The Des Nedhe Group, which represents the economic development interests of Saskatchewan’s English River First Nation, today announced it has acquired Creative Fire, a 20-year-old Saskatoon-based communications agency, and will grow the business into a national professional services firm.
Recognizing the growing importance of Indigenous insight and participation – specifically in the resource sector – the Des Nedhe Group entered a partnership with Creative Fire in 2015. The strength and success of that partnership over the past five years led Des Nedhe to fully acquire Creative Fire.
Creative Fire is now a 100-percent Indigenous-owned communications, strategy, engagement, research and creative firm. As the agency of choice for a number of Canada’s corporate, not-for-profit, government and community leaders, the team delivers high-quality work efficiently and effectively across the country.
The new firm announced Leanne Hall, as the new Creative Fire Chief Executive Officer; Jordan Baptiste as Managing Director, Saskatchewan; Elisa Hildebrand as Director, Creative Services; and Max Skudra as Director, Research and Innovation.
“Creative Fire is truly an Indigenous impact company,” says Hall. “Creative Fire’s goals are to foster success and opportunities for Indigenous people – from our ownership at English River First Nation to Indigenous partners and suppliers to talented and high-potential employees from coast to coast to coast. Our team is passionate about making a difference and our goals are focused on having a positive impact in our communities.”
Over the past six months, Creative Fire has expanded to establish a national presence with a strong desire to work in partnership with companies, Indigenous communities and entities, and government and institutions that share our values and our purpose-driven approach to business. Creative Fire has assembled a team of thought leaders and industry experts in areas that are important to our clients: strategy, research, communications, engagement, public and media relations, creative development and media planning with specialized focuses in nuclear, mining and energy and Indigenous engagement. With the addition of our new national research and data analytics division led by Max Skudra, along with our existing capabilities and services, we are built to meet the long-term communications needs of our clients.
“We have a very unique purpose-driven organization. Our foundations, built in both corporate and community, are poised to make an impact in Canada. We pride ourselves on fostering collaborative outcomes. We are a top-tier Canadian Agency, which happens to be Indigenous,” says Baptiste.
In addition to Creative Fire, Des Nedhe owns or has significant investments in companies in the construction and maintenance of mines and power-generation facilities; assembly and maintenance of mining equipment; fabrication and welding; retail operations and property management.
“Drawing on Des Nedhe’s traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit, Creative Fire will deliver opportunities that benefit the members of English River First Nation,” says Sean Willy, Chief Executive Officer of Des Nedhe Group.
For more information:
Leanne Hall
Chief Executive Officer, Creative Fire
519-771-2429
lhall@creative-fire.com
Jordan Baptiste
Managing Director, Saskatchewan, Creative Fire
306-717-7790
jbaptiste@creative-fire.com
Max Skudra
Director, Research and Innovation, Creative Fire
647-970-3160
mskudra@creative-fire.com
Elisa Hildebrand
Director, Creative Services
306-261-5882
ehildebrand@creative-fire.com
Sean Willy, Chief Executive Officer, Des Nedhe Group
306-370-4340
sean.willy@desnedhe.com