The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is pleased to introduce their newly-hired capacity building coordinator. The position came as a recommendation from the NTC directors after a series of strategic planning sessions.
Norine Messer was hired in early February on a term contract that runs to March 2016.
According to Messer, the goal of her new position is to empower communities to take charge of their direction and strengthen their capacity to plan, design, implement and evaluate activities focused on increasing social and economic resilience.
Messer will be working with the eight Nuu-chah-nulth Nations that are part of the AR funding arrangement—Ditidaht, Hupacasath, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Tseshaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht and Tla-o-qui-aht. Other Nuu-chah-nulth nations will have the opportunity to contract for Messer’s services.
In order to begin assisting with capacity-building in the communities, Messer must first connect with the first nations and identify their goals. For the first few weeks Messer will meet with leaders of the communities and develop her work plan.
Capacity-building is about setting goals and identifying what it takes to reach that goal. It identifies existing strengths in the communities and builds on them.
And, when a goal has been reached, the community reviews their work and sets another goal. So, while the work of capacity-building is perpetual, the successes and benefits begin to grow.
Messer has been working with Nuu-chah-nulth people for nearly 20 years. She started out in Tofino working at a day care facility and became involved in strategic planning for better child services.
In 2007 she began working on a contract basis with the NTC’s Uu-a-thluk program. There, she developed her planning and development skills and started learning Nuu-chah-nulth culture and values from the Ha’wiih and elders.
“It was a real gift for both my life and my work and I think I have a lot to give back,” said Messer.
She talked about the skills she brings to the table, such as planning conferences.
“Maybe a community doesn’t have someone with the skills to put an entire conference together,” said Messer, adding that she could show people how to do things like that and leave those skills in the community for them to use in the future.
She looks forward to working with people of all ages, especially the youth. The future is theirs and it would be good to see them go forward with the skills and the strength to succeed.
“I love capacity-building and community development,” said Messer.
