Deb Keen
Competencies: Indigenous rights, healthcare strategy, policy development, and reconciliation-focused partnerships
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Deb Keen is a trusted advisor and leader in Indigenous healthcare strategy, policy development, and reconciliation-focused partnerships. Specializing in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis health initiatives, Deb has successfully led large-scale projects that drive systemic change and foster meaningful collaboration between Indigenous communities, governments, and healthcare organizations across Canada.
As a seasoned First Nations Consultant, Deb offers expertise in program development, funding frameworks, and culturally responsive healthcare strategies. Her work has been instrumental in shaping self-determined Indigenous health priorities, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices are at the forefront of decision-making.
Previously, Deb served as Director of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Cancer Strategy at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, where she built and maintained partnerships with 29 Indigenous governments and organizations. She spearheaded a $26-million national initiative to improve cancer prevention and care for Indigenous populations and developed a reconciliation plan for healthcare institutions to work effectively with Indigenous partners.
Her career has also included leadership roles in public health, cancer prevention, policy advocacy, and research, where she has directed multi-disciplinary teams and led pan-Canadian projects focused on Indigenous health equity.
Deb holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario and has completed extensive training in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural competency, equity in healthcare, and system-level change management.
As a consultant, Deb is committed to supporting organizations in building respectful, effective, and sustainable partnerships with Indigenous communities. Her approach is deeply rooted in reconciliation, cultural safety, and the recognition of Indigenous rights to self-determined healthcare solutions.
For organizations seeking a strategic, experienced, and culturally competent Indigenous consultant, Deb Keen brings the leadership, expertise, and collaborative approach needed to make a meaningful impact.