Treaty Relations

KNOWLEDGEIS NORTHERN WWW.UCN.CA OWNYOURFUTURE UNIVERSITYCOLLEGEOFTHENORTH Abachelor'sdegreeinBusinessAdministration programisdesignedtohelpstudentsacquirea coresetofmanagementtechniquesandlearn toorganize,motivateandleadindividualsin publicorprivatebusinessenterprises.Students willlearnhowtoimprovedecision-making processesandcommunicateeffectivelyasa leader.ComestudyatUCN! Formoreinformationpleasecontact: JackieHartman,AdministrativeAssistantat jhartman@ucn.caor204-677-6391 BACHELOROFBUSINESS ADMINISTRATION This annual conference and trade show helps turn visions into reality. Vision Quest Conferences formed 18 years ago as a one-time event to promote Aboriginal business, community and economic development. Due to its success, the conference carried on year after year. Now, nearly two decades later, it contin- ues to grow and gain momentum. Conference chair kim Bullard said the first event brought 300 participants to- gether. today, the conference draws more than 1,000 participants each year. "the original concept was to have round-table discussions, have some workshops and have a trade show to promote Aboriginal business owners and operators, as well as artists and crafters and those wanting to do business with the Aboriginal community. From there, it just blossomed," Bullard said. "We've expanded our program to include a youth component. it's very impor- tant that we promote and showcase positive role models to our Aboriginal youth, given that they're the fastest growing demographic. We want to provide them with opportunities and let them know that business is an option." this year, the conference will run May 13-15 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. the keynote presenters are comedian and motivational speaker Don Burnstick, award-winning actress Michelle thrush, and former professional wrestler stefan Richard. the conference also features nine interactive workshops related to business and community economic development. kickoff events include a tour of south Beach Casino and Resort, plus a movie night featuring films selected by the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival. Another huge attraction is the trade show, which showcases more than 80 displays from business owners, artists and crafters, along with several corporate booths. the trade show is free and open to the public, but the conference requires paid registration. "We have people there who want to do business with the Aboriginal community," Bullard said. "they come by to network and see what kind of Aboriginal businesses are promoting themselves. Deals are being made and networks are being created." the event wouldn't be possible without the support of five Aboriginal Com- munity Futures Development Corporations: Dakota ojibway, kitayan, southeast, Cedar lake and North Central. "our tag line for Vision Quest is 'from vision to reality.' that really speaks to the message we want to relate. if you have a dream or if you have a vision, if you work hard and you're persistent and determined, you can turn that dream from vision into reality," Bullard said. "if you have a business idea and you're passionate about something, you can make it happen." that has certainly been the case for Aboriginal businesses in general, which con- tinue to grow in number year after year. "Back in the day, we had very few business owners and operators. We know today that there are many more Aboriginal businesses right across the country," Bullard said. "As Aboriginal people, we're a growing demographic as well. We have lots of purchasing power. We need to be part of the economy, and we are. We're growing. Aboriginal business is on the rise in all different sectors, that's for sure." ❚ vision Quest conferences work To make success a realiTy By jenniFeR mCFee FoR tHe FRee PRess

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