Economic Development Guided By Stewardship
This portfolio sample draws on my original writing for a 2024 Indigenous economic development annual report CEO letter. Content has been adapted and anonymized for portfolio use.
Continuing the ways of its ancestors, a First Nation is laying the groundwork for its People to thrive in self-determination on their territory. Turning this vision into reality takes both time and a steady flow of income. The Nation is trusting its Economic Development Corporation to provide this income to help uplift current and future generations. The company acts as a branch of the wider Nation and shares its values, cultural roots, and long-term goals. It follows the path of past leaders, who reclaimed land and dreamed of a stronger future for the Nation's People.
The company's income funds projects that help meet the goals of the Nation's Generational Plan. Its focus is on creating long-term wealth for the People, rather than on short-term profit. Last year, leadership worked to ensure the company could handle decades of growth, even in tough economic times. The company invested in processes, governance, systems, and teams to ensure it could continue generating income for the Nation long-term. Guided by its purpose, it focused on safeguarding the financial, social, and cultural future of the Nation's People.
Several Indigenous People are on the company’s leadership team. Each brings both industry skill and a responsibility to the Nation's well-being. The team now oversees all major projects internally. There is less reliance on outside consultants, which has helped strengthen the sovereignty of both the company and the Nation.
The company is steadfast as it continues the work of previous leaders. Its deep care for the Nation’s People is woven into every business decision. As it moves forward, the company remains rooted in its relationship to the Nation and grateful to those who made this work possible.
How I Approached This Annual Report CEO Letter Rewrite
In this piece, I honour the goals of the original annual report, which included:
Jargon-free writing: To support clarity and understanding, I chose standard language to communicate the company’s focus, goals, and specific activities.
A warm and accessible tone: Reflecting the relational culture of the Nation, I used a warm tone to communicate care, responsibility, and competence.
Transparency: Sustainable wealth creation doesn’t happen overnight, so I shared that the process takes time and that leadership is focused on strengthening the company internally to prepare it for future growth.
Emphasis on Nation alignment: Leadership wanted to provide the Nation’s People with clarity around how the company is working directly for them, in alignment with their cultural values and the Nation’s wider priorities. I emphasized this alignment throughout, and particularly in the opening and closing paragraphs.
Culturally-relevant messaging: I sought to write in a way that spoke to the hearts of the Nation’s People and felt meaningful for them.