Listening to the past. Leading into the future.

THE RIVER REMEMBERS INC.

Vision:

To support transformative leadership by guiding strategy through the wisdom of the land and the voices of our ancestors.

About Me

The River Remembers Inc. is a 100% Indigenous, Yukon based, and culturally grounded consulting business. It was founded and is being led by Ms. Dawn Waugh, a citizen and beneficiary of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, who is Northern Tutchone and from the Wolf Clan.

Throughout my life I grew up by the Yukon River and the Pelly River, with my parents, my siblings and many of my family and friends. My parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles ensured that we spent time at fish camp, learning the teachings of the land, water and kinship that continues to guide me today.

The business name “The River Remembers Inc.” is inspired by the Yukon River and the Pelly River’s enduring flow, a witness to generations of knowledge, change, and resilience. This name honors the voices of our ancestors, the stories held by the land, and the paths carved by those who came before us. Just as the river carries memory, as does this work by carrying forward leadership intentions that are rooted, and transformational.

Why work with me?

The River Remembers Inc. is a 100% Indigenous owned and led, Yukon based, and culturally grounded consulting business. I have 15+ years’ leadership experience across early learning, K-12 and Post-Secondary education support, Human Resources, Income Support (Social Assistance), Language and Culture, operations, government, and industry.

I have a strategic, relational approach, blending professional systems with traditional knowledge. I have deep Northern roots and strong connections across Yukon, Alberta, BC and beyond.

I am dedicated to supporting capacity building and to creating safe, sustainable work environments for everyone.

Governance and Strategy

Support leadership, boards, and senior teams to set direction, make informed decisions, and align governance with vision, values and long-term goals. Focusing on helping leaders and governing bodies clarify direction, strengthen decision-making, and align governance structures with Indigenous values and community priorities.

Operational and Administrative

There are many ways to support leadership with administrative and operational management. Strengthen the day-to-day functioning of organizations so leadership and staff can focus on priorities rather than bottlenecks. Supporting the operational backbone of organizations by improving administrative systems, workflows, and leadership support structures.

Workforce and Human Resources

Build strong, supported teams through clear roles, training, and people-centered HR practices. Focusing on workforce development, ensuring staff have clear roles, appropriate training, and supportive systems to succeed.

Program Modernization

Help organizations adapt programs to current realities while preserving their original intent and values. Ensuring programs remain relevant, accountable, and aligned with funder requirements while honoring the purpose they were originally designed to serve.

Land-Based

Ground leadership development, planning, and relationship-building in Indigenous land-based knowledge systems. Offering immersive, land-based learning experiences that support leadership growth, cultural grounding, and collective reflection.

Organizational Development and Change Management

Support organizations to navigate growth, restructuring, and transition in ways that are stable, values-aligned, and sustainable. Helping leadership implement change thoughtfully while strengthening internal systems, clarity, and long-term organizational health.

Would you like to start your next project with my support?

I welcome the opportunity to connect and learn more about your organization and how The River Remembers Inc. can support your leadership, governance, and organizational priorities. Please reach out to begin the conversation.