Partnerships
Make complex decisions feel possible.
We combine strategy and design to help teams move from entanglement to a clear path forward.
Start with the decision
We clarify what matters most and what needs to happen next.
Make it tangible early
We shape direction into something people can align around and act on.
Make it stick
We set up ownership and operating rhythm so follow through holds up.
Featured Insights
Strategy, design, innovation, and implementation
When direction is not yet clear, we clarify priorities, make the decision visible, and bring it into practice.
- Strategy. Clarify what matters, where momentum slows, and which decision unlocks progress.
- Design. Map how work happens, then make direction tangible early so it can be tested.
- Innovation. Explore better options through small experiments and emerging signals, without losing clarity.
- Implementation. Bring direction into practice through pilots, operating habits, enablement, and builds where they add value.
“Ihtiwin translates to change in nêhiyawêwin. That embodies how we work. Through creative design and innovation, we help founders and leadership teams find clarity, choose a direction, and bring it to life.”
Harlee Courtepatte
Founder, Ihtiwin
Proof in practice
These examples show how our principles show up in real work.
Listening first, then reframing the message
In a platform environment, we began with conversations and existing materials to understand what leaders were trying to achieve and where the message was losing people. The result was clearer positioning, stronger messaging, and an outreach plan that was easier to execute.
Turning manual operations into a usable system
For an Indigenous loan organization with longstanding manual workflows, we are designing and building a digital loan intake and operations system alongside a new website. The outcome is fewer handoffs, clearer ownership, and a process that is easier for staff and applicants to move through.
Building capability through craft and partnership
Over six years supporting cloud operations for a large Indigenous nonprofit, we learned fast, delivered reliably, and partnered with specialists when needed. The outcome was stable operations, fewer recurring issues, and a service relationship that held up over time.
Frequently asked questions
It means decisions are grounded in the people affected by them. We learn through conversations, examples, and existing materials, then reflect patterns back in plain language so leadership can act with confidence.
Sometimes. Software is one way to support a workflow. We start with the decision and the goal, then choose the approach that fits, which may include existing platforms, integrations, or a custom built software.
Leaders and decision makers. If you are accountable for an outcome and need clarity on direction, alignment, or implementation, you are in the right place.
That is common. We start by clarifying what you are trying to achieve and what decision is in front of you. Once that is clear, the right next step usually becomes obvious.
Yes. Ihtiwin works with leaders across sectors. Our approach is human centred and practical, and it applies anywhere leadership needs clarity and alignment.
Indigenous led means Ihtiwin is founded and primarily owned by Indigenous leadership, and the company’s direction, values, and decision making are guided from that perspective. It also means we take responsibility for how we work: respect, accountability, and outcomes leaders can stand behind.