HGT Magazine #115 January/February 2022

What exactly is a mentor and what does a mentor
do? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary
a mentor is an experienced and trusted
advisor. Expanding on that definition, a good mentor has a
willingness to share or teach their skills and knowledge, is
non-judgemental, gives honest and constructive feedback,
is flexible and values diversity.
There are many benefits to being mentored, to being a
mentoree, especially for youth. There is the encouragement
for personal development and an opportunity to explore
different options and interests with someone who has life
experience and knowledge. There is the empowerment and
increased confidence to be gained with someone who has
good listening skills, is a role model and is willing to invest
in the mentoree’s personal growth.
Patrick Shannon has been described as a dedicated mentor
with the technical savvy and talent of a professional filmmaker.
An award-winning social entrepreneur, film director,
Haida storyteller and University of Victoria business
school instructor from HlGaagilda Skidegate, Nang K’uulas
(Patrick) of the T’aanuu Raven Clan strongly believes that,
“Youth are the future so let’s give them real opportunities
for growth.” Of his own upbringing he says, “I didn’t have
a ‘mentor’ per se. My values were instilled in me by my
grandmother, parents, and community. I’ve had my creative
communities and peers in Vancouver teach me a lot, but
Patrick Shannon
something I’ve always felt lacking has been a mentor, so I
try my best to provide that for other young people trying
to make their ways in this industry.”
Read on to discover the ways Patrick is giving back - one
mentoree, one young person, one creative opportunity at
a time.
Local Mentorship
Collaborations in Media, Fashion, & More
Article by Lin Armstrong
Photographs courtesy Patrick Shannon
InnoNative bus
InnoNative Co-founders Patrick Shannon
and Yolanda Clatworthy
It was inevitable. Bring two forward-thinking heavyweights
together and stand back to see what happens. Yolanda
Clatworthy is an independent consultant and climate
justice advocate who engages in projects that shape new
socio-economic stories with a unique approach to community
engagement. Patrick and Yolanda teamed up, and
in 2015 they launched the highly successful InnoNative,
an Indigenous video production company. Since its inception
they have travelled all over Canada teaching media
and technological workshops and classes for Indigenous
entrepreneurs and youth. Topics include: Introduction to
Photography, Introduction to Documentary Film Making,
Community Video Documenting, Introduction to Web
Design, and Introduction to Graphic Design and Branding
for Indigenous Artists and Businesses.
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