SFU Talks CED and Reconciliation

On May 5, SFU's Certificate Program for Community Economic Development, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, hosted a sold out evening discussion at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. The event was built around one central question: what if economic development was an act of reconciliation?

The speakers, SFU instructors Carol Anne Hilton (Hesquiaht) and Bayo Akomolafe (Nigeria), explored the intersection of economics and colonialism, sharing indigenous perspectives on sustainability and economic development.

The speeches were followed by a lively panel discussion with Chief Reuben George (Tsleil-Waututh), Chris Lewis (Squamish Nation) and Chief Leanne Joe (Squamish Nation).

About the Panelists

Syeta’xtn (Chris Lewis) is currently an Elected Councillor for the Squamish Nation and is one of the two official spokespersons on behalf of the Nation with the following portfolios: Intergovernmental Affairs, Health, Governance, and Fisheries. Chris is a member of the Board of Governors for Simon Fraser University and a board member of the First Nations Employment Society and Coho Society of the North Shore. Previously, Chris worked for many years at the national and provincial level for the BC Assembly of First Nations focusing on First Nations advocacy and policy.

Sxwpilemaat Siyam (Chief Leanne Joe) of the Squamish Nation, received her hereditary Chief's title from her late father, Sxwpilem Siyam, also known as Chief Philip Joe, in 2001. “ I am one of 16 hereditary chiefs of my community and the first female hereditary chief of my family. I am also a descendent of the K'wakwaka'wakw speaking people (Comox Valley) on mymother's (Gloria Wilson) side. I also carry a traditional K'wakwaka'wakw name of Q'wee Sea louq. I was born and raised near our traditional Squamish territory Es'lah7 an on the beautiful shores of North Vancouver. I moved away from my traditional territoryover 7 years ago, after I met and married former Upper Nicola Band Chief,Timothy "Spike' Manuel. We work together in community and our most treasured thing in this world is our son.”

About the Speakers

Carol Anne Hilton was recently appointed Senior Advisor to the Federal Finance Minister. Carol Anne Hilton, from the Nuu chah Nulth Nation, has taught Indigenomics with SFU’s Certificate Program for Community Economic Development since 2014. She has an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire, England and was a founding Director of the BC First Nations Health Society/ Interim BC First Nations Health Authority. Carol Anne served on the Community Social Planning Council, Chairs the Community Micro Lending Society and serves as a Director of the World Fisheries Trust.

Bayo Akomolafe teaches Cultural Diversity, Epistemic Plurality & Economic Decentralization with SFU’s Certificate Program for Community Economic Development. His readings of 'knowledge', 'development', 'progress' and 'truth' as Eurocentric metanarratives led him to develop the first International Workshop on Alternative Research Paradigms and Indigenous Knowledge Promotion (WARP, 2011). His writings and publications have taken him to multiple conferences and counter-cultural events around the world. He was appointed Visiting Scientist to Tavistock Institute of Human Relations (UK) in February 2012. He is the Future Shapers 2014 winner of the Global Excellent Award for Civil Society.

About the Master of Ceremonies, Mark Point

"Born to Rena and the late Roy Point in Chilliwack BC. Lived his entire life at Skowkale, a Sto:lo village, except for the years spent at SFU and UBC. Mark has a certificate in Business admin from Fraser Valley College, now UFV and a Teaching degree from UBC as well as a Masters of Education from UBC and is a Doctoral candidate in Education at UBC. Mark is currently employed by the Alliance of Tribal Councils to conduct research on historical claims for Sto:lo bands of the Fraser valley.  Mark is one of a few traditional canoe carvers, he maintains his many interests by volunteering on various committees for his  Band and UFV. He currently chairs the committee to Indigenize the University at UFV and does guest lectures on issues related to his doctoral research. Mark thinks he has too much education and quite often doesn’t know when to stop talking."

About the Catering

Salishan Catering is a high-end caterer from the Musqueam First Nation. Salishan serves West coast cuisine, inspired by traditional First Nations foods. Salishan is entirely First Nations owned and operated.