Michelle Deacon

Michelle Deacon brings over two decades of experience in engagement, facilitation, and strategic communications, with a career spanning industry, government, education, and non-profit sectors. Known for her grounded approach and clarity in complexity, Michelle specializes in designing engagement processes that build trust, foster meaningful participation, and support culturally appropriate, community-driven outcomes.

Michelle and Anne Harding first began working together in 2021 on the EPCOR Flood Mitigation Project, a multi-year initiative that brought them into relationship with 32 Indigenous Nations and communities. Since then, they have continued to collaborate on Indigenous engagement strategies through Forum Community Relations, where Michelle serves as a key team member. Her thoughtful process design, attention to cultural protocol, and commitment to accessible communication have made her an invaluable partner in work that requires both precision and deep respect.

As Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at Forum, Michelle supports the design and delivery of engagement strategies that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and community expectations. She has played a pivotal role in creating hybrid engagement models, facilitating ceremonies, and ensuring high levels of participation across diverse Nations and sectors. Her contributions extend to producing clear, respectful documentation—such as "What We Heard" reports, consultation summaries, and regulatory communications—that reflect both client goals and community voices with integrity.

Michelle’s professional journey also includes leadership roles with Dialogue Partners, where she coordinated public and stakeholder engagement for government and post-secondary clients, and with her own firm, Fireweed Design & Communications, where she has supported organizations with brand strategy, change management, strategic and crisis communications, and event design. From employment brand transformations to community impact storytelling, Michelle brings a steady, creative, and values-driven approach to every project she touches.

Across all her work, Michelle is guided by a belief that inclusive dialogue is the foundation of sustainable decision-making. Her ability to synthesize complex input and create space for diverse voices to be heard has been instrumental in projects focused on infrastructure, education, and environmental stewardship.

Outside of her professional work, Michelle is also a passionate Nordic ski coach, where she supports coach and athlete development through Foothills Nordic Ski Club, Nordiq Alberta, XC Supercamps and Nordic Ski Lab. Whether on snow or in the boardroom, she brings patience, mentorship, and purpose to every role she plays.

Michelle’s rare combination of strategic clarity, cultural humility, and genuine care makes her a trusted partner in navigating sensitive, large-scale processes—particularly where Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds meet. She is a connector of people, perspectives, and possibilities, and her work continues to move projects and communities toward more respectful, informed, and lasting outcomes.