Meet Nikki

Nikki van Oirschot served as Chief of Staff of Anishinabek Nation from 2021-2024 and as Director of Operations for Caldwell First Nation from 2018 until 2021. She has been an elected Councillor of Caldwell First Nation since 2021. Nikki has advised leaderships on communication, policies, and governance. She has been a strong advocate for First Nation rights, treaties, protection of lands, economic prosperity, and much more. During her career, Nikki has worked established strong relationships with all levels of government in North America, including Chiefs from coast to coast, the Prime Minister's Office, opposition leaders, Provincial Premiers, municipal leaders, and technical staff across these sectors. She has the proven ability to maintain respectful and productive discussions.

 

Nikki's educational background includes a Bachelors Degree of Public Administration and Governance, and soon to be Masters of Public Administration. Nikki's knowledge, through education and experience, has been impressive to First Nation leadership who have invited her to teach and share her knowledge with their communities on governance and administration. Most recently she travelled to Nunavut as an instructor for Toronto Metropolitan University to provide training on human rights and Indigenous rights. She has also been a tutor to other students in economics at Toronto Metropolitan University while working towards her Masters and working full-time. 

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Thinking outside the box when handling First Nation matters is one of Nikki's many strong abilities. She was instrumental in creating and establishing a Consultation Protocol for Caldwell First Nation that would require all projects in Caldwell territory to thoroughly consult the First Nation. During her time as Director of Operations, she ensured proper policies and procedures were implemented to allow staff to work more closely with membership without interference from the governance table. 

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Nikki is the fourth of seven children and grew up on a farm in Rodney, Ontario. Her parents, William and Natalie, raised all of their children to understand the importance of hard work, kindness, and responsibility. Nikki brings this work ethic forward in all of her roles. 

 

Nikki is the proud mother of Anellah and Deklan, both of whom are actively working towards their careers through post-secondary education and trades, respectively. Nikki has two dogs, Arty and Persey, who keep the family entertained and well-loved by their furry family.