A Prince George business instructor has earned a prestigious award, named as one of this year's Fulbright scholars.
Rick Colbourne is one of 16 Canadians to earn the Fulbright Scholar Award for 2016/17.
The University of Northern B.C. adjunct professor is headed to the University of Arizona as a visiting research chair, looking into indigenous entrepreneurship.
"The creation of sustainable Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems requires understanding the range of factors involved in developing an inclusive, just and sustainable ecosystem for indigenous peoples that contributes to innovation in Canada," said Colbourne in the UNBC press release.
"There is a lack of research that focuses on the needs and experiences of indigenous peoples, not only in Canada and the United States but globally," said Colbourne, whose research looks at how a community's geographical location, traditional knowledge, culture, values, traditions and social needs impact its entrepreneurial activities.
"Indigenous entrepreneurship is not just about money, it is about history, traditions, culture and language embedded in time and traditional territory," said Colbourne in a Simon Fraser University release. He used to work as executive director with the Learning Strategies Group at the school's Beedie School of Business.
"It is the creation, management, and development of new ventures by Indigenous people for the benefit of Indigenous people."
Recent court cases that clarify indigenous rights are redefining how First Nations participate in economic development, Colbourne continued.
"This presents an unprecedented opportunity for improving Indigenous economic outcomes."
According to Fulbright Canada, visiting chairs represent exceptional scholars and experienced professionals who want to research or lecture in the United States.
Colbourne plans to collaborate with researchers in Arizona and compare American indigenous experience to Canada and help develop indigenous entrepreneurship models. Colbourne has also been asked to design and deliver UNBC's first indigenous entrepreneurship program.
