Lawrence Lewis, ICD:D, B.A., DPSM

CEO / FOUNDER - ONEFEATHER

RECIPIENT 2014 AFOA BC - BAND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

BACKGROUND Lawrence is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge) and presently resides in Victoria with his wife (Tannis - 24 yrs.) and 2 children (Kate and Alex). Lawrence currently leads the largest First Nation FinTech, Elections and Digital Services company in Canada – OneFeather - and is leading technology development intended to redefine the modern Indigenous experience through innovation and technology.

OneFeather OneFeather’s core digital solution provides “Sovereign Indigenous Identity” authentication and verification – this modern identity verification technology is shifting the way First Nation communities, their governments and their members interface with each other, AND other levels of government, financial institutions, health services, other agencies, major retailers and online services. OneFeather delivers electronic voting, online status card renewal, and dedicated indigenous banking solutions as part of its growing ecosystem of digital solutions built specifically for First Nations…by First Nations.

“Everything we do is about designing modern digital solutions that unlock the treasure chest of benefits, entitlements and services owed to our people that have become increasing locked up either by accident or design via antiquated processes, and other systemic and racist barriers that continue to marginalize, isolate or otherwise oppress our people.” -Lawrence Lewis, Founder

EXPERIENCE Over the past 30 plus years Lawrence has been working with First Nations, FN Agencies and all levels of Government across Canada supporting First Nation development of governance, elections, and economic/business - always with a view to growing aboriginal communities, protecting aboriginal title and rights, and enhancing cultural and social values and priorities. Lawrence combines his understanding of government and business processes with the pragmatic, and a deeply rooted awareness and respect of Indian people and the social and cultural processes required to ensure successful Nation Building.

Lawrence’s past work experience includes several posts at senior/executive levels including Band Administrator Cape Mudge (6.5 years); Director of Education – Tsawwassen First Nation (1 yr.); Special Advisor to Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education (2.5 yrs.), Director of Operations – Hamatla Treaty Group (3 Yrs.); Director of Operations and Vice President – Bute Inlet Development Corp (4 yrs.), and independent Elections and Governance Contractor (over 22 yrs.). And once upon a time owned and operated two pub style restaurants.

EDUCATION Lawrence has completed the DEP (Directors Education Program) through the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD:D), and has previously completed other degrees and professional designations, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) along with other various other Diplomas in Governance and Public Administration, Business Leadership, Business Management, FN Schools Management, and International Trade.

SERVICE Lawrence believes strongly in community service: He has served as Rotarian between 2003-2021, and a PastPresident of the Downtown Victoria Rotary Club. He has by invitation been a Director for the Strathcona Community Futures, Campbell River Museum, Provincial Task Force for Aboriginal Economic Development, Vice-President and President - UVic Native Student Union and sat as National Aboriginal Student Spokesperson with the Canadian Federation of Students. He is currently appointed to the Board of Directors for Tree Canada, and the Oak Bay Police Board (BC), and coaches his sons baseball team in Victoria.

LAWRENCE LEWIS | 250-889-1589 (M) | LAWRENCE@ONEFEATHER.CA | WWW.ONEFEATHER.CA