About
Our Purpose and Path
Economic reconciliation needs Indigenous thought leadership — for the benefit of this Southern Vancouver Island, B.C. and all of Canada. Indigenous Peoples bring multiple strengths and unique knowledge with which to reshape and build a robust economy.
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre will:
- promote Indigenous-led prosperity tactics and strategies that balance community wellbeing and values
- promote and protect Indigenous-led innovation while supporting the stewardship of ocean resources
- create meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on a values-driven approach to attaining shared community economic prosperity
- augment and amplify economic and workforce development activities at an individual Nation level while providing essential services to smaller Nations and off-reserve Indigenous Peoples
Team
“We have all the ingredients for a thriving economy and true prosperity, defined in the broadest sense to include well-being for everyone and our environment. To get there, we need to work as One. As we bring our strengths together, across all sectors, in an ecosystem that supports innovation, collaboration and inclusion, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre will create a connection point for Indigenous business and communities.” - Christina Clarke
Christina Clarke
Executive Director
Christina Clarke is Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, a not-for-profit committed to the self-directed economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples throughout Southern Vancouver Island.
Before joining the IPC, Christina spent 27 years with the Songhees Nation, serving as Senior Finance Manager, Executive Director and finally as inaugural CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation, overseeing three companies and partnerships in Tourism & Hospitality, Property Holdings, Cannabis Retail and Marine Industry.
A graduate of the University of Victoria (UVic), Christina honours her NunatuKavut (Inuit-European) ancestry through her Mother and is proud of her first generation Irish Canadian Father. She looks forward to facilitating the economic goals of First Nations and Indigenous people as co-creators of an inclusive economy.
Christina is a board member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and South Island Prosperity Partnership. In 2022, she was appointed to UVic’s Board of Governors.
Before joining the IPC, Christina spent 27 years with the Songhees Nation, serving as Senior Finance Manager, Executive Director and finally as inaugural CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation, overseeing three companies and partnerships in Tourism & Hospitality, Property Holdings, Cannabis Retail and Marine Industry.
A graduate of the University of Victoria (UVic), Christina honours her NunatuKavut (Inuit-European) ancestry through her Mother and is proud of her first generation Irish Canadian Father. She looks forward to facilitating the economic goals of First Nations and Indigenous people as co-creators of an inclusive economy.
Christina is a board member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and South Island Prosperity Partnership. In 2022, she was appointed to UVic’s Board of Governors.
Tarrin Sam
Communications Specialist
Tarrin Sam is a proud member of the Lekwungen First Nation, hailing from the Sam family, and is studying for her Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing at Camosun College. She joins IPC from her previous position as Communications Coordinator for the Songhees Nation, where she gained invaluable experience in communications, media, and Indigenous engagement. Tarrin is committed to creating meaningful and lasting change in the region and eager to help the Indigenous Prosperity Centre reach its goals and make a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Isiah Desjarlais
Research Coordinator
Hailing from the Tsartlip First Nations in the W̱SÁNEĆ territories, Isiah grew up close to his mother, grandparents, and uncles. Isiah spent his initial years of post-secondary studies at Camosun College focusing on Marketing, and saw a new opportunity at the Royal Roads University in the Innovation and Sustainability program. A revolutionary program setting a new standard in Business education with a project based curriculum, Isiah worked diligently to complete his undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He gained hands-on experience with diverse projects and teams that has led him to his new position with the Indigenous Prosperity Centre as the Research Coordinator. He is well-versed in developing research strategies that align with stakeholders' needs and goals and his experience working with cross-functional teams demonstrates a collaborative mindset and an ability to lead and mentor small team’s.
Isiah has great intrinsic motivation in working with the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and he is excited about the opportunity to contribute to current and new research initiatives that will empower Indigenous economic growth. He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the Indigenous Prosperity Centre's mission and contribute to the positive impact it strives to make.
Advisory Board
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre Working Group, together with South Island Prosperity Partnership, supports the collaborative vision and development of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre.
“Economic reconciliation is a considered approach to creating equitable, just and sustainable opportunities for all Nations and Indigenous Peoples.” - Dr. Susanne Thiessen IPC Working Group
Dr. Susanne Thiessen
Assistant Professor, Indigenous Community Development, University of Victoria; Board Director, South Island Prosperity Partnership
Marine Liaison and Communications Officer, T’Sou-ke First Nation
Victoria Native Friendship Centre Executive Director
Director, Indigenous Relations, QM Environmental; Board Director, South Island Prosperity Partnership