These dialogue forums are designed to create outstanding relationships. They take place online from 9 to 11:30 am PST/PDT. We offer:

1. ABM Uncensored (online, included for ABM Members)

Uncensored has been a staple networking opportunity at ABM for years. ABM Uncensored aims to connect you meaningfully with other ABM Members and is designed to take the conversation below the surface of political correctness in a confidential and generous environment.  This is why we call it “Uncensored”. Cringing is part of the experience.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, backgrounds, priorities, and motivations, which later supports productive business development during their meetings. ABM Uncensored is based on the belief that differences contribute to the success of a relationship rather than prevent it and that a commitment to truth is essential.

The ABM Network is unique as it is comprised of professionals who understand the historical context of Indigenous business and its foundational value for healthy economies and society at large. ABM decision-makers therefore examine the topics chosen by each group in courageous conversations with the explicit goal to continuously improve the way Indigenous and non-Indigenous people do purpose-driven business together.

We make sure that the experience is a positive one.

Resources

2. ABM Leadership Circle (online, included for ABM Members)

The ABM Leadership Circle is a professional development tool that provides space for peer dialogue with the goal to energize and spark new ideas. It provides ABM Members with opportunity to deepen their relationships. The goal is to find alignments and partnerships to do better and more business!

Cost for ABM Members
Both of the above are  open to ABM Members at no additional cost.

Cost for Non-Members
$500 per person

Signing Up for 1 and/or 2

Those interested in participating are required to complete a survey prior to being confirmed as an attendee. A video-conference link and an Orientation Package are then provided to all confirmed participants.

Let us know you are interested by emailing Maynard at maynard@advancedbusinessmatch.com.

3. ABM Journey (online, for any corporate team, ABM Membership not required)

ABM Journey is a dialogue forum for corporate teams to engage in meaningful conversations about company culture and how individual as well as collaborative action can promote positive relationships with Indigenous partners, suppliers and employees.

ABM Journey aims to open the door. It is a facilitated dialogue forum that tackles real issues, not their politically correct versions, and helps unpack many sensitive issues and challenges relevant to Indigenous communities (the Indian Act, Indian Reserve System, Indian Residential Schools, Reconciliation, and Aboriginal Rights and Title). The facilitation includes historical facts that set groundwork for the development of understanding. It provides a forum to foster real conversations, creating a deeper understanding of Canadian history and the legacy of Indigenous peoples.

This knowledge supports the creation of a work environment that is positive, inclusive and respectful, resulting in better relationships, higher productivity, retention and enhanced safety.

ABM Journey can strengthen the foundation of your company’s Indigenous cultural awareness. Mainstream businesses wanting to develop positive working relationships with Indigenous communities must start with this strong understanding of Canadian history.

The goal is for every member of your team to be able to confidently represent themselves and your organization in the complex business settings that require a solid understanding of Canadian history and the legacy of Indigenous peoples.

The Facilitators

Thich’ala (Ace Harry)

Thich’ala (Ace Harry) has roots with the χʷɛmaɬku (Xwe’malhkwu or Homalco) Nation) but grew up in t̓išosəm, which is ɬaʔəmen (Tla’amin) territory. Ace was gifted her traditional name by her family at a traditional naming ceremony in 2011. She is nineteen years old and the daughter of Qwastånayå (L. Maynard Harry) and Jeh’Jeh’Ganak (Katrin Harry).

She is an International Baccalaureate graduate as of May 2020 (Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific UWC) and intends to pursue a post-secondary education in classical music and history.

She is a land protector and an outspoken advocate for direct action, especially when it comes to Indigenous rights and title.

 

 

 

Peter McCoppin

ABM is happy to introduce as our newest ABM collaborator, Peter McCoppin, a nationally- and internationally-recognized keynote speaker. According to Peter: “Effective leadership is defined not by position or title but by behavior that excites, inspires, and unites others to contribute their best to a common enterprise.”

Peter’s leadership skills were developed and refined over the course of 40 years as a Music Director, Conductor, host/broadcaster, and executive coach. That practical experience laid the foundation for his coaching practice and professional training program across the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. Peter has facilitated more than 80 team-building sessions in the public and private sectors and has provided executive coaching programs to Deputy Ministers, Company Presidents, Olympic athletes.

 

 

Qwastånayå (L. Maynard Harry)

Maynard was given his traditional name (Qwastånayå) by his community’s Elders immediately before the May 10, 2003 signing of the historic Community Accord between the Tla’amin Nation and the City of Powell River. This Accord was reaffirmed in June 2018.

Qwastånayå was elected by his community to serve as Chief Councilor from 2002-2004. He also served four terms as Councilor. During his ‘Headperson’ tenure, Maynard’s intergovernmental relationship building work was recognized at the regional level by the City of Powell River with a ‘Freedom of the Municipality’ in 2008 and by the Governor-General of Canada with a ‘Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal’ in 2013.

From 1995 to 2007, Maynard managed Tla’amin’s Aboriginal Rights and Title Department (including archaeology program).

Maynard is one of only two CCAB-certified cultural awareness trainers in British Columbia.

Maynard is a student of a master bag-piper, dad to 20-year-old daughter Thich’ala (Ace) and husband of Sue Siden.

 

 

Interested? Questions?

If you are interested in ABM Journey, please contact L. Maynard Harry at maynard@advancedbusinessmatch.com or 1-604-223-7462 to discuss the goals of your team and to receive a detailed proposal that outlines agenda, contents and costs.

If you are an ABM Member,  discuss with Maynard how to leverage ABM Uncensored and the ABM Leadership Circle as part of your ABM experience!

“ABM Uncensored was a space to be vulnerable and to push past barriers and misconceptions of doing business with Indigenous peoples. It was a space of respect, of learning, and of courage. ABM Uncensored made my experience in the following days more worthwhile.”  Jordan Ewart, Saskatchewan Trucking Association