Kathleen Sawdo is an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Bear Clan and a proud member of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and business administration, Kathleen brings not only deep professional expertise, but also a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership, and talent development.

Her relationship with Indigenous Works (formerly AHRC) began in 2009 when she was selected to participate in the National Inclusion Works Recruitment Fair and Leadership Skill Build. Since then, she has remained connected through roles as a webinar trainer and HR expert for Luminary’s innovation and research projects. Today, Kathleen continues to support the growth of inclusive, values-based workplaces through her leadership and mentorship.

Kathleen holds multiple professional designations, including Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP), Canadian Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP), and is a registered HR Practitioner with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). Guided by a two-eyed seeing approach, she weaves together Indigenous and Western perspectives to build workplace cultures grounded in respect, relationship, and reciprocity.

Kathleen sees human resources not just as a function—but as the heartbeat of an organization. She invites others to walk alongside her in reimagining human resources as a relational and inclusive space—one where Indigenous voices are amplified, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being are not only respected but deeply integrated. 

Beyond her professional life, Kathleen is a beadworker, artist and designer who values family, community, and cultural expression. Whether in the boardroom or around the kitchen table, she believes inclusion begins with genuine connection—and she welcomes you to walk with her—and with Indigenous Works—on this shared journey of inclusion, where meaningful partnerships, cultural understanding, and Indigenous-led solutions create pathways to shared prosperity and lasting impact.