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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, 2012Lethbridge, Alberta

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The Challenge & the Opportunity

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

The Challenge

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

The Opportunity

“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)

Why Ch’nook?

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About Ch’nook

About Ch’nook

Background• founded in 2002 by Dr. John Claxton• funded and housed in the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia

MissionCh’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.

Ch’nook NameThe name Ch’nook was chosen as a reminder of the Chinook jargon (pronounced Ch’nook) used in earlier times as the language of trade

About Ch’nook

• 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.

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.

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.

About Ch’nook

Ch’nook’s Three PillarsSenior 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.

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Ch’nook

Mediating the success of Indigenous leaders, managers and administrators in community development and

business opportunities.

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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

Mediating Communities

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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

Mediating Communities

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Advanced Management Program

• 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

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

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Advanced Management Program

• 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

Advanced Management Certificate Program (AMP) of the North

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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

Mediating Communities

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Ch’nook Business Education Accord

British Columbia Institute of Technology Camosun CollegeCapilano 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

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

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.

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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.

Indigenous Business Education Network

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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

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Vancouver Island UniversitySchool of Business

· Camosun College· North Island College· University of Victoria· Royal Roads University

Thompson Rivers University School of Business

· UBC Okanagan· Nicola Valley Institute of Technology· Selkirk College· College of the Rockies· Okanogan College

University of Northern BCSchool of Business

· College of New Caledonia· Northern Lights College· Northwest Community College

North Interior

Lower MainlandIsland

University of British ColumbiaSauder School of Business

· Capilano University· Simon Fraser University· Langara College· BC Institute of Technology· Vancouver Community College· Kwatlen Polytechnical University· Trinity Western University· University of the Fraser Valley· Douglas College

Blueberry River First NationBurns Lake BandCanim Lake Band

Carrier NationFort McMurray First Nations

Fort Nelson First NationGitanyow Band

Haida Old MassetIskut First NationKispiox Band

Kitasoo NationKitselas Band

Lake Babine First NationLax Kw'alaams Band

Nisga'a NationNisga'a, Gingolx BandNisga'a, Gitwinksihlkw

Nish'ga, Laxgalts'ap BandProphet River First Nation

Skidegate BandHaida Gwaii

Tahltan Nation Tsimshian First Nation

West Moberly First NationWet'su'wet'en First Nation Xat'sull First Nation

AhousahtCowichan Tribes

Da'naxda'xw First NationDitidaht First Nation

Homalco First NationHupacasath First NationHuu-ay-aht First Nation

K’ómoks First NationNamghis Band

NuchalnuthFirst NationNuu-chah-nulth First Nations

Sliammon First Nation Snuneymuxw First Nation

Tsartlip First NationWei Wai Kum First Nation

Heiltsuk NationKiahoose Nation

Tsawataineuk First Nation

Adams Lake BandCook's Ferry Indian BandLil'wat Nation Lower Nicola BandLytton First NationNlaka'pamux NationOkanagan Indian BandSeton Lake BandSkeetchestn Indian BandSoda Creek BandSt. Mary's BandStl'atl'imx NationTk'emlups BandUpper Nicola BandWestbank First NationXeni Gwet'in First Nations

Chawathil First NationCheam BandHwlitsum First NationIn-Shuck-ch NationKatzie First NationMatsqui First NationMusqueam First NationPenelakut TribeSechelt First NationSkowkale First NationSoowahlie First NationSquamish NationSquiala First NationSto:lo First NationSts'ailesTsleil Waututh Nation

Rest of Canada Algonquins of PikwakanaganGwichin NationHeart Lake BandOjibway NationSaulteau First NationSix NationsWaywayseecappo First Nation Michipicoten First NationMuscowpetung First NationCree NationMetis Nation

Regional Partners

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.

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Ch’nook Cousins

• 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

Ch’nook works with high schools across British Columbia to promote awareness of post-secondary business education to Aboriginal high school students.

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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

Mediating Communities

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Mentoring and Internships

Mentors are drawn from leading Canadian and British Columbia based corporations.

Tazo Consulting

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

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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

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The ARC Initiative - EthiopiaCh’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.

Indigenous Business Trek – Ethiopia 2012

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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

Key Success Factors

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"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

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TBA

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TBA

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TBA

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Thank You

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Ch’nook Contacts

Rick ColbourneAssistant Dean, Indigenous Business Director – Ch’nook

Email: rick.colbourne@sauder.ubc.ca Tel: 604-822-4349Mobile: 604-721-4354 Fax. 604-827-4417

Ch’nook Initiative

Sauder School of Business University of British Columbia 441-2053 Main Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2