Dharmesh Makwana

Dharmesh Makwana is a Founding Partner and Director at 149MKM, where he supports Indigenous organizations in governance, infrastructure, and economic development. He brings a practical, outcomes-focused approach and believes that strong governance is the foundation of a successful organization, ensuring its goals are achieved, supporting long-term sustainability, and enabling own-source revenue. He also believes that advancing power, water, food, and broadband security is critical to building healthier, more prosperous, and more knowledgeable communities.

With over 25 years of experience across the private sector and Indigenous communities, Dharmesh has built his career on practical problem-solving, effective governance, and helping organizations deliver sustainable, long-term results.

He previously served as President and CEO of Xyntax, an Indigenous-owned technology company that developed an ERP platform for First Nation governments. Recognizing an increasing need from communities, he established and grew Xyntax’s Finance and Management Services business unit to support financial management and operational capacity. The organization supported more than 100 First Nation governments.

Dharmesh also served as Chief Administrative Officer for Gitsegukla First Nation, where he worked closely with leadership and Council to strengthen operations, governance, and accountability. Across both CEO and CAO roles, he has worked extensively with Boards, supporting governance, strategic decision-making, and organizational oversight.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Lincoln, UK.