NANAIMO 鈥� Shawn Atleo has listened to grandmothers in the Arctic, heard the concerns of youth in his home village of Ahousaht on the Island鈥檚 west coast and felt Ottawa鈥檚 cold winters and its harsh politics, making him ideal for the new British Columbia position of Shqwi qwal.
A Shqwi qwal, pronounced she-qwall, is a West Coast aboriginal name given to a community leader who helps build new paths and relations.
Premier Christy Clark said that there is no better-qualified aboriginal communicator in sa国际传媒, as she appointed Atleo as sa国际传媒鈥檚 first Shqwi qwal at a ceremony at Vancouver Island University on Thursday.
The former Assembly of First Nations national chief said sa国际传媒 must engage in deep discussions between its aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples.
Atleo, who plans academic and community meetings between aboriginals, non-aboriginals, government and industry representatives, described the Shqwi qwal as the person who ensures everyone has their say when the community meets in the village longhouse.
Atleo and Clark said sa国际传媒 aboriginals and non-aboriginals face issues that require understanding of each other to drive economic and social prosperity.
鈥淲e need to hear each others鈥� stories. We need to acknowledge each others鈥� struggles,鈥� said Clark, citing the recent apology in the legislature for the hanging of six Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs 150聽years ago and the current agenda to develop a liquefied natural gas industry.
