![Kelly Edzerza-Bapty - Principle of Obsidian Architecture]()
March 21, 2021
In this podcast I have the pleasure of digitally meeting & chatting with Kelly Edzerza-Bapty. Kelly is one of the premier Indigenous business leaders in Canada. She is an Architect and Industrial Designer based in Golden, BC, and the second Indigenous and first Tahltan woman in the province to achieve the AIBC designation. Kelly is the principle of Obsidian Architecture, an Indigenous owned and operated firm practising architecture & design in communities across BC & Yukon. We were also joined by Scott Kemp, Principal of Scott Kemp Architect based in Vancouver. Both architects are currently involved with the construction of the Tsawout Nation Bighouse in Central Saanich.
In this podcast we discuss key factors to successful Indigenous/Industry employment activities. Those include:
- building relationships,
- combatting systemic racism,
- acknowledging & understanding the historical context of Indigenous communities in Canadian society,
- learning to embrace the huge, untapped potential of hiring Indigenous peoples
January 31, 2021
Listen to Matt Harry of the Malahat Nation and Manager with Built Contracting talk about successful First Nations employment practices.
December 10, 2020
We get introduced to Tchadas Leo, we chat about his background & learn why he started the "Our Native Land" podcast with CHEK TV.
November 24, 2020
Mavis Underwood is a teacher, elder, advocate, spiritual leader and community representative from the Peninsula based Tsawout Nation. Our discussion specific to the Territorial Acknowledgement was captivating and compelling. Thank you Mavis for continuing to work and engage with Regional Industry sectors to help all of our communities. Your ongoing and consistent leadership is invaluable.
As someone who chairs and/or leads business meetings on a regular basis, I have been encouraged and challenged to begin meetings with a First Nations Territorial Acknowledgement. It's been a fascinating, earnest & unexpected journey of self-awareness and personal reconciliation. I have sought guidance and understanding from regional First Nations leaders and have recorded these discussions to help broaden the dialogue & conversation amongst business community colleagues.
![A conversation with Songhees Development Corporation CEO Christina Clarke about the pre-meeting Territorial Acknowledgement]()
November 17, 2020
Christina Clarke, CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation, has been a strong leader and remarkable advocate for developing Industry and First Nations employment related relationships. The discussion specific to the Territorial Acknowledgement has become the proverbial bridge by which we begin meaningful reconciliation, building trust & long-term relationships. In this must listen podcast for every business person, Christina provides a sincere and passionate overview of the Territorial Acknowledgement, it’s historical context, community integration and cultural significance.
As someone who chairs and/or leads business meetings on a regular basis, I have been encouraged and challenged to begin meetings with a First Nations Territorial Acknowledgement. It's been a fascinating, earnest & unexpected journey of self-awareness and personal reconciliation. I have sought guidance and understanding from regional First Nations leaders and have recorded these discussions to help broaden the dialogue & conversation amongst business community colleagues.
November 15, 2020
As someone who chairs and/or leads business meetings on a regular basis, I have been encouraged and challenged to begin meetings with a First Nations Territorial Acknowledgement. It's been a fascinating, earnest & unexpected journey of self-awareness and personal reconciliation. I have sought guidance and understanding from regional First Nations leaders and have recorded these discussions to help broaden the dialogue & conversation amongst business community colleagues.
Saanich North & the Islands MLA Adam Olsen and I have had numerous private and public conversations over the last 18 months specific to the Territorial Acknowledgement background and reasoning. Adam wrote about this issue in his blog at:
Thank you Adam for the invaluable education and historical context dialogue and reconciliation that is just starting for so many of us.
November 5, 2020
In this heartfelt conversation with business leader Barry Roy, we discuss the intricacies, nuances and the vital importance of developing trust and relationships with our regional First Nations communities.
September 21, 2020
Consider listening to Mavis Underwood - community leader, advocate and mentor - speak to how a powerful emergent force represented by Youth & Female representation is increasingly guiding local First Nations into the future.
May 22, 2020
"The beginning of the middle" - we chat about:
- how COVID has impacted his representative community in Northern BC (Skeena, Northern BC, Kitimat)
- what does a "new economy" look like
- Kelly reviews the new technology based office environment
Northern BC Pipeline Politics
- Ellis reviews what has happened specific to this issue within the last several months (rights & title, treaty negotiations)
- what is the future?
