T’esóts’en (Patrick Kelly) on a life of strengthening Indigenous relations
On the final episode of the Vital Victoria Podcast, host Lucky Budd discusses uplifting Indigenous cultures with T’esóts’en (Patrick Kelly), a member of the Leq’a:mel Nation and longtime resident of Victoria.
For over 40 years, Patrick has been bridging cultures in his many roles as Indigenous relations advisor, board member, and volunteer. This year, he was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for a lifetime of selfless work advancing reconciliation in Canada.
Tune in for Patrick’s inspiring story, and the wisdom that comes from decades of relentless optimism and a passion for bringing people of all backgrounds together.
Vital Signs Issue Areas:
This episode relates to the issue area of ‘Belonging and Engagement’, which was given a grade of ‘B–’ in Greater Victoria’s 2024 Vital Signs report. This issue is connected to many UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Episode 27 Guest:
T’esóts’en (Patrick Kelly) is a member of the Leq’a:mel Nation (near Mission B.C.) and longtime resident of Victoria who has devoted his life to strengthening Indigenous relations with the rest of the world.
For over 40 years, Patrick has taken on many roles as Indigenous relations advisor, board member, and volunteer, and operates a private consulting business providing services in economic, community, and organizational development. He was also on the Board Chair for the Victoria Foundation, and the first Indigenous Chair of any Community Foundation in Canada.
Patrick is also a Governor for the Law Foundation of BC; Co-Chair of the Banff Centre Indigenous Program Council; International Advisory Board Member for UVic’s Gustavson School of Business; Ch’nook Indigenous Advisory Board Member at UBC’s Sauder School of Business; and Founding President of the BC Aboriginal Golf Association.
Patrick has also worked as an Indigenous relations manager for BC Hydro and the federal government, as well as a past President of British Columbia Golf, and the former advisor to the BC’s Lieutenant Governor General.
Episode 27 Resources:
- First Peoples Group: https://firstpeoplesgroup.com/team-member/patrick-kelly/
- BC Golf: https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/uncategorized/1717-patrick-kelly-elected-as-british-columbia-golf-president
- Cultural Advisor to Victoria Foundation: https://victoriafoundation.bc.ca/about-us/board-of-directors-2/