Elaine Alec, esteemed author, Indigenous leader, and CEO of Naqsmist Storytellers Inc., was invited by the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan at the request of the Punjab Provincial Minister of Human Rights and Minorities. During her visit, she shared Indigenous Planning Practices in Canada, the history of Comprehensive Community Planning and Community Development, and teachings of the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework—an educational initiative designed to foster inclusive and respectful environments, crucial for effective planning and governance.

Elaine Alec, a member of the nsyilxcen and secwepemctsín-speaking people from the Interior of British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, has dedicated her career to advancing reconciliation and cultural education. Her innovative approach intertwines Indigenous wisdom with modern practices, promoting social justice and community empowerment on a global scale.

Key Events:

• High-Level Meetings: Elaine engaged with key officials and community leaders to discuss the implementation of the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework in community and strategic planning for improving social and economic outcomes for minority communities.

• Workshops and Training: She conducted workshops and training sessions, equipping participants with practical tools to cultivate safe spaces in their respective environments.

• Public Talks and Dinners: Elaine shared her experiences with engagement and Indigenous trauma-informed approaches, utilizing the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework and Indigenous Knowledges with representatives from Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan and the United States.
  

The Importance of Indigenous Planning and Cultivating Safe Spaces

Historically, the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian Federal government was based on colonial practices, with minimal value placed on Indigenous ways of knowing and being. National policies concerning Indigenous groups were developed using a one-size-fits-all method without consultation, ignoring linguistic, geographic, or cultural distinctions. In recent decades, Indigenous planners and advisors have asserted their rights and initiated meaningful dialogue with governments, guiding discussions toward self-determination.

Elaine emphasizes the importance of community-driven processes: “I truly believe in community-driven processes. I believe that the strength of our people comes from within. I believe in going to the people and asking for direction, for communities to take accountability and make decisions that will guide and give mandate to their leadership so leaders can stand confidently and give voice to what their community needs are. Our communities are given voice through plans. This work needs to be done in community first, and our plans need to be built on a foundation of trust and healing and the values of our languages and lands.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President on the initiative

“It’s truly remarkable to bear witness to Elaine Alec share our Syilx teachings and her innovative Cultivating Safe Spaces curriculum around the world with international audiences eager to learn from Indigenous peoples. The appetite for this initiative speaks to our common humanity, curiosity, and eagerness for healing and reconciliation across colonial borders, principles which must be upheld now more than ever during this time of increasing racialized polarity. Elaine Alec’s work is an example of the diversity of Indigenous ways of knowing and will undoubtedly continue to inspire transformation within individuals, systems and Nations, at home in Canada and around the globe. We are so proud of Elaine Alec!”

H.E. Leslie Scanlon High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan on the initiative

“Canada is built on the ancestral lands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and has a lot to share from our ongoing experiences on the path to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We, at home in Canada, are listening, learning and advancing reconciliation in partnership with leaders of Indigenous communities. Elaine Alec is one of those leaders. As our reconciliation journey continues we felt that there are many lessons that can be learned from the Canadian experience – and we wanted to share them with Pakistan. The workshop with Elaine Alec was delivered in the context of the unique experiences of Pakistan’s diverse local communities so that together, we can learn from each other and support communities to be safe, healthy, and prosperous.”

Elaine Alec on the Initiative

“The invitation to Pakistan is humbling and a testament to the universal relevance of cultivating safe spaces and Indigenous knowledges for planning, governance and decision-making. This invitation also marks a significant step for Canada in recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices at the international level, particularly in foreign affairs, as it brings an Indigenous advocate to discuss the realities of Indigenous peoples to a global audience in Pakistan. By sharing these teachings, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to embrace inclusivity, healing and emotional well-being to support community-driven planning for minorities.”

Global Impact and Future Plans

Naqsmist Storytellers Inc. collaborates with a wide range of sectors, including communities, non-profits, private corporations, and government agencies. Elaine Alec’s visit to Pakistan marks a significant step in promoting the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework internationally, where it is evident that the commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is important across cultures and borders.

About Elaine Alec

Elaine Alec is a distinguished author, leader, and CEO of Naqsmist Storytellers Inc. She belongs to the nsyilxcen and secwepemctsín-speaking people of the Interior of British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State. Elaine is known for her profound contributions to reconciliation and cultural education. Her book, “Calling My Spirit Back,” offers a heartfelt exploration of her personal and professional journey, making her a respected voice in the movement toward equity and inclusion.

About Naqsmist Storytellers Inc.

(nux-meest = “many coming together as one”)

Naqsmist Storytellers Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the human collective’s understanding through the integration of Indigenous knowledge and modern practices. The organization envisions a world where everyone has the tools and knowledge to cultivate safe spaces within themselves, empowering them to make positive decisions for their families, communities, nations, and the land.

Contact Information

For more information about Elaine Alec, Naqsmist Storytellers Inc., and the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework, please visit www.naqsmist.com and www.cultivatingsafespaces.com.

For further inquiries, please contact Elaine Alec at elaine@naqsmist.com