Karen Pictou Bridges Government and Her Community
Karen Pictou’s time serving on one of Nova Scotia’s more than 150 agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs) was so valuable, she is going back for more. She is starting her second term as a Member-at-large with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA), not long after wrapping up her first three-year term.
Pictou views it as a natural choice for someone who spent many years helping people in the Mi’kmaw community. The Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association uses her role to give a boost to both her career and her community.
“It has given me a lot of personal connections within my career, knowing all of the key players in apprenticeship,” says Pictou. “It also helps me advance the goals of my people in our communities and the individuals that are on that path.”
ABCs provide advice and services in many areas, including health, policing, agriculture, education, culture, environment, transportation, professional regulation and more. Pictou insists it is a perfect opportunity for underrepresented groups to have their voices heard.
“Especially as Mi’kmaw people, we are underrepresented in senior decision-making positions within our governments,” says Pictou. “So, it’s key for us to be involved at the board level so that we can ensure that the interests of our communities are being met.”
Pictou says the conversations on the Apprenticeship Agency’s board are a true dialogue, allowing her to voice her opinions and share what she hears.
“My favourite part is probably getting the inside scoop as it’s happening, before it hits the ground. I also enjoy being able to ensure that the information is being disseminated back down to my communities at the grass-roots level.”
Breathing life into projects that directly benefit the aboriginal community, such as Pathways to Ship Building, convinced Pictou that her time serving has been worth it, and she encourages others to do the same.
“I would say go ahead and do it, it isn’t a huge time commitment,” says Pictou. “It is very rewarding on a personal level, and it also helps to advance what you’re already doing in your career.”
All Nova Scotians are invited to apply for positions with the province’s more than 150 agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs). From arts and human rights to agriculture and health professions, there is something for everyone. Applications are open.
