GREATER VICTORIA CHAMBER
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Christina Clarke and Capt. (N) Jason Boyd

Stronger connections build cultural understanding

PictureCHRISTINA CLARKE AND CAPT. (N) JASON BOYD
For more than a century and a half, CFB Esquimalt and the Songhees Nation have co-existed next door to each other. They share the harbour, rely on the same transportation links and are two of the biggest stakeholders in Greater Victoria.
But, sometimes, even neighbours need a little help getting to know each other.

CFB Esquimalt’s Capt. (N) Jason Boyd was introduced to Songhees Nation Executive Director Christina Clarke when she was named to The Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2018.

“It was a great way to open discussions about how we can partner on things,” says Boyd, who represented CFB Esquimalt as Base Commander on The Chamber’s board from 2017 to 2019. “One of the things I’m trying to do more is connect the base with the community.”

For Clarke, meeting Boyd has been an opportunity to highlight work being done by local First Nations while earning business for the Songhees Events and Catering Company.

“The base held an Indigenous Awareness Event at the Songhees Wellness Centre in June, which brought several hundred personnel to the Wellness Centre,” Clarke says. “This event has helped deepen relationships between Songhees community members and our neighbours at CFB Esquimalt.”

The connection makes it easier for both organizations to develop a better understanding of each other’s heritage and traditions.

“It’s important to learn about their culture, but also important for them to learn about us, and about a life in the navy — especially for youth,” Boyd says, noting the potential for recruiting new members.

First Nations have been traditionally underrepresented in the military.

As one of the region’s top employers, CFB Esquimalt has many of the same workforce challenges facing Greater Victoria’s business community. As members of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, Boyd and Clarke have worked together to help shape advocacy priorities for the region. Boyd specifically credits the role for introducing him to provincial government officials who were keen to discuss potential solutions to affordable housing and child care shortages affecting military personnel.

Good relationships are key to getting things done, Clarke says.

“You never know which connections will bring you new business opportunities, new collaborative projects, or new ideas to take your business to the next level,” Clarke says. “The economy is an ecosystem, and The Chamber is an excellent way to become connected.”

Speak to your Member Services Rep: members@victoriachamber.ca

Read the stories about how these Chamber members met

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Getting results often means knowing who can help you get things done.

READ DARLENE AND SHAUN'S STORY HERE





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How did the Chamber help develop the boardroom skills of two prominent business people?

READ JOHN AND RAHIM'S STORY HERE





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A new generation of leaders sharing innovation and energy to inspire positive change.

READ JARED AND BRIANNA'S STORY HERE


 


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Want a surefire way to make lasting connections over breakfast?

READ CYNTHIA AND SHERRI'S STORY HERE





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Find out how certain business truths connected two members of the Chamber.

READ FRANK AND STEPHEN'S STORY HERE





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Neighbours with a long history and strong cultures learn how they can better help each other

READ CHRISTINA AND JASON'S STORY HERE




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Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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  • Membership
    • Why Join?
    • Job Board
    • Member to Member Offers
    • Benefits, Discounts & Savings >
      • Chamber Store
    • Chamber Local
    • 1863 Impact Award
    • Questions & Answers
    • Join Now
    • Member Login
  • Member Directory
  • Events
    • Signature Events >
      • Annual Auction
      • Business Awards
      • Business Hall of Fame
      • Business Leaders Series
    • Event Calendar >
      • Chamber Events
      • Community Events
    • Event Photos 2023
    • Sponsorship
  • News & Advocacy
    • Weekly BizNews >
      • BizNews-articles
    • Advocacy / Wins for Business >
      • Advocacy Wins
      • Business Property Taxes
      • Advocacy Priorities
    • Chamber Chats
    • In the News >
      • Published Op-Eds
      • Media Releases
    • Non-market housing
    • Find and keep workers
    • Business Matters Magazine
    • COVID-19
  • About Us
    • Emerge >
      • Emerge Events
      • Emerge Mentorship
      • Emerge Connect
    • Staff Directory
    • Board & Governance >
      • Governors
      • By-Laws, Plans & Reports
      • Committees
    • Chamber History
    • Partners & Sponsors
    • About Victoria >
      • Starting a Business
      • Moving Here
      • Visiting Victoria, BC
    • Contact Us