Shani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of pipikwan pêhtâkwan and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin. Shani is a sixth generation Métis and a member of the Cunningham Clan on her mother’s side and a descendant of the Michel Band and Ferguson Clan on her father’s side. Shani is a proud Métis woman with a passion for elevating Indigenous voices, projects and successes.

In her role as Founder and CEO, she upholds the vision for the company, ensures our projects are accountable to the community, and ensures agency initiatives align with our values. Today, she has built one of Turtle Island’s leading Indigenous-owned, -led and majority-staffed communications and engagement agencies. She helps guide clients and organizations with strategic guidance on decolonization, reconciliation, issues management and public relations. She is committed to uplifting underrepresented peoples including Indigenous women, youth, and the LGBTQ2S+ community so that they hold equal spots in society.

In 2021, Shani was recognized as one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 and IABC Edmonton’s Communicator of the Year. In 2023, she was also awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, on behalf of our team, for our work on the Papal Visit.

Shani has over 15 years of professional communications experience working for government, private and not-for-profit organizations. During her career, she has led communications on high-profile initiatives, issues and media events including: the Papal Visit in 2022, Protect Our Elders campaign during COVID-19, Secret Path Live for the Downie Wenjack Fund, and several infrastructure projects and initiatives for First Nations and non-Indigenous organizations and governments.