shíshálh Nation Business Networking Forum
This is a Coast Reporter “Letter to the Editor” submission I have just composed (and just tweaked in the blog post submission. Sheesh. If published, I hope that the editor tweaks it too. I just wanted to share with you an amazing learning experience I had the other day that has SHIFTED my thinking with regard to the shíshálh Nation and what teaching & learning could look like for aboriginal students and students in general. I loved the community feel of the shíshálh Nation Business Networking Forum. It took a lot of courage to lunge forward to share their stories in hopes of building relationships and business partnerships. I appreciated their honesty and positive attitude about moving forwards. There is a sense of justice, or right-doing, with the stories shared, partnerships acknowledged, and willingness to collaborate. I guess this preamble could have been used as part of the Letter to the Editor submission, but can’t go back in time. It’s about the now. Moving forwards.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBMISSION (Submitted: June 15, 2012)
Thank you shíshálh First Nation for hosting the Business Network Forum on June 14, 2012. I went to the event as a school trustee, but could have attended the event as a business owner or teacher. I was one of many. This inaugural event was informative and inspirational. My understanding of the shíshálh Nation has exponentially expanded beyond my limited understanding of the Raven’s Cry Theatre and Extra Foods Gas Bar. People from the shíshálh Nation opened their arms to the business community and government organizations to share their stories and information about SIB, SIGD, Tsain-Ko, and shíshálh Nation. I loved the drumming and singing, the various speakers, the buffet lunch, and keynote speaker Howard Rainer. Much like any professional development, the opportunity to network was worthwhile. I enjoyed chatting with Chief Garry Feschuk, SIB/SIGD council members, staff members, forum attendees, and those manning the presentation tables. I appreciated the aboriginal approach to the forum and felt welcomed into the community. I learned so much and walk away from the forum with many stories and the potential for partnerships. Bottom line: It’s not about the past, but it’s about building relationships, opportunities, and mutual understanding. We all come with a history, but we can move forward working together towards a common goal. This is only the beginning. All my relations.