Shani’s drive has been to bring communities together and has a passion for elevating Indigenous voices, projects and issues. Shani is a sixth generation Métis.  She is a member of the Cunningham Clan on her mother’s side and a descendant from the Michel Band and Ferguson Clan on her father’s side.

Shani has over 10 years of professional communications experience working for government, private and not-for-profit organizations. She excels in making complex issues digestible to the general public. Shani has led and implemented several marketing communications plans that are both innovative and compelling. Shani’s background with social media policies and strategies paired with her creative flair help organizations stand out in the online world. Shani Gwin has been the communications lead on high profile initiatives, issues and media events including: Uber, infill, Syrian refugees, UN Women partnership, Indigenous Peoples Initiative, Suicide Prevention Strategy and Urban Isolation/Mental Health Council Initiative. Shani began Gwin Communications in 2016 to focus on Indigenous communities and organizations. Gwin Communications has supported numerous organizations including the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Enoch First Nation, the First Nations Health Consortium, the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6, former Treaty No. 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Niginan Housing Ventures, Aboriginal Professional Association of Canada, Yellowhead Tribal College and EndPovertyEdmonton.

Shani has worked as an engagement consultant with Indigenous communities, government, and industry to design engagement strategies and facilitate multi-stakeholder discussions to contribute and develop solutions to projects, issues, programs, services, needs, and challenges. Shani’s ability to develop trusted relationships, listen and develop innovative approaches and solutions for the project are some of her most valuable skills. Some of her recent engagement projects include Alberta Environment and Parks Caribou Range Planning, Rupertsland Labour Market Program Planning, and the Alberta Land Use Secretariat.