An affinity group is a community of peers that offers support, guidance, resources, and mentorship to its members, who identify as like-minded with the group. Affinity groups are particularly valuable as they provide a sense of belonging, community, and collective empowerment to members of historically, systemically, and perpetually marginalized groups, whose experiences and voices are often not centered. An affinity space serves as a place to convene, share challenges, validate experiences, collaboratively identify needs, and celebrate successes. It can also be a space for sharing food, cultural celebrations, or ceremonies. Affinity groups bring together people who share relatable feelings and experiences, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where their true feelings, expressions, thoughts, and opinions can be shared and recognized.
For some, these groups are the only places where they feel truly understood and seen for who they are. By definition, members of marginalized communities have fewer colleagues who share similar backgrounds to turn to. However, an affinity space allows colleagues to connect across geographical barriers, levels of seniority, and other differentiating factors.
Affinity groups can take on various forms, including physical spaces (such as an office or building) and/or online spaces (like a message board, website, hashtag, etc.). They can exist at different scales, ranging from local to international. They can be grassroots or institutionally organized.
Please note that while we endorse the idea of affinity groups and acknowledge their potential to cultivate belonging, we are not specifically endorsing any particular group. Rather, we are sharing available resources on campus. You can find more groups here.
Thank you for joining us virtually on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples.” In this Indigenous Speakers Series session, we had a conversation with Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band and author of REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples. We explored strategies for achieving both individual and shared independence and understand why we need each other in creating a better life for Indigenous peoples.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples.” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series.
Speaker Bio
Chief Clarence Louie, O.C., O.B.C., H/Lt.Col. (39 SR CAF), H/Ph.D. (Queen’s University & UBC), C.B.H.F, BC B.H.F, A.B.H.F, N.A.A.A. Osoyoos Indian Band Chair, Okanagan Nation Alliance Author – Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Graduated from high school 1978. Attended the University of Regina, (Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) Native American Studies Program. Continued Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge, from 1979 to 1982.
Since December 1984 when first elected as Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation in south central British Columbia, Clarence Joseph Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Under his direction (30+ years), the Band has become a multi- faceted corporation that owns and manages eleven businesses, 5 joint ventures and employs a thousand people. In 1998 the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation was formed to manage and provide strategic direction to the existing businesses and as well as seek out new economic opportunities. Clarence was appointed C.E.O.
Other achievements under Chief Louie’s tenure include the negotiated settlement of three Specific Land Claims, the successful negotiation of over 1,000 acres of lease developments, the acquisition of hundreds of acres of land to add to the reserve, the purchase of a viable off-reserve business, the financing of a major golf course development, the initiation of the Osoyoos Indian Taxation By-law, the financing and building of a new pre- school/daycare and grade school/gymnasium, construction of a new Health Center/Social Services building and in 2008 the building of a 1st class Youth Centre.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has modeled not only sustainable business development, but also socio-economic development, whereby the community’s social needs are improved. Chief Louie’s constant message is, “Socio- economic development is the foundation for First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer underfunded government programs. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory. Native people must change their mindset from; Spending Money To Making Money”.
As confirmation of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s commitment to business, and social economic development the Band owns and operates a diversity of businesses on the reserve, including: vineyards, retail stores, a Readi-Mix company, a championship golf course, eco-tourism businesses and activities in the Forestry. In 2002 the Band opened the first Aboriginal winery in North America-Nk’Mip Cellars. The winery is a joint venture with Arterra Canada.
Although economic development is the means to achieving self-sufficiency, Chief and Council continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining the Okanagan language and culture in all aspects of the band’s activities including business. The establishment of the Nk’Mip Desert& Cultural Center is a testament to this commitment of balancing business while investing time and money in culture. This eco-cultural center provides visitors an opportunity to experience the Okanagan culture and explore the desert lands that are a part of their traditional territory. The Nk’Mip Desert & Cultural Center is also an example of the continued growth of the band’s businesses.
Chief Louie believes that job creation and increasing business revenue in a responsible manner will bring back what he describes as, “our First Nation working culture, the self-supporting lifestyle of our ancestors.” And further, First Nation leaders have a responsibility to incorporate First Nation’s language and culture in all socio- economic initiatives as the means to improve and protect your First Nation’s heritage. In 2002, Chief Louie played a key role in the successful negotiations to return a sacred cultural site, “Spotted Lake,” to the Okanagan Nation. Chief Louie’s efforts have been widely recognized in Canada and the United states.
In 1999, he received the Aboriginal Business Leader Award from All Nations Trust and Development Corporation.
In 2000, the Advancement of Native Development officers (CANDO) named Chief Louie the “Economic Developer of the Year”
In the same year Clarence was chosen to join the Governor General of Canada in the 2000 leadership tour.
In 2001 Chief Louie was appointed to the Aboriginal Business Canada Board and in 2007 was appointed asChair of the Board.
In 2002- Aboriginal Tourism B.C. awarded Chief Louie the “Inspirational Leadership Award.”
Maclean’s Magazine listed Chief Clarence Louie as one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch” in their January 2003 issue.
More recognition came in 2003 as the U.S. Department of State selected Clarence as 1 of 6 First Nation representatives to participate in a 2-week tour of successful American Indian Tribes.
In April 2004 the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation presented Clarence with the award for “Business and Community Development.” The National Achievement Awards represent the highest honor the Aboriginal Community bestows upon its own achievers.
Past committee member B.C. Region Indian Affairs (Forestry and Economic Development)
2011 – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame
2015 – Destination B.C. Board of Directors
2015 – B.C. Provincial Health Services Authority Board of Directors
2016 – Order of Canada
2018 – Canadian Business Hall of Fame
2019 – B.C. Business Hall of Fame
2019 – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Federal Board)
2020 – Okanagan Nation Alliance Tribal Chair
2021 – B.C. Hydro Board
2021 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of B.C.
2021 – Book Author “Rez Rules”
2022 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, Queens University (Kingston Ontario)
2023 – Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, 39 Signal Regiment Canadian Armed Forces
A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Clarence shares his experiences (Key Note Speaking) and best lessons learned to Native people, Government and Corporate agencies across the U.S and Canada as well as overseas – Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, in a simple direct business smarts approach, “Every First Nation comes from a working culture. Our ancestors worked hard for a living. Today life is as complicated or messed up as you make it. To improve your quality of life, you either go to school or get a job. Words without action, excuses and blame, leads towards more welfare dependency and poverty. It’s hard work and making money that improves one’s standard of living and provides for First Nation social needs.”Chief Louie believes that “Aboriginal people and government must make Economic Development – self-sustaining job creation and business growth an everyday priority. A real decent paying job that provides real opportunity is the very best social program on any Rez!” The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future.”
Moderator
Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Director, Indigenous Engagement
Description
Written by Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup
I have consistently stated that Indigenous peoples are likely the only segment of Canadian society that is simultaneously coming to terms with the historic past and trying to build a way forward. Many Indigenous peoples grapple with a balance of tensions between identity and language as well as career and prosperity, and many still are disadvantaged with a lack of resources and capacity to improve their lives. We live in an interesting time of telling our many truths, reconciling for a better future, and creating a just redress all in an effort to create a better life for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren. We can create a way forward, a plan for today and tomorrow, and a rulebook that outlines a path to a better and successful life.
Chief Clarence Louie offers a path forward in his remarkable book, REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples. Chief Louie offers a thoughtful, honest, direct, and doable way to achieve individual and shared independence. He also offers a personal and intimate telling of his life in politics, and an authentic leadership that is indicative of including those that continue to support him. There’s a message that becomes abundantly clear in his rulebook, and that is, we need each other to create a better life for our people.
Indigenous peoples also need truth, reconciliation and redress to work, and this means that non-Indigenous Canadians need to be a part of the solution, a part of the rulebook, and a part of the processes to bring about transformative change in this country that has created an abundance of wealth, prosperity and independence. Please join me for this important, timely and relevant conversation with Chief Clarence Louie.
Topic: REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Date: Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm (PST)
What Will I Learn?
You will learn about a unique perspective from a BC First Nations Chief of what it means to come to terms with each other in the context of truth, reconciliation and redress.
Continue Learning
“The time to make things happen is now. The time to seek out our individual and shared power is now.”
Learn more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives here
Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here
Thank you for joining Vancouver Coastal Health and Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Respectful Environment, Diversity, and Inclusion on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST) for “Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare.” In this session we learned about and celebrated the important contributions made by Black professionals in BC healthcare. The panel featured Aisha Sallad, UBC Midwifery Student Manager; Barbara Sutherland, Director of VCH Coastal and Acute Services; Dr. Oluseyi Malomo, Staff Psychiatrist at Fraser Health and Clinical Instructor at UBC; and Dr. Taru Manyanga, Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at UNBC. The panel was moderated by Madison Tardif, REDI Equity Advisor at UBC, and Oluwaseun Ajaja, Regional Manager for Anti-Racism at VCH. During this session, the panelists shared their experiences navigating the healthcare work environment and emphasize the importance of recognizing and promoting Black excellence in health care.
Speaker bios
Aisha Sallad, Midwifery Student Manager, UBC
Aisha is the Student Manager for the UBC Midwifery program. Aisha is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student recruitment, advising, educational program planning, and student retention initiatives for two UBC Midwifery programs – the 4-year undergraduate Midwifery program and the Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP).
Barbara Sutherland, Director, Coastal and Acute Services, VCH
Barb Sutherland is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience providing frontline care to those most in need. She served as the Director of Operations at Royal Columbian Hospital and recently came out of retirement to support Lions Gate Hospital as Interim Director of Coastal and Acute Services. Barb is a certified leadership coach with extensive experience supporting leaders in gaining competence and confidence in their roles.
Dr. Oluseyi Malomo, Staff Psychiatrist, Fraser Health; Clinical Instructor, UBC
Dr. Oluseyi Malomo is a Staff Psychiatrist at Fraser Health and Clinical Instructor at UBC. In addition to being licensed to practice in Canada, he is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrist in the UK.
Dr. Taru Manyanga, Assistant Professor, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Taru Manyanga is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. He is affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Taru obtained his entry-to-practice physical therapy degree from the University of Manitoba and completed a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa. Taru is a registered physical therapist who has practiced physical therapy in four provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, BC) and one territory (Yukon). He occasionally provides physical therapy services in rural First Nations communities in northern British Columbia.
Taru’s research applies an equity lens in examining and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity, sleep, less screen time), particularly among rural and underserved populations throughout the life course. Taru is a member of several clinical and research organizations where he is actively involved in projects advancing physical therapy and promoting healthy lifestyles for overall health and wellbeing.
Moderators
Madison Tardif, Equity Advisor, REDI
Madison Tardif is an Equity Advisor at the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) within the Faculty of Medicine. In her capacity at REDI, she offers strategic guidance and supports capacity-building for department heads, faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to implementing decolonization, anti-racism, and inclusive practices.
Oluwaseun Ajaja, Regional Manager for Anti-Racism, VCH
Oluwaseun, the inaugural Regional Manager for Anti-Racism at Vancouver Coastal Health, is a seasoned human rights lawyer with a wealth of experience in public policy, intergovernmental affairs and conflict resolution.
Topic: Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare
According to Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarizationproject, “Polarization is a complex social dynamic that occurs when an issue that involves many different people, concerns and opinions is reduced to two opposing sides— ‘for or against’ or ‘us vs them.’ It goes well beyond ordinary disagreement. In fact, it can lead us to avoid debate or consideration of others’ ideas completely. When we believe that we alone hold the truth, we may see differences of opinion, values and beliefs as threatening and intolerable. These dynamics disrupt effective patterns of home and workplace communication. Instead of working with difference and making conflict constructive, we allow polarization to create painful divisions that are hard to overcome.” We encourage you to learn more aboutstrategies to overcoming polarization in the workplace.
The Association of Administrative and Professional Staff (AAPS) is hosting two professional development sessions on Polarity Management, entitled “Generational Differences to Creating a Culture of Belonging.” One session is for AAPS Managers and will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm. The other session is for AAPS Professionals and will take place on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm. You can alsoregister to receive the recording. Those sessions are only open to AAPS staff members.
Thank you for joining us on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PST), for “Our Shared Vision: Leading Transformative Change in Health for BC First Nations.” This Indigenous Speaker Series session brought together a panel of senior political representatives working across the four pillars of BC First Nations Health governance: the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA), and the Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health (TCFNH). We had a conversation with Marion Colleen Erickson, Nak’azdli Whut’en, Board Chair, FNHA and Co-Chair, TCFNH; Keith Marshall, President, FNHDA; Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, FNHA and Wade Grant, Musqueam, First Nation Chair, FNHC. In this session, we learned about the work of these leaders across the four pillars of BC First Nations Health governance and how these pillars work towards a shared vision to support Healthy, Self-Determining, and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families, and Communities.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PST), for “Our Shared Vision: Leading Transformative Change in Health for BC First Nations.” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series.
Panelists
Marion Colleen Erickson, MEd, Nak’azdli Whut’en Board Chair, First Nations Health Authority; Co-Chair, Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health
Marion Colleen Erickson is a Dakelh grandmother (Ut’soo) from the Nak’azdli community and a member of the Lasilyu (Frog) Clan. As an active community member participating in the balhats (potlatch) system, she firmly believes that cultural identity is the foundation of health and wellness, and is committed to improving the health and wellness of First Nations.
A former two-term Chief of Saik’uz First Nation, Colleen is a recognized community leader and a veteran member of the RCMP. She currently teaches part-time at her local college, with a primary focus on Aboriginal Studies.
Colleen holds a Master’s degree in Education, with a special focus on the traditional philosophies of Carrier teachings.
Presently serving as the FNHA Board chair, Colleen’s background includes various board positions within local government, the Elder society, and numerous appointments in school districts. She brings a wealth of negotiation, financial administration, mediation, and leadership skills to the FNHA board, along with extensive cultural and traditional knowledge.
Keith Marshall, MSW MPA (Health), Director, Community Health Programs, Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre; Heiltsuk Nation President, First Nations Health Directors Association
Keith is of African Canadian/Caribbean descent from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Keith Marshall is the Director of Community Health Programs for the Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre Society in Bella Bella. His primary role is to provide programs and services for the improvement of the health status of this community.
Keith holds a Master’s degree in social work and a Master’s degree in Public Administration specializing in health services. He recently completed his Graduate Diploma in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University.
Keith is an experienced professional with over 30 years of experience working in Indigenous communities, focusing on promoting capacity building with community members and supporting them in charting their own course for being the catalyst for improving their health status. He provides the vision, managerial, and administrative leadership necessary to develop and implement health care programs and services that meet the health needs of the members of the Heiltsuk community in Bella Bella, BC.
Additionally, he has worked with federal, provincial, and private organizations in senior health, managerial, and administrative positions, including negotiating major contracts; facilitation and mediation skills with large organization in the national and provincial arenas; management of major programs including organizational and planning requirements; clinical case management; developing and implementing organizational; policy development, interpretation and implementation.
Keith currently serves as the President of the First Nations Health Directors Association Board of Directors. The First Nations Health Directors Association is part of a unique health governance structure that includes political representation and advocacy through the First Nations Health Council, and the planning, management, and delivery of health programs and services through the First Nations Health Authority. Collectively, this First Nations health governing structure works in partnership with BC First Nations to achieve our shared vision. Keith served on the committee responsible for the development of the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.
Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority
Richard Jock is a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the First Nations Health Authority.
Richard’s portfolio includes Health Benefits, policy, planning, engagement, service improvements/integration, investment strategies and regional partnership implementation. His position also provides leadership for the building, functioning and implementation of strong partnerships within the First Nations health governance structure and within the health system more broadly.
Richard has worked for the past 25 years for First Nations organizations and the federal government, including numerous positions in the health field. Immediately prior to joining the FNHA, he held the post of Chief Executive Officer for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Among his other professional roles, Richard has held senior leadership positions at Norway House Health Services Incorporated, Health Canada, the National Aboriginal Health Organization and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Richard is committed to his wellness and challenges himself to stay active and spend time outdoors. He wears his FitBit daily, rarely missing his 10,000 steps, and enjoys playing racquetball in his spare time.
Wade Grant, Musqueam First Nation Chair, First Nations Health Council
Wade Grant was first elected to the FNHC as a Vancouver Coastal Representative in June of 2019, and then appointed as Chair in September 2021. He is the Intergovernmental Officer for the Musqueam First Nation and serves as a board member for Covenant House Vancouver.
Previously, Wade spent three years with the BC provincial government as the special advisor to the Premier on Indigenous issues and held a number of roles including member of the Vancouver Police Board, band council member with the Musqueam Indian Band, assistant general manager of the Four Host Nations Aboriginal Pavilion during the 2010 Olympics, policy analyst for the BC Assembly of First Nations and as executive assistant to the Solicitor General of British Columbia.
Wade was recognized by Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list in 2015 and 2013, and in 2012 he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for services to community. He lives on the Musqueam Indian Reserve and has two children.
Moderator
Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Director, Indigenous Engagement
The FNHA is part of a unique health governance structure that includes political representation and advocacy through the FNHC, and technical support and capacity development through the FNHDA. Together, this First Nations health governing structure works in partnership with BC First Nations to achieve our shared vision.
The upshot of this important shared vision is to ensure that BC First Nations have greater control over community wellness programs, primary care and related health services in an effort to improve the health status of the people in our communities, including those members living away from home.
This important and timely dialogue with the current senior political representatives of the FNHA/TCFNH, FNHC and the FNHDA will highlight the important work that’s taken place since 2013, and bring to light the work that is currently underway in the context of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the In Plain Sight Report, and the BC Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.
Topic: Our Shared Vision: Leading Transformative Change in Health for BC First Nations
Date: Wednesday, February 21st, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 3:30 pm (PST)
What Will I Learn?
You will learn about the overall work of the FNHA, the FNHC, the FNHDA, and the TCFNH.
Continue Learning
“The time to make things happen is now. The time to seek out our individual and shared power is now.”
Learn more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives here
Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here
