Champions of Change

This initial session provides an overview of the course, an opportunity for introductions, and instructions for the 12-week program.

Mining Hall of Fame Inductee and former Chief of the Tahltan Nation, Jerry Asp, presents "From Affluence to Poverty to Affluence”. Jerry outlines step-by-step how he led the Tahltan Nation back to affluence, the mistakes made, and the lessons learned along the way. Jerry’s talk includes examples of policies, tools, and frameworks that can help other communities move forward faster. The talk covers topics ranging from community leadership to economic governance to environmental management.

Self-determining communities begin with sovereign thinkers. Aspiring and experienced community leaders alike are invited to take an inner journey to uncover the wisdom and reconnect to their true selves through a music-infused workshop led by JUNO-winning singer Brenda MacIntyre.

The second half of this week’s lesson presents an overview demystifying capitalism and outlining current global trends that can move us towards enjoyment of the planetary abundance that is our birthright.

An understanding of what nation or community building is and what it isn’t is the starting point for the real work of co-creating a thriving community based on shared vision and values.

This week’s session covers these foundational understandings plus techniques on how to establish a compelling vision for self and community, uncover the core values that can be used to drive the work, and begin to formulate a strategy for meaningful and equitable prosperity.

This session continues the journey from establishing vision and values to putting in place the building blocks and frameworks for bringing the community’s vision to fruition. Participants are introduced to values-based economic development, the dimensions of development and what it is and is not, examples of economies based in true value, and frameworks for effective governance using real-life examples of nations who have done it.

This session expands on the theme of strategy implementation with a discussion on the various business structures that can be used as a vehicle for wholistic economic development. From economic development corporations to joint ventures and other types of partnerships, the advantages and challenges of each are discussed. Tools for developing multilateral partnerships are provided and participants engage in real life scenarios to develop their own empowered partnerships based in true value.

These two sessions cover the art and practical skills of negotiation that can be used in all areas of life. In part 1, phases of negotiation, the three critical elements to watch for, and tips for effective negotiations are presented. Participants are taught how to hone their skills and present themselves with confidence and ease in order to influence their positions in a proactive and empowered manner. This is followed by part 2, where participants have the opportunity to sharpen their skills through immersive group exercises that challenge their abilities and strengthen their craft.

This week’s class begins with a discussion on different legal paradigms, including sacred/natural laws, Aboriginal rights, and UNDRIP. Knowing these rights sets communities up in a position of strength and enables leaders to ask the right questions and achieve desired solutions.

The second half of this session is led by Canadian and international environmental governance expert, Nalaine Morin. Nalaine’s presents on the steps it takes to implement rights with regards to resource management. Frameworks are provided to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into decision making for resource development projects. Nalaine presents examples of tools and methodologies for implementing a truly cultural and values based approach to land and resource governance.

These engaging sessions on Empowered Leadership are led by Elder David Rattray and the founders of R.E.A.L. (Reality Education and Applied Leadership) School, Diane Hill and Jordan Miller from Six Nations.

David leads the first week’s session with a powerful talk that sheds light on what it takes to remove the blockages that hinder effective decision-making. In the following week’s class, Diane and Jordan share their expertise on building the six necessary competencies to become empowered leaders. These sessions offer practical insights, actionable strategies, and valuable takeaways.

This class explores the fascinating world of designing, planning and rebuilding communities based on nature's intelligence. Led by Jamie Miller, Canada’s leading biomimicrist, the presentation offers valuable insights on the burgeoning world of biomimicry and natural engineering and design thinking.

Next, Jacob Beaton, the co-founder and operator of Tea Creek, Canada’s leading food sovereignty centre located in British Columbia, presents the systems and frameworks he has helped to develop to help other Indigenous communities achieve food resiliency on their own terms. Participants can expect to gain practical knowledge and be inspired to make a positive impact on their communities' future.

Lastly, participants hear from the latest innovations around energy, housing, water and/or other community building elements that offer natural and decentralized (sovereign) solutions to take your communities forward.

The final class marks a pivotal moment in the learning journey as the knowledge and skills acquired thus far are brought together in a presentation that ties it all together. This is a highly interactive session, filled with valuable insights, essential resources, and an opportunity to envision a personal path forward. Participants have the opportunity to share their projects with the group, seek feedback or advice on questions or roadblocks they face, and explore opportunities for collaboration.