For immediate release

February 21, 2011

Kwantlen Business Dean moderates at National Aboriginal Finance Conference

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Arthur Coren, the dean of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s School of Business, moderated a panel workshop on the politics and ethics of decision making during this year’s National Conference for the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

The conference was aimed at developing strategies to help grow the country’s Aboriginal public service, with the goal of building a cadre of competent business leaders able to drive Aboriginal economic development to aid in overall nation building.

Coren’s panel explored the complex, multi-dimensional and sometimes competing decisions many elected First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders face. The discussion was designed to provide elected leaders with useful tools to help them make effective decisions by examining the ethics of government, ethical conduct and the impact top-level decision making can have on the private lives of citizens.

“It was an excellent discussion, which shed a great deal of light on a challenging subject,” said Coren. “I think many participants walked away with a better comprehension of the how to make effective decisions within an ethical framework.”

Coren’s panel featured several experienced speakers including, Chief Mi’sel Joe, the Traditional Saqamaw and Newfoundland District Chief for the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. He has held office as an administrative chief since 1982. The panel’s second speaker, Jennifer Young, is president of Nestu’et Management Consulting. Young is a certified management consultant and aboriginal finance manager with almost 15 years of management consulting experience.

Coren also highlighted the fact that in September Kwantlen will be launching its newly approved Philosophy degree. The department is offering a focus on ethics and opportunities for students to gain practical experience. “We have a strong, extraordinarily capable Philosophy department that can effectively communicate the role that ethics plays in society and business. Given the complexities and ambiguities in today’s world, that degree is likely to see a lot of interest.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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