Director, Education and Training Department
Tsay Keh Dene Nation
Age: 34
In the education field in the small but vital ultra-remote aboriginal community of Tsay Keh Dene, located in the isolated but majestic wilderness north of Williston Lake, Christian is heralded as a breakthrough leader.
“Christian has achieved the impossible,” said one supporter of his work. “For the first time now, Tsay Keh Dene has a high school and has had the first student take a provincial exam. This means that children and families in Tsay Keh no longer need to choose between their loved ones / staying in their community, and pursuing their education.”
He considers it merely his professional obligation to focus his efforts on the human elements and community elements of that small town’s education system.
“Community development is not just about economic prosperity,” he said. “It is also about quality of life, sustainability, having more opportunities, and the capacity to take them. But most importantly it is about the community’s priorities and needs. I am honoured to be part of Northern B.C., and thankful to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Tsay Keh Dene for welcoming me.”
In addition to launching the secondary school program at the town’s learning centre, he has also forged partnerships with CNC and UNBC to boost adult and alternative learning as well.
Christian manages a staff of 20 to accomplish established services plus the new ones he and the team have initiated. His expertise flows from his B.Comm (double major in Finance and International Business with a minor in Economics) obtained at UNBC plus work experience in banking, public administration, non-profit sector, social justice, business management, and economic/community development.
He co-owned an imports/distribution business and also helped a successful legal case for the EI compensation owed to First Nations elected officials.
He has worked for Initiatives Prince George and BMO, bringing to the Tsay Keh Dene table that overwhelming background for one so young.
Presented by the Prince George Chamber Of Commerce
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