March 2021 – Kelly Edzerza-Bapty – Principle of Obsidian Architecture

In this podcast I have the pleasure of digitally meeting & chatting with Kelly Edzerza-Bapty. Kelly is one of the premier Indigenous business leaders in Canada.  She is an Architect and Industrial Designer based in Golden, BC, and the second Indigenous and first Tahltan woman in the province to achieve the AIBC designation. Kelly is the principle of Obsidian Architecture, an Indigenous owned and operated firm practising architecture & design in communities across BC & Yukon.  We were also joined by Scott Kemp, Principal of Scott Kemp Architect based in Vancouver. Both architects are currently involved with the construction of the Tsawout Nation Bighouse in Central Saanich.

In this podcast we discuss key factors to successful Indigenous/Industry employment activities. Those include:

• building relationships,
• combatting systemic racism,
• acknowledging & understanding the historical context of Indigenous communities in Canadian society,
• learning to embrace the huge, untapped potential of hiring Indigenous peoples