First Nations Voice

MAY 2016 • PAGE 3 By First Nations Voice staff VISION QUEST BACK FOR A REMARKABLE 20 TH YEAR V ision Quest has left the teenage years behind it and will be celebrating its 20th year when it runs from May 17 to 19 at the RBC Convention Centre this year. The conference will cover areas like Aboriginal business owners and operators, Business and Community service providers and for those interested in doing business with the Aboriginal community. This year's keynote presenters include award winning musical artist Inez Point on May 18 and Skid Row CEO Joe Roberts on May 19. Jasper is sure to offer words of encouragement and offer her own story of success to a young audience eager to learn and hear the ins and outs of the modern music business. Meanwhile, Roberts will offer insight into the world of multimedia and his own story of how he went from a homeless drug addict to the CEO of a successful company. And the conference will feature over 80 exhibitors in their trade show where you can always bump into a friendly face or meet some new friends or buy some Indigenous arts and crafts. There's always time to register to have your booth at the Vision Quest trade show There's still time! Register now at www.vqconference.com. Shylo Jones said, " I had a booth at vision quest a few years ago, where I sold my handmade beaded jewelry. I met so many great people and new customers who I still have today." The trade show is free and open to the public. There's plenty more with breakout sessions happening all over the RBC Convention Centre covering a variety of topics ranging from business to personal stories of overcoming the odds and more. And last but not least is the Gala Banquet that has featured some of the finest entertainers from Canada's Indigenous community. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. MECONSE Renata and Joe Meconse I 've seen elder Joe Meconse at many ceremonies and events like the upcoming Vision Quest or the Graduation Pow Wow at the University of Manitoba, for example, where he has led many Grand Entries. I knew he was a veteran but I didn't know he was still fighting the good fight. Meconse was kicked out of Portage Place Mall in February that started a media storm that ultimately led to reconciliation, as the CBC headline "Portage Place honours Joseph Meconse 1 month after he was kicked out of mall" says it all. So when his daughter Renata Meconse posted on social media that she was looking for musicians who would like to play at his birthday party, I packed up my banjo to share a few songs. It was an honour to play for you Joe. And I just wanted to say Thank You. Jen Couchene stops to take in a display at last year's Vision Quest.

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