College of the Rockies’ Indigenous Speaker Series continues on Thursday, February 25 with a presentation by Sophie Pierre entitled Reconciliation in Ktunaxa Territory.
Pierre, who led the St. Mary’s Band for 26 years as Chief, has always been a strong advocate of economic development to achieve self-determination for Aboriginal peoples. Her determination helped make the St. Eugene Mission Resort a reality. Her business savvy has made her one of the most recognized Aboriginal leaders in the country and she is a frequent speaker at business and economic development conferences.
Pierre was recognized as CONDO’s 2002 Individual Economic Developer of the Year and in 2003 was honoured with the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the business category for her leadership with the St. Eugene Resort development. Pierre is also a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.
College of the Rockies; Aboriginal Education Coordinator Andrew Judge says, “It is an honour to have Sophie Pierre participating in our Indigenous Speaker Series. With her long history in the area, she will have a unique perspective on reconciliation from a local point-of-view.”
Pierre’s presentation will take place at the Aboriginal Gathering Place located at the College of the Rockies’ Cranbrook main campus from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Andrew Judge by February 22.
Reconciliation in Ktunaxa Territory is the second presentation in the College of the Rockies’ Indigenous Speaker’s Series. Sophie Pierre’s presentation is made possible through a partnership between the College’s Aboriginal Services and guest lecture fund.
For more information on this presentation, or to RSVP, please contact Andrew Judge at ajudge@cotr.bc.ca or (250) 489-2751 ext. 3209.