Sept. 2020 - (blog) Emergent Youth & Female Leadership in the First Nations Communities - a conversation with Mavis Underwood from the Tsawout First Nation
I had the great pleasure of chatting with Mavis Underwood from the Tsawout Nation earlier this month. This podcast is part of a larger conversation ongoing with Lower Vancouver Island First Nations communities to help build strong relationships, understand cultural dynamics and create constructive employment opportunities with the Lower Vancouver Island industrial sector. I will be summarizing these conversations thru a series of articles to help the general business community achieve a more thourough understanding of the unique & treasured societal complexities of our local First Nations peoples. We will be covering a wide variety of topics and issues.
In a recent email exchange with Mavis she mentioned the following:
“Within First Nations we are experiencing a resurgence, particularly among the Younger Population who are returning to school and post-secondary education and training programs with vigour. It is exciting and I am particularly proud that the path has been well established by many of the Young Women who have been courageous in going back to school and work, navigating issues of child care and transportation in an effort to improve lives for themselves and their children.”
I reached out to Mavis and indicated that we should have a podcast to discuss this statement in more detail. The following is a summary of that conversation.
The official title on the Tsawout First Nation website for Mavis Underwood is as Councillor on the Tsawout Band’s Leadership Council. But she does and has done so, so, so much more! She has been an extraordinary resource and advocate for facilitating Lower Vancouver Island Industry sector and First Nations relationships. She is a major champion and promoter for young adults. She provides encouragement and support for educational program participation. The bulk of the Tsawout Nation is under 30 years of age (over 50% are under 40 years old). Mavis is integrally involved in developing and progressing the key social determinants of her community’s health and prosperity, i.e., housing, health and education.
Mavis recited the phrase that her community represents the “emerging people, specifically the young people, who were saved from the flood”. The basic concept of this statement reflects:
So young people are now engaged in being better prepared for the future, i.e.,
So this is where a younger generation is today – young people are showing the direction & leadership forward for their community by being involved with wellness activities, employment & education – “trying to improve the community” and collectively reinforcing KEY community priorities of respecting & learning from history, building self-confidence and maintaining self-identity. Trying hard to re-establish “the continuity of culture, the continuity of teachings” – “taking the past and allowing those experiences to propel you into the future in an important way”.
Further summary of our extraordinary discussion:
Mavis reviews her early employment & educational experiences. Employment came knocking at her door. Why?
Mavis has always searched & strived for a lasting solution, not just band-aid but long-term solutions and therefore promoted the following principles:
Young people have stated & indicated that they wish to move beyond the current political & social problems and the burdens of their communities.
Phone: (250) 812-8827
Email: john@harbourdigitalmedia.com