Aanii boozhoo, my name is
Shadia Ali
a communications and digital operations specialist
ABOUT
I’m Shadia Ali, a communications and digital operations specialist with five years’ experience leading Nation-wide initiatives for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. My work blends strategy, technology, and storytelling to strengthen relationships between communities, leadership, and families.
MY BACKGROUND
I build systems that make communication work — whether that means streamlining data workflows, designing culturally grounded campaigns, or guiding teams through digital transformation.
My Anishinaabe name, Aapta Giizhigad — ‘Half Day’ — represents balance between light and dark. That balance is at the core of my approach: clarity with compassion, data with story, structure with creativity.
Clarity is an act of care. When we make things understandable, we make them accessible.
WHAT I'M GOOD AT
- Strategic Communications & Media Relations
- Indigenous Governance & Child-Centric Frameworks
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Program & Service Communications (Child/Youth focus)
- Press Releases, Newsletters & Reports
- Event Planning & Cultural Stewardship
- Social Media & Digital Engagement
- Policy, Proposal & Report Writing
- Project Management & Training
MORE INFO
Key Achievements
- Authored funding proposals totaling $100,000+, with approved and pending projects supporting digital and youth innovation.
- Established communications and branding standards across the Nation.
- Strengthened organizational capacity by linking digital systems with communications planning.
Professional Development
- Indigenous Data Sovereignty & AI Governance Training
- Media Relations & Crisis Communications
- Project Management Systems
Education
- Diploma / Interactive Media Development & Design / Fanshawe College / 2017 – 2019
- Specialist Certificate / Interactive Media Specialist / Fanshawe College / 2019 - 2020
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2020 - Present
Communications Officer
Strategic Planning & Reporting
- Developed annual reports and engagement frameworks embedding Child-Centric Models (Anishinaabe Aadziwin) to evaluate outcomes such as youth leadership and prevention initiatives.
- Authored the BBC Engagement Report, capturing input from 27% of membership — the largest dataset in COTTFN history — to directly inform child and family service delivery.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Organized and supported Nation-wide events including Powwow, Orange Shirt Day, and Survivors’ Gatherings, ensuring survivor voices and youth perspectives were centred
- Advocated for communications processes that prioritize community involvement and transparency.
Communications Delivery
- Produced press releases, newsletters, social media campaigns, and media statements for Council and Administration.
- Ensured confidentiality and sensitivity in communications involving families, governance issues, and Council deliberations.
Digital & Media Leadership
- Designed and implemented infrastructure for a new governance website, currently 40% rolled out, including secure member portal features.
- Proposed and began planning for a Council Portal to centralize sensitive governance records and provide future councillor training modules.
- Authored a funding proposal for the “Digital Voices of the Land” pilot, a youth-led AI and storytelling initiative (pending final approval).
- Trained staff across multiple departments in communications systems, digital tools, and project management software.