pipkwan pehtakwan’s approach to media relations: Learn how we work with our clients to decolonize media relations
Monday, October 27, 2025
12 - 1 p.m. MST via Zoom
$50 per person
Email tansi@pipikwanpehtakwan.com for group rates.
*the session will be recorded for those who have registered
Navigating the world of journalism and media can be overwhelming and intimidating. Learn how we work with clients and journalists to help ensure our media relations approaches are decolonized and grounded in trauma-informed principles. From supporting and coaching clients, to taking opportunities to educate journalists, we approach our work with the goal of empowering our clients to share their truths while feeling safe and in control.
Meet the Presenters
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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 and is now creating an AI company led and informed by Indigenous Peoples. She helps guide clients and organizations with strategic guidance on decolonization, reconciliation, artificial intelligence, 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.
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With approximately 20 years experience in the field of public relations, she has focused on strategic communication planning, media relations, issues management, crisis communications and reputation management. She has worked in the education sector and for all levels of government including the Department of National Defense, the Government of Alberta, the City of Edmonton and the Government of Nova Scotia.
Working with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS), Jill was the primary contact for all media inquiries. She trained and advised spokespeople and joined first responders on scene to manage media while ensuring they received up to date information during crisis events. During her time at EFRS, Jill managed EFRS media relation efforts during the Fort MacMurray wildfires of 2016. During her time at pipikwan, Jill has guided clients on strategy, media relations, crisis communications and issues management. She has supported clients including Confederacy of Treaty Six with the Papal Visit and delivered trauma-informed media relations training for clients including Blood Tribe, the Orange Shirt Society and Indigenous Primary Health Care Council.