| Former Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo has been named to head B.C.'s first Shqwi qwal for Indigenous Dialogue.
The announcement was made by B.C. Premier Christy Clark on Thursday at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, where the new office will be based.
Shqwi qwal means speaker in the Hulquminum language, and as its head Atleo will be expected to facilitate dialogue between B.C.'s First Nations, government and industry.
"The Shqwi qwal will develop and support dialogue sessions on education and other topics that will help foster understanding and partnerships between indigenous peoples and the broader public, private, and corporate sectors," said a statement released by the premier's office.
"Recognition and understanding are fundamental to moving forward in the spirit of mutual respect, reconciliation and sharing," said Atleo in the statement.
"Through dialogue, we can together create new paths respective of our history that connect systems and support process innovation for social and economic benefits for First Nations, for British Columbia, and for Canada." |