Volume 2 Issue 6

Volume 2 Issue 6 • February 2020

published by ZX Media Corporation

DISCOVER ALBERTA’S INNOVATION ENGINE Extending the horizon of possibilities to solve today’s challenges, reaching new potential, and creating a healthier and more prosperous future for Alberta, and the world.

Engage. Inspire. Educate. Together.

CONTENTS

Krista Malden & Kenzie Webber

publisher@communitynowmagazine.com

INNOVATION KOBE: Irrepressible. Innovator. Iconic Creator

5

Alberta Innovates

9

Bringing the Community Together! 12 Thin Air Labs Launch Party

14

BUSINESS

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 Stacy Richter Jill Quirk Zanika Malden Diane Swiatek

Telling It Like It Is

16

Business Feature of the Month

17

EDUCATION

Les Mottosky Jade Alberts Alberta Innovates Heloise Lorimer/

A Love Letter to Mother Earth

19

Communication: The End of the Crooked Path to Social Skills, not the Beginning

29

COMMUNITY SHEInnovates: SHEInnovators Profiles #1

STEAM Team Koleya Karrington Nicole Langton Tracy Beairsto

40

Subscribe for your free issue of Community Now! at www.communitynowmagazine.com Copyright 2019 ZX Media Corporation, Calgary Alberta Canada Community Now! Magazine Copyright 2018, published by ZX Media Corporation.

Volume 2 Issue 6 | February 2020

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Click here to donate today, and help us raise money for an amazing cause.

4 // Community Now!

INNOVA IN NOVATION TION

H

Les Mottosky

e arrived on the scene as remarkably and suddenly as he exited.

From the get-go, his worldview was about “excellence through diligence”.

“

A brash, lanky and confident (albeit self-conscious) teenage instant-millionaire drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and shortly after, acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers.

As a casual NBA fan but a lifelong sneaker enthusiast, I paid him no attention until one

season, early in the series of Nike sneakers bearing his signature.

Big smile. Big ego. Big game. Big potential.

Most of us didn’t understand how massive his career goals were.

What those most intimate with him understood was the clarity & precision of those goals: to be the greatest(continued ever, to be onlegendary next page) — and — ultimately, he wanted to be immortalized. (continued on next page) Innovation \\ 5

(continued from page 5...)

This was the Kobe I had no interest in. I mistook his conceit, closed-off personality and clone-like emulation of Michael Jordan as permanent personality traits. Now I perceive them differently; as a right of passage from teen to adult. And so, this early version of Kobe Bryant repelled me. I thought of him as a copycat narcissist. Seven years later he would be accused of sexual assault in Colorado which only fed my disinterest in him.

As a casual NBA fan but a lifelong sneaker enthusiast, I paid him no attention until one

his 30’s and was looking for every advantage he could get), Kobe wanted a low-cut profile.

When the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 sneaker dropped on the scene it raised eyebrows worldwide. It also changed the basketball footwear market.

Permanently. More than half of NBA basketball players now wear low-cut shoes.

This was when I started to perceive Kobe differently. This guy was an innovator. This was when I started to consider him for the man he was becoming, rather than the kid he once was.

season, early in the series of Nike sneakers bearing his signature. That year Kobe smashed an entrenched belief, bucking a trend that performance basketball shoes must have a high-ankle.

Kobe and his low-top shoe had started a revolution.

Kobe — who grew up in Italy and was trilingual and still learning new languages — was a big fan of soccer. He knew from playing and observing soccer players that basketball athletes shared similar footwork, yet only basketball shoes had ankle support. Always obsessed with making an even-better shoe (and perhaps a lighter one, as he was now in

One of the things my curiosity for Kobe revealed was — fittingly — his legendary curiosity. A dominant NFL quarterback spoke about his 2 decade friendship with Kobe and his ravenous hunger to understand the game of football. He wanted to understand the details, the nuances and the secrets. And this wasn’t even his sport!

6 // Community Now!

This was the event that opened my eyes and I became more curious about this Kobe guy.

As if this detail wasn’t compelling enough, it would later reveal was how rich Kobe Bryant’s innovation capacity was. He was a renaissance man with truly breathtaking success and scope to his creativity.

Before he even retired, Kobe was laying the groundwork for his next chapters when in 2003, he co-founded Venture Capital firm, Bryant Stibel, raising a two billion dollar fund to fuel the group’s investments.

One of Kobe’s early investments was a sports performance drink called Body Armour. It was an innovator designed to compete with likes of Gatorade and Powerade. The $6M initial investment, plus his endorsement of the beverage earned him a $200M return. In fact, it’s been estimated that within 4 years of his retirement he earned as much — or perhaps more — than he did with two decades of eight figure annual incomes in the NBA. Within 3 years of retiring, Kobe won an Academy Award for his animated short film, “Dear Basketball.” In addition to penning that film, he also had that he wrote all of the commercials he starred in. But more that video scripts,

Kobe enjoyed sitting at the keyboard where he wrote multiple books.

His business interests and successes far exceed those mentioned here, but it’s a really safe bet to believe Kobe had laid a powerful foundation for him to become one of the entrepreneurial billionaires so often associated with — and created in — California.

Looking back at his basketball career, Kobe carved a trail others wouldn’t dare attempt, by giving himself the nickname The Black Mamba - and it actually stuck. This seemingly superficial detail would later be a huge part of his living legend as his “Mamba Mentality” was the element of Kobe’s “software” that could scale to those with the ambition to max out their potential. The fierce work ethic and 3AM wake-ups to workout that defined his basketball.

It also became the foundational concept for the moniker of the Mamba Sports academy, the 1000,000 square foot facility where he committed several hours a day, 7 days a week to coach his daughter Gianna’s basketball team. (continued on next page) Innovation \\ 7

(continued from page 7...)

Like everything Kobe did there was a breadth and depth to his every choice.

These are the words of a world class innovator and a creative legend immortalized:

Kobe was more than an international athletic icon, his ability to re-invent himself made him the first Renaissance person of note in this 21st Century.

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.”

In the shocking news of his death it’s readily evident his accomplishments — and the commitment to excellence in all he took on — that he will inspire innovation, creativity and the benefits of maintaining an obsessive approach to one’s craft for decades to come.

I believe all of us, leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, parents, children, and any human who wants to maximize their potential can learn from Kobe Bryant’s reverence for excellence.

8 // Community Now!

It’s easy to see how the world would change over night if we were all to approach life this way.

Innovation and creativity are the levers by which we can change everything.

Most importantly by focussing on evolving ourselves.

Kobe left a remarkable blueprint.

G2V Optics: creating data science solutions The science of sunlight

T

he sun is the core of everything, a burning mass of hydrogen that produces an abundance of electromagnetic radiation to fuel all life. Problem is some places get too much sunlight; others, not enough.

With the United Nations projecting the global population to reach ten billion by 2057, research scientists and agricultural producers alike are thinking about how to access sunlight in new ways. Alberta’s G2V Optics’ grow lights and solar simulators are two technologies at the forefront of the science of sunlight.

High fidelity solar spectrum During his initial research into solar cells, it was apparent to company founder and Chief Technology Officer, Michael Taschuk, that many artificial sunlight sources for testing

solar cells were poor and had long-term stability issues.

“In order to tell whether research is going well, you must be able to test the cell reliably,” says Taschuk. “But the instrumentation that was available at the time was terrible. It took a half hour to warm up and was difficult to use.

It wasn’t precise, and good cell results were always suspect.”

Taschuk’s background was in lasers and felt this was a problem he could address. As such, he set out to invent the world’s most precise light-emitting diode (LED) solar simulator.

This led to an idea of using an array of stable and differently-colour LEDs to “dial up” whatever frequency and intensity of light was desired. (continued on next page) Innovation \\ 9

Michael Taschuk

(continued from page 10...)

Out of this work came two solar simulators: the large area Sunbrick, which can be combined in a much larger array; and the small area Pico.

Both have provided researchers in areas like photovoltaics, solar fuels, satellites, and more, with increased data accuracy thus improving the reliability of the research.

Food production “It was clear that the technology we’d invented had much broader applications than solar cells, and that it was also possible to impact food production, and that really spoke to me at a mission level,” says Taschuk.

This led to creation of a product they call Perihelion for indoor and vertical farmers.

Perihelion is a product that uses variable spectrum technology and improves the lighting options available to growers.

Tuning the spectrum “Full-spectrum lighting is a marketing term.

What they mean is that the lighting covers lots of colours,” says Taschuk. “Basically, the human eye perceives colour from blue to red, and so full spectrum is a light that emits at 10 // Community Now!

most of those colours.”

That doesn’t work for plants, though. “What the plant biologists tell us is that plants use electromagnetic radiation outside of that range—in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges—to sense their environment and grow.”

What sets Perihelion apart is that it gives the grower the ability to fine-tune the light in those ranges, so the plants get exactly what they need to grow and flourish.

Sunrise – early support sets the stage The genesis of G2V Optics grew out of Taschuk’s work as a research associate at the University of Alberta with Dr. Michael Brett in around 2003. At the time, Brett was funded by the precursor to Alberta Innovates as the Industrial Research Chair in Thin Film Engineering. The goal was to investigate the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale materials, in part for application to solar cells.

Taschuk was able to take his work with Brett to manufacture and commercialize his first solar simulator. He credits previous Alberta

Innovates partnerships like the nanoBridge project for getting the company off the ground. “I think it’s fair to say there would be no company without their funding of that program because the work I did there enabled us to take the first commercial order.”

The company’s CEO, Ryan Tucker, himself a recipient of an Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship, also worked in Brett’s lab. He joined the company in 2017. More recently, they’ve received funding through our Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement program, which supports collaboration between Campus Alberta and Alberta SMEs. This program allowed G2V to get the support of Richard Urig, an UofA Plant Biologist expert to identify how plants use electromagnetic radiation to grow.

Sunset – later support sets the bar Another advantage for the company was the

relationship they’d built with Technology Development Advisor (TDA) Rick Davidson.

“I met these guys a few years back, and I’ve seen them grow from just a few employees to over 20,” says Davidson. “And the science behind their tech is first rate. They’re able to substantiate the claims they make.”

As a TDA, Rick also helped G2V access some funding programs like our Commercialization Associates and Product Demonstration programs. “The Product Demonstration Program is going to be especially exciting as it’ll give them a chance to test their products with three different companies from three separate sectors.”

Additionally, Jeremy Gilman from our Executive Business Advisor program advised them through a recent fundraising process, where they raised $1.875 million in seed financing, and are now looking to shine a light on global markets.

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NATIONAL HOPE TALKS "It was a day where people left feeling connected and knowing they were not alone. Everyone came to the table: business owners, students, teachers, parents, people struggling with mental health, non profits, mental health care providers. Everyone was welcome and EQUAL. The best complement we received was people saying they left feeling hopeful and had fun! Who knew you could have fun at a mental health conference?! I believe it was fun because when people connect, there's joy. What's next? We are inviting people into our movement to join with us in creating change in the items that came out of our incubator. Across the board in every city that hosted our conference it was the same: words like, community, support, understanding, empathy, trust, communication, breaking the stigma all came up as issues. Our theme based on all of that spoken by the people is this: A Safe Place. How are we going to create this? With YOU. Let's figure this out together because mental health is created socially. You can join the movement by emailing us and saying I'M IN! nationalhopetalks@gmail.com - Connie Jacobs

MISKANAWAH 14TH ANNUAL FRIENDSHIP ROUND DANCE Miskanawah held its 14th annual Friendship Round Dance in January. Over 2000 children, youth and families came to celebrate togetherness and culture. There was dancing, drumming and a feast for all!

Miskanawah, guided by Indigenous teachings, offers supportive programs and services to people in Calgary as they strengthen their circles of self, family, community and culture.

Community \\ 13

NOT ONLY IS THIN AIR LABS INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY TO GET INVOLVED THEY ARE MOVING THE NEEDLE TO BUILD A STRONGER ECOSYSTEM FOR CALGARY & BEYOND! Thin Air Labs believes that “through trust, design-based city building, and the belief in Calgary – our community can transform into a diverse and thriving economic powerhouse once again” and they are right! And Setting an Example of how this can be accomplished!, Join Thin Air Labs in their Cause, In the spirit of “the innovation of ways”, there are several ways for you to get involved: • Thin Air Games - Work with Thin Air Labs and New World Interactive to build a prosperous ecosystem by launching 10+ gaming ventures in the $150B gaming industry • Thin Air Health - If you are an entrepreneur in the health area, reach out to Crystal Philips or if you are interested in the new Calgary BioHub, reach out to co-founder Jim Gibson • Augmented Independence - Join Thin Air Labs, Dr. John Brown and his team at FABhouse who are building adaptable homes and villages for the ageing global population • InceptionU - Offers learning experiences and a design studio to equip the people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to design and build what’s next.

• Thin Air Design - Our design team is the foundation of our business model, working with enterprises, startup founders, investors and public stakeholders to innovate towards an uncertain future. Contact co-founder Greg Hart to help us bring city-building projects to life • Fundraising - To build the Calgary of the future, we are actively raising money which will be used to develop these projects and more. Connect with co-founder and managing partner James Lochrie to learn more “Building what’s next in Calgary and exporting it to the world needs all of us to be talking to each other and doing great work.”

Stay in touch and keep the flow of information fast and clear. Sign up for our newsletter to engage with a growing and focused ecosystem of organizations, people, and projects. You will receive updates as existing projects continue to build out and new ones come to life.

Follow and engage with us on Twitter at @thinair_labs to keep the conversation going and check out our website to learn more about our vision and how you can help us invent the future and #BuildWhatsNext.

14 // Community Now!

Thin Air Labs launch party was a huge success.

Not only was the room full of people who inspire, but it was a room full of change makers who are ready to make an impact and work together to build a stronger ecosystem.

Community \\ 15

BUS USINESS INESS TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

In this issue of Telling It Like It Is meet Cristina Kalas Founder of Intrinsic Psychology You started Intrinsic Psychology about 3 1/2 years ago, why did you want to open your own business?

I knew at some point I would want to start my own business. I’ve always been the type of person who thrives in challenge. Starting my private practice was always a part of the plan, I just never expected it to occur so quickly. At the time I decided to go for it, it just felt like the right time. I decided to set myself up to try it out, very low risk, renting a space as needed, rather than a full lease, and building the practice one client at a time. I continued to work full time at an organization and slowly built my practice on the side. It was definitely a learning curve from a business standpoint, but mostly a personal test in self-trust and facing fears of going into something without anyone else to back me up should I fall. Very empowering.

Please share the type of clients you see. Is it industry specific?

I see anyone and everyone. I am not limited to a certain niche of clients or concerns. Due to my practice being located in the downtown area likely has an impact on the type of clients that I see, but it would be very challenging to pigeonhole my clients to a specific group. I do work with adults only, as my space and experience fit better with that population, both individuals and some couples work.

I see clients with a very wide variety of concerns, supporting them with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma (both current and developmental), existential concerns, parenting, relationships, self-esteem, confidence, communication, dating, divorce, infidelity….you name it!

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I know you can’t share a lot of details but please share what differentiates you from other Psychologists?

This is a tough one to answer. I personally believe that all individuals are unique, and that includes psychologists. Whether that be our personal beliefs or our theoretical beliefs, we all bring our own identity to the therapeutic setting. It would be difficult not to. If I reflect on this question I can definitely speak to my own characteristics that I believe I bring to my work. I try my best to be as authentic as I can be, within a therapeutic approach. I feel it is so important to be a human being and meet people where they are at, which requires a level of flexibility when approaching each client and their concerns.

I strongly believe in authenticity, vulnerability, selfworth, and owning who we are. My therapeutic approach is firmly routed in these beliefs and so I try my best to live by them as a person as well. I take a very non-judgmental and curious approach to getting to know my clients and fully understand their perspectives and where they want to go. I truly believe that life has a sense of ease and fulfillment when we are aligned with our authenticity. In order for me to guide others in that direction I need to be guiding them towards themselves and their own unique truth and goals.

It has been a tough go for businesses in the Calgary core, but Intrinsic Psychology is thriving. Please share what has allowed you grow in this market?

I think a lot of my success has to do with the line of work I am in. I am not as reliant on many of the industries that other organizations are impacted by in this city. Whether the economy is thriving or struggling, we are all still human beings. Although our state of wellness, stress levels, anxiety, relationships, etc. are certainly impacted by our work and the economy, the experience of being human is still there when the city is booming. At the end of the day we are all human beings living a human

What is next for Intrinsic Psychology?

I have decided to expand, which is very exciting.

I’ve recently hired two psychologists who are aligned with myself and what Intrinsic Psychology stands for, which will allow for more individuals and couples in the downtown area to seek our support. I think it’s been really convenient for Calgarians to be able to pop in during and around work hours for a session. It allows them to not have to take away as much time from their personal lives outside of work to attend counselling. I’m really looking forward to being able to support even more clients and continue to spread the support with a wider reach in the community. It will also be great to have some likeminded psychologists around to collaborate and grow with.

If you had one piece of advice for small businesses or start-ups, what would it be?

Trust yourself! If you are passionate and truly believe in something, go for it. If you’re uncertain or unsure about your idea or path, then be curious about that. Identifying your values, beliefs, passions, your authentic self, and then also differentiating them from the world or others’ expectations of you can be really helpful. When we are doing things for ourselves and our true authentic beliefs in something, it flows with more ease. There is a feeling of effortlessness in the work. I truly believe I have been successful thus far in my career because it doesn’t feel like work. I get energized by the time put into my practice and clients, rather than worn out. I really believe this is due to the fact that I truly believe in my work and am very much aligned each day with my values, beliefs, and passion. www.intrinsicpsychology.ca/phone/index.html

Jade Alberts Jade Alberts Consulting 403-771-1301 www.JadeAlbertsConsulting.com www.LinkedIn.com/in/JadeAlberts

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Business \\ 17

BUSINESS FEATURE OF THE MONTH!

experience. Struggle is relative and can be found at any stage of life in any socioeconomic situation.

Certainly, there has been an increase in stressors related to jobs, finances, the impact on family and relationships in recent years. But overall there is always something that we are going through and I believe we are all equally entitled to receiving support through whatever it is we’re struggling with, even if to the outside world things are “great”. I believe the movement towards reducing the stigma around seeing a psychologist is likely playing a role as well. Individuals do not have to be in a state of crisis or have a diagnosable mental illness to benefit from seeking counselling and improving their lives and sense of wellbeing.

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EDUCATION EDU CATION A love letter to Mother EARTH STEAMING-up Some Spectacular Sustainable Solutions Jill Quirk – STEAM coach

H

ow can we help feel less anxious and less depressed? Maybe one aspect we can focus on when addressing mental health is in helping each other adopt a Maker Mindset? The Maker Mindset is the “act of creating” and has many health benefits as the “making” requires creativity, problem-solving, reflection and perseverance, which exercises our brain and helps us improve our self-esteem.

In the STEAM lab at Heloise Lorimer we are exploring ways to adopt a Maker Mindset. We are creating a physical place where students feel safe to come together to create, build and

inspire. This is ultimately what the Heloise Lorimer STEAM Team is all about. Giving students a platform to be able to create and inspire each other to find ways to BE HAPPY and HEALTHY. We are also very concerned about the planet. The STEAM Team is trying to think of what WE CAN DO to try to work towards ways to feed and sustain the world, because in 2050 there will be 10 billion people!

We know that if we can improve our community through the right education, the right kind of wellness and the right kind of community partnerships so we can be one step closer to finding the solutions we need. (continued on page 21) Education \\ 19

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(continued from page 19...)

How can we be Changemakers?

Community Now is hosting a MakerMinds STEAM event at the Stampede Grounds. The Heloise Lorimer STEAM Team has been asked to run STEAM stations at the event on March 7th. The day will run approximately from 9:30-2:30. The STEAM stations are run by some Heloise Lorimer School STEAM Team students and will be themed around Sustainability and looking at ways we can innovate and overcome obstacles we may face.

The event at the Stampede Grounds will focus on bringing people together by thinking of ways to innovate and use design thinking while completing design challenges run by students with a theme of helping the environment.

use your chemistry knowledge to figure out the riddles? Don’t worry - If your struggling – Grade 5 STEAM Team members - Kherys, Liam, Aiden and Cora have the clues to help you escape and SAVE THE WORLD! STEAM Team members thought it would be a good idea to have science knowledge needed to save the world. They believe that exploring science and being curious is the key to helping our planet for the future. “I think, without science we will not be able to help provide to the people” Cora grade 5. (continued on next page)

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE QUESTION: How can we learn to live SUSTAINABLY? Can you work in a group to complete the challenges at each station to help find solutions to the many problems we face?

The youth will be put in groups on the day of the event and as a group they will try to complete the challenges at each station …

TOGETHER. Students will work on various skills: Flexibility, Collaboration, Adaptability, Oral Communication, Technology, Leadership, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.

Station 1: Can you use your science knowledge to help your group escape and save the world?

Your group will be traveling in a virtual time machine and travel into the future… Can you escape the “escape room” in time to save the world? This escape room will test your science knowledge, especially your knowledge of the periodic table! Are you able to Education \\ 21

(continued from page 21...)

Station 2: Can you come up with a design idea to help a school recycling program and include a Lego Mindstorm robot?

Sam and Kolton are frustrated with recycling at our school. Students don’t seem to care about how they recycle. Often the recycling is all mixed up. Organic material, like apple cores are always in the recycling bins. Sam and Kolton, grade 4 STEAM Team members thought it would be great if we could come up with a solution using a robot, like a Lego Mindstorm to help the recycling at schools.

For this station – the youth will have to think of a design ideas for a robot to help to sort the recyclables. As a team can you code a robot or design an idea to put the recycling in the right containers?

Station 3: Can you make garden fairies happy?

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. Sometimes we just need a little magic!

STEAM Team members thought that incorporating fairies in our school garden it may help give plants some magic to help them grow. At this station, you will be thinking of ways to make a fairy garden, like making fairy friends or making fun accessories for the fairies. Can you create fairies or fairy accessories to make them happy to help a garden grow?

22 // Community Now!

Station 4: Can your group create a nature maze and then take turns coding a robot through nature and not destroy it?

These grade 4 STEAM Team members are also fun-loving nature girls - Sydney, Kinley and Sadie will oversee this station. They want youth to make their own nature mazes and then the groups will have to code a robot through the mazes. There are many ways to make the mazes!! Youth can make mazes out of Lego and then code an Ozobot through it or make larger mazes out of props and then code a Dash robot through it. Learning coding skills is important for the future. Some believe that learning a coding language is as important as learning English. Coding language is also useful in many GIS (Geography Information Systems) used for land use mapping which helps protect and preserve the natural environment.

Station 5: Can you create fashion accessories out of upcycled materials? Learn some upcycled fashion trends with master quilter Mrs. Hummel Upcycling, also known as “creative reuse”, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value. STEAM Team members Natalia, Maisoon and Mallory

have been looking at fashion trends online and have made some great discoveries. The have found out, “youth don’t need a lot of money to make a fashion statement, you just need to be creative!”. This station will all be about working as a group to find ways to upcycle old t-shirts into bags and fashion accessories.

Guess what? 9-year-old Keana Hummel (Jen Hummel’s daughter) will also be at the fashion station to tell us all about her experience walking on the catwalk in front of hundreds of people when she was modelling at Fashion Week 2020 in NYC! She will tell us how she got over her nerves and overcame her fears to express herself with the latest fashion trends!

Station 6: Can your group create a unique photo or video using a green screen to express your groups concerns about the environment?

Use inspirational quotes from environmentalists to make unique images and videos. Environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall states - “There is still a window of time. Nature can win if we give her a chance.” Graduated STEAM Team members will guide you through this station teaching the ins and outs of how to use a green screen to create powerful images and movies.

(continued on next page)

Education \\ 23

(continued from page 23...)

Station 7: Can your group make a unique RAP song about living an Eco-friendly life?

WARNING** Rap battles will occur between coaches Dj Rubix and Ricca Razor Sharp!!

Making music with professional DJ Rubix.

Rubix is a local Hip Hop artist who specializes not only in producing and performing rap music but also teaching youth the art of Hip Hop culture. As the co-founder of the Hip Hop based music school called “Sonic Sages Academy”, his mission is to pass down the values of Hip Hop and help extract the knowledge and wisdom for his students in their journey called life. The other co-founder of Sonic Sages Academy is a mega heavy beat-boxer, rapper, bass frequency expert, youth mentor who goes by the name “Troo Knot”. His funky personality and in depth knowledge about sounds pair well when it comes to teaching youth how to be music machines. Rubix and Troo Knot are in their first year of developing the early wave of today’s Sonic Sage students and are stopping at nothing to help save the world.

Mixin’ the Beat with Ricca Razor Sharp - in the house – https://riccarazorsharp.com/ Ricca Razor Sharp is a Canadian Hip Hop Legend. Whether performing songs from his two-decade career, creating custom pieces for corporate and private events or releasing interesting and creative videos, Ricca impresses audiences with his rhyme style, stage presence and positive vibes. Jonathan (Ricca Razor Sharp) creates and performs custom spoken word or rap songs for clients looking to add a unique and exciting flair to their event. Ranging from inspiring spoken word compositions at corporate galas to fun tribute raps at birthday, wedding or retirement parties, Jonathan’s pieces are a great way to break the ice, and make your event stand out. Jonathan speaks with the client, gathering information on the event or subject in question, as well as the ‘vibe’ of the event. He then creates a unique and topical piece, incorporating this subject matter.

Station 8: Can your group complete the collaboration activities provided by VA LEAD? VA Lead is a non-profit organization led by Dorthy May and Jason Heer. “Volunteer

(continued on next page)

24 // Community Now!

The Heloise Lorimer STEAM TEAM and CN! Magazine presents...

MAKER MINDS STEAM EVENT

March 7, 2020 | 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: Calgary Stampede (Nutrien Building) Cost: $10 – Includes lunch

Proceeds go to IndigeSTEAM Join us down at the Stampede Grounds for an amazing day of STEAM and Fun with Jill and her Amazing STEAM Team, Joined by the Mobile Escape van, Rubix, Alberta Blockchain Consortium, Community Now! Magazine!

The event will focus on bringing people together by thinking of ways to innovate and use design thinking strategies while completing design challenges. There will be coding opportunities using different robots like LEGO Mindstorms, spheros and dash.

Thank you to our sponsors especially Cam Clark Ford and Calgary Stampede Journey 2050 for helping make this event a reality.

MOBILE ESCAPE

For more information and to register: www.eventbrite.ca

(continued from page 24...)

Airdrie is investing in our youth, making connections with non-profits and promoting cohesion between families, school and our community”. A group of VA Lead students will run collaboration activities at this station. Can your group complete the collaboration games provided by the VA Lead group from Airdrie? Youth will work together at the various collaboration games to see if they can work as a united group.

Patience and problem solving skills will be needed for this station! More info about VA LEAD here: https:// www.volunteerairdrie.ca/va-lead/ Station 9: Can your group escape the Mobile Escape room before your time is up?

Station 10: Can your group create something to demonstrate indigenous ways of knowing from the IndigeSTEAM station? https://indigesteam.ca/ IndigeSTEAM ‘s mission is the provision of Indigenous-led and culturally-relevant programming in STEM/STEAM to support a better future for Indigenous youth in STEM. We do this with spaces that are ethical and respect Indigenous culture and Ways of Knowing. We bring in Indigenous STEM role models and train non-Indigenous and Indigenous STEM professionals how best to work with Indigenous youth and youth in general. We also provide the Indigenous STEM professionals with networking and support that recognizes their need to walk in two worlds.

Half the proceeds from the event will go to IndigeSTEAM.

https://www.mobileescape.ca/ The Mobile Escape is a company that formed from a burgeoning artist, a brilliant scientist and a person with a divine wonder that no one else in the world could ever have. They believe, “as we age, many of us find ourselves dulled by monotony and inhibited by patterns of lifeless routine. We are confined by our perceptions and adopt biases that taint our ability to think at our highest capacity. And worse, our fears divide us, creating barriers that inhibit our ability to work together”.

Therefore, the Mobile Escape exists to wake dulled senses: to see, hear, and feel again. They believe that, “We bring people together to think differently about the world around them and to simply have fun”.

26 // Community Now!

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Station 11: Can your group think of ways to sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by the year 2050 by playing the virtual farm simulation games? http://www.journey2050.com/ Journey 2050 takes students on a virtual farm simulation that explores world food sustainability. Using an inquiry based approach the program encourages students to make decisions and adjust them as they see their impact on society, the environment and the economy at a local and global scale. The students hear from farmers across the globe. As the student

interacts with each family they learn the role of best management practices in feeding the world, reducing environmental impacts and in improving social performance through greater access to education, medical care and community infrastructure. Our Journey to feeding the world has started. Your group will use the knowledge gained from playing the game to give suggestions and come up with designs to help come up with innovative ways to feed your community.

Station 12: Can your group think of new innovation by learning about Blockchain with Alberta Blockchain Consortium?

Education \\ 27

Banbury Crossroads Banbury Crossroads School

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Building B1, #201, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7K1

COMMUNICATION: The End of the Crooked Path to Social Skills, not the Beginning Diane Swiatek, Founder and Director of Banbury Crossroads

S

“

Trust is essential in the quest for social skills, because it allows for honesty.

School, Est. 1979

ocrates said, “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” It is a great wonder to me that such a multitude of aspects of the human life experience can be so intricately interconnected. Curiosity over this complex interrelatedness can drive us to explore its workings. We may begin by picking any one topic to examine, such as bullying. Quickly, we realize that it is connected to many and various other ills of the world. Then, while scrutinizing the causes and remedies of this particular expanded topic, we grasp that even this resulting information has further implications. For instance, on the bullying topic, we have realized that altruism and compassion, along with agency, creativity and self-restraint, can address (continued on next page) Education \\ 29

(continued from page 29...) both those causes and their remedies. That would be interesting and hopeful in itself, and yet the implications of it are that we now need to address the question of how we produce those remedies that, in a circular fashion, also address the causes. It is a complicated process.

Communication is often thought of as the essential, generic ingredient for relationship-building, as well as the essential, generic fix-all for interpersonal, and even international, difficulties, and in addition, the essential, generic creator of pro-social behavior within nations, in our children, youth and adults alike. This may be true—and thinking so, we offer many courses, books, articles, and seminars, both concrete and digital, to people who recognize that they need help developing strategies to improve this aspect of their behavior. However, communication is only a means to an end. It is a skill that enables the transmission of ideas, thoughts, feelings and perceptions. As a skill, it needs a foundation, 30 // Community Now!

without which, it is unproductive, and it won’t work.

The foundation begins with mutual trust.

Trust is essential in the quest for social skills, because it allows for honesty. It comes from consistent and intrinsically-motivated goodwill that each person perceives in, and receives from, the other. Trust is a curious building block in a person’s growth toward being socially intelligent. If mutual trust is already left over from previous interactions, a person may more readily relinquish their fear of communicating the truth inside them. So, prior trust acts as a building block; yet trust constantly evolves over time through continuing interactions. Trust either builds upon itself, or it self-destructs.

In addition, the foundation has to be created upon the magic ingredient of empathy, which is a crucial component for communication skills to be of any use. I use the word “empathy” in conjunction with “magic”, because its

For people to experience empathy, they need to be capable of having a theory of mind— the understanding that others perceive and feel and think differently from them.

appearance seems to come as if by magic. We cannot legislate for empathy, just as we cannot legislate against stupidity. We cannot demand its appearance; we have no real control over its manifestation. It is uncontrived. Empathy, just as any magical influence, is very effective in producing desired results. It may as well be magical serendipity that can produce the connectedness and interpersonal delight that we seek. For people to experience empathy, they need to be capable of having a theory of mind—the understanding that others perceive and feel and think differently from them. This is an innate ability, and again, it exists as if by magic. This natural and necessary element is either there, or it is not. There is such a huge genetic component to the presence of emotional empathy within a person’s behavioral repertoire. Aside from the potential emergence of Oxytocin therapy as an intervention, the presence of empathy within any particular person is largely beyond human control. Cognitive empathy may be influenced, through pur-

poseful teaching, modelling, and encouraging practice. Just in case practice may increase competence, adults can attempt to exert this environmental influence.

Empathy is primary because social skill development requires each person—each person reciprocally—to be able to perceive the reality that everyone matters equally. Every individual needs to be honored and valued, and their needs must be acknowledged. This can only happen when people are not egocentric. Empathy is other-centered, and it leads to healthy, mutually-respectful interactions.

Anything at all that is communicated without this caring, compassionate connectedness will be rejected as worthless, or even harmful.

What we are recognizing here is that, for communication skills to transmit anything worth communicating, people need to have an ability to empathize.

It bears mentioning that we will always have an empathy gap between what others actually feel, think and perceive, and what we are able to pick up from them empathically. If we acknowledge the likelihood of this gap, we will give others the benefit of the doubt, realizing that we do not know everything that we want to know. So, once again, there is an uncontrollable element, a magical element, inherent even in the exercise of empathy.

In the process of building a foundation for effective communication, the power we actually possess, that is not ephemeral magic, lies in our human ability to make informed, rational decisions. We choose our attitudes in the process of creating who we are becoming.

Then those attitudes form the spirit and understanding behind the actions we select in response to all of our life challenges. Within the scope of our relationships, it is not only our moral obligation, but also it is wise, to cultivate (continued on next page) Education \\ 31

(continued from page 31...) attitudes and values that inspire and inform compassionate acts. In this way, we transform empathy into the moral value of altruism. When we cultivate skills in self-awareness, creativity and self-regulation, these cognitive skills become purposefully chosen preconditions that lay a secure foundation for whatever communication strategies we subsequently develop. All of these preconditions require us to have agency, initiative and self-restraint over our own behavior. They require logic and objectivity during social interactions. We have much inner work to do to prepare ourselves emotionally and cognitively for the behavioral act of communication.

We are not hermits and we need each other, even to achieve individual mental health.

Self-awareness begins as an internal, cognitive process that is needed in order to exercise autonomy. However, self-awareness can also lead to one of the most important preconditional realizations conducive to actually achieving connectedness: the burning desire for that connectedness with others. This is the driving purpose for our self-control and decisions to adopt attitudes that work to bind people. Caring can thus be seen as a mindset, the understanding that it is imperative and beneficial that we react with consideration for others’ needs, as well as for our own. This is not a namby-pamby self-effacement or weakness, but rather a clear-eyed perception of reality. It is simply true that all of us human individuals have our own unique perceptions, beliefs, desires and most of all, worth, that must be honored, if we have any hope of achieving social comfort. With the presence of sincere, altruistic caring, combined with our development as intrinsically powerful decision makers, we create the foundational preconditions to then learn skills in social 32 // Community Now!

communication. This groundwork will enable the communication skills we do learn to be actually useful and constructive transmitters of information.

So, communication skills do not stand alone, as the beginning steps of our complex path to pro-social behaviour. They come at the end of the foundational process, just like a house is built using carpentry skills, but only upon its foundation. So, that plethora of books, articles and seminars devoted to developing the skills of communication are useful to us only after we have discovered the magic of empathy and chosen the values and attitudes conducive to trust and other-centricity. Perhaps that’s why people refer to the “art” of communication—they are confused when they see that skill alone, in terms of strategy, doesn’t lead anywhere.

I remember watching an amateur video by a person who claimed that simply repeating the last 3 words of each sentence spoken by the other person would make them feel understood. How trite, shallow and manipulative!

Sooner or later, that other person will notice the artifice, and the trust will be broken. Once that happens, forget that relationship. Damaged trust can be irreparable.

However, if all of the primary elements are there as a foundation for social connection, then communication skill development is worth pursuing, and becomes the crowning glory of the whole process. Communication occurs in two forms: receptive and expressive. The best receptive communication skill is listening—active, or reflective listening. I remember the moment I realized the awesome power of it—with my father, when, during an emotionally-charged conversation, I suddenly realized his pain over various people (including his children) not taking his advice.

I had paused for reflection, and then respond-

ed by saying, “It is very frustrating for you, very hard for you, when people don’t listen to you, because you think they could avoid a lot of heartache, and headache, if they did.” He breathed out a vehement “Yeeesssss!” with such relief and gratitude that I was shocked!

I didn’t realize how much my understanding meant to him, or how misunderstood he had felt until that moment. I remember that instant vividly, and I was sold on active listening from then on. But I hasten to say that it only worked because I allowed myself, and was able, to feel genuinely curious about his feelings, and

what we have received. If we are wrong, they will tell us. Just expressing what we picked up will show them that we are trying to understand. Our effort alone means something. We can do this, and it will help—even more than just nodding or grunting, “yeah, continue,” or something else non-committal. It takes more energy, and more focussed thinking, to analyze what they are communicating with their words and their body language. It’s not just strategy—it’s honest intention of undisguisable goodwill. Communication has ceased to be a self-focussed skill, but rather a means to

I wanted to make the effort to understand. I stopped focussing on my own internal state, and focussed instead on him. I cared about his experience.

express caring, connection and compassion.

So, under those conditions, it is helpful to know the deep value of trying to discover, for one’s own benefit and for that of the other person, what that other person is feeling, thinking or interpreting from their experience. And even more than that, it is highly beneficial to then express our reception of their words and body language—their actions, facial indicators, posture and emotional expression—so they may realize just exactly

Such listening will also prevent the impulsive giving of unnecessary, unwanted advice, which is the scourge of interactions where one person pours their heart out to another. We may enjoy giving advice, but it may or may not be a useful or appropriate response. It can come across as bossy, or a bid for power.

One way to tell for sure if the advice we are giving is irritating or unhelpful to the receiver is if we hear the words, “Yes, but…” What this indicates is that there is some correlated complexity, or some information that we are (continued on next page) Education \\ 33

(continued from page 33...) unaware of, that will sabotage the advice we just gave. In general, advice-giving becomes a roadblock when the other person is not open to it, or when they are still hurting from the realization that they have a problem in the first place. Some compassionate listening is more needed at those times.

To return to the story about my father, it was a very cathartic experience for him to feel so understood, and I am happy that I could give that to him through the simple means of active listening. It helped our relationship. However, that experience did not mean that he was right to have been such an inveterate advice-giver.

In fact, although it was understandable, it was not beneficial for anyone. The background was that he had become known at work in the oil patch as a problem solver, and a good one. He had expected that his children would welcome his advice as other professionals had. And, no doubt, his advice to each of his children was logical, considered, and reasonable according to his own experience. It may seem natural for a parent to dispense advice, because they have more life experience. In this case, though, on the children’s emotional level, it felt like it was missing something. And it was. It was missing the reflective listening component, the opportunity for his children to speak their truth, too.

It ended up feeling like a monologue to them, not a dialogue. So, it felt controlling and even dismissive and insulting, as if he were saying that without this advice, they would never have been able to figure things out. This is the strongest disadvantage of giving advice to others when they have not asked for it: even though there can be true goodwill within the advice-giver, it nevertheless feels arrogant to the listener. Not only are those listeners going to feel misunderstood, but the giver will feel misunderstood too.

34 // Community Now!

So, we have to understand the reality that at those moments when people reveal a problem they are struggling with, they know it better than we do, invariably. Moreover, the issues are probably much more complicated than we realize, and have been defying analysis for some time. We need to be humble here, and not see ourselves as The Fixer, or The Knight on a White Horse, charging in to rescue those other people. That is rather egotistical when we think of it. After all, we often do not know the solutions to certain of our own problems— why would we be such experts over others’ problems, especially when we don’t know the ins and outs of them, nor the potential roadblocks, nor the hidden potentials? We can, instead, allow ourselves to wonder about another example of the intricately interconnected aspects of human life. We can be curious.

With humility and curiosity, we can simply listen to others as they outline their problems to us. Our role is that of a sounding board. We can give them space to organize their issues verbally, instead of having them rattle around in their heads. This listening space, especially listening actively when appropriate, is so valuable. You can’t realize it fully until it happens to you. It is gold in relationship building, for it is empowering. When others ask for advice, or most commonly, IF they ask for advice, then we can state our views as our views, but always recognizing, unpretentiously, that we still only know part of their story.

Expressive communication is the other necessary component for revealing ourselves, and thus creating mutual understanding. We usually express our inner state whether we realize it or not. Our attitudes show, glaringly.

Now, outright lies may be difficult to detect, if the liar is purposeful and focussed on the dramatic presentation of the lie. Other than that unusual circumstance, we commonly (continued on page 36)

(continued from page 34...) express our thoughts and feelings through a revealing plethora of words, body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Even not saying anything is communicating something. When people are afraid to be up front with their meaning, the message may become crooked. Denying what we have actually said, or offensively accusing the other person back when we are initially accused, or persisting in defending ourselves and not really listening to the other person—these are the crooked pathways we take just to avoid facing our fears and our failings. These pathways do not help resolve issues. They rely on avoidance to ignore what we are afraid of. But our fears are based on something, and imperfections exist.

Sooner or later, the genuine truth will push its way out.

When we are courageous enough to participate in revealing our inner selves, giving I-messages is one effective means to express our own needs. I-messages do not blame

others. They indicate our capacity to take responsibility for ourselves, by honestly exposing our reaction to their specific behavior, how it impacts concretely upon us, and how we feel about it. These skills are described in detail in “P.E.T.” (“Parent Effectiveness Training”)

by Dr. Thomas Gordon. Both active listening and I-messages avoid common roadblocks to communication, such as judging, criticizing, lecturing, and so on. Sometimes, we may give an I-message as a proactive indication of our expectations—rather than waiting for the other person to blow it by, say, forgetting our birthday. It is far better to be up front with what we would dearly love to experience.

Most significantly, if we use an I-message as an indication that we are having a problem with a person’s behaviour, and we do not specifically offer a solution, then it reveals our vulnerability to their reply, and is an indication that we are tentatively offering our trust of them, by assuming that they will care enough about us to respond with something helpful. However, they may not.

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Communication is not just about HOW we communicate.

It is, in the end, about WHAT we have to communicate.

This is not easy. It can be very difficult to participate in the back-and-forth of expressive communication, particularly if at least one of the speakers is unhappily complaining about the state of affairs. It may be helpful to realize that, from the listener’s point of view, that complaint may be either a gift, or garbage.

This idea can help a person not to be overly defensive. Either the complaint is unjustified in the opinion of the listener, and can be discarded as a catalyst for change, or it actually is realistic and helpful feedback.

Not taking the information personally is the concept I am speaking about here. This is a difficult concept. When I first heard people speaking about this idea, back in the 1970s, I thought, erroneously, that it meant that we

should let other people rant at us, or dump their feelings upon us, without regard to our feelings, and that we should tell ourselves that we are not offended. “Don’t be so defensive!” seemed to be something said by a person who accompanied it with an aggressive, confrontational message, while denying the actual offensiveness of the statement. I hated this idea, and I fought it tooth and nail. However, this is not, actually, what “not taking things personally” means. As long as the person is not manipulative in intention, it means recognizing that the content of the message reflects the speaker, and that it means something to that person, something important. It reveals the inner conundrums of the speaker. It may (continued on next page) Education \\ 37

(continued from page 37...) actually not have anything to do with us. If we are naturally confident and have a solid belief in our own worth, we will be able to see that person clearly, and respect that speaker by truly listening to, and believing, the inner experience revealed. That’s what happened when I listened to my father. In this case, we are honored with a glimpse into another human being’s mind and heart. If there is some way we can respond helpfully, we usually do.

Sometimes, though, the complaint is garbage, because we, ourselves, do not agree with it. We do not see it that way. We will have to express that, but first we do need to hear the person out. When the complaint is garbage, that is the easy thing to handle emotionally. However, when the complaint is a gift, it means that we are truly interfering with the other person’s happiness or needs, and we had better do

something about it, if we want to, or if we are able to, continue in that relationship. We may feel offended that someone is complaining, but we have to realistically face our imperfections. If we can analyze the content and realize, through a functioning self-awareness, that we DO do that thing that is causing the problem, well… that is truly a gift, because we may discover some self-improvement on the horizon, and we may please a person dear to us in the process. And if we cannot, then we need to act upon that realization.

Therefore, communication is not just about HOW we communicate. It is, in the end, about WHAT we have to communicate. We may be socially skilled enough to say in a gentle, clear voice, “I just wanted to tell you that I have never loved you,” but the content is devastating, no matter the tone. Being socially adept—socially intelligent—means knowing what needs to be said, and what does not. We

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need to be strategic enough to not blurt out comments that are directly cruel and hurtful, and for no good reason. That is why we cringe when a little child yells out, “Mommy! Look at that tall man!!” It is better for us to think compassionately of the listener’s potential feelings, and to identify in advance the possible consequences of our communicated words and actions. Nevertheless, difficult realities will always be difficult realities to convey to someone else whom we care about. Life takes

liberty we want, in order to express our freedom to decide our goals, requires our taking responsibility to allow others their freedom of self-expression over their lives TOO. This is the reality of social fluency. If we want social skills, we have to give respect to both our own needs AND others’ needs. We cannot escape this truth.

courage, both to communicate our reality, and to receive someone else’s.

self-restraint, creative problem-solving and self-awareness. Knowing how to convey our goodwill through effective communication skills that are based on such a solid foundation is the essential last step on our path to social comfort. The result of our then performing acts of compassion is that our impact on others becomes more socially intelligent. Social intelligence is more than merely having good communication skills. It is the social back-andforth, the unselfish acts, the reciprocal interaction between people in which both sides feel truly cherished, visible, heard and understood.

Then we can connect genuinely, courageously and trustingly with others. Liam Cummings has referred to such a deep connection as being able to “see the aurora borealis of another”, in a reciprocal fashion. This is the ultimate magic that can materialize from this whole process.

It is simply the ultimate that can be achieved between two people. How great is that?! To be able to mutually know people deeply enough that their “aurora borealis” is visible has got to be the greatest wisdom we can achieve. This is a selfless wonder, and it is love.

If the problems we face are solvable, then, typically, we know. Then, it is worth it for us to engage in a process to deal with the complaints—as in, ideally, eliminating them.

However, if a person responds to our criticism simply by stating that they are bothered by US, as well, then each of us needs to explore in more detail what that shared problem entails, to seek possible solutions through both creative imagination and, once more…active listening.

We may need to alternate between I-messages and active listening, to ensure that each side gets their say. Using this process enables a resulting decision to be made reciprocally upon a win-win solution. This means that each one will end up feeling satisfied enough. This may mean seeking a solution from out in left field, or it may mean compromise, but it will never mean trampling upon others’ rights.

And so, this is the third major communication skill to build—problem-solving.

This process of problem-solving entails mutual respect. Every social skill that we can develop depends upon mutual respect, by definition.

This is what trust-building depends upon, and ultimately, all relationship building. Reciprocity is thus an integral part of effective social connection. “Social” skills are social in nature.

They require both parties in the interaction to give respect, to understand the reality that the

But there are significant rewards for displaying that magic ingredient of empathy, as well as those attitudes that value compassion,

Education \\ 39

SHEInnovates PROFILE

Get to know SheInnovators through CN! Magazine over the next few issues!

JACQUELYN CARDINAL

APPLYING INDIGENOUS SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES TO FOSTER INNOVATION Jacquelyn Cardinal, Co-founder and managing director of Naheyawin From a very young age, Jacquelyn Cardinal has been driven by her interests. When she was 13, she began flipping garage sale items on eBay to fund her passion for making films.

In turn, her eBay business gave her the entrepreneurship bug.

“After I got the eBay business going in junior high and high school, I transitioned into getting more into website development and marketing – anything I could do around my interest of making films. It was always a means to an end, but after a while I felt that I had a bit of a knack for it,” Cardinal says.

Fulfillment through community work Cardinal continued her website development and marketing work throughout University with her first company, Cave Inc, and eventually was able to travel and live in the UK for a time. But with these worldly endeavors, she wondered if she was missing something back home.

“After a while I felt a bit empty. I jokingly blame my parents for that. Growing up they were very socially motivated and involved in the community. My dad’s side of the family has a very strong history in politics. We have two treaty signatories in the family,” she says.

40 // Community Now!

“That was always in the back of my mind: that I needed to be giving back to the community as well.”

Cardinal found herself aligned in this feeling with her brother, Hunter Cardinal, an accomplished actor and artist. Both Cardinal and her brother were feeling “weirdly unfulfilled,” and decided to address this feeling by starting Naheyawin an Indigenous education and outreach company. The company works collaboratively with non-Indigenous as well as Indigenous groups to promote diversity and inclusion using Indigenous-based social technologies.

“Not only was my technology itch being scratched, but I could dabble in entrepreneurship, test myself, and see where I could fit in the world while also giving back to the community and exploring my culture from a place that I always hoped I could, but didn’t always feel able to,” Cardinal explains.

“It was bringing Indigeneity out of my own mind, out of this historicized place. We could take our Indigenous governance principles, our ceremonies, our songs, and really bring them into a contemporary context where most people could actually experience them.”

With Naheyawin, Cardinal has worked with the province of Alberta, installed art by the (continued on next page)

Community \\ 41

(continued from page 40...) artist Alex Janvier and held a pipe ceremony in the Legislative Assembly, and worked with the Edmonton Arts Council to develop their 10-year plan, for which they won a writing award.

Educating through artistic endeavors Cardinal’s passion for Indigenous engagement and education flows into other disciplines as well. Cardinal and Hunter wrote their first play: Lake of the Strangers, which premiered in January and February of 2018 and for which they were awarded the Edmonton Sterling Award for Outstanding New Play.

Cardinal and Hunter based the play partly on the work of Wilfred Buck, a Cree astronomer, and his theory of infinity.

“It’s this idea that all our stories are woven into the stars. There are ones that already exist that are made by our ancestors, but there are also ones that we’re supposed to create to face our challenges in our time. This idea of making a new myth was totally mind-blowing to us,” Cardinal explains. Interwoven into the play are accounts from Cree mythology and Cardinal’s family mythology.

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“I feel so lucky that I get to do my work in that design space and solve problems, but also create art, which I feel highlights new problems to solve in the future.”

Be who you needed when you were younger Cardinal’s path to leadership and entrepreneurship has not always been easy. She struggled with the lack of examples of diverse women in leadership positions.

“I do find that on both sides of the family, the mythic figures that they tend to hold up are men. That’s quite common.,” Cardinal explains.

“It was only quite recently that I considered myself a member of the community that could provide some leadership, and I think it’s simply because I didn’t have that many examples of women that look like me, who are taking those leadership positions. Getting older I really took up that mantle of ‘Be who you needed when you were younger.’”

Innovation as a part of life “Innovation from an Indigenous perspective is just life,” Cardinal says.

“Constantly changing, constantly growing. It’s an iterative process, but it’s also cyclical. What is perceived from the outside as innovation is just reaching back to the governance principles of my people and putting them into today’s practices.”

Cardinal truly wants to integrate those governance principles into today’s practices and her work with Naheyawin demonstrates this passion. She believes that the time-tested social technologies of peace, friendship, and understanding through Indigenous relationship building could be some of the most innovative ways to change our perspectives and heal the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

CARDINAL’S THREE TIPS FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS: 1. Take the advice to "follow your passion" with a grain of salt. Passion is something that can help make the late nights and early mornings a little less painful. But this idea sometimes paralyzes people since not everyone has a passion identified or understands their passion as something that can be leveraged, operationalized, or productized into a business. Instead, seek out a problem that you strongly believe is important to solve, or a need that you strongly believe needs to be met in your community, nation, or the world. It gets you in the mindset of being a problem-solver, which is paramount for any entrepreneur.

2. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

While the hustle lifestyle is glamorous from the outside, there is nothing cool about working your way towards burnout. Your first priority should always be your own health, which sometimes means putting off that email until after a good nights' sleep, time with friends over a networking function, or delaying a business development meeting in order to take time to unplug, travel, or volunteer. Entrepreneurs who don't follow this rule and haven't experienced burnout are most certainly playing with fire.

3. The small things are the big things.

Ensuring that your emails are spell-checked, your schedule and documents are in order, and your thank-you cards sent regularly may just seem like small things. But taking care of the details creates trust, respect, and shows that you care. As bumps in the road pop up from time to time, that respect and trust from your clients or customers can allow you the space and time to handle it like the professional you are.

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SHEInnovates PROFILE

NICOLA PAVIGLIANITI BUILDING STRENGTH IN MARGINALIZED AFRICAN COMMUNITIES Nicola Paviglianiti knows first-hand that seeing is believing. Although few could imagine that the 5.1’ 115-pound Alberta woman can lift over 350lbs, she does, and often, and has international competition medals to prove it.

“At this point I don’t have a goal weight to lift, I want to lift all the weights,” says the 24-yearold Team Canada powerlifter.

“There is no end point. Anything is possible.”

Defying expectations has given her the confidence to take every opportunity and run with it. After hearing a friend talk about how powerlifting has a small following in Zimbabwe through the charity Lift4Life, she decided to see how she could support the fledgling community there and explore how sports can create positive change.

Grassroots weightlifting in Zimbabwe Paviglianiti’s thesis for a Masters in International Humanitarian Action from University College Dublin allowed her to go to Zimbabwe, and research how grassroots weightlifting activities can be used to create positive impact on marginalized communities.

A big part of her work has been raising funds for gym equipment and getting them built.

Hiring local welders creates livelihood and employment opportunities and the equipment is donated to a community gym open to all. Then, Paviglianiti facilitates programming to help them use the equipment.

“Weightlifting is empowering, especially for women, and addresses many health issues, including substance abuse and nutrition,” she says.

Coaching Audrey Nicola met Audrey her first time in Zimbabwe in 2017. The 34-year-old single mother, who lives in a marginalized community with a lack of running water and electricity, saw Nicola powerlift and was inspired to get involved.

Audrey has now competed internationally twice, was the first female in Zimbabwe to compete internationally, and is currently running the Zimbabwe Powerlifting Federation.

“It’s definitely changed her life. She’s taking coaching courses and has been able to create a livelihood out of it,” says Paviglianiti, who is proud to now call Audrey a friend. “She’s changed her health and inspired her daughter (continued on next page) Community \\ 45

(continued from page 45...) and the rest of the community. She’s broken a lot of barriers and become a leader in her community.”

If you can see it, you can be it Seeing women take leadership roles in the community has been one of the biggest changes Nicola has seen as a result of her programming.

“Young girls see Audrey and realize they could be them one day and also be leaders,” she says. “It also becomes acceptable for men to see women taking leadership positions and succeeding. They begin working together to create that positive change.”

Building leaders in the community is one of Nicola’s primary goals, allowing her programs to grow and become sustainable. Having local coaches carry on the programming allows Nicola to continue her work elsewhere. She just won a global grant to open powerlifting gyms in Kenya.

Support in Alberta Nicola feels very privileged to have grown up in Alberta. One of her dreams is to eventually start local free gyms in her own community as

“Female mentors and role models are so important everywhere in the world and seeing more female leaders in Alberta has been really inspiring,” she says.

“That kind of encouragement means a lot.”

Determined to succeed Paviglianiti attributes her success in and out of the gym to a lot of hard work and dedication.

“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes training hours at the gym every day. Just as in life, I have a lot of bad days too, with injuries and setbacks but you have to overcome them,” she says.

“It’s the same with international development work. There are so many things that can throw you off, -like delays or theft. Powerlifting has taught me that you just keep going and working hard, and ultimately it pays off in so many ways.

Learn more about Nicola instagram - @storiesnotselfies facebook - nicola.paviglianiti.9 linkedin - npaviglianiti

a hub to offer resources, helping to build connections and a network for those who need it.

NICOLA’S FOUR TIPS FOR CREATING SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES: Get to know the community. Understand their needs, strengths and opportunities.

Identify leaders. Find allies with similar goals and dreams to work with you.

Focus on strengths. Build on what’s working and try not to focus on what’s not.

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Learn from failure. Learn from your mistakes instead of dwelling on them. If you figure out what went wrong and fix it, you will succeed. Look at it as an opportunity to be better and stronger for next time.

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Our Mission: Promoting curiosity, communication and engagement in making Alberta a stronger and better place to live, to be educated, do business, promote innovation and community celebration. www.communitynowmagazine.com Facebook: @communitynowmagazine Twitter: @communitynowma1 Publisher@CommunityNowMagazine.com