#49 - Dr. Dara Kelly: Potlatches, Indigenous Economics & Leadership

Dara Kelly is from the Leq’á:mel First Nation, part of the Stó:lō Coast Salish, and is an Assistant Professor at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. 

She completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce in the Department of Management and International Business at The University of Auckland Business School in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Dara’s doctoral research explored Coast Salish economy of affection with a focus on Coast Salish philosophy of freedom, unfreedom, wealth and reciprocity. Economic unfreedom emerged with introduction of the Potlatch Ban across Canada, and its residual impacts are prevalent today reflected in an aspect of the research findings that honour Xá:m! Crying, weeping—the affective expression of grieving that shapes how the Coast Salish wisdom keepers in this research talk about gatherings. Economic freedom from within Coast Salish worldview is inherently spiritual by virtue of the interrelated nature of exchange between Xá:ls, the Creator, Sólh Téméxw, the river environment, and Xwélmexw, the river people. She conducted this research using research methodology emerging from Coast Salish philosophy, protocols and worldview.

Dara completed a Master of Commerce at The University of Auckland Business School. Her research thesis was entitled, "Ngā Kete e Toru o te Wānanga: Exploring Feminine Ancestral Leadership with Māori Business Leaders". She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

In addition to her studies, Dara was a Researcher with the Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development at The University of Auckland Business School. Dara also has professional experience in leadership development programming.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JMkE8y3dgPk

This episode is sponsored by the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Learn more about the REFBC by visiting: https://www.refbc.com/

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