We seek to provide dialogue and connection in retaliation against the colonial attitudes that strive to maintain the status quo of inequality.
We uphold the business community we have created as a stronghold for honest and uncensored dialogue about the complex dynamics of business, money, and their effects on human relationships and the planet.
Our dialogue retreats take the conversation below the surface of political correctness in a confidential environment that encourages frank conversations leading to genuine understanding and closer relationships.
We share lived experience and educational resources, including on-the-ground facts, that encourage a deeper understanding of the legacy of colonialism and Indigenous peoples. The ABM Members who participate are serious about the work they need to do and accept the discomfort and courage it takes. They regard genuine friendship as one of the strongest drivers of positive change. Our dialogue retreats provide space and time to solidify thoughts in the context of friendship, formulate critical opinions based on true insight, and to become better human beings and leaders.
Uncensored creates an exceptional group of peers that ensures the cohesion of the ABM Business Community in the pursuit of ABM's vision of prosperous people on a livable planet.
Whole conversations. In the spirit of shared futures.
The Uncensored Dialogue Forum is held every two or three months in Tla’amin Territory, Powell River, BC.
Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23, 2025
Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29, 2025
Friday
7.30 pm dinner at Coastal Cookery
Saturday
8.30 am breakfast at the Old Courthouse Inn
10.00 am tour of the Historic Townsite and a private showing of two short documentaries at the Patricia Theatre with KWAST-en-ayu (L. Maynard Harry) and Qoqoq (Stewart Alsgard), the architects of and signatories to the 2003 and 2018 Community Accords that were instrumental in redefining the relationship between the City of Powell River and the Tla'amin Nation.
Maynard carries an ancient name; Stewart was given his by the Tla’amin community in 2004. Stewart was born in Powell River in 1935, the son of an influential settler family. Maynard was born in 1963 in Campbell River, displaced from his territory, and the son of a residential school survivor. When they crossed paths over 20 years ago, as leaders of their respective communities, Stewart the Mayor of Powell River, and Maynard the elected Chief Councillor of Tla’amin, they clashed. Committed to the well-being of their communities, they decided to work together. Their work developed into a strong friendship; its constant visibility continues to positively influence both communities.
The Historic Townsite is tiskwat (big/wide river). It was a principal settlement of Tla'amin Nation and should have been designated as a reserve. So why wasn't it?
The tour of the Historic Townsite provides the backdrop for Maynard's and Stewart's telling of history based on truth and equality. It inspires and empowers.1.30 pm lunch at Royal Zayka
2.30 pm visit to Tla’amin and Shopping at the Tla’amin Store
6.30 pm dinner and dialogue at the Conduit Collective
Sunday
10 am brunch at Magpie's Diner and adjournment
Costs
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel, meals, and accommodations during the weekend and share contributions to our local community partners the Historic Townsite Society, the Qathet Film Society and the Conduit Collective.
Accommodations
Rooms are $199 per night at Bliss (optional, participants are free to reserve their own accommodations)
Dialogue Forum Fee for ABMers
$390 plus GST per person
Dialogue Forum fee for Non-ABMers
$1500 plus GST per person
If you are interested, please call Katrin to discuss details. 604-483-6421