First Nations – Maori Professional Exchange Program

Two things define me: hard work and the need to keep moving. 

My aunty tells me it’s in my blood. The Cree were nomadic, traveling the plains in search of buffalo, berries and medicines. My grandfather walked 40km from the bush into town each week to work as a manual labourer before he lied about his age, enlisted in the military and travelled to Europe to fight in WW2. And having two parents who were raised without running water or electricity instilled an unmistakeable work ethic in me.

However, my situation is far from unique.  Indigenous Peoples around the world have proven they are essential pillars of national and global economies. We’ve had to overcome a number of challenges to get there, but our hard work and the efforts of the generations before us, has paid off.

Both the Canadian and New Zealand governments have highlighted the importance of economic reconciliation with their respective Indigenous Peoples and have identified Indigenous businesses in both countries as one of the fastest growing sectors.  

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Chris Karamea Insely and I were working with the New Zealand and Canadian Trade Commissioners to set up an exchange of indigenous professionals in the two countries. The purpose of the exchange was to connect, share information, build robust networks and identify opportunities. 

Originally we were working to offer this exchange in person, however these unprecedented times present an opportunity to take these activities online and connect Indigenous professionals from both countries first virtually, and then when everything calms down, face-to-face.

Our governments have facilitated - and often capitalised on - the disconnection within and between our communities.  Together we now have an opportunity to change this narrative and demonstrate we are stronger in standing together as Indigenous people across hemispheres. 

I welcome you to get in touch to express your interest in joining the program. We will develop a mailing list and keep you informed of our progress as the program develops.

Background:
Raylene Whitford is a Métis/Cree finance professional and the founder of Canative Energy.  She spent the last 12 years working abroad in the Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. In this increasingly interconnected world, Raylene recognises the importance of international experience and connections for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada and is championing this issue in Canada and abroad.  Raylene completing a PhD at the University of Alberta in Indigenous Studies and Business.

Contact her at rwhitford@canativenergy.com to express an interest in joining the virtual exchange program.