Profile: Sandra Ginnish

Mi’kmaq Director General works inside government for Aboriginal peoples

It was Sandra Ginnish’s father who first encouraged her to pursue employment beyond the Maritime horizon.

That advice led Sandra, a Mi’kmaq woman from the Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia, to begin an illustrious 33-year career with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Over three decades, she has shaped many of the policies that have improved the relationship between the Canadian government and Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

An Inside Job

“I originally took a job with the Public Service for what I thought was going to be a year,” says Sandra. “I felt that, as a First Nations person, if I wanted to change things for the better, one of the best ways to do it was from within the system.”

As a Director General of the External Relations and Gender Issues Branch at Indian and Northern Affairs in Ottawa, Sandra has advised many policymakers on Aboriginal issues. She also has helped the Department of Justice draft new legislation.

Protecting Women’s Rights

Sandra is perhaps best known for her recent work on the issue of matrimonial real property on reserves. She was instrumental in developing new legislation that would protect the rights of women living on reserves.

“There’s been a gap in terms of the ability of women to be protected when their relationships break down, says Sandra. To fill it, she adds, we set up a working group that involved the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations.

I’m really proud of that consultation work.”

As someone who frequently finds herself between two different worlds—the Canadian government and the Aboriginal community—Sandra often needs to engage in gentle diplomacy.

“A big part of my work has been relationship building,” says Sandra, “with Aboriginal groups, with Aboriginal organizations.”

“One of the secrets is actually listening. And hearing what people are telling you. And asking the right questions. Trying to see all sides of an issue—not just the perspective of the department you work for.”

For all of her efforts, Sandra has recently been honoured with a 2008 Public Service Award of Excellence.

Changing the World

Sandra’s job has also taken her to indigenous communities outside Canada in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Botswana, and the Philippines. On these missions, she has explained Canada’s policy toward its first peoples.

“Canada is a leader in some of the constitutional protections we have, as well as in the level and depth of the programs the government directs to indigenous people,” says Sandra.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with governments that have far less support. It’s been a real privilege to talk about what Canada does.”

When she retires in June, Sandra will have dedicated 33 years to the Public Service. And she can take pride in the fact that she realized her goals.

“I’ve seen a huge change in the manner in which the government engages Aboriginal people and involves them,” she says.

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