Who We Are
Woodland Wealth is an independent, First Nations–owned wealth advisory firm with offices in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and Kingston, Ontario. We work alongside individuals, families, and communities to protect, grow, and steward wealth for today and the next seven generations. We serve our clients through financial planning, investment management, and institutional trust stewardship.
Our firm was founded by Carol Ann Budd, and has grown to include a dedicated team with deep roots in both financial services and Indigenous communities. We are small by design. Our size allows us to build real relationships, offer clear guidance, and remain accountable to the people we serve.
Our Mission
To provide thoughtful, relationship-driven financial guidance that supports lasting well-being for individuals, families, and communities.
Our Vision
A future where financial confidence is accessible to all, and where wealth is understood as more than money.
Artwork by: Claire Shannon-Akiwenzie
Two-Eyed Seeing
This term is credited to a Mi’kmaw, Elder Albert Marshall. He described it as the ability to see the world through multiple perspectives. We view the world through a Eurocentric lens with one eye and we consider the world through Indigenous ways of knowing with the other eye.
As an Indigenous-owned business, the principles of prudent financial management are coloured by an Indigenous worldview and woven together to create the unique fabric of Woodland Wealth.
Our priority is to uncover and refine the vision you can create with the wealth you hold and provide tailored solutions and strategies to realize that vision. We believe in being approachable and open in the advisory process. Instead of leading with heavy finance jargon, we weave teaching moments into our process to ensure you are always well-informed.
Meet Your Advisors
Carol Ann Budd
FOUNDER & CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, WOODLAND WEALTH
Wealth Advisor, Woodland Investment Management of ACPI
B.Sc., P.Eng., CFP®, DSc, CIM®, FCSI
It is with gratitude and honour that Carol Ann carries her life’s work. To be trusted with people’s wealth, their goals and dreams, and personal stories is a great responsibility she holds as a gift. Carol Ann creates a safe space to freely discuss her clients’ relationship with money and ultimately build lasting trust.
Her financial services career has focused primarily on active professionals, business owners, and retirees who value their time and peace of mind. She has helped clients build their wealth while also ensuring it provides a secure, protected, lifelong income aligned with their life goals.
Carol Ann is a certified Trauma of Money practitioner. She is proud to weave this insightful method into her client work and workshop delivery.
As a proud member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Carol Ann spends her spare time promoting education and revitalization of Indigenous languages and culture. Carol Ann currently sits on the Investment Committee and Audit and Risk Committee of the Queen's University Board of Trustees. She is the past co-chair of the Queen's University Indigenous Council and past President of the Board of Directors of the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest. Rooted in her Anishinaabe roots, Carol Ann lives her life following the 7 Grandfather teachings: humility, honesty, respect, courage, wisdom, truth, and love. She carries these foundations into her client relationships and professional work.
Aaron St Pierre
DIRECTOR, FIRST NATIONS PARTNERSHIPS, WOODLAND WEALTH
Wealth Services Associate, Woodland Investment Management of ACPI
B.A., M.A., MBA
Aaron is from Moose Deer Point First Nation, an Anishinaabe community south of Parry Sound, where he grew up on reserve. He holds a Master's in History and a Master's in Business Administration from Laurentian University.
Before joining Woodland Wealth, Aaron spent over a decade in leadership roles across First Nations governance, education, and the non-profit sector. He served as Chief Administrative Officer and Governance Director for Moose Deer Point First Nation, Director of the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre at Queen's University, and Executive Director of both the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society and the Native People of Nipissing Housing Corporation.
Aaron joined Woodland Wealth in the fall of 2025 and brings a deep understanding of how financial planning and investment management can support First Nations communities and individuals. He is passionate about helping First Nations people grow and steward their wealth, both personally and at a community level.
Aaron sits on the Governance Committee for Moose Deer Point First Nation and is a Board Member with the Kingston Friendship Centre. He lives in Kingston with his family.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Carol Powley
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & OFFICE MANAGER
With over 3 decades of experience in the financial industry, ranging from being a mutual fund licensed in the banking world to managing up to 5 regional offices for a national financial firm, Carol is extremely diligent and knowledgeable in the systems and regulations we operate within. Carol’s warm and friendly nature complements her polished professionalism. Carol and Carol Ann have been working together for 15 years. Besides being a proud mother of two and grandmother of two, Carol’s family includes her beloved dogs.
-
![]()
Ray Espaniel Hatfield
ASSOCIATE
Ray, a member of the Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation, has 35 years of federal public service experience. His expertise spans various governmental roles and Indigenous relations, making him a vital asset to our team. Raymond Hatfield has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Law Degree from Queens University. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Executive Leadership Excellence. Ray was also presented with an Eagle Feather from Elders Dan & Marylou Smoke recognizing his commitment/contribution to advancing Aboriginal issues.
-
![]()
Vaneesa Cline
ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST
Vaneesa specializes in estate planning and insurance, offering peace of mind and tailored financial solutions. Vaneesa graduated with a Bachelor of Communications Studies from the University of Calgary and has achieved Professional Financial Advisor (PFA), Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. She is dedicated to protecting your wealth and family's future.
-
![]()
Taylor Fox
ADVISOR, STRATEGY
As an Anishnaabe woman, Taylor continually aims to bridge the gap between business strategy and Indigenous values. She has a rich background supporting small businesses in strategy and communications. She recently completed an Indigenous Leadership Executive MBA where she explored decolonial business strategies, positioning us to enhance our growth and engagement efforts. Taylor has a B.Comm, MBA and is a Trauma of Money™ Facilitator.
-
![]()
Harley McGuinty
PLANNING ASSOCIATE
Harley is a Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC) with an advanced understanding of financial planning concepts and strategies, specializing in retirement and estate planning. His proficiency in our planning software, Morningstar Advisor Workstation, personal income tax preparation software and QuickBooks accounting software ensures our clients’ unique needs and the business’s accounting needs are met with precision and care. Outside of work, Harley is an avid gamer and a dependable caregiver to his nephew.
-
![]()
Bonnita Preston
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Bonnita Preston is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation with a background in Indigenous Women's Leadership and Digital Marketing. She brings more than a decade of community-based experience spanning Canada, Perú, Cambodia, and Guatemala, with a focus on Indigenous economic development and strategic communication. At Woodland Wealth, Bonnita leads social media and digital communications, bringing cultural grounding and global perspective to how the firm shows up online. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Our Values
-
Our clients gain clarity and control of their financial wealth by using my love for working with their numbers. Clients love the peace of mind that having their financial life in order brings.
-
Our practice is built on respectful relationships with our clients and working collaboratively. We understand and respect each clients’ background, philosophy, goals and concerns related to their wealth.
-
We take the responsibility to be a trusted financial advisor very seriously. It takes courage to carry this responsibility.
-
We bring objectivity and education to guide your financial decisions. We disclose any conflicts of interest and offer transparency around our costs and compensation.
-
We rely on and refer to the expertise of lawyers and accountants for areas beyond our scope of practice. My work is a very small part of a greater plan for the good of our clients.
-
I call upon my wisdom to be used for the good of our clients. This includes continually seeking to expand my knowledge in the fields of financial planning and investment management.
-
To speak the truth, and be true to ourselves and those we serve.
Woodland Wealth
The name Woodland Wealth is inspired by Carol Ann’s connection to her ancestral land of the Anishinaabe nation in northern Ontario. These woodlands have inspired countless artists and people over time. The name came to her through her cousin as they sat together looking at this scene of Biscotasing Lake.
This tree is visible from the porch of the home and is a reminder of the original woodlands that inspire Carol Ann and many other Anishinaabe folks.
