
Cody is a proud Mi’kmaq professional based in Ontario with extensive project management, policy development, strategy, and leadership skills. With his experience, passion, and two-eyed seeing approach, Cody is well positioned to provide practical advice and research for all clients whether they be Indigenous, corporate, or government.
Cody holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from York University where he specialized in numerous courses relating to Indigenous politics, economic development, and public policy. During this time, Cody was awarded The Ellen Baar Award for contributions to public policy and an honourable mention for the Student Writing Award.
Following the completion of his studies, Cody worked for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for over four years, leading a broad range of research and policy portfolios. In terms of research, Cody supported the completion of the largest ever survey of Indigenous businesses in Canada (or internationally) and led numerous projects on Indigenous trade and export, procurement, intellectual property, forestry and national defence – all while organizing webinars and roundtable discussions across the country.
In terms of policy, Cody served on several working groups and committees relating to the development of Indigenous chapters for numerous free trade agreements and Indigenous trade policy in general, as well as the implementation of the United Nations Declaration Act (UNDA) Action Plan and municipal Indigenous procurement policies. Cody is an experienced public speaker, having presented on numerous panel discussions and supported House of Commons and Senate Committee testimonies relating to the implementation of the UNDA Action Plan, the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation, security and defence, and Indigenous procurement. Cody also played a key role in growing the international presence of Indigenous peoples by supporting Indigenous businesses to engage in trade missions, facilitating relationships with Indigenous organizations in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and preparing presentations for numerous international audiences.