Counsel Public Affairs is pleased to welcome Sara Loft as Senior Advisor and the new leader of Counsel’s Nibwaakaawin Indigenous Engagement practice.
Sara is Bear Clan from the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario, and an elected Council Member. With a background in both law and public administration, she brings deep experience across government, Indigenous business, community engagement, policy and governance, economic development, procurement, resource development, renewable energy, and corporate reconciliation.
In this role, Sara will guide Counsel’s Nibwaakaawin practice, which supports organizations seeking to build effective, culturally respectful engagement with First Nations, Indigenous peoples and communities. Nibwaakaawin, meaning “wisdom” in Ojibwe, reflects Counsel’s tailored approach to helping clients strengthen their understanding of Indigenous rights, build positive relationships, and approach engagement and facilitation with respect, care, and practical insight.
Sara assumes leadership of the practice following the foundational work of John Beaucage, whose guidance helped establish and grow Nibwaakaawin and who will continue to support this important work as a Senior Advisor.
“Sara brings an exceptional combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and trusted leadership to Counsel,” said Sheamus Murphy, Managing Partner at Counsel. “Her guidance will further strengthen Nibwaakaawin and help clients engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are thoughtful, informed, and grounded in respect.”
Sara spent several years with the Government of Canada before serving as Special Advisor to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. She later joined a leading national firm specializing in Indigenous business, where she contributed to the company’s international growth as Vice President of Business Development. She is also the founder of Tawi:ne Consulting Inc., a First Nation woman-owned firm specializing in Indigenous engagement, policy and governance, capacity development, economic development, and private partnerships.
“I am honoured to join Counsel and lead the Nibwaakaawin Indigenous Engagement practice,” said Sara Loft. “Meaningful engagement requires listening, preparation, cultural understanding, and a commitment to building respectful relationships. I look forward to working with Counsel’s clients and team to support informed, and constructive engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities.”
Sara holds a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor from Queen’s University and teaches Indigenous Policy and Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University and the First Nations Technical Institute.