Abstract
During the course of recent research, this author has discovered similarities between aspects of classical Chinese philosophies and practices of those of traditional Canadian First Nations (Indigenous) peoples. Included in this has been a discovery that aspects of traditional leadership skills from both cultures intersect and are applicable to the work happening in a modern Canadian university. The author has also personally observed an overlap in the culture and lives of Chinese and First Nations people in modern British Columbia, continuing a 150-year tradition in this part of Canada. This paper—tying aspects of these two cultural and historic threads together—will consider the questions: What fascinating observations can be made and what personal, philosophical, and leadership lessons can be contrasted and compared, learned and shared through this historic intersection of peoples, cultures, thoughts, and practices? And can these over-lapping examples assist in solving larger problems of identity in the modern world?
Highlights
During the course of recent research, this author has discovered similarities between aspects of classical Chinese philosophies and practices of those of traditional Canadian First Nations (Indigenous) peoples. Included in this has been a discovery that aspects of traditional leadership skills from both cultures intersect and are applicable to the work happening in a modern Canadian university
The author has personally observed an overlap in the culture and lives of Chinese and First Nations people in modern British Columbia, continuing a 150-year tradition in this part of Canada
This paper—tying aspects of these two cultural and historic threads together—will consider the questions: What fascinating observations can be made and what personal, philosophical, and leadership lessons can be contrasted and compared, learned and shared through this historic intersection of peoples, cultures, thoughts, and practices? And can these over-lapping examples assist in solving larger problems of identity in the modern world?
Summary
Older First Nations relatives and acquaintances who came of age in the 1940s and 50s have recalled to me a time when they and the Chinese were not allowed on the main decks of the BC ferries. I recently had a young woman of Chinese heritage working in my Aboriginal-oriented university office Her and I spoke Mandarin daily in the office and I shared a few words of Cree. Her perceptions of Aboriginal people beforehand were largely negative. This was based on media reports, common falsehoods/stereotypes, and, again, the perception of the DTES community This young person willingly learned and worked so well with our people, that our office, with the participation of a First Nations elder, bestowed upon her the honor of a Native American name: “Acimosis”, which in the Cree language means “Little Puppy”.
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