New Indigenous Business Leadership program launched
Aboriginal leaders, students and faculty gathered October 9 to celebrate the launch of the Indigenous Business Leadership program. Dancing, drumming, food and friendship were enjoyed by everyone, including Aboriginal leaders from around the province.
The Indigenous Business Leadership program
Camosun’s Indigenous Business Leadership program opened its doors to students on September 2, 2008. This new two-year diploma program is designed for Aboriginal students and is the only one of its kind in BC.
The Indigenous population in Canada is growing at seven times that of the general Canadian population and many communities are moving forward with treaty and other monetary settlements. A recent Statistics Canada survey of over 1000 Aboriginal businesses in Canada identified the need to improve management skills as the top priority for successful businesses.
To meet the economic needs of their communities, Aboriginal leaders from around the province have worked closely with Camosun faculty to develop this new program that combines courses based on an Indigenous perspective, with business courses from Camosun’s respected Business Administration diploma.
“Meaningful community involvement is what makes this program unique, and so important to Indigenous communities,” explained program leader Susanne Thiessen. “Our Program Advisory Committee includes Aboriginal leaders who represent many Nations and regions of BC, who also have significant real-world business experience. They have first-hand knowledge about what their communities need, and Camosun is listening when they tell us what has not worked in the past and what will work in the future.”
Contact
Susanne Thiessen,
program leader, Indigenous Business Leadership
250–370–4165
thiessens@camosun.bc.ca
