Per

NEWS photo Neil Lucente

NEW KAHTOU editor Maurice Nahanee... felt early on Kahtou should be run as a business.

: ahanee brings experience
ete Kahiou News’ editorship

SQUAMISH BAND
member Maurice Nahanee

has returned as managing
editor of Kahtou News ’92.

By Paul Hughes
Contributing Writer

Kahtou is the only province-
wide native newspaper currently
being published in B.C.

Nahanee originally joined the
paper — then run by a non-profit
native society -—- in 1984 after
graduating from SFU with a BA
in English literature.

He began as a reparter, worked
his way through the ranks, even-
tually becoming assistant editor
and then, in 1988, was promoted
to managing editor,

He left the newspaper when his
own public relations company, All
Write Productions Ltd., became
successful enough to pursue full-
time.

Nahanee admits to being driven
by the entrepreneurial spirit.

“Even in 1984, I felt Kahtou
should be run as a business rather
than as a non-profit organiza-
tion,”’ he said.

He came back to the paper
shortly after it was sold to private
interests.

‘In June, 1992, the paper was

NATIVE AFFAIRS

purchased by Stan Dixon of the
Sechelt Indian Band. Since he is
an entrepreneur, | felt he would
run a good business compatible
with my own philosophy.”

Nahanee produces the paper
through his ewan company which
he operates from his home on the
Mission Reserve in North Van-
couver.

Nahanee brings with him a wide
experience in the communications
field.

He has been involved in’ the
praducticn of newsletters, video
documentaries and commercials.

Along with his wife, Delhia, he
publishes and edits The Rez mag-
azine, which features articles writ-
ten by and abour First Nations
youth aciuss Canada.

Nahanee has also produced sev-
eral video feaiures for the syn-
dicated TV native affairs series.
First Nations Magazine.

In addition, he is the director of
communications for Nahanee,
Ritchie and Associates, a public
relations firm he and partner
Kirk Ritchie established to aid
companies in the marketing and
developing of business plans.

Regarding the future of

aboriginal communities in B.C.,
Nahance is optimistic.

“*E see an acceleration of devel-
opment on many levels — politi-
cal, educational and en-
trepreneurial,”* he said.

He sees the establishment of the
B.C. Treaty Commission, and the
recognition of the inherent cight
of self-government proposed in
the Charlottetown Accord, as ma-
jor breakthroughs for aboriginal
people.

“In the past, we've always
needed approvai from the Mlinisier
of Indian Affairs for any wpe of
development in our community. I
don’t think the government has
been quick to respond."

“When my father was in. resi-
dential school, if even one child
failed, they held the entire class
back. [ feel that’s what the DIA
has done to our community."'

Nahanee, though, is thankful
that he has had the opportunity to
obtain training in his chosen field.

“The government has provided
me with the funding for most of
my education, and in so doing
they have assisted in the develop-
ment of a self-sufficient individu-
al. I'm grateful for that.’”

He paused for a moment and
then added, ‘*) think they got
their money’s worth.”’

1992 - North Shore News - 17

=

First Citizens’
Fund Loan Program |

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Tne Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs has been authorized by the Legislative
Assembly of British Columbia to examine, inquire —
into, aad make recommendations with respect to
ail matters related to the First Citizens’ Fund Loan
Program established through the First Citizens’
Fund under the Special! Accounts Appropriation and
Control Act, and in particular, to consider:

@ the effectiveness of the current program design,
delivery mechanism and benefit to the client;

@ the appropriateness of the current program to
address the barriers to small business
development experienced by aboriginal peaple;
recommendations concerning the design and
delivery of the loan program to ensure the
established mandate of the fund and the
changing nzeds of the aboriginal business
community are being met. ‘

The Select Standing Committee invites
submissions with respect to all matters relating to
the First Citizens’ Fund Loan Program. Submissions
will be accepted in alt formats and mediums,
including written and oral, until November 30, 1992.

a; enovinte oF >
Tian couUN™
fr, Jim Beattie, MLA
Chairperson
Als. Margaret Lard, MLA
Deputy Chairperson

Please submit to:

Ms. Joan L. Molsberry
Comrnittee Clerk

Room 224

Parliament Buildings
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1X4

Telephone: (604) 356-6318 .
(call collect)
Facsimile: (604) 356-8172