Canada’s Longest Running Aboriginal Business, Community and Economic Development Conference Celebrating 19 Years in 2015.
The Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show prides itself on doing three things very well, resulting in the event’s long-term success.
“Our goal is to educate, enlighten and entertain, and that’s what keeps people coming back,” says Kim Bullard, Chair of Vision Quest Conferences Inc. “Each year we put together a top-notch schedule of speakers and workshops, bring in some fantastic performers, and tie it all together with an expansive trade show. It’s proving to be a winning formula that has allowed Vision Quest to have such a long and successful history.”
The 19th annual Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show takes place May 12 to 14 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Close to 1000 Conference participants will come together from throughout Manitoba and across Canada to discuss and promote Aboriginal business, community, and economic development. Vision Quest attracts a wide range of delegates such as entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, community organizations, and Aboriginal youth, as well as accomplished and inspiring speakers.
One of this year’s speakers is Dr. Martin Brokenleg. Dr. Martin Brokenleg is co-founder of the Circle of Courage and consultant for Reclaiming Youth International, providing training worldwide for individuals who work with youth at risk. He holds a doctorate in psychology and is a graduate of the Anglican Divinity School. For 30 years, Dr. Brokenleg was a professor of Native American studies at Augustana College of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has also been a director of The Neighborhood Youth Corps, chaplain in a correctional setting, and has extensive experience as an alcohol counselor. Dr. Brokenleg has consulted and led training programs throughout North America, New Zealand, and South Africa. He is the father of three children and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, practicing the culture of his Lakota people.
When talking with Dr. Brokenleg recently, SAY asked him for his thoughts on ‘Building a Better Skilled Native Workforce.’ He referred to his work on ‘Reclaiming Youth at Risk’ and how our traditional child rearing methods, especially the experience of ‘mastery’, provide the opportunity for independence and discovery of what each individual can do for their own healthy self. These experiences include staying in school and getting a job.
To hear more of this inspirational and insightful man’s work, be sure to attend the Vision Quest Conference, May 12 – 14, 2015 – I know I will be there!