Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ Post

Having spent the vast majority of my career in municipal government forming and maintaining strong relationships with Council, I place significant value on Council Orientation Sessions. I would love the opportunity to connect with municipalities and organizations to discuss the importance of Council (and board) Orientations in promoting effective governance and organizational success. Having formed strong relationships with Councillors in my previous roles, I understand firsthand the value of role clarity and strong council-admin (or ED and board member) relationships. Many municipalities only think of holding Council Orientations following the general election, but it is critical to also do so following a by-election. Let's chat about how Strategic Steps can support your Elected Officials in their role as community governors. #CouncilOrientations #GoodGovernance #OrganizationalEffectiveness

My latest blog for Strategic Steps Inc on the importance of municipal councillor orientations. There’s a lot of unknown unknowns out there and it pays to set yourself up for success. Municipal elections are coming up this fall in Nova Scotia - reach out today to book your orientation sessions. #nsmuni

At the #SixthNationalDialoguesConference in Helsinki starting the 2.day of very interesting and open discussions about lessons and impacts of past National Dialogues and the current and future context of National Dialogues. Yesterday, I had the pleasure to be part of a very special session on "Third-party or traditional #mediation - how local are local processes?" with Kingsly A. Yunisha. Ph.D. from #Cameroon and Abdisalaam Ahmed from #Somalia and our passionate moderator Binalakshmi Nepram from USIP. I want to share my thoughts here: We learned of a wealth of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and stories from all around the world and understood that this is not just something relevant to the grassroots, but many cases, the only conflict management and mediation that is still going on in a world of diminishing international conflict management. So what does this mean for today's world? We were debating critical questions as to => How local are today’s traditional mechanisms in a changing world were in some countries traditional processes had already been changed or co-opted during colonial times, while others stayed as they were and yet others are under pressure today by youth to adapt. => How can the work of indigenous peacemakers be more recognised and integrated? But, integrated into what in a changing world were the tracks are dissolving and we see a diminishing of formal processes and a competitive international and regional environment? => In the light of the above, what is the role of informal processes or is the entire binary understanding of formal and informal less useful as the main objective is what can be done to end violence and contribute to inclusive societies and not so much what is done by whom and how. => How can gains made by indigenous peacemakers be sustained when often peace agreement are not implemented anyway? => What does inclusion of indigenous, traditional and other local actors mean in today's world where we look back to series of cosmetic inclusion of civil society and women in formal peace processes? What's the change between invited and claimed spaces in an international system? Do we need to change our perspectives here? => How can the UN and other international and regional organisations work better with local mediators in the light of the complexity of contexts, the challenge of identifying partners and the restrictions the UN as an entity has? Many points, a very dynamic and passionate discussion that showed that old concepts and binaries need to be challenged to move forward on pathways to peace and inclusive societies. CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation Finn Church Aid @Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church (FELM)

We know we still have much to learn when it comes to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. We are dedicated as an organization to staying on this path of learning and unlearning together. As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we know it’s more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in Canada’s history and an opportunity to do better. Here’s a glimpse of our ongoing initiatives as we reflect on our role toward Reconciliation and pursue our commitment to justice and acceptance: https://ow.ly/se5E50TwXkc.

Shalom- SCCRR is increasingly gaining recognition on both local and international fronts. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine, Shalom-SCCRR, Shalom has made a significant impact in the Horn of Africa, with far-reaching effects extending beyond the region to other parts of Africa and the global community. While the onset of conflict may be predictable, its resolution remains uncertain. The presence of instability necessitates proactive measures aimed at comprehensively understanding its underlying causes and devising strategic solutions. Drawing upon the expertise of seasoned professionals and involving all relevant stakeholders are crucial components of this process. As the adage suggests, prioritizing the broader objective over temporary setbacks is imperative. Maintaining focus on long-term goals ensures effective navigation through challenges encountered along the way. Please click on the link below for more on this story and feel free to like share and comment: https://rb.gy/t6ufrg

Last week, Canada’s Civil Society Policy Advisory Group brought together more than 20 civil society organizations (CSOs) and Global Affairs Canada representatives to advance Canada’s Policy for Civil Society Partnerships for International Assistance. Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, creating an enabling civic space for CSOs, funding transparency and locally led development were at the heart of this 2-day event, which was aimed at breathing life into the CSO policy and strengthening ties with CSO partners. Anchored in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Canada’s civil society policy seeks to enhance effective cooperation with Canadian CSOs to maximize the impact and results of Canada’s international assistance and foster a strong and vibrant civil society sector. #GlobalSolidarity #internationalcooperation #internationaldevelopment | VIDEA | Cooperation Canada

From Canada Action: John Desjarlais of the Indigenous Resource Network is right: Indigenous participation in responsible resource development is a win-win.

This letter hit home. We all have an opportunity to better live up to the promise of Canada - a nation where constructive intercommunity dialogue is possible on complex and divisive issues. This vision often feels more like an aspiration than reality. We’re a nation of deep and painful division, too often exacerbated by unequal distributions of power and privilege, which dims our true collective strength. But common values that bind us together can co-exist with protecting and defending the free expression of strong viewpoints and unpopular positions. Who better then Canada to play a role fostering understanding and respect across divergent perspectives? It’s a long and daunting road ahead, but together we need to challenge the status quo and work towards a Canada that reflects the best of who we are and can be. https://lnkd.in/g8ca-Bir

9 Indigenous Relations Best Practice Must Dos https://hubs.la/Q02n3HFk0

6 Suggestions for Effective Negotiations with Indigenous Communities. To learn more, our How to Negotiate with Indigenous Peoples training is a great next step. https://hubs.la/Q02J5bc50