Lawrence Lewis, ICD:D, B.A., DPSM

First Nation Professional

RECIPIENT 2014 AFOA BC – BAND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

BACKGROUND
Lawrence is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge) and presently resides in Victoria with his wife (21 yrs) and 2 children – both adopted from China (Kate and Alex). Lawrence most recently was the Chief Executive Officer of the Malahat Nation/Investment Corporation, and is now focused on working with other First Nations throughout western Canada to advance and focus their governance, administrative structures, and install effective modern economic and business authorities. Most recently, he has been appointed Chair/President of the Industry Council of Aboriginal Business (ICAB).

EXPERIENCE
In 2012 Lawrence launched a mobile technologies start-up: OneFeather. OneFeather is already shifting the way First Nation communities engage, collaborate, and make important decisions governing their Nation futures using the modern and ubiquitous mobile smart phone, including for the first time in Canada mobile voting for elections and referendums.

Over the past 20 plus years Lawrence has been working with First Nations, FN Agencies and all levels of Government primarily on Vancouver Island and British Columbia – supporting First Nation development of governance, elections and economic/business – always with a view to growing aboriginal communities, protecting aboriginal title and rights, and enhancing cultural and social values and priorities. Lawrence combines his understanding of government and business processes with the pragmatic, and a deeply rooted awareness and respect of Indian people and the social and cultural processes required to ensure successful Nation Building.

Lawrence’s past work experience includes a number of posts at senior/executive levels including: Band Administrator
– Cape Mudge (5.5 years); Director of Education – Tsawwassen First Nation (1 yr); Special Advisor to Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education (2.5 yrs), Director of Operations – Hamatla Treaty Group (3 Yrs); Director of Operations and Vice President – Bute Inlet Development Corp (4 yrs), and independent Elections and Governance Contractor (over 12 yrs). And once upon a time owned and operated two pub style restaurants.

EDUCATION
Lawrence has recently completed the DEP through the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD:D), and has previously completed other degrees and professional designations, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) along with other Diplomas in Governance and Public Administration all from the University of Victoria. Other diplomas include Business Management, FN Schools Management and International Trade.

SERVICE
Lawrence believes strongly in community service: He is presently a Rotarian since 2003, and has by invitation been a Director for the Strathcona Community Futures, Campbell River Museum, Provincial Task Force for Aboriginal Economic Development, Vice-President and President – UVic Native Student Union and sat as National Aboriginal Student Spokesperson with the Canadian Federation of Student.

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Profile-July-1-Pager.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download Lawrence’s bio in PDF format.[/ilink]