Christina Clarke and Capt. (N) Jason Boyd
Stronger connections build cultural understanding
CHRISTINA 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 Base Commander 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 has represented CFB Esquimalt on The Chamber’s board since 2017. “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.”
But, sometimes, even neighbours need a little help getting to know each other.
CFB Esquimalt’s Base Commander 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 has represented CFB Esquimalt on The Chamber’s board since 2017. “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.”
Read the stories about how these Chamber members met
Getting results often means knowing who can help you get things done. READ DARLENE AND SHAUN'S STORY HERE 
How did the Chamber help develop the boardroom skills of two prominent business people? READ JOHN AND RAHIM'S STORY HERE 
A new generation of leaders sharing innovation and energy to inspire positive change. READ JARED AND BRIANNA'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 
Neighbours with a long history and strong cultures learn how they can better help each other READ CHRISTINA AND JASON'S STORY HERE |
