supported our team in ensuring our project reflected Indigenous realities and perspectives. Their expertise and extensive network provided valuable context and feedback throughout the development process. There was so much enthusiasm and expertise flowing through this project, and members are eager to carry the work forward through continuous maintenance and improvement."
Shonelle Wilkinson, Director of Professional Development, Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals
"At the start of our time together, I didn’t know what the output of this collaboration would be and looking at it now, I’m so pleased and am energized to continue to drive this work forward in our organization, guided by the recommendations in the Workplace Strategy. You have been so open and willing to share your knowledge - this is clearly not just work for you, but a deep and personal sharing of who you are, and what you believe. I have learned so much through this process, and I am very humbled and grateful to see the way that you have gently guided the development of the Strategy - pushing for action, but also giving grace and understanding."
Sonja Schwake, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, WCB Alberta
"As part of our recognition and learning for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our team had the privilege of hearing from Annie. The session was thoughtfully designed to be approachable for everyone, regardless of their experience or how their work intersects with Indigenous communities. Annie encouraged us to reflect deeply on our role in economic Reconciliation—not as a passive responsibility, but as an opportunity to engage positively and proactively. Her insights challenged us to consider how our actions, decisions, and relationships can contribute to meaningful change. We’re grateful for the space she created for learning, reflection and growth."
Jessica Saunders, Manager - Indigenous Relations, Artemis Gold
"We are deeply grateful to the team at Rise for leading a thoughtful and impactful session in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They shared knowledge, lived experience, and practical insight; and created space for reflection, learning and meaningful dialogue across our firm."
Chamini Loganathan, Talent Acquisition Manager, Smart & Biggar
"Thank you for the meaningful partnership and collaboration and all you have done for Coast Capital as a whole, and the people in it. We are better off having known you, worked with you, and learned from you. Thank you for your generous offering of sharing your wisdom with me and with Coast Capital; your knowledge will support us for years to come, and for that, I cannot thank you enough. Your kindness, your advocacy, your wisdom and knowledge, your passion, and your hearts were just some of the things that spoke to my heart and soul. I am grateful for the incredible work that Rise Consulting continues to do to ensure we are making this world a better place and actively living Reconciliation for and with Indigenous Peoples."
Alisha Parker, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Communications Coordinator, Coast Capital
"Our team at ATB is incredibly proud to be partnered with Rise Consulting as they support and guide our team in advancing Truth and Reconciliation. Their continued dedication, knowledge, values and approach have provided a meaningful framework for ATB and our team members in building reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples through accountability, commitment, trust and honesty."
Patrick Twinn, Director, Indigenous Relations, ATB Financial
"Rise Consulting has been an invaluable partner in our work over the past year, bringing deep expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a truly collaborative approach to advancing responsible carbon removal in Canada. Their commitment to ensuring Indigenous Rights Holders are centered in climate solutions has helped us navigate complex discussions with respect, openness, and a shared sense of purpose. Patti, in particular, brings warmth, wisdom, and an ability to create space for productive dialogue, making every engagement with Rise both impactful and inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to build a more inclusive and effective carbon removal ecosystem."
Carbon Removal Canada
"Rise Consulting is an exceptional Indigenous relations consultancy. Annie and her team have a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures and a respectful approach to building relationships. They are providing invaluable guidance on navigating certification through the CCIB Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations Program and additionally, have helped facilitate listening and sharing circles for our company, covering the important topics of Reconciliation, diversity, equity, and inclusion. These circles have been a success with staff and increasing engagement and awareness."
Kristin Tollovsen, Manager, Sustainability and Social Purpose, SITE Resource Group
"I have worked with Rise Consulting for four years, and I continue to recommend them to friends and colleagues working on advancing Truth and Reconciliation. What I love about Rise is that they are driving for real Reconciliation - not just performative actions. They want to ensure the organization is doing the work to embed the right practices and processes across the entire organization. They have helped us set guiding principles for our Reconciliation work that continue to drive our organization almost three years later. They are amazing thought partners and do a great job of meeting us where we are, including sharing guidance as we move through the CCIB PAIR Program, towards certification. They have helped us understand industry best practices from supplier diversity programs to employee programs. I am incredibly thankful for the relationships and friendships we have built with Annie and the team at Rise."
Amanda Pate, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sun Life
“Rise led us through the discovery, knowledge building, and development of that work, and it has been a genuine pleasure to learn, listen, and engage with her and other Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders and Advisors over the past year.”
Molly Beckel, Past President, Young Pipeliners Association of Canada