IFS Team
Scott Patles-Richardson
Founder & Senior Advisor
Scott is a First Nation executive business leader committed to creating opportunities focused on capacity building and economic development of Indigenous communities. Over the course of his extensive career, Scott has brokered many multi-million-dollar settlements, agreements, and contracts on behalf of Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada. He has also assisted Indigenous communities and investors in extensive M&A activities resulting in significant equity and revenue growth.
With over 25 years of professional experience, Scott has founded, operated, and led diverse organizations at multiple stages of growth, from start-up to mature, across various industries, to produce millions of dollars in revenue while generating hundreds of employment opportunities for Indigenous citizens.
Scott started his career in business and commercial banking, working for banks including Scotiabank and RBC, where he developed a strong financial and analytical acumen that has enabled him to identify high-potential business opportunities. One of these was MKTG, which Scott acquired and guided from insolvency to profitability in only 6 months. He transformed the company, rebranding it as Nations Translation Group, which is First Nation-owned enterprise and leading provider of translation and interpretation services to governments in Canada as well as public and private corporations. The company has made the top 100 Global LSP companies for 2 years standing since 2022.
Scott was also the CEO of Infinity Investments, a private equity firm owned by Infinity Trust, that represents 31 Métis community councils. As CEO, he has led the strategic acquisition of several investment companies, negotiated a $700M and first-of-its-kind joint-venture, fee-splitting syndicate with a chartered bank, and restructured a $90M, 18MW solar portfolio, increasing cash flow and multiple partnerships building from a start up to a multi-million-dollar enterprise with limited capitalization.
Embodying a rare combination of expertise in mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and Indigenous engagement and advocacy, Scott launched Indigenous Financial Solutions to serve Indigenous communities and organizations and advise on strategic planning, governance, economic development, and capacity building initiatives. Scott is also a highly sought out advisor as chief negotiator on access to capital, impact benefit agreements (IBA), and land claims matters; as well as M&A and corporate structuring deals.
Prior to launching his own advisory practice, Scott worked alongside former National Chief Phil Fontaine and advocated for Indigenous communities and their interests, providing insights that informed key strategic decisions. Scott led all Indigenous engagement to TC Energy for their $12B Energy East Project. He was also a key contributor to Cleveland-Cliffs’ Ring of Fire project, and the Feed-In Tariff Program in Ontario, with which he facilitated the creation of over $500M in deals via joint venture agreements with Indigenous partners. He structured and negotiated over $1.7B in placed battery storage projects 2023 in partnership with First Nations in Ontario with large energy proponents.
A dedicated and engaged board member, Scott serves as a board director and advisory committee member with several organizations leading private and public sector organizations as well as regulators. He is a Member of the Indigenous Advisory with the Canada Energy Regulator as well as Board Director with PWC Canada to name a couple. A graduate of the University of Manitoba and a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) member, Scott is a proud Mi’gmaw from Pabineau First Nation.
Clint Couchie
Managing Director
Clint Couchie is an accomplished leader in government and community relations, recognized for his strategic political advisory, program management, and fostering essential relationships across sectors. With over a decade in the field, his expertise in risk management and complex problem-solving has driven significant advancements in operational and strategic goals. As a senior political advisor and Director of Regional Affairs for Minister Hajdu (ISC), Clint excelled in regional coordination, policy development, and crisis management, enhancing government responsiveness and collaboration with Indigenous communities. His previous leadership as CEO for Kettle & Stony Point underscored his commitment to Indigenous autonomy and prosperity. Clint’s strategic oversight has consistently ensured the successful and timely completion of projects, always prioritizing fiscal responsibility and strengthening Indigenous partnerships. His work has significantly contributed to governance, community law, and sustainable development, with a focus on innovative solutions for housing and infrastructure challenges. A Nipissing First Nation member with a Political Science BA from the University of Western Ontario, Clint’s vision and skills are vital in aligning economic growth with Indigenous sovereignty, benefitting communities, industries, and government entities alike.
Sarah Yankoo
Director of Communications and Engagement
A member of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Sarah Yankoo is the Director of Communications and Engagement at Indigenous Financial Solutions (IFS). Sarah holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Philosophy, Arts, Culture, and Communications) with a minor in English and a Certificate in Indigenous Studies from York University, Toronto. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Policy and Administration from Carleton University, Ottawa. With extensive experience in communications and community engagement, Sarah plays a crucial role in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities. In her role, Sarah is responsible for crafting high-quality written content, including reports, articles, newsletters, and promotional materials, ensuring all content aligns with IFS’s mission and values. She excels in research and information management, producing detailed and accurate reports that support project objectives. She oversees social media campaigns and communications materials, ensuring culturally sensitive and impactful messaging, and maintains an active social media presence to foster community interaction and support.
Sarah provides direct support to engagement specialists in their outreach efforts, assists in developing and implementing engagement plans, and offers technical support for disseminating engagement materials. Her strong analytical skills and dedication to technology, effective communication and community engagement make her an invaluable asset to the IFS team.
Waneek Horn-Miller
Vice-President
Similar to the arduous process of making wampum beads, the journey of that Waneek Horn-Miller doesn’t begin and end with being an Olympic Water Polo athlete. A Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal, Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka crisis in 1990 when she was stabbed by a Canadian soldier’s bayonet. It was a near-death experience that marked a turning point in her life. Waneek has overcome discrimination and violence to emerge as one of North America’s most inspiring female Indigenous speakers, facilitators and advocates with a compelling perspective and dynamic stories to share.
Her presentations and keynotes are aimed at bridging the gap and repairing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. While she recently stepped down from her role as for the MMIWG Inquiry to focus on her family, she continues support the goal of the Inquiry and advocates on Indigenous issues in other ways to help build healthy and prosperous communities. Waneek is an advocate for building Indigenous sport and has worked with the Assembly of First Nations to develop their sport, fitness and health strategy. Drawing on her experiences as the former co-captain of Canada‘s Olympic women’s water polo team, Waneek shares her story and teaches how to build self-esteem through a balance of education and sport. Waneek travels extensively from border to border, speaking to Indigenous and non- Indigenous audiences on issues of reconciliation, sport and why it is important we must all strive for our dreams.