Aboriginal Best

Hello BESTIES from Kristin! I hope you're all staying healthy during these chaotic times Please share this post with your artist friends for the newly-announced '#Platforms2020' project. They're commissioning 20 #Indigenous art pieces for the City of Vancouver... https://bit.ly/ArtsGrant_FourOurFuture

Interested in expanding your Indigenous Cultural knowledge through a paid internship? Consider this exciting learning journey! Apply before Dec. 10. Thanks to Paula Amos / Indigenous Tourism BC for the post and blessings for a healthy end to November! #AuthenticIndigenous #IndigenousBC #KnowYourPlace

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BEST program in Williams Lake 2019

SOMEONE is using drones in your territory for land use planning, firefighting, search and rescue, construction site assessments, mapping, forest management, media production, #STEM education, wildlife/marine research, and more...why is it not YOU? One of our BEST trainers, Kristin Kozuback, developed a series of #IndigenousInnovators workshops for one of Canada's most trusted #drone industry leaders, Indro Robotics, Industry Drones. Register now with Stolo Comm Futures to at...tend next week's #IndigenousBESTDrone business course (May 13-15th). Learn about new technologies and business opportunities in the world of drones, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (or #RPAS) and unmanned vehicles Learn about industry terminology and trends, equipment, and the new Transport and Infrastructure in Canada regulations (like requirements for ALL drone flyers to get Certified by June 1st!) . Get critical business advice if you or your community wants to launch a drone venture this year. Kristin is also on the Board of Unmanned Systems Canada, so you'll hear about the perks of attending Canada's national conference and tradeshow this October, #UC19Ottawa. Sign up now to learn how to do #GoodDroneWork! See more

Ok BESTies! Kristin wants you to share the news with your artist friends re: April 10th deadline to bring some life to Coast Salish streets! #CoV is calling for people 'who have a relationship' with Vancouver' (their words, not ours!) to submit artwork to be displayed for two years on utility boxes...

Hey BESTies & #EcDev champions across Turtle Island... please share the link then share your insights with #CANDO to help shape the future...and more importantly, maybe win some money! Good luck, everyone!

Please share the news! Were firming up details for an April/May Aboriginal BEST (Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training) Program on the beautiful unceded Coast Salish territories in Vancouver. Proposed Dates/Times - Twice a week for 5 weeks, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 9pm. Starts either April 9 or 10. Classes April 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30 & May 1, 7, & 8 ... Grad will be in class on May 8th Kristin Kozuback will be our lead trainer - so those of you who've taken her BESTS know she provides a culturally respectful, fun & inspiring space for #entrepreneurs to carve out their own path to research ideas & launch, grow or stabilize a business. Only 20 seats are available. We try to include everyone but priority is given to candidates who: Are unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hrs/week) but are NOT on EI Self-identify as a Youth (age 15-29) and/or as disabled and/or as Aboriginal or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) Can attend at least 8 of the 10 classes to earn a graduation certificate Forward this post to invite your friends & family to sign up now for the free course the BEST website: https://goo.gl/XonLtB & she'll add them to the mailing list. If you have an Employment Coordinator or Training Counsellor who might know people interested in joining the April/May session, let them know we're open for business soon! Thanks for your help in sharing this news <3

Love this memory from Heiltsuk territory work a few years ago! So proud of Annette still rocking in #BellaBella. Watch for details of a new #AboriginalBEST program on Coast Salish turf (Vancouver) in April Itll probably be two nights a week for five weeks.

Check out one of our Aboriginal Best Metis Youth British Columbia grads posts... way to go, Heat Laliberte! #AuthenticIndigenous #EntrepreneurshipRocks

Calling all #Innovative Natives! =) One of our 'BEST BEST' teachers and #Reconciliation champions, Kristin Kozuback, is now on the Board of Directors for the national #drone industry association: Unmanned Systems Canada. She's working to boost #IndigenousInclusion at their huge conference & trade show coming to #CoastSalish territories this fall. If you're interested in learning about #Drone #tech & soooo many ways #UnmannedVehicles can be used by entrepreneurs and Nations/Ba...nds/Tribal Councils for mapping, community/infrastructure planning, land claims & housing inspections. Emergency service teams use them for accident investigations, #wildfiremanagement, & search & rescue operations. There's coastline, wildlife & #climatechange monitoring... SOOO many opportunities for trained operators to launch businesses & get high-skilled jobs! The conference is Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 in Vancouver. Info below - consider sending/sponsoring people from your community to bring back some innovative knowledge! #UC18Vancouver #InnovateCanada Minister of Western Economic Diversification First Nations' Emergency Services Society of BC NACCA Lana Eagle Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB) Aboriginal Business The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Environmental Network The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education Centre for Indigenous Studies Global Indigenous Management CBC Indigenous Indigenous Waves IndigenousEducation UVic First Nations Agricultural First Nations Technology Council Aboriginal Business See more

For all our jewelry-makers and mixed media artists... Time to go check out some suppliers, build some new relationships, get your elevator pitches ready, and start prepping for holiday sales now. Reminder from Coach Kristin... Save ALL of your receipts, peeps!

Woo hoo! Presented my workshop Innovating Indigenous Businesses & Tourism with #Drones as past of Indigenous Tourism Canada panel. Just a great lunch & inspired by #ShanninMetatawabins talk about NACCAs next big initiative...then heading to #CaroleAnneHiltons # #Indigenomics next!

Happy Sunday, BESTies! 2 requests... 1. If you know ANYONE using or wanting to adopt #drones in their community (land use planning, surveying, precision agriculture, search & rescue/firefighting, media-making, infrastructure monitoring, forestry management, #climatechange monitoring...the list goes on) PLEASE have them contact me ASAP. 2. Please share/repost this to encourage people in the Ottawa area to join us at this AMAZING #GCIE conference June 3-5! I'm speeaking abou...t innovating #IndigenousTourism with drones ;) There's so many amazing speakers: Teara Fraser, Carolina Hilton, Shyra Barberstock, Christopher Googoo, Sunshine Quem Tenasco, Keith Henry, JP Gladu... I'll try to post lots and do some live feeds, but it'd be great to connect with more 'Easterners' doing good work while I'm there! Oh, and have a wonderful day! Algonquin College Indigenous Tourism Canada Aboriginal Tourism BC Marketing Updates The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Keep the fires in your brain burning with education thatll help you turn dreams into reality! Check out these resources...

Still a few seats left ... we need 6 more people to join us in Surrey this week from 9:30am to 3pm for #AboriginalBEST! SIGN UP ASAP http://aboriginalbest.com/register-for-business-training/ Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association - FRAFCA FRAFCA Whalley WorkBC, Metis Youth British Columbia Métis Nation British Columbia, Katzie First Nation Health, Semiahmoo First Nation

WOO HOO! Please share the news - we finally get to do a BEST in Kwikwetlem territory! MARCH 12-16, 2018 in Coquitlam - one week of evening classes hosted by the Kwikwetlem First Nation Location: Kwikwetlem First Nation Community Hall 2 65 Colony Farm Rd., Coquitlam, BC. Free parking, close to transit. Dates and Times: Evening classes are 5pm to 9pm for one week - Monday to Friday ... Starts: March 12th, 2018 Last class: March 16th, 2018 Only 20 seats are available, so REGISTER NOW for the Kwikwetlem BEST starting March 12th! Email Kristin Kozuback at [email protected] to learn more TEXT your name, MARCH BEST and email address to 604-783-8304 so I can email you program details. Quickest sign up: Go to the Aboriginal BEST website. Pick Kwikwetlem from the location drop down menu Aboriginal BEST Programs always include free textbooks, inspiring trainers and guest speakers, a culturally-safe learning environment, and some healthy snacks students simply need to bring ideas, pens and paper (or a laptop to take notes), and an open mind We cover everything from target market research, marketing plans to get results, business laws and insurance, determining your costs (so you can make profits!), financial plans and cash flow statements all of the basics you need to research, launch, then grow your own business or social enterprise this year. Aboriginal BEST is always open to all Indigenous/Aboriginal candidates (those who self-identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit). Priority is given to participants who are are unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hrs/wk), those who are NOT on EI, & anyone who self-identifies as disabled or as an Indigenous Youth (age 15 to 29). Thanks for supporting #IndigenousBusiness #SelfReliance in communities! MVAEC - Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council,The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB) Vancouver-Aboriginal Community-Policing,Community Futures British Columbia, Nacca, Aboriginal Traders Aboriginal Tourism BC, Coquitlam, British Columbia Kwikwetlem First Nation, Government of British Columbia, BC Assembly of First Nations First Nations Technology Council, First Nations Summit, UBCIC Native Women's Association of Canada

Please share: Register now! Seats are filling up for our next Aboriginal BEST daytime course. Join us 9:30am to 3:00pm in Surrey, from March 12-16th, 2018 Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association - FRAFCA and Whalley WorkBC ar co-hosting this! Classes will be at Whalley WorkBC Employment Services Centre / Options Community Services Society offices... Address: Room 160, 10362 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC Dates/ Times: 9:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday for one week (March 12th, 2018 to March 16th, 2018) ***3 Ways to Register*** 1) Email Kristin Kozuback, the 'BEST facilitator' :) at [email protected], or Indigenous Youth are encouraged to email Jeska at FRAFCA at [email protected] 2) Text your name, SURREYBEST and email address to Kristin at 604-783-8304 to get more program details. 3) Register immediately at https://goo.gl/pzf87M. Enter your basic contact info then choose SURREY from the dropdown locations list. Thanks for sharing opportunities to inspire Indigenous entrepreneurship!

Huge thanks to Peter for bringing two batches of amazing home-made Vancouver-Style Bagels to class for sampling in #AboriginalBEST! We made him suffer by doing a pitch before he shared his sesame & poppyseed treats Tuesday...then his Van-Vegan bagels on Wednesday!

We love hearing from BESTIES! Check out DJ O Show's Throw Back Thursday post: "#tbt 2015!!!!! I am so grateful to the Squamish Nation for helping me with my first step in starting my business!! Geena Jackson is miracle worker and we're so lucky to have her. My main goal for today is to help as many Entrepreneurs' as I can on their business journey. If you're taking the #AboriginalBEST program which starts tonight, I will be there in the next few wks to let you know the steps that helped me with my business and to tell you how great Kristin Kozuback is!!! :)! Remember folks, Entrepreneurship isn't just a job, It's a lifestyle!!"

Please share! Only 6 seats left for #AborginalBEST starting this Thursday, Feb. 8th. Join us in North Vancouver twice a week until March 5th to launch & grow your own business through 2018! Hosts: Squamish Nation Small Business Office & SN Trust Location: Chief Joe Mathias Centre Address: 100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Dates/Times: 5pm to 9pm on Monday & Thursday nights.... Starts: February 8th, 2018 Last class: March 5th, 2018* *Please note: Class #2 on Monday, February 12th is cancelled due to BC Family Day long weekend. Three ways to register NOW to hold your spot: 1. Email or phone Geena Jackson, SN Trust Coordinator at [email protected] or 604-306-7736 2. Text your name, NORTHVANBEST and email address to Kristin at 604-783-8304 to an email update. Sign up on this site at https://goo.gl/pzf87M. 3. Fill in the quick form and choose North Van from the location drop-down menu.

Please share - there's still a few spots available for the #AboriginalBEST course starting this Thursday, Feb. 8th at 5pm at Chief Joe Mathias Centre on Squamish Nation territory in North Vancouver. This BEST is 8 evening classes, twice a week for 4 weeks. Join us Thursday and Monday nights for tons of fun & knowledge sharing. Register ASAP to hold your seat: http://aboriginalbest.com/register-for-business-training/ and choose the 'Vancouver' location. I'll send you more details.

It is with a sad heart that we share the news that the Squamish Nation had two more community members pass away last week, Les Nahanee and Snitelwet (Deborah) Jacobs. One of our BEST facilitators, Kristin Kozuback, completed her Masters of Indigenous Education Degree with Deborah and credits her for many teachings about Coast Salish languages, teachings, ways of being, and resilience. From the Aboriginal BEST family to yours, we send blessings to all the families and commun...ities affected by these losses. Please note that due to the ceremonies to be held at the Squamish Nation's Chief Joe Mathias Centre on Monday and Tuesday, the start date for the Aboriginal BEST North Vancouver/Squamish Nation will be postponed until Thursday this week. Those of you interested in this BEST can join us at the Squamish Nation's Chief Joe Mathias Centre for Class #1 on Thursday, February 8th from 5pm to 9pm. Blessings to you all for a safe and healthy week - hope to see some of you Thursday evening.

**Feb 4th update**** Note - the start date for this BEST has been postponed to Thursday, Feb. 8th due to a passing in the Squamish community. Class #1 will start at Chief Joe (details below) at 5pm. Our blessings to the families affected by their losses. Original post, below, with dates updated. --------... GREAT NEWS! Still a few spots open for #AboriginalBEST starting this Thursday (Feb. 8th) in North Vancouver. The Squamish Nation is hosting Location: Chief Joe Mathias Centre. 100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Dates and Times: 5pm to 9pm on Monday and Thursday nights Starts: February 8th, 2018 Last class: March 5th, 2018. 3 ways to register & hold your spot: TEXT your name, email, and NVANBEST to Kristin Kozuback at 604-783-8304 Quick online sign up https://goo.gl/pzf87M Pick 'Vancouver' from the 'location' drop/down menu then add 'north van' in the comments. Email or phone Geena Jackson, SN Trust Coordinator at [email protected] or 604-306-7736 This course will be customized a bit for #IndigenousArtists or anyone wanting to help artists to launch and grow sustainable businesses, but BEST is always open to all Indigenous/Aboriginal candidates (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit). Priority is given to participants who are unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hrs/wk), those who are NOT on EI, & anyone who self-identifies as disabled or as an Indigenous Youth (age 15 to 29). Please share!! Note - This NVan class & the Surrey BEST in March may be the last two BESTs here on traditional Coast Salish territories before September, so sign up ASAP if you want a business boost for 2018!

Sorry! The Jan. 23rd Aboriginal BEST at Native Education College is now full. Quesnel, Williams Lake, Campbell River & Port Alberni are open for registration. Watch https://goo.gl/vUVSjt for March dates in Surrey & North Van!

Happy 2018, everyone! Please note that the start date for Aboriginal BEST has CHANGED to January 23rd, 2018. Unfortunately, one of our 'bestest instructors,' Kristin Kozuback,decided to break her leg on December 30th, we've had to literally shuffle a few things around to start off the new year. Sorry for any confusion and inconvenience - all registered students will be emailed ASAP to let them know. So this Aboriginal BEST at NEC 2018 will start Tuesday, January 23rd and run ...twice a week for 4 weeks. It's still Tuesday and Wednesday nights, but the new dates are Jan. 23, 24, 30, 31 and Feb.6, 7, 13 and 14. There's only 2 seats left for NEC, so register now if you want in! GOOD NEWS... there's 4 other BC locations confirmed for free BESTS already! Check out https://goo.gl/pzf87M and stay tuned as Surrey and North/West Van will be set up soon! Stay tuned & let your friends know to check here often.

Happy 2018, BESTIES! Please spread the new year's news... There's still a few seats left for the January 16th Aboriginal BEST program starting on Coast Salish territories in Vancouver. It's free, so there's no excuses NOT to start this year off with a bang for your business skills! This Aboriginal BEST Course: Gives an amazing, thorough introduction to small business through 8 evening classes. Is open to anyone interested in starting their business and becoming an entre...preneur, but this course includes a unique focus on supporting artists who want to build their client base and stronger online presence. Times: Tuesday and Wednesdays from 5pm to 9pm Location: Native Education College in the main longhouse building at 285 E. 5th Ave in Vancouver. Room yet to be determined. Dates: Jan. 16 &17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 then we take a break for a week. The group classes resume on Feb. 13 & 14, then well offer some online follow-up group classes and coaching. Full of insights! Youll get a BEST textbooks, amazing instructors and healthy snacks each night. This free course is funded by BCs Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, Skills & Training (with some socially responsible business partners like Vancity and RedWAY Media, Inc.) so that means we MUST make a priority to fill the first 18 of 25 seats with people who self-identify: As Indigenous AND are unemployed or under-employed (less than 20 hours per week at time of signup), OR, As disabled, OR, As a Youth (currently under age 29). Heres the poster and contact info to register! Learn more and register now to hold your seat for our January 16th start date! Click here: https://goo.gl/pzf87M or text your name and ARTBEST to Kristin at 604-783-8304. Make 2018 your year to shine! #AuthenticIndigenous #EmpoweredArtists #NativeArt #ArtistBusiness

**UPDATE as of Jan 12th... this course is full. Registration is closed.** Start 2018 with new knowledge! Check out 2 FREE Business Training Opportunities: 1. Register now for our Artist-focused Aboriginal BEST starting Jan. 16th on Coast Salish territories at Native Education College. Evening sessions 5-9pm. see attached poster. Quick sign up to save your seat: Choose 'Vancouver' at https://goo.gl/pzf87M or text your name & #BESTart to Kristin Kozuback at 604-783-8304 for... info. 2. Final wk to apply to join the Native Women's Association of Canada team #NWACBEST training Indigenous Women entrepreneurs across Canada https://goo.gl/9zcXen #ABWEN #AboriginalBusinessWomenEntrepreneursNetwork #IndigeneousWomenInBusiness UN Women Women's Rights News Women's Enterprise Centre BC Native Women's Association Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto Aboriginal Women's Action Network Aboriginal Women's Business Gathering Native Women's Society of the Great Plains Native News Online. Thanks to the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training & Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada Canada Business support, there's 4 other 'funded' BEST's starting in early 2018 in BC... and remember, we're always eager to travel & customize courses to fit your community's needs & budget, too! See more

If you can't make it to the info session tonight at NEC to learn about the artist BEST & other programs starting in January, register now on our website and pick 'Vancouver' for the location. Kristin will email or text you info about the Artist-focused BEST & 2 upcoming programs at NEC. http://aboriginalbest.com/register-for-business-training/ Hope to see you at tonights' Info session 5-7pm at the Native Education College at 285 E 5th Ave., Vancouver, BC (Near Kingsgate Mall, close to Main St. & 5th)

Calling all Indigenous artists! Join us Dec. 5th at NEC from 5-7pm to learn about an artist-focused BEST & two other programs starting this January at Native Education College. Register now for Tuesday's info session to ensure your seat! Text your name & ARTBEST to 604-783-8304. Or sign up now online to save your spot for any of these January programs: http://aboriginalbest.com/register-for-business-training/ (choose Vancouver). Kristin Kozuback has customized this Janua...ry BEST to support #IndigenousArtists & anyone wanting to help artists to launch & grow sustainable businesses. Evening classes will start Jan. 16th on Tues. & Thurs. nights (5-9pm). Priority is given to all Aboriginal candidates (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit) who are unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hrs/wk) who are NOT on EI & anyone who self-identifies as disabled or as a Youth (age 15 to 29) are welcome to join us! Please share this invite for the Dec. 5th info session! Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel and Gallery, First Nations Technology Council, First Nations Health Council, Indigenous Environmental Network, CBC Indigenous, Metis Youth British Columbia, First Nations Health Authority , GovCan - Indigenous Peoples, Metis Federation of Canada, Inuit Gallery of Vancouver Inuit Art Society, Native Northwest Authentic Indigenous Arts Aboriginal Front Door BCAAFC, Aboriginal Tourism BC Native News Online #SelfRelianceRocks #AuthenticIndigenous

Ha - love the flashback pics & comments from 3 years ago. We did a BEST in Terrace with an amazing group of students & staff @ Kermode Friendship Society... I still remember how broken ribs suck for travelling & teaching (well, laughing with students)! So blessed to work & learn with incredible #IndigenousBusinesses across Canada. Honoured to do work up in #Tsimshian territory!