Leadership, Project Team & Experience

Leadership

Ken Letander, BSW, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Ken Letander, BSW, MBA, is the founder and CEO of Strat First Inc., an advisory firm specializing in Risk Management Planning, Indigenous Relations, and Community Engagement. With a diverse professional background, Ken has garnered experience from his tenure with the Government of Alberta, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, various Indigenous communities, and the private sector where he has been instrumental in designing and implementing Indigenous procurement and recruitment strategies as part of the development of Canada’s first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR).

Throughout his career, Ken has spearheaded and contributed to numerous projects and initiatives that have significantly enhanced citizen and user experiences in Canada and beyond, particularly in the areas of disaster recovery and community engagement. Beyond his professional achievements, Ken is also an internationally recognized First Nations artist. His contributions to the fields of business leadership and marketing management are further underscored by his role as a Professional Member within the Risk Management Society.

Public Member of the Alberta College of Pharmacy

Ken is also a Public Member of the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP); the ACP Council governs the practice of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (regulated members) and the operation of licensed pharmacies in Alberta.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology: JR Shaw School of Business - Management Program Advisory Committee

Ken Letander is a Management Program Advisory Committee member. The committee consists of 15-20 industry professionals who convene to share insights into the sector and offer guidance on how the JR Shaw School of Business can adapt its programs to stay relevant in today’s economy.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

Ken's experience in speaking on the topic of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is extensive, unique, and deeply impactful. His work with the TRC from 2010-2012 gave him the opportunity to personally interview First Nations Residential School Survivors and their children across Canada. Ken worked with TRC Chair Murray Sinclair and gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada. The TRC was established to document the history and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream culture. Through his work, Ken saw the impact of the TRC on Indigenous communities, promoting understanding and healing towards a more equitable future for all Canadians.

In addition to his work with the TRC, Ken has also supported the development of the Government of Alberta's Sixties Scoop Apology. This work demonstrates his commitment to justice and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Strat First Inc. Project Team

Our project team consists of seasoned professionals who possess extensive expertise across various roles in the public, private, academia, and not-for-profit sectors.

Additionally, team members contribute valuable experience gained from their involvement in federal, provincial, and tribal governments, marketing and branding, academia, research and evaluation, and emergency management.

Our Team Career Experience

Our work is informed by direct experience working within systems that include:

Engineering: Indigenous Procurement, Indigenous Recruitment, Social Procurement, Major Projects, and Nuclear
Government: Provincial, First Nations, and Tribal Government
Academia: Research, Evaluation, and Family Violence