Welcome to Otic
Otic Ecology Inc, founded in 2022 is an Indigenous majority owned enterprise based in Saskatchewan.
Otic is on a shared mission to reforest primary indigenous lands across Canada, introducing new and biodiverse ecosystems and creating long-term local skills & employment for First Nations people.
Otic's Vision is to plant one billion new Trees across Canada over the next decade using best practice forestry techniques to leave a lasting legacy on primarily mixed-use indigenous lands, in partnership with local First Nation stakeholders.
We thoroughly believe that Economic Reconciliation with Indigenous communities and businesses is an opportunity to merge the dual focus of addressing climate change and meaningful leadership and involvement by Indigenous Peoples in the future of their lands, restoring biodiversity and balance.
Otic Ecology comprises an experienced team of professionals with diverse backgrounds in forestry, nature-based solutions, infrastructure funding and carbon tech.
Our enterprise Is founded on, and guided by the values of our primary indigenous stakeholders, values of unity, collaboration, equity, respect for Mother Earth and a strong commitment to the preservation and revitalization of bio-diversity on indigenous lands
Our Vision: To plant one billion trees, Otic will recruit and train forestry professionals from local First Nation communities to be the long-term guardians of the forest land . These new forest lands will enable Otic to create the highest quality, Indigenous-originated biodiversity credits & voluntary carbon credits (VCCs) using Afforestation or Reforestation methods on behalf of long-term Corporate partners. Otic’s commercial vision is to return the majority of revenues generated from these 30+ year project deals back to our First Nation land partners across the length and breadth of Canada.
“Otic is not just a business venture for the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. It is our way to protect our inheritance and live in harmony with Mother Earth. Our focus on the regeneration of lost biodiversity and reforesting is our commitment to her and a model for people who will follow in our footsteps.”
Cy Standing, Wahpeton Dakota Nation
Recent Project
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First Nations Prairie Project (City of Prince Albert and environs)
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Wahpeton Dakota Land (ARR)
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Protect Nature
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Otic team at the Wahpeton Sundance Festival, Prince Albert, Sastakchewan, June 2022
Meet the Team
Management Board of OTIC and Board Advisors
Cy Standing
Founder & Board Member
Chief CY Standing is a highly respected leader of the Wahpeton Dakota Nation, which is part of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, a Native American tribe in the northeastern region of South Dakota. His contributions and leadership helped shape the modern-day governance and cultural preservation of the Dakota people.
Chief Standing played an important role in advocating for the rights of his people, focusing on preserving Dakota traditions, culture, and language. He worked to ensure that the younger generations would continue to learn and practice their heritage. His leadership extended into political and social spheres, where he was involved in efforts to improve the well-being of the Wahpeton Dakota community through education, housing, and healthcare initiatives.
Robert Fincati
Co-Founder & Chair
Robert Fincati is the CEO of Tatanka Oyate Holdings, an investment company owned by the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Fincati has extensive experience in Indigenous wealth creation and social impact strategies, focusing on responsible corporate governance and investment management. Under his leadership, Tatanka Oyate Holdings has emphasized sustainable and regenerative business practices that align with Indigenous values, particularly in industries like forestry and eco-conservation.
Before his role at Tatanka, Fincati led Montreal Lake Business Ventures, significantly growing the company. He also serves on the boards of several companies, including One Sky Forest Products and One Tribe, all of which share his commitment to economic sovereignty for Indigenous nations in Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Fincati is a registered professional forester and has held various leadership roles in the forestry sector.
Jack Cresswell
Board Member
Jack Cresswell, a former technology company Founder, now specialises in angel & institutional investment funding for technology businesses. Based in the UK, Cresswell angel funded and chaired One Tribe, a greentech company enabling sustainable business through the adoption of carbon offsetting & biodiversity projects. Cresswell also backed AI supply-chain management software provider Kavida.ai, as well as investments in digital bank Revolut and Allica.
Cresswell’s mission at Otic is at the intersection of finance and technology, enabling the enterprise to deliver the most effective, efficient and long-term nature restoration projects in tandem with our Indigenous partners.
David Elliot
Board Advisor
David Elliott is the CEO of The Future Forest Company, a Scottish-based environmental organization dedicated to large-scale reforestation, peatland restoration, and nature-based carbon projects. Under Elliott’s leadership, the company has planted over one million trees and restored significant peatland areas, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. David specialises in understanding the critical role of partnerships and collective action in achieving these milestones.
David’s background includes a strong foundation in conservation. He previously served as the CEO of Trees for Cities, a UK-based charity focused on urban reforestation. Additionally, he holds a BSc in Biological Sciences and an MBA from the University of Cambridge, which complements his work in leading impactful environmental initiatives including the African Conservation Foundation.