Description

Join us for an engaging and interactive session on building a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and strengthening workplace relationships. 

Through guided discussion, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own perspectives before engaging with Indigenous communities, helping to foster awareness, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.

The session will also focus on:

• Profile of the Indigenous Population and demographics for Metro Vancouver
• Self-assessing before you knock on the door
• Considerations to understand and better manage Indigenous workforce needs
• Who speaks for the Indigenous community (the Pretendian phenomena)
• Urban Indigenous population versus on-reserve population
• Workforce development

Designed as an open, conversational forum, this session invites questions, dialogue, and shared experiences throughout. Participants will leave with practical insights and a stronger understanding of how to build respectful, collaborative relationships that create value for both Indigenous communities and organizations.

About Our Presenter

J. Kevin Barlow, Indigenous Management Consultant is a former Executive with 20+ years of leadership experience. He is a First Nations person who provides consulting services primarily to the Indigenous community, as well as to non-Indigenous stakeholders seeking to establish and/or improve Indigenous relations. He served as Executive Director of the Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association serving part of the Downtown East Side in Vancouver. He began his career in the economic development field supporting business start ups. As Chief Administrator of his home First Nation in New Brunswick, he successfully led the establishment of an oyster aquaculture farm that now employs 7 full-time seasonal employees and generates a profit tat supports community needs.