RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - MICHAEL ETHERINGTON
Describe your job in just under four sentences.
My role is the Cultural Program Manager at Native Canadian Centre of Toronto – our mandate within the department is to promote education and increase access to the community regarding cultural based services. Additionally, I provide Indigenous Cultural Competency Training to public and private sector regarding communications and relationship-building with Indigenous peoples.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years – I envision to raise the profile of my career as a recognized public speaker, trainer, facilitator – I found my speaking style and sharing my message as an advocate for Indigenous members in our community who may not have a voice. Accountability is crucial in 2017 regarding Indigenous representation in various forums – I want to ensure I am accountable to the words I speak, the stories I share as my family, community, Elders have paved the way to provide the skills I have been fortunate to build upon within my professional career.
What does success look like to you?
Success I believe based upon my life experiences is to break down barriers, challenge the status quo and represent your family and community to the best of your ability. Success for me is not stagnant it is continual growth and learning which I reflect upon daily to continue being a productive member of the community.
What has been the most outstanding moment thus far in your career?
The most outstanding moment in my career thus far – has been seeing Indigenous community members experiencing success in their own personal journeys. I have provided supports in various forums whether it is a conference, keynote my passion and heart lies when working directly with our Indigenous community. Recently I seen a young Indigenous women approach me and say ‘those stories you shared with me in your presentations changed my life’ and sentiments like hers are the reasons as to why I value the work I do and grateful to be in the role I am in.
Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?
Yes. I currently volunteer with Passages Canada as a speaker to schools, colleges, universities on dialogue concerning my life experience as an Indigenous person. I promote cultural awareness to students of whom share a keen interest in learning about Indigenous peoples within Canada – as the educational spectrum is rather wide in the audiences I speak to – I ensure the manner of my speeches are age-appropriate education.
Do you have any advice for other Indigenous professionals in Canada?
My advice I would not wish to be prescriptive – only to share as a reference point from experiences I have learned from. I believe we should not be afraid in sharing our own story to contribute to efforts of being a leader for change. We are in unique times as a country with Truth and Reconciliation recognizing the historical injustices of Indigenous peoples in Canada – as my family roots have direct lived experiences to those injustices – I told myself it does not define who I am. I am in process of reconciliation for myself to allow my culture, traditions, be the reference point on sharing who I am to ensure our Indigenous leadership capabilities are recognized to restoring our relations within Canada as Treaty people.
What do you think is the most unique challenge for an Indigenous person in your industries?
The most unique challenge I believe is regarding the implications of identity politics. We as Indigenous peoples in Canada are bureaucratically and politically entrenched it has created much confusion, divisiveness it continues to damage the potential for creating meaningful relations. I am a registered Status Indian – I am considered Aboriginal, Indigenous, Indian, yet within those contexts of identity politics it does not reference anything of me being Omushkego-Cree. I reject any affiliation to policies associated with the assimilation of Indigenous peoples I wish to restore the awareness and recognition of our Treaties. We are Treaty people. Within that relationship I wish to be recognized for who my people are, where I come from as Omushkego-Cree not from colonial ideology.
What made you interested in joining the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and why would you encourage others to join?
I became interested in joining IPAC – as the leadership within the organization I have provide support to as I see this as an excellent platform for Indigenous peoples to be leaders for change