Canadian expert on indigenous people arrives for workshops

Islamabad:Renowned Canadian Indigenous leader Elaine Alec, CEO of Naqsmist Storytellers Inc., founder of Cultivating Safe Spaces, and author of ‘Calling My Spirit Back,’ arrived in Pakistan on the invitation of Canadian High Commission to lead a series of workshops and consultative sessions with Pakistani government officials, and community planners.

These workshops, held in collaboration with representatives from the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department, Government of the Punjab, and a local development partner, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), aimed to support individuals working with local communities and minorities in the region on comprehensive community planning and inclusive consultation models to advance the rights, perspectives, and prosperity of communities.

Community members and leaders also participated in the training sessions. Elaine Alec is a renowned Canadian Indigenous Leader and Community Engagement and Strategic Planning expert from Syilx (Okanagan) and Secwepemc (Shuswap) nations located in British Columbia, Canada.

During her visit, she shared Indigenous Planning Practices in Canada, the history of Comprehensive Community Planning and Community Development, and teachings of the Cultivating Safe Spaces (CSS) framework, an educational initiative designed to foster inclusive and respectful environments, crucial for effective planning and governance, with the participants. Elaine also shared her personal journey and reflections on Canada’s Indigenous history and culture on how meaningful reconciliation can be supported at individual, community and government levels.