Speaker Series on Aboriginal Issues 2016: Dragons and Tricksters

Dragons and Tricksters: An Intersection of Chinese and First Nations Culture, Philosophy, and LeadershipPresented by William G. Lindsay (Cree-Stoney), Director, Office for Aboriginal Peoples, SFU And PhD Student, Faculty of Education, SFUIn components of his PhD research, William Lindsay has found philosophical similarities between aspects of classical Chinese thought and practice and traditional First Nations thought and practice. Included in this has been a discovery that aspects of traditional leadership skills from both cultures intersect in places and are applicable in his work 'Indigenizing' a university. In addition to this, he has personally experienced and observed in these modern times an overlap and intersection of the culture and life experience of Chinese and First Nations people.This lecture - tying aspects of these two cultural threads together - will consider the question: What fascinating observations can be made and what personal, philosophical, and leadership lessons can be contrasted, compared, and shared through this cross-cultural intersection? As part of this presentation, the 22 minute documentary short film 'Cedar and Bamboo' will be shown. This fascinating documentary recounts the life experiences of four descendants of mixed heritage and explores the unique relationships shared by early Chinese immigrants and First Nations peoples on Canada's west coast.