«Who is Kumtuks? What is the Kumtuks Group?»
Kumtuks = Chinook jargon meaning “to know, to have wisdom, to be wise”
The Kumtuks Group is a professional group of consultants who are all of First Nations / Aboriginal origin. We operate by a set of principles, guidelines and standards common to First Nations of Canada – respect, honor, contribution, trust, integrity – and we self monitor our group to ensure the initiatives we are involved with contribute positively to the well-being of First Nations and Aboriginal people for many generations to come.
In many First Nation languages, there is no word for “Consultant”. Each member of the Kumtuks Group has been given the name in their First Nation language that reflects the knowledge, skills and experience they offer as a service provider / consultant.
The Group
- Beverley O’Neil, Ktunaxa
Kyakxa? haq?tima?i? = Ktunaxa language for a knowledge provider, expert
[click here for more information about Beverley O'Neil]
- Brian Payer, Objibwe
Brian Payer operates Brian Payer and Associates, a consulting company that focuses on business development, market enhancement and strategic economic development primarily with Aboriginal individuals, corporations and organizations. Brian has been involved in Aboriginal economic development for more than 25 years. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC which complements the experience he has gained in business development to strategic planning over a broad range of sectors including tourism, manufacturing, resource-based business development, and governance.Brian has been working exclusively with Aboriginal clients particularly in the area of entrepreneurship where he develops strategic business plans along with balanced financial packages for his clients. With many of his clientele, he provides business implementation services where he guides them through the process of establishing their businesses followed by business support, which effectively provides the client with an experienced ‘sounding board’ and ‘trouble shooter’ as they proceed with business operations. Having owned and operated his own manufacturing enterprise for 11 years that employed over 30 people and had sales in excess of $1.3 million per year, Brian provides consulting expertise from “on the ground” experience.
Who is a Kumtuk?
Kumtuks is a professional group whose term “Kumtuks” is legally protected and can ony be used by those persons who have been invited to be a part of the group, accepted and uphold the standards of the group. All Kumtuks are experienced consultants of Aboriginal origin who have a proven track record for quality work that honors the values and principles of the group.
