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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

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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