Apex Consultant

Apex-Logo-New
Menu
Start Your Project

About Us

Led and owned by members of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, the company is grounded in strong cultural values, land stewardship principles, and a deep commitment to community responsibility.
Its focus extends beyond project delivery. The organization is dedicated to advancing long-term economic growth, environmental sustainability, and meaningful community development. Every partnership is built on transparency, accountability, and measurable results.
By integrating traditional knowledge with modern industry standards, the enterprise provides forward-thinking solutions in infrastructure development, resource management, and fabrication—while actively supporting reconciliation and inclusive growth.
Pernell_Jones_Img
Founder, Executive Director & CEO

Pernell Jones

Former Indigenous Bail Supervisor, London & District

Guest Lecturer, Ivey Business School

Interviewed for appointment as Justice of the Peace, Ontario Court of Justice

Mixed Martial Arts Fight Coach

24+ years fire service; Emergency Manager

16 years sober · Pipe Carrier · Sundancer · Singer

Pernell Jones is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Justice Healing and Services and of Apex Solutions and Management, an Indigenous-owned consulting firm now operating across multiple First Nations and urban Indigenous contexts. He is widely recognized for his work in economic development, community infrastructure, crisis response, organizational strengthening, and leadership training.

He previously served as an Indigenous Bail Supervisor for the London and District region and is an assigned Guest Lecturer at Ivey Business School, where he has been formally tasked by faculty leadership to co-develop the first Indigenous-led MBA program in Canada. He is also a mixed martial arts fight coach and an operational Search and Rescue firefighter with over 24 years of fire service experience, and previously served as Director of Infrastructure and Operations and Emergency Manager for Saugeen First Nation, holding full command authority over fire, police, and emergency medical services. He was also shortlisted and interviewed for appointment as a Justice of the Peace with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Mr. Jones grew up on reserve; 2 of the 3 parental figures who helped raise him were residential school system survivors. He navigated trauma and addiction independently and is now 16 years sober — a dedicated pipe carrier, Sundancer, and singer, qualified to run sweat lodge. His lived experience, combined with executive leadership and frontline justice work, uniquely positions him to lead IJHS with credibility and purpose.

Matilda-Henry (1)
Director of Operations

Matilda Henry

Former Indigenous Bail Supervisor, London & District

Director, Apex Solutions & Management

Justice Committee, Chippewas of the Thames

Certified Facilitator Training, Dr. Kathy Absolon

Matilda Henry is a senior justice professional and operational leader with extensive experience across criminal justice, health administration, and Indigenous governance. As Director of Operations, she oversees all internal departments, staff coordination, and program delivery across every division.
She previously served as the Indigenous Bail Supervisor for the London and District region and is a Director with Apex Solutions and Management. Prior to her justice-focused work, she managed medical and clinical offices at an exceptionally high operational level, overseeing complex scheduling, compliance, staffing, and systems management. She has served on the Justice Committee for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, helping shape culturally grounded, community-based alternatives to incarceration.

Matilda is scheduled to complete Certified Facilitator Training with Dr. Kathy Absolon, a nationally respected Indigenous scholar and practitioner in circle facilitation. Her role within IJHS is foundational to program integrity, accountability, and culturally safe delivery.

The Makwa Team

rectangle 13

Scott Lee – Copy

President | Makwa

Scott Lee is former Chief of the Nawash First Nation and has been a leading entrepreneur in his community for over 20 years with interests in construction and retail.

rectangle 13

Scott Lee – Copy

President | Makwa

Scott Lee is former Chief of the Nawash First Nation and has been a leading entrepreneur in his community for over 20 years with interests in construction and retail.

rectangle 13

Scott Lee – Copy

President | Makwa

Scott Lee is former Chief of the Nawash First Nation and has been a leading entrepreneur in his community for over 20 years with interests in construction and retail.

rectangle 13

Scott Lee

President | Makwa

Scott Lee is former Chief of the Nawash First Nation and has been a leading entrepreneur in his community for over 20 years with interests in construction and retail.

100% Indigenous-owned and purpose-driven.

rectangle 8 (1) (1)

Creative Fire is a wholly owned subsidiary of Des Nedhe Group, the economic development arm of English River First Nation.

Our Goals

We are committed to delivering measurable value to our clients while fostering prosperity, employment, and opportunity for the English River community. We strive to open doors for more Indigenous individuals and businesses, creating sustainable growth and meaningful impact across the communities we serve.

By bringing together thought leaders and industry experts from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we have built a team that reflects the diversity and complexity of the projects we undertake.

Our Credo

We believe that great communication inspires change. 

Communication is a bridge between peoples, across borders, and among generations; it is fundamental to building lasting relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Communication inspires groundbreaking transformation and connection and is at the heart of everything we do

We believe in the power of collaboration.

We actively work to foster a spirit of partnership with our clients, suppliers, employees and communities; we always seek first to understand the point of view of others, then to deepen trust through authentic, transparent connection.

We believe in the dignity of all peoples.  

We are committed to inclusion and the principles of Reconciliation, and to bridging gaps of understanding and opportunity that will lead to greater self-determination, wealth, and wellbeing for Canadian Indigenous peoples and communities.

We believe the work we do now shapes future generations.  

We know that our work can shape future generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadian peoples.

We believe in quality in all things.

We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our clients. We strive to understand their needs from all angles and offer informed insights and expert solutions that exceed expectations. We are always professional, accessible and accountable for our work.

We believe in our employees.

We look to hire and motivate exceptional talent from all races and backgrounds. We are committed to building a rich, inclusive company culture, to developing the unique talents of each member of our team, and to inspiring our people to do remarkable and meaningful work.

Industry Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

Effective engagement goes beyond communication — it is about building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating pathways for meaningful collaboration. We work closely with communities, organizations, and industry leaders to ensure dialogue leads to action and shared success.

For over two decades, we have supported major projects across Canada by delivering strategic engagement frameworks, communications planning, and creative advisory services. Our integration within a diversified economic development group provides real-world operational insight, allowing us to bridge strategy with execution across complex sectors.

Key Industries

  • Nuclear Energy & SMRs
  • Renewable & Hydro Energy
  • Mining & Natural Resources
  • Financial Institutions
  • Public Sector & Major Projects

Invested in our communities

We are passionate about making a difference in our own communities and the communities where our clients operate their businesses. This goes beyond a philosophical commitment. We are driven to create meaningful and measurable change and continuously track our engagement and involvement with an eye to having greater impact.

Let’s Build the Future Together

Start a Conversation
Scroll to Top