What: Faculty of Management Indigenous Business speaker series
Who: Mic Werstuik, Chief Executive Officer Ntityix Development Corporation, facilitated by Krystal Withakay (spaxwawlm)
When: Tuesday, March 5, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: University Centre Ballroom, 3272 University Way, UBC Okanagan
UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Management is launching an Indigenous Business Speaker Series and welcomes students, faculty, staff and members of the community to learn from and engage with local Indigenous leaders.
The first of this series takes place Tuesday, March 5 where Mic Werstuik, Chief Executive Officer of the Ntityix Development Corporation, will share his insights in leading, managing and organizing as an executive member of the organization. Werstuik has served on the executive team since 2021 and has been actively involved in the progress and accomplishments of the Westbank First Nation and its corporate entities.
“Our Indigenous Business Speaker Series serves as a vital step along the path to foster truth, understanding, dialogue and action to reconciliation,” says Dr. Sandy Hilton, Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Management. “The series aims to honour and share the invaluable contributions and experiences of Indigenous peoples in business, leadership and governance.”
Joining Werstuik and acting as facilitator is Krystal Withakay (spaxwawlm), a Syilx artist and knowledge keeper.
The event begins at 2:30 pm when Werstuik delivers the keynote address. Following his address and after a short break, attendees are welcome to participate in a facilitated group discussion moderated by Withakay.
Dr. Hilton explains that UBCO’s Indigenous Business speaker series brings together voices that shape the landscape of Indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship and governance. The public is welcome to attend and learn how Indigenous business is shaping and influencing communities and economic opportunities.
“Our hope is that these conversations will inform our curriculum, our pedagogy and enrich the academic community of students, faculty and staff,” he adds. “Together, let us bridge divides, honour Indigenous wisdom, and pave the way for a future built on mutual respect, collaboration, and prosperity.”
This event is free and open to the public. To register or find out more, visit: management.ok.ubc.ca/march5registration
