ALLISON DEER

Allison Deer is a Mohawk from the community of Kahnawake, Quebec and is a member of the Wolf Clan. As the former National Manager of the Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO) Indigenous Services in Montreal, Allison helped build stronger indigenous communities across Canada. She has proven managerial, analytical, networking and communication skills that forge long-lasting collaborative relationships between individuals, corporations and communities to achieve their goals.



Allison has over 35 years experience in Community and Economic Development at the local, regional and national levels of development and recently obtained an MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia; a degree most suited for the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by Aboriginal communities across Canada.

Throughout her career, Allison has provided leadership to diverse groups with divergent community and business interests and has led leadership teams across organizations to ensure successful outcomes, growth and a sustainable competitive advantage. She brings high level business acumen, community engagement, capacity building, operational and strategic planning and management expertise which enables her clientele to achieve their goals and make informed decisions with their citizens and clientele.

Allison’s passion for capacity building and community development began early in her career during her tenure at Employment and Immigration Canada (EIC) which started in 1983. She always had a passion for “helping others to help themselves” by providing tools, resources and opportunities. She continues to adapt to the ever-changing business development environment; and keeps current on issues that shape our lives, communities and nations.

Allison has also been an active member on many local, regional and national boards. Her most recent tenure was Vice President of Miziwe Biik Employment and Training, in Toronto, Ontario.