Wise Practices in Indigenous Community Development Symposium The Banff Centre September 2012

1. How can education mediate the success of Indigenous leaders, managers and administrators in community development and business opportunities?The story of the Ch’nook Initiative Wise Practices in Indigenous Community Development Symposium The Banff CentreSeptember 2012 March 16th, 2012 Lethbridge, Alberta

2. The Challenge & the Opportunity

3. The Challenge Marginalized - Low employment participation rates - Limited economic infrastructure 2010 Statistics Average unemployment rate for British Columbia’s youth was 13.4% - Aboriginal youth faced higher incidences of unemployment at 21.4% Over 20% of the prime working-age (25-54) Aboriginal population in the province did not have a high school credential compared with 7.6 % of the non-Aboriginal population 51.6 % of Aboriginal youth have not attained a high school diploma compared with 33.0 % of non-Aboriginal youth These trends has been exacerbated by shortfalls in federal funding levels for post-secondary Aboriginal students which have been capped since 1996 BCStats 2011

4. The Opportunity Aboriginal Youth the youngest and fastest-growing segment of Canada’s population their share of the labour force will triple over the next 20 years those who complete high school are twice as likely to be employed, while those who earn university degrees triple their earning potential graduates bring business knowledge and capacity back to their communities

5. Why Ch’nook? “Our elders teach us to consider the future of our children and grandchildren as a guide for our day-to-day activities. This lesson leads to one very clear implication. We must provide educational opportunities that build the skills needed to participate in all aspects of tomorrow’s world. Ch’nook is focused on one very critical part of this skill building... developing the leadership and management skills needed to achieve business success and economic independence.” Dr. Jo-ann Archibald (Q’um Q’um Xiiem) Ch’nook Advisory Council Member (former)

6. About Ch’nook

7. About Ch’nook Ch’nook Name The name Ch’nook was chosen as a reminder of the Chinook jargon (pronounced Ch’nook) used in earlier times as the language of trade Mission Ch’nook’s mission is to promote business, management and entrepreneurship as viable career paths for Aboriginal students in order to contribute to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient economic future for First Nation communities in British Columbia and across Canada. Background founded in 2002 by Dr. John Claxton funded and housed in the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia

8. About Ch’nook • Ch’nook’s logo represents the values that guide our mission to contribute to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient economic future for First Nation communities in British Columbia and across Canada. • the passing of knowledge from generation to generation or from elders to youth;from educational institution to student; • interaction of past students with future students; • the passing on of skills and confidence; • a circle of giving back to the community; • a continuous exchange of ideas; • a progression to towards future success; • unity and harmony in business and community partnerships; and, • a never ending cycle of Ch’nook’s dedication and energy to Indigenous Business education.

9. About Ch’nook • Goals • Developing an Aboriginal cultural, knowledge and teaching and learning context for all individuals participating in Ch’nook’s activities. • Creating proactive linkages and opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between Aboriginal leaders and business professionals, University faculty, corporate leaders, students and First Nation communities.

10. About Ch’nook Ch’nook’s Three Pillars Senior Aboriginal Leaders, Post Secondary Students and High School Students • AMP - work with Senior Aboriginal leaders to educate and inspire them in delivering their vision to create and manage internationally competitive, locally responsive and sustainable economic strategies for the future. • Indigenous Business Network - provide access to a wide range of business education resources, networking, mentoring and internship opportunities to support post-secondary Aboriginal business students in their efforts to be successful at completing their business degrees. • Cousins - generate awareness with Aboriginal high school students of the benefits that can be achieved through pursuing business education studies for themselves and their communities.

11. Ch’nook Mediating the success of Indigenous leaders, managers and administrators in community development and business opportunities.

12. Mediating Communities Mediating Communities increasing collaboration between all communities securing funding that can benefit all communities in supporting efforts to build Aboriginal business, leadership and managerial capacity developing community partnerships and educational initiatives that enable Aboriginal communities to participate more fully in regional economic development opportunities increasing Aboriginal presence and influence in business and educational communities promoting respect and understanding for Aboriginal identity, culture, values and knowledge

13. Mediating Communities Bridging Indigenous Communities and Business Communities • promoting business, management and leadership training required for high value positions in Indigenous and regional Business communities • identify talent and ability and providing opportunities for additional capacity building • promoting the skills and capacities that enable Indigenous communities to be equal partners in regional economic development opportunities 13

14. Advanced Management Program Ch'nook Advanced Management Certificate Program (AMP) targets Aboriginal participants individuals who have five or more years of work experience and a strong desire to engage in business activities • delivers the skills and competencies required for developing entrepreneurship and business success • Aboriginal values, entrepreneurship, accounting, human resources, financial management, marketing, operations, business strategy and planning, communications and Aboriginal business leadership • sessions are led by distinguished Aboriginal leaders and/or senior faculty members from the Sauder School of Business • AMP program involves 150+ hours of classroom instruction and provides thorough coverage of business foundation skills

15. Advanced Management Program Advanced Management Certificate Program (AMP) of the North • Encana is championing the design and delivery of an Advanced Management Certificate Program in the North East of British Columbia • program content and delivery • will be designed through consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities in the North East • will incorporate regional Indigenous values, culture and knowledge • will be responsive to the economic realities of the North East of British Columbia • Ch’nook will partner with Northern Lights College to deliver the program • sessions will be led by regional Aboriginal business leaders and senior faculty members from northern academic institutions such as University of Northern British Columbia

16. Mediating Communities Bridging Aboriginal Student Communities and Educational Communities • engaging business schools in colleges and universities to promote more opportunities for Aboriginal students to participate • developing relevant Aboriginal perspectives and content that complements traditional business and management studies in home institutions • supporting increased retention and completion by post-secondary Aboriginal business and management students • create and support an extended network of Aboriginal business and management students

17. Ch’nook Business Education Accord Ch’nook conceived of and guided the signing of the Ch’nook Aboriginal Business Education Accord by 25 universities and colleges in for British Columbia. • Royal Roads University • Selkirk College • Simon Fraser University • Thompson Rivers University • Trinity Western University • University of British Columbia /Okanagan • University of British Columbia /Vancouver • University of The Fraser Valley • University of Northern British Columbia • University of Victoria • Vancouver Community College • Vancouver Island University British Columbia Institute of Technology Camosun College Capilano University College of New Caledonia College of The Rockies Douglas College Kwantlen Polytechnic University Langara College North Island College Northern Lights College Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Northwest Community College Okanagan College

18. Indigenous Business Education Network • Indigenous Business Network • All full-time and part-time Aboriginal business students in British Columbia are invited to join Ch’nook’s Indigenous Business Education Network to receive weekly updates regarding scholarships, events, jobs, financial support, tutor support, and other Network based opportunities.

19. Mediating Communities Bridging Indigenous and Educational Communities • enhancing community outreach • promoting respect and understanding for Aboriginal identity, culture and knowledge • working to increase Aboriginal high school applications to post-secondary business and management programs in British Columbia • strengthen the linkages between regional post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities • helping business schools across the province be responsive, respectful and receptive to Aboriginal learners and communities

20. Regional Partners Through collaborating with Regional Partners, Ch’nook ensures that our provincial footprint is amplified by strong local presence that is relevant and responsive to BC’s First Nation communities.

21. Ch’nook Cousins Ch’nook works with high schools across British Columbia to promote awareness of post-secondary business education to Aboriginal high school students. the Cousins initiative provides workshops for Aboriginal high school students at various locations across British Columbia delivered in collaboration with the 25 post-secondary Aboriginal Business Accord partners in British Columbia introduces Aboriginal high school students to entrepreneurship and management as viable career options emphasizes the importance of a good secondary and post-secondary education promotes an understanding of how Aboriginal values can be applied within the scope of business studies Ch'nook Scholars are provided with an opportunity to participate in the Cousins initiatives as mentors and role models to Aboriginal high school students

22. Mediating Communities Bridging Student Communities with Business Communities managing Aboriginal business and management students’ transitions to the labour market working to identify and promote career trajectories in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal companies and corporations capacity building that enables Aboriginal employees to develop the additional skills and capabilities to continue to progress in their careers introduce Aboriginal business and management students to industry sectors that they may not be able to access in their communities – i.e. banking, finance, consulting, etc. provide Aboriginal business and management students with to provide participants with an opportunity to expand their view on international trade and business and to enhance their knowledge of global business practices

23. Mentoring and Internships Scholar Mentor and Internship Organizations • Career Mentoring • mentors come from a variety of organizations and roles • mentor Aboriginal scholars on possible career paths and employment opportunities • mentoring meetings are organized to coincide with annual Gatherings • Ch’nook Internships • provides Ch’nook Scholars with an opportunity to learn from business leaders • interns are provided with travel and accommodation assistance to facilitate a successful internship experience

24. Ch’nook Scholars met with Canadian corporations and industry professionals to learn about the business, understand the dynamics of an international career in business and gain insights into the organizations day-to-day operations. Indigenous Business Trek London - 2011

25. Indigenous Business Trek – Ethiopia 2012 The ARC Initiative - Ethiopia Ch’nook Scholars worked with Sauder faculty to help teach entrepreneurship to Ethiopians – they developed inter-cultural communication skills, teaching and facilitation skills and confidence in participating in international travel.

26. Key Success Factors Ch’nook’s Key Success Factors over ten years of experience strong focus on collaboration and partnership vibrant network of Ch’nook alumni and partners who share our values and goals and are looking for ways to give back to their communities Ch’nook Indigenous Business Accord in British Columbia Regional Partner institutions

27. "Education will unleash not only the human potential, but the economic potential, especially for First Nations. More importantly, it's about our people achieving their potential - and they will.” National Chief Shawn Atleo

28. TBA

29. TBA

30. TBA

31. Thank You

32. Ch’nook Contacts • Ch’nook Initiative • Sauder School of Business • University of British Columbia • 441-2053 Main Mall • Vancouver, BC • Canada V6T 1Z2 Rick Colbourne Assistant Dean, Indigenous Business Director – Ch’nook • Email: rick.colbourne@sauder.ubc.ca Tel: 604-822-4349 Mobile: 604-721-4354 Fax. 604-827-4417