Darren Harper – Mishzhi’ kiibinese (Bear Clan)
Darren Harper is an Anishinaabe member of the Red Sucker Lake First Nation in northern Manitoba which is affiliated with the Treaty #5 territory and the Tribal area of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). Darren currently lives in Kenora, Ontario, which is located in North-western Ontario. Darren is the nephew of former MLA and key person instrumental in the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord, Elijah Harper. Darren graduated with his MBA in July 2011 and has utilized this new experience to provide capacity at various levels to First Nations and further assist in educating the non-Aboriginal community with the customs, culture and traditions for doing new business and partnerships abroad.
Until 2008, Darren was affiliated with the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC). One of his most recent accomplishments and humble experiences was being selected to attend the Papal visit in Roma, Italy in his presence of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, for the apology of the Indian Residential School era. He was involved with the traditional protocols and assisted the Elder prior to the general audience to ensure that each of the items that the National Chief presented to His Holiness was blessed from our people and our way of life.
Currently, Darren has been consulting for communities in the area of Aboriginal community growth and economies, strategic planning, leadership development and working with Elders and Youth. Moreover, he is the Executive Director for the Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council (AKRC) in the Treaty #3 territory. In addition, Darren has worked on a number of projects in various files such as Health, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and as Political advocate/liaison. He maintains a traditional and cultural approach in both his professional and personal lifestyle through the Anishinaabe way of life.
Darren believes that the future to Aboriginal people prospering and developing strong economies of scale is to develop a plan and strategy that does not rely on the current structure of dependency. Forward thinking for strategic business planning has to be centered around models of success based on the traditions and culture throughout. There are many opportunities within the private sector; however, Aboriginal peoples and communities must work on business models that incorporate long-term successes and returns. The willingness and relationships need to be properly addressed and developed. Finding a common ground of developing business models and building capacity for generations to come will be the future of generating economic stability. This also includes a voice when it comes to policies and legislation as it relates to Aboriginal peoples abroad. Balance and compromise has to be included overall when defining what approaches, strategies and goals are going to be utilized for future consideration. As Aboriginal people, we believe that everything is sacred around us, that everything has a spirit and we must recognize and pay that respect to those around us; that includes the water, air, lands and living beings abroad.
Gitchii Miigwech!!
