Written by Noah Cote, Communications Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
The first thing you should know about Katelyn Lawson is, whether she’s mentoring Indigenous students, connecting communities through her employee resource group, or uplifting Indigenous economies at RBC, she’s here to empower people.
Who Is Katelyn Lawson?
Katelyn’s career with RBC began in 2015, when she joined as an Indigenous Summer Student Intern studying business administration at RRC Polytech. Throughout the years, she remembers meeting with clients, taking on more responsibility, and stepping into leadership roles, all while making sure relationships remain at the heart of everything she does.
Today, she serves as RBC’s Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking – Indigenous Markets, where she works alongside Indigenous governments, businesses, and not-for-profits across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. She says her focus is on delivering financial services in ways that empower Indigenous economies to grow sustainably.
But her commitment to her community doesn’t end with her professional portfolio.
Katelyn also volunteers her time to raise awareness for mental health, Indigenous identities, and financial wellness. She leads as the national Co-Chair of RBC’s Royal Eagles, an employee resource group for Indigenous employees and allies. This year, she lent her talents to the judging panel at Pow Wow Pitch, helping Indigenous entrepreneurs hone their skills and find funding for their ideas.
And now, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Katelyn has stepped into the role of Co-Chair of The Chamber’s Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council (TRAC).
What Is the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council?
Cochaired by Katelyn Lawson and Denise Tardiff – Read our Q&A with Denise here – The Chamber’s Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council is our board of 36 leaders from Indigenous communities or organizations. They provide strategic oversight and guidance to our efforts advancing reconciliation. They also inform our truth and reconciliation information and programming for Chamber staff and members.
Together, the advisory council publishes and updates our free business resource, the Truth and Reconciliation Roadmap.
This summer, we connected with Katelyn to get a better understanding of her motivation, goals, and vision for her time on the council.
“My journey is about forging meaningful connections and championing the growth of Indigenous communities,” she says. “The TRAC gives us the chance to embed an Indigenous lens across The Chamber’s work, from policy to programs.”
What Is The TRAC's Focus This Season?
A major priority for TRAC this season is the completion of The Chamber’s Reconciliation Policy Position. Similar to our Downtown Revitalization or Community Safety Policy Position (hit this link to see all our existing positions), this document will serve as a roadmap for the topic and ways to move forward. It will lay out the context of reconciliation in Winnipeg and its impacts on Winnipeg businesses. Then, it will deliver practical recommendations for members and government on how to advance reconciliation in our community.
And Katelyn is already bringing a relationship-first mindset to the task.
“I encourage members to participate in surveys and communications The Chamber sends out,” says Katelyn. “It’s your chance to have your voice heard and help shape the work we do.”
What Will Guide Our Path Forward?
Community-minded. Relationship-first. Empowering people. These are the traits Katelyn brings to her work at RBC, her volunteerism, and now, The Chamber.
She’s seen outcomes like empowered clients, thriving entrepreneurs, and prospering economies. But as she steps into her new role as TRAC Cochair, what gives her hope is something she’s witnessed closer to home.
This summer, wildfires forced mass evacuations across the prairies, including Katelyn’s community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
“It’s been really tough,” says Katelyn. “However, I’ve witnessed the strong sense of community among volunteers, families, firefighters, colleagues, and organizations across our province. I have seen my own family and ocmmunity come together to provide comfort and support one another. Even in times of tragedy, we can lift one another up when we choose to listen, learn, and lead with compassion.”
It’s this experience and perspective Katelyn Lawson brings to this new chapter of reconciliation at The Chamber.
“As our Chief David Monias said when our community recieved the green light to go home: ‘This experience has tested us, but it has also reminded us of who we are. Strong, united, and rooted in love for our people, and our land.’
I am once again reminded of the power of hope and of our peoples’ resilience.”
