Kim Baird appointed senior adviser in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (August 18, 2014) — Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K)—Canada’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm—is pleased to welcome renowned First Nations leader, Kim Baird as a senior adviser in its Vancouver office. Kim’s unique experience, as well her ongoing work with First Nations, industry and government, will be invaluable assets to H+K and its clients.

Kim served as the elected Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) for six terms—from 1999-2012—during which time she negotiated and implemented British Columbia’s first urban treaty on April 3, 2009. Since then, Kim has overseen numerous economic and institutional development plans for TFN, and advanced major infrastructure projects in conjunction with many First Nations.

“It’s a great honour to welcome someone with Kim’s diverse expertise and distinguished reputation to our organization,” says Joy Jennissen, general manager of H+K’s British Columbia and Saskatchewan. “Kim’s first-hand experience negotiating significant community interests with government authorities brings a new level of insight to our team, and our clients. We look forward to working closely with Kim—learning from her unique background and perspective to strengthen and continually improve our service to all clients.”

A trusted adviser, Kim has been appointed to the Premier’s Aboriginal Business Investment Council and the Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women. She regularly speaks—across Canada and around the world—on First Nation issues, including governance, treaty making, aboriginal rights and title, and women’s issues. Kim strongly believes in supporting professional and leadership development of young women, and is a “Spark” mentor for the Girls Action Foundation.

A member of the Order of Canada, Kim has received a number of prestigious awards, including: an honourary doctorate degree from Simon Fraser University; the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Distinguished Alumni Award; Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award; the National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Distinction Award; Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 Award; and Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award.