Josee Marielle Lusignan leading change in Indigenous relations and sustainability

Tashi Farmilo

Josee Marielle Lusignan is a dynamic force in the fields of community mobilization, Indigenous relations, and sustainability. With over a decade of experience working with more than 125 Indigenous communities across Canada, Lusignan has built a career centred on creating meaningful, values-driven change. Her work spans from founding nonprofits and leading national initiatives to organizing groundbreaking events that facilitate conversations about trauma, reconciliation, and healing. As the founder of Soaring Circle and co-founder of Good4.Global, Lusignan has become a key figure in efforts to empower marginalized communities and foster sustainability, all while advocating for systemic change at the local and national levels.

Lusignan’s passion for service has deep roots, beginning in her childhood when she dreamed of making a difference abroad. However, her perspective shifted as she recognized the urgent need for change in her own country. In her early 40s, a personal crisis led her to reevaluate her motivations and beliefs, prompting a journey of self-discovery that transformed her approach to leadership. “I realized that my service, while coming from a place of genuine desire to help, was uninformed,” she reflects. This realization pushed her to embrace conscious leadership, aligning her actions with her core values and emphasizing the importance of values-based partnerships.

Her commitment to these principles is evident in her current projects. One of her most impactful roles is as a facilitator for the Noire-Coulonge Protected Area project, where she serves as a liaison between Indigenous territorial rights holders and local stakeholders. Her ability to bridge divides and foster understanding has been key to advancing the project, which is nearing the end of a two-year consultation process. Lusignan’s deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and her emphasis on listening have earned her trust in these sensitive negotiations.

Lusignan is also the driving force behind Soaring Circle, a national nonprofit she founded in 2012. The organization focuses on helping Indigenous youth develop career and entrepreneurship skills, particularly in the fashion industry. What started as a small initiative delivering toys to children in need has grown into a network of over 20 skills labs that provide practical training and opportunities for young people in remote communities. Lusignan’s efforts have led to remarkable outcomes, including a significant increase in school attendance in some communities and partnerships with global brands that help bring Indigenous designs to market.

In addition to her work with Soaring Circle, Lusignan co-founded Good4.Global, a social enterprise aimed at promoting sustainability and social impact. She views sustainability as a way to create systemic change, helping businesses and communities align their operations with values that prioritize both environmental and social well-being. Through her coaching, Lusignan has helped numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and nonprofits to develop strategies that not only enhance profitability but also contribute to the greater good.

Lusignan’s work is often marked by her ability to organize large-scale events that spark national conversations. She played a key role in organizing the national film tours of Indian Horse and Bones of Crows, which brought the stories of residential school survivors to remote Indigenous communities. These events allowed survivors to share their experiences in a safe, supportive environment, often for the first time. The emotional and healing impact of these tours, which reached thousands of people, has been profound, reinforcing Lusignan’s belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for reconciliation.

Despite her successes, Lusignan acknowledges the challenges that come with working in vulnerable communities. She has witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of suicide and loss in northern Indigenous communities, experiences that have deeply affected her. Yet, she remains resolute in her commitment to fostering healing and empowering those she serves. “Change must be driven by those whose lives are directly affected,” she says, noting the importance of listening and allowing communities to take the lead in their own development.

Looking ahead, Lusignan is excited about the future. She plans to launch a podcast, It’s My Why, which will feature stories of individuals who have overcome adversity to become changemakers in their communities. She is also working on expanding Good4.Global and taking a prominent role in regional climate and conservation initiatives.

Through it all, Lusignan’s work remains rooted in a deep respect for human dignity, a commitment to sustainability, and an unwavering belief in the power of values-based leadership to create lasting change. For more information or to connect with Josee Marielle Lusignan, visit her website at www.joseemarielle.ca.