Cheryl Sutherland Email and Phone Number

I lead a policy team in Economic Programs and Management Directorate on the implementation of the Minister's mandate to increase Indigenous Economic Development (along with two other federal departments). We had a successful B2019 proposal for new investments in a community economic development program -- yay team!

I manage a small team in Regional Education Partnerships, Education Branch. We work with First Nations, INAC Regions and provinces to transform on-reserve education systems. We encourage creation of First Nations health authorities and school boards. This is a fundamental element of reconciliation between First Nations and the Crown, and a means of renewing the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada.

I managed a small team that provided strategic advice on behalf of the sector and department for cabinet and interdepartmental initiatives. We were responsible for timely sectoral review of Cabinet documents, development and revision of parliamentary briefing materials as well as support for departmental briefings on international issues and Ministerial appearances. We supported creation of presentations to visiting delegations, and reporting on behalf of the sector to the OECD and other international bodies.Among other files, I led the support for the Deputy Minister’s involvement in a complex and high profile interdepartmental initiative on behalf of the department. We co-ordinated the advice of four sectors to other departments on regulation and indigenous engagement, and managed a monthly briefing cycle of DG, ADM and DM meetings.

• Managed, developed, and mentored a small team of policy analysts from 2007-2010 at Health Canada to provide expert advice and recommendations to senior managers for funding of health service plans and project proposals from Aboriginal communities and provincial governments under a $200M fund. • Designed, developed and managed research and analysis contracts for discussion papers with consultants.