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Vancouver B.C., January 14, 2010 - 2009 was an eventful year for author of Dances with Dependency: Out of Poverty through Self-Reliance. Mr. Helin continues to travel the world as a bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur, and activist for self-reliance. His new book Breaking Free from Economic Dependency: Hope and Empowerment through Self-Sufficiency is expected to be released in early 2010. From writing Dances with Dependency the author realized that there are various forms of economic dependency creating untold harm throughout society and the world. In an excerpt from Breaking Free he states that we need to be aware of economic dependency "...since its impacts are found in government-to-citizen relations, government-to-government dealings, within organizations, and families—particularly in the burgeoning global middle and wealthy classes. Astonishingly, economic dependency has flown like a stealth bomber, unnoticed, past our radars of common sense. In its path, it has carpet bombed the most fundamental traits, values and behaviors that are essential for homo sapiens to maintain their sense of balance, self-worth, and most of all, a feeling of hope and salvation."
Appointments
In
November 2009 the author was appointed as a director to the
Canada China Resource Development Foundation (CCRDF). The CCRDF was founded
by 5 Canadian and Chinese individuals who are engaged in bilateral economic and
business cooperation in the area of resource development.
The purpose
of the organization
is to promote economic and business cooperation between Canada and China in
relation to resource development in Canada. The main focus is on energy, mining,
forestry, fisheries, and agriculture. The organization will utilize its member
network to promote awareness and better understanding of Canada’s importance as
a resource powerhouse. Specifically, it will focus on the favourable environment
for foreign investors, laws and regulations governing foreign investment
in Canada, as well as investment opportunities in specific projects.
CCRDF will also serve as a bridge between corporations, investors, and government agencies from both countries to explore cultural differences, achieve effective communication and mutual understanding for the purpose of increasing bilateral trade and investment activities. Proposed activities will include publishing member information circulars and research reports, organizing trade missions, investment forums, and high-level official visits, sponsoring training and education programs, and other related activities.
On December
3, 2009, CCRDF held an
official inauguration ceremony in Beijing, which coincided with Canadian
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's state visit to China. The event attracted
senior officials and business leaders from both sides including Canadian Federal
Minister of International Trade, Honourable Stockwell Day, who gave a keynote
speech at the ceremony, assuring federal government's support for this
initiative. The event turned out to be a great success.
On June 17, 2009, Mr. Helin was appointed as a Director to the
Vancouver Board of Trade (Click
here and here
for announcement, etc.) The organization has
existed for more than 100 years and currently represents almost 6,000
members. The Board of Trade is considered one
of the most influential business organizations in western Canada and its purpose
is "...to work in the enlightened
interest of our members to promote, enhance and facilitate the development of
the region as a Pacific centre for trade, commerce and travel. The Board strives
to enable and empower its members to succeed, grow and prosper in the global
economy." On January 27, 2010 the Vancouver Board of Trade is sponsoring a major
address by Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, titled
Building the First Nations Economy,
as part of its Distinguished Speaker Program.
On September 11, 2009
announced
the appointment of Mr. Helin to its Board. (Click
here for announcement.) Geoscience BC plays an important role in the natural resource landscape of
British Columbia as an industry-led, not-for-profit, applied geoscience
organization. It works in partnership with industry, academia, government, First
Nations, and communities to fund applied geoscience projects with the objective
to attract mineral and oil & gas exploration to British Columbia. Its mandate
includes the collection, interpretation, and delivery of geoscience data and
expertise, to promote investment in resource exploration and development in
British Columbia.
Media
An
article on author Helin's book Dances with Dependency was featured in
KOHA,
New Zealand's Indigenous Business Magazine.
KOHA Magazine is a quarterly
business magazine that
focuses on the issues and concerns of indigenous people worldwide. Author Mere
Takako notes: "Dances with Dependency is a book set to accelerate
discourse among indigenous peoples that is not about assigning blame on the
government but about moving communities forward...The good news is that
indigenous people in North America are in the best position ever to build their
economies and take advantage of a very substantial resource base...the only
thing First Nations have to lose is the dependency mindset , the colonial
grip of a patronising bureaucracy, and the plague of social and political
pathologies..." (Click
here for full
article and access to Koha's beautiful and informative magazine)
The book was also reviewed in the SoundingBoard, an official publication of Vancouver Board of Trade. The Board's literary critic, Dr. Owen Anderson, wrote: "...the text is also refreshing. Rather than the usual recital of grim statistics, Helin looks at successful economic models in New Zealand with the Maoris, the Alaska native corporations and the Choctaw Tribal Council in Mississippi. Did you know the Northern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association has 86 aboriginal businesses doing a half billion dollars of business each year? There are many more examples in the book demonstrating ethical leadership and economic self-reliance...The aboriginal file is a policy issue with both a long history and a bright future. Claims and unsolved issues are the elephant in the room for Canadian public policy. As Helin says, 'there is reason for optimism. The good news is that aboriginals are in the best position ever to...create wealth and opportunities for all.'...The central message of the book is the need to develop more self-reliance, a universal message that happens to apply to all of us." (Click here for full article)
For access to other 2009 profiles on the author and his activities, such as the Global TV and CTV profile, click here and here.
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For further information on DWD double-click on the book image below or call (604) 275-6670. For information on the American published edition contact Ravencrest Publishing.
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