Garrett Tomlinson
About Garrett Tomlinson
Garrett Tomlinson is a Manager of Consultation who has played a significant role in developing consultation processes to protect Métis rights in Alberta. He became the first indigenous Reeve of Northern Sunrise County in 2014 and has contributed to various organizations focused on indigenous laws and community planning.
Work at Métis Nation of Alberta
Garrett Tomlinson currently serves as the Manager of Consultation at Métis Nation of Alberta, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he oversees consultation processes and initiatives that protect Métis rights in Alberta. Previously, he worked as the Consultation Team Lead - Process Development from 2019 to 2020 and as the Regional Consultation Coordinator from 2018 to 2020. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the establishment of unique consultation processes in line with the 2018 Consultation Agreement with the Government of Canada.
Education and Expertise
Garrett Tomlinson is pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) at the University of London, having started his studies in 2016. He also studied Native American Studies at The University of Lethbridge from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, he completed training as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Alberta Health and Safety Training Institute from 2006 to 2009. His academic background supports his expertise in indigenous laws and legal orders, which he has applied in various professional roles.
Background
In 2014, Garrett Tomlinson became one of the youngest Chief Elected Officials in Alberta and the first indigenous Reeve of Northern Sunrise County. His early career included serving as the Director at the Community Planning Association of Alberta from 2014 to 2020. His experience in leadership roles has contributed to his understanding of governance and community planning, particularly in relation to indigenous communities.
Achievements
Garrett Tomlinson led the development of the first Regional Consultation Office as a pilot project in Region 6 in Peace River in January 2018. Following the success of this initiative, he oversaw the opening of four additional Regional Consultation Offices across Alberta. He has also provided expert evidence in court proceedings concerning indigenous laws, demonstrating his commitment to advancing legal frameworks that support indigenous rights.
Speaking Engagements and Contributions
Garrett Tomlinson has served as a guest lecturer and panelist at various universities across Canada, focusing on topics related to indigenous laws and the Crown’s duty to consult. His contributions to academic discussions highlight his expertise and commitment to educating others on the complexities of indigenous legal issues.