PURPOSE

To serve as a catalyst for knowledge and action, building better communities for us all.

MISSION

We believe that when humans know better, we want to do better. 

Forum Community Relations helps “connect the dots” for people and organizations who want to do better Indigenous relations and community engagement.

values

Purpose-driven. We exist to help build better communities for us all.

Authenticity. We recognize and embrace the unique experiences and identities of each person and community, and bring our whole selves to the work we do.

Generosity. We contribute to the communities of which we are a part, because we believe that building better communities requires those with privilege to use that privilege in service of others.

Trust. We strive to earn the trust of the people and organizations that we work with and for, through demonstrated results, accountability, and meaningful dialogue.

Passion. We care deeply about making a difference through our work, and seek to work with clients and partners who share our drive to make the world a better place for us all.

about anne

Anne is the Owner of Forum Community Relations, a Calgary based consulting company dedicated to catalyzing better communities through Indigenous relations and community engagement.  In her 17+ years of experience as a community and Indigenous engagement professional, she has engaged with over 80 Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada on economic development, community engagement, reconciliation, education, training, and resource consultation initiatives.

Anne is passionate about people. She cares deeply about the unique stories and experiences that we all bring with us to the relationships we build with each other. Anne believes that by listening to and understanding each others’ stories, we can make our communities and countries better for us all. Anne has a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and lived experience as a settler working in the space of Indigenous inclusion and engagement. This unique background makes her a sought after trainer, facilitator, and speaker for organizations and individuals seeking to better understand what reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion mean for them.

Anne’s background is in Business and Marketing, and she has always sought opportunities to find creative solutions that satisfy the interests of all parties. In 2012 Anne attained a Master of Arts in Corporate-Aboriginal Relations through the University of Calgary. Her research resulted in a framework for effective ethical Indigenous corporate engagement, naming five key criteria for success in  Indigenous-corporate collaborations. In 2017, Anne attained the designation of Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2 Canada), demonstrating skills and experience in all aspects of public  and community engagement.

Anne spent the first dozen years of her career with Suncor Energy, where she led the development of several company-wide programs and initiatives to increase mutual trust and respect between Suncor and Indigenous Peoples. Anne’s work has resulted in the creation of a common values-based approach to Indigenous business development and workforce development at Canada’s largest energy company. By working with several hundred internal stakeholders to build a foundation of awareness and understanding, Anne has developed processes and tools that enable everyone at Suncor to play a role in building positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Alongside Indigenous community members, Anne co-creates and co-facilitates learning solutions to increase awareness and understanding about the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. From web-based training modules to classroom content to focused workshops and individual cultural agility coaching, Anne and her Indigenous partners offer a range of learning opportunities for Canadians wanting to better understand and participate in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

An active community volunteer, Anne serves as Vice Chair on the board of the Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary and is a member of the board of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee.

Anne lives in traditional Treaty 7 territory in Calgary, Alberta with her husband, two children, and chocolate lab, Grizzly.