Transforming spaces through shared wisdom

The Approach

Nestu’et (pronounced ‘ness-doo-et’) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning ‘become wiser’ or ‘become knowledgeable’.

Nestu’et Consulting was founded by Josie McKinney, an accomplished Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik lawyer and leader with nearly 20 years of experience in law and in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility (EDIRA) within workplaces and public institutions. The firm is grounded in the concept of etuaptmumk, or “two-eyed seeing” - a term developed by Elder Albert Marshall of Eskasoni First Nation to describe bringing together the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to guide work in a good way.

Focused on organizational redesign, training, and education, Nestu’et Consulting supports organizations in building cultures that are equitable, resilient, and aligned with their values. The firm brings together strategic insight, rigorous analysis, and deep expertise in EDIRA, gender-based violence (GBV), and trauma-informed practice to help teams strengthen understanding and implement meaningful, sustainable change.

Organizational Redesign

Culturally aware, trauma and violence-informed organizational redesign intended to help teams with organizational planning or with implementing recommendations arising from workplace investigations and reviews.

Range of services include:

  • Facilitation of strategic planning and/or organizational planning

  • Small and large-scale project management

  • Updating internal policies, manuals, and guidelines

  • Design and delivery of customized training and training plans for teams of all sizes.

Training & Education

Customized training and education for teams and organizations of all sizes. One-on-one coaching also available.

Topics include:

  • Gender-based violence, including domestic/ intimate partner violence, family violence, human trafficking, coercive control, stalking/harassment, online violence, and bystander intervention

  • Workplace harassment and discrimination, including bystander intervention

  • Incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility (EDIRA) and anti-racism in organizational planning

  • Incorporating etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing) in organizational planning

  • Responding to public inquiries (e.g. Mass Casualty Commission, Desmond Fatality Inquiry, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA People, Truth and Reconciliation Commission)

  • Addressing systemic racism & discrimination in legal systems

If you do not see the topic you are interested above, please reach out.