How can we look to the future of housing in First Nations in terms of capacity, economic development and using business principles when setting up your housing department? Featuring speakers Kim Baird, Jason Calla and Andrew Leach who all bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Featured Speakers:
Kim Baird
Kim is the owner of Kim Baird Strategic Consulting and offers First Nation related and strategic advice to industry, government and First Nations. She has deep knowledge in relation to First Nation policy, governance and economic development, as well as First Nation consultation, communication and engagement issues. Kim is proficient in writing, communication, negotiation and facilitation among other skills, and currently has First Nation, government and industry clients on a range of issues. Previously, Kim was the Chief, Treaty Implementation Director and Chief Negotiator for Tsawwassen First Nation for six terms from 1999 – 2012. Her most notable achievement was when she negotiated and implemented British Columbia’s first urban treaty on April 3, 2009, leading Tsawwassen to selfgovernment and enabling massive economic development on Tsawwassen lands. Kim has received many prestigious awards, including an honorary doctorate degree from Simon Fraser University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Distinguished Alumni Award, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, the 2015 Indspire Award in the category of politics, and is a member of the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia. Kim serves on several boards including the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Vancouver Board of Trade, Canada Public Policy Forum, and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Jason Calla
Jason has worked with First Nations for over two decades. Jason served three terms as Secretary Treasurer of the First Nations Health Authority and Chair of its Finance and Risk Management Committee. He has advised on options for participation in major resource projects. He has worked on comprehensive community plans including financial analysis of a First Nation government's fiscal position in different infrastructure finance and development scenarios.
Jason completed a BCom from UBC in 1994 and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1998. Jason is also a member of the Squamish Nation.
Andrew Leach
Andrew is a proud member of the St'at'imc Nation (Interior of BC). He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration. Andrew owns and operates a successful management consulting business (www.andrewleach.com), specializing in First Nations leadership support.