Evolution; When will we be fully evolved?
Over the years I have learned that capturing the economic benefits of federally funded capital projects relies on assuming the risk of managing and building the projects. As Bosgoed Project…
A Residential School Story
In light of the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nations children at the former Kamloops Residential School site, I wish to contribute one of my personal residential school…
Are you making a difference?
Like me, many of my Indigenous professional friends and colleagues occasionally find themselves between existential crisis and supporting community development. According to what I have read online, existential crisis occurs…
Part 2: “Leadership in the eye of the storm”
“No duff! No duff! This is not a drill.” These are not words that you want to hear. They indicate you are in a crisis. In Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, this phrase is military slang and radio…
Don’t let failure lead to retreat
I have failed. So. Many. Times. In fact, I believe my failures are the reasons I’m successful. It is the reason that our WorkFirst strategy has created so many indigenous…
Indigenous Community – Industry Partnerships
“First Nations are not stakeholders on projects in their territory. They are rights holders.” I recently came across an article by Broughton Law from 2015 entitled, “First Nations-Private Sector Partnerships…
How much local indigenous labour is enough?
Last week, the CBC ran a story which focused on a growing number of construction companies who are launching Indigenous relations department's. https://www-cbc-ca.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5969285 I commend this direction as an important…
The Importance of Job Fairs
Job fairs are vital for our Indigenous community workforce engagement process. On the 25TH OF March, I had the pleasure of delivering a keynote address at the Maskwacis Virtual Job…
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2021
For this week’s WorkFirst Wednesday we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and International Women’s Week (IWW) for 2021. These events mark global celebrations which commemorate the cultural,…
Let’s raise each other up!
After our “Ten things to NOT say to Indigenous employees” series, I am pleased to present the “good news” stories. Despite the negative experiences I have endured, they do not…