Solomon Cyr

Solomon Cyr is 40 years old and is a member of the George Gordon First Nation in southern Saskatchewan.  He identifies as Saulteaux (Ojibwa).  As a Communications professional for more than 13 years, he has been a part of essential undertakings that have kept him relevant and keen on issues affecting Indigenous communities in western Canada.

 

He graduated from the Treaty Four Education Centre (in Regina) and has received post-secondary training in the field of communications (Indian Communication Arts) at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

 

Solomon has gained valuable knowledge and experience working at various First Nations governance and administration levels.  For example, at the Tribal Council level, he has worked as a ‘Special Advisor & Policy Analyst’ for the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC); At the provincial (regional) level, he has worked as the ‘Senate Coordinator’ and ‘Intergovernmental Liaison’ at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN); and, at the band level, he has worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chief and Council of the George Gordon First Nation (GGFN).

 

In 2008, Solomon was instrumental in planning, executing and publicizing the 2nd annual ‘Regina North Central Smudge Walk’ in contrast to MacLean’s article ‘Canada’s Worst Neighborhood.’ That same year he was also instrumental in publicizing the Enbridge ‘Days of Action.’ This activity helped shape the Indigenous procurement industry within Saskatchewan regarding the “intersection” of regulated projects.  In addition, Solomon designed and launched the official communications strategies for both these endeavours, which have had a lasting impact on the economy and society.

 

From 2014 to 2016, he worked as the Marketing & Communications Officer for George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL). In this position, he collaborated with Limnos Environmental (Dr. Scott Barnes) to design and execute engagement strategies for TransCanada’s Energy East Project and the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Program (L3RP).  In this position, he also wrote and designed GGDL’s Wicehtowak Workforce Development Program, which has secured lasting employment for hundreds of Indigenous men and women in the Regina area. 

 

On the child & family services (CFS) file, Solomon has worked as the ‘Project Coordinator & Policy Writer’ for the Qu’Appelle, Beardy’s & Okemasis Child and Family Services agency (QBOW) in Fort Qu’Appelle. Formerly Qu’Appelle Child & Family Services (QCFS), he co-wrote the Transitional & Service Delivery Plans, allowing the agency to expand into QBOW.

 

In 2017, Solomon was one of six jurors at the ‘Coroner’s Inquest’ regarding the death of Nadine Machiskinic. The jury reversed the coroner’s original ruling from “accidental” to “undetermined.” Solomon served as Jury Foreman. 

 

That year, he and his legal counsel (Nathan Phillips, B.A., J.D. & Mervin C. Phillips, B.S.W., LL.B., LL.M.) also successfully litigated the first contested election under Canada’s new First Nations Election Act (FNEA). Solomon pursued and finalized this civil action as a public service in defence of democratic standards and values in First Nations elections.

 

From 2019 to 2022, Solomon worked as a self-employed Communications Consultant for numerous Indigenous clients throughout Saskatchewan.  These included the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, and the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council.

 

In June 2021, he established Cyrious Edge Communications. This service provider will soon begin servicing the western provinces in the area of communications and public relations (the company appears in the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business Directory) and is a registered legal entity. 

 

Most recently, Solomon worked in the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) department as a Benefits Analyst for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Saskatchewan Region. He is currently working for the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation as an Executive Policy Analyst for the nation’s business development entity. 

 

He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for the Regina-Qu'Appelle Federal Liberal Association (RQFLA) and is a proud member of the Monarchist League of Canada. 

 

In 2004, he was among the top 8 finalists (top 100 nationwide) selected from Saskatchewan to participate in the Canadian Idol television program on CTV.  While competing in that competition Sass Jordan stated: "I think Solomon has the most extraordinary gift."  

 

In 2001, Solomon had the honour of performing for King Charles III while he was still the Prince of Wales.  In January 2023, Solomon was one of 7,000 Saskatchewan recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.