Jeff Provost
Leader, Indigenous Relations
MCW Group of Companies (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Jeff joined MCW in July 2023 in a new corporate role designed to develop and lead their Indigenous Relations Program. He is a proud member of the Red River Métis and has over 25 years of experience in Indigenous Relations working with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit groups across Canada. With his extensive knowledge of Indigenous history, culture, and awareness, Jeff’s role is wide-reaching – engaging with all 12 MCW offices and Divisions to lead our continued work towards reconciliation as a firm and collaboration with Indigenous groups across Canada.
Reconciliation means moving from ideas to actions, and Jeff coordinates MCW’s efforts by engaging internally with staff and externally with Indigenous organizations. He is passionate about guiding Indigenous communities’ engagement and developing mutually beneficial partnerships based on respect.
Jeff has led MCW to join Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and has begun our PAIR (Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations) certification journey. Currently, MCW is at the Committed Level of PAIR. This certification signals to communities that a business is a good business partner, a great place to work and are committed to prosperity in Indigenous communities. The program and certification process acknowledge that solid relationships are crucial to sustainability and progressive improvement in Indigenous Relations. For the team, Jeff guides the engagement of Indigenous communities and will coordinate and direct all local Indigenous initiatives and commitments through effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Jeff is a proud citizen of the Red River Métis and has always lived in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, MB). He has been married to Donna for 32 years, and together, they have raised 3 boys. Jeff and Donna currently volunteer with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as puppy raisers in their Guide Dog Program.
Jeff has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Communications Certificate from the University of Winnipeg. He is also a CANDO certified PAED (Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer). Since 2019, Jeff has served on the Leadership Council for Forward Summit, speaking frequently on Indigenous Procurement. His past board experience includes as a founding board member of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) serving as their Chair of the Governance Committee as well as a Vice-Chair of the board of Debwendon Inc.