Project Beyshick 2008 launched by NAN Grand Chief celebrating First Nation entrepreneurs
NAN Press Release
NAN Grand Chief launches Project Beyshick 2008 at Anishnawbe Keeshigun
THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 15 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy launched Project Beyshick 2008 with introductions of the 10 NAN participants at the Anishnawbe Keeshigun festival at Fort William Historical Park today.
"Project Beyshick is an invaluable mentoring program for First Nation entrepreneurs. By working one-on-one with mentors in the Toronto business
community, they are gaining first-hand experience that will lead to improved intercultural awareness and understanding," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
"This will help bring NAN and First Nations business and leadership capacity to the forefront of the Canadian economy."
Project Beyshick is an entrepreneurship, economic development and venture capital initiative for NAN business owners, students, professionals and community leaders over age 18. This year's participants are:
- Ben Bear, Sandy Lake First Nation
- Darcy Kejick, North Spirit Lake First Nation (Project Beyshick
Alumni)
- Louise Thomas, Long Lake No. 58
- Keri Lynn Cheechoo, Long Lake No. 58
- Kenneth Thomas, Fort Severn First Nation
- Narene Barkman, Sachigo Lake First Nation
- Shannon Jacob, Webequie First Nation
- Spencer Morris, Muskrat Dam First Nation
- Tracey Spence, Webequie First Nation
- Wendy McKay, Bearskin Lake First Nation
From August 15-23, participants will gain culture-based business skills training and mentorship in partnership with faculty, First Nations Elders and MBA students from Trent University Indigenous Studies Program, Ryerson University, Students for Free Enterprise (SIFE), Dale Carnegie Training and Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
Practical business skills training from First Nations and mainstream perspectives is followed by job shadowing and mentorship in the public and private sectors of Toronto with senior level executives from North York General Hospital, HSBC, Toronto Police Services Board, TV Ontario, BMO, Black's Photography, Karma Candy Inc., Prego Della Piazza, Sears Canada, Royal Ontario Museum and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Project Beyshick was developed by POA Educational Foundation and Nishnawbe Aski Nation in 2005. NAN youth are partnered with Toronto business executives in their area of interest - job-shadowing for one week learning through mentorship and being part of the staff.
Another highlight of Project Beyshick is an annual juried Business/Career Plan Competition with an award of $15,000 being presented to recognize the participant who prepares the most feasible business or career plan.
"It is our goal that members of First Nations will become equal partners in the economic prosperity of Canada and Canadian life. I strongly believe that initiatives like Project Beyshick that provide training and first-hand exposure to the top leadership of the public and private institutions will help nurture entrepreneurs who will make the First Nation a prosperous community," said Project Beyshick co-founder and Canadian entrepreneur Aditya Jha. "The business award component of the project brings us closer to our vision of a Social Venture Capital Fund for First Nation entrepreneurs."
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty 5 - an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.
POA Educational Foundation is a charitable foundation aiming to provide support for educational and entrepreneurial initiatives that target regions with specific challenges and pressing needs. The foundation takes special interest in nurturing prosperity and financial independence amongst Canadian First Nation communities and individuals.
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For further information: Michael Heintzman, Media Relations Officer - Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4906 or (807) 621-2790 mobile