Media Release
Tarrin Sam to Lead Indigenous Prosperity Centre into Next Chapter
Emerging Indigenous leader to guide IPC in its mission to support Indigenous-led economic prosperity.
VICTORIA, B.C. — South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is pleased to announce that Tarrin Sam has been appointed Acting Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), a key SIPP initiative. Sam succeeds Christina Clarke, who has led the IPC since its inception in its mission of supporting Indigenous self-directed economic prosperity and advancing reconciliation through economic empowerment.
A proud member of the ləkʷəŋən (Songhees) First Nation, Sam has led IPC’s communications and engagement since 2022, playing a key role in the success of the Indigenous Youth Conference and the Blue Economy Day Camp for Indigenous Youth. Before this, she served as communications coordinator for the Songhees Nation.
“Tarrin’s passion for Indigenous economic development, amplifying Indigenous voices and strengthening pathways to shared prosperity, will ensure IPC continues to grow its impact for First Nations and Indigenous people on Southern Vancouver Island and beyond,” says Aaron Stone, CEO of SIPP. “We are very grateful for the outstanding work of Christina Clarke, whose expertise, energy and wisdom have taken the IPC from a dream to an exciting reality.”
“It is an honour to serve the Indigenous Prosperity Centre in this capacity,” says Sam. “I am eager to build on the incredible foundation our team has created together and to work with our partners to create meaningful change for Indigenous people in the region.”
Christina Clarke will continue her volunteer work with the University of Victoria’s Board of Governors, the Ocean Networks Canada Board of Directors and as Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, as well as focusing on creative projects.
“I am proud to have been part of the creation of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and very proud to witness the growth of Tarrin’s leadership,” says Clarke.
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre emerged from a recommendation by the Rising Economy Taskforce Indigenous Economy Committee in 2020. Established in 2022 as a key initiative of SIPP, the IPC is guided by the commitment to upholding the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s
calls to action, including building authentic, sustainable economic partnerships and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
For further information or to book interviews, please contact:
Kerry Slavens, Director, Public Relations, South Island Prosperity Partnership
Text/Call: 250-516-0152 Email: kslavens@southislandprosperity.ca
About South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP):
The South Island Prosperity Partnership is the mandated economic development alliance for Greater Victoria, B.C. With more than 70 public and private sector partners, SIPP works to build a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and entrepreneurial regional economy.
About the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC):
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre is a nonprofit Indigenous-led initiative of SIPP that supports Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs and organizations in creating opportunities for economic prosperity through collaboration, innovation and advocacy.
