In late October, 19 Maori MBA students from Waikato-Tainui College came to the Sauder School of Business for a 10 day tour program. Working with Sauder’s Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education program, the students attended classes and worked on case competitions. The student responses posted on the Sauder Website were of nothing but positive learning experiences. In fact, the program was such a success that Ch’nook is now in talks with WTC about sending students over to New Zealand.
“Associate Director of Ch’nook, Danielle Levine says it was refreshing to teach a group of motivated students who were eager to learn about Canada’s indigenous cultures and peoples. “The students equally shared their indigenous cultures with us. It was a wonderful learning experience for the students, staff and community participants.” (Sauder.ubc.ca, 2012).
This is an initiative that really hits home with me because of my Kiwi origins. I have a profound interest in indigenous communities, and it is fascinating to observe the differences in the culture of business within them. I am very excited to be a part of a school that shares these interests with me.