KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
INDIGENOUS RELATIONS INSIGHTS, TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE RECONCILIATION A REALITY
Bob Joseph
Founder, President - Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
We are all treaty people. But what are the everyday impacts of treaties, and how can we effectively work toward reconciliation if we’re worried our words and actions will unintentionally cause harm?
Indigenous relations trainer Bob Joseph has inherited a chief’s seat in the Thunderbird clan and is anticipating holding his first potlatch as a chief once it is safe to host a large gathering. Bob will discuss respecting cultural differences and improving personal relationships and business interactions with Indigenous Peoples. This practical and inclusive keynote will discuss the difference between hereditary and elected leadership, and why it matters; discuss the intricacies of Aboriginal Rights and Title, and the treaty process; and demonstrate the lasting impact of the Indian Act, including the barriers that Indigenous communities face and the truth behind common myths and stereotypes perpetuated since Confederation.
Bob will discuss how to respectfully avoid missteps in work and daily life and offers steps to help organizations and individuals work more effectively with Indigenous Peoples.
EMBEDDING EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION: UBC’S ONGOING JOURNEY
Dr. Sheryl Staub-French, P.Eng.
Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - University of British Columbia
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Engineers are problem-solvers. We apply math and science to solve society’s problems. And yet, the engineering profession has long struggled to address the problem of attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. The result is that we are missing out on all the benefits of diversity, including increased innovation and creativity, better team performance, improved financial performance and governance, and access to a broader range of talent. In this talk, Dr. Staub-French will talk about how she brings an engineering and systems thinking approach to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in engineering education at UBC. She will also share the latest research that identifies evidence based strategies to help cultivate inclusive cultures and motivate inclusive leadership and allyship. These strategies and approaches can help engineers and geoscientists to create positive cultural change in their organizations and the profession.
CONSIDERED RISK - OPENING UP POSSIBILITIES FOR CHANGE AND GROWTH
Dr. Roberta Bondar
Canada's First Female Astronaut and Acclaimed Nature Photographer
Friday, October 23, 2020
Life is a series of moments, any of which can change the course of personal, professional and world histories. Random things can happen and they do, all of the time. Far better to embrace change than to fear it. Far stronger to examine fear and how to overcome it. The danger of spaceflight makes it unnerving for many and for others it is a source of inspiration – that human beings are destined for something greater beyond Earth life. Fear unexamined is risk undetermined. Risk becomes a force for change and all change bears risk, with the balance of risk and change set by personal passions and goals. Dr. Bondar discusses the possibilities and inspiration derived from actively seeking opportunity once risk is considered.
*Please note, keynote presentations will not be available for on-demand viewing.