SES GWELAX CONSULTING
Reclaim. Restore. Rise
Ses Gwelax Consulting
About us
VISION: Centering Indigenous values, self-determination, and respectful collaboration to transform the consulting relationship in Indigenous communities.
The concept of “Ses Gwelax” translates to “Digging Bear” and embodies a Tŝilhqot'in practice of traditional land use that emphasizes taking only what is needed to support balanced ecosystems capable of sustaining generations to come. Michelle has carried the name Ses Gwelax since she was a young child. The bear in Tŝilhqot'in carries many teachings of matriarchy in the community and protecting territory and tradition for the next generation. In addition, it represents a twofold approach: utilizing the resources available through creativity to foster beauty, abundance, and self-reliance within oneself.
Business Owner and Lead
Michelle is a proud member of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government and is a part of the Tŝilhqot'in Nation. She brings a strong academic foundation, with a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies, a minor in Environmental Conservation Science, a Certificate in Aboriginal Governance and Partnership from the University of Alberta, and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the University of Victoria. Rooted in cultural practices living on the land Michelle brings unique perspective that centres Indigenous ways of knowing and relation into her consultation practice.
Michelle holds a decade of experience across various sectors and organizations that include work, volunteer, advisory boards, and committees in lands and resources management, forestry and wildfire crew management, clean energy project delivery, land code development, climate change adaptation and planning, research for sensitive traditional practices, and delivering on the land engagement sessions. Executive experience includes project coordination, management, people management, communications, and high level negotiation advisory. Michelle specializes in obtaining funding through grant writing and reporting, as well as planning and executing projects. Passionate about upholding Indigenous excellence, Michelle is committed to building teams to support these initiatives, ensuring that community capacity building remains central to her work.
Our circle
Ses Gwelax Consulting works collaboratively with other trusted businesses depending on the size of projects or requests from communities and businesses.
Robin is the owner and lead of Pihpihciw Productions. She is from Miawpukek First Nation, and resides in Frog Lake First Nations. Her work is grounded in a commitment to community resilience, cultural reclamation, and sustainable futures. Robin holds a Master of Science in Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology, where her research, Pekiwe: Coming Home through Land and Cultural Reclamation, explored themes of risk and community resilience. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Sciences, along with certificates in Aboriginal Governance and Sustainability from the University of Alberta.
With a strong background in education, Robin has developed curriculum and taught as a post-secondary instructor. She has also co-led and co-facilitated language revitalization projects and land-based education camps, bringing together cultural knowledge and academic expertise.
In her previous role as an Environmental Impact Assessment Analyst, Robin supported work in Cultural Rights Assessments, Shared Decision-Making Processes, Reclamation, and Cumulative Effects Studies.
Partners in Growth
