Bagami-ayaa
Walking with Purpose, Guided by Our Teachings.
Boozhoo and welcome to Bagami-ayaa!
We are a consulting practice grounded in Anishinaabe teachings, dedicated to guiding organizations and communities through paths of healing, equity, and relational accountability.
"Bagami-ayaa," meaning "come to be," reflects our journey: honoring those who came before us, healing our relationships, and building a future where all generations can thrive.
Our Story
Inspired by the Anishinaabe creation story of Turtle Island, we believe that even the smallest acts, when rooted in love, humility, and purpose, can shape a new world.
Like the muskrat who brought the earth from the depths, Bagami-ayaa exists to help lift up communities, organizations, and leaders with heart-centered action.
About Me
I’m a consultant, qualified expert witness, and trainer committed to transforming systems with integrity, cultural wisdom, and lived experience. My work centers Indigenous values, promotes racial equity, and strengthens families, especially those impacted by child protection, ICWA, and historical trauma. Whether you're looking for strategic guidance, expert testimony, or meaningful training, I offer grounded support built on decades of experience in both professional and traditional spaces.
“Healing happens when families are supported to return to their own ways of knowing and being”
— Bobbi Jo Potter
Our Services
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Consulting
I offer strategic consulting to tribal governments, counties, courts, and non-profits. My specialties include:
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) policy and court implementation
- Racial equity and disparity reduction in child welfare systems
- Cross-system collaboration and program improvement
- Organizational transformation rooted in cultural values
Let’s work together to build systems that reflect truth, equity, and culture.
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Training & Workshops
I offer engaging and reflective trainings tailored for child welfare professionals, legal systems, and tribal partners. Sample offerings include:
- ICWA 101 & Beyond – From legal foundation to practical application
- Culturally Responsive Practice in Child Protection
- Historical Trauma & Healing in Family Systems
- Understanding the Role of Qualified Expert Witnesses
- Community Healing Through System Change
- Leadership Development, Relationship Building, and Culture-Centered Practice — Strengthening leadership skills, building relational trust, and embedding culture as a core of team and system transformation
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Expert Witness Services
I provide Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) services for ICWA and MIFPA cases, grounded in cultural understanding, lived experience, and years of leadership within county child welfare systems. My testimony reflects both the legal intent of ICWA and the deep cultural teachings that center connection, belonging, and community responsibility. I approach each case with care, humility, and a commitment to protecting Native children and families.
I fully honor that tribally designated QEWs are preferred, and I support their leadership and decision-making. I offer my availability to tribal nations, counties, and legal teams when invited, particularly in cases where a culturally informed, systems-aware voice can help clarify the law’s purpose and support family preservation. I remain committed to ensuring this work uplifts tribal sovereignty.
Services include:
- Testimony for foster care, and permanency cases, tribally designated QEW is preferred
- Case aduit/review
- Collaboration with tribal nations and legal teams
- Training on the role and expectations of QEWs
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Entrepreneurship & Wealth Building Services
I provide culturally grounded entrepreneurship coaching, financial literacy education, and wealth-building support to Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
My services are designed to empower new entrepreneurs, promote economic sovereignty, and build pathways to lasting prosperity rooted in cultural values and community resilience.Support includes:
- Financial literacy workshops tailored for Indigenous communities
- Entrepreneurship coaching for new business owners and startups
- Wealth-building education focused on generational healing and empowerment
- Culturally responsive financial planning and empowerment trainings
