Genus is a Vancouver-based investment counseling firm with a decade-long history of working with First Nations and aboriginal communities. We have been in business for 22 years and manage $1.7 billion on behalf of clients that also include foundations, pension plans and individual clients.
Wayne Wachell, a founding partner of Genus has a rich Métis heritage and a deep understanding of the culture of aboriginal communities, particularly those in Western Canada where he grew up. He is committed to mentoring and sharing his values and beliefs; he has served on the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation committees and for more than 15 years has mentored University of British Columbia students focusing on a career in investment management. He currently serves on the board of the Bill Reid Foundation and was a director of the National Aboriginal Tourist Association.
We are strongly committed to furthering the understanding of aboriginal communities in support of their goals of economic self-sufficiency and sustainability. We have shared our knowledge at community gatherings and hosted seminars on issues such as trust governance, capital market basics and understanding investment statements. In today?s challenging economic environment, we help aboriginal leaders broaden their understanding of investment subjects, including issues around asset mix, portfolio structure and spending policies. All these play an important role in developing an appropriate investment strategy that will stand the test of time and meet community objectives.
Most recently, in July 2010, we introduced the Genus Aboriginal Achievement Scholarships. This is a continuation of our long-term commitment in providing scholarships to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal students in the Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Within our clients? communities, we are providing support to students who demonstrate academic achievement in high school and wish to pursue further studies at a post-secondary institution. Our contribution to a healthy and prosperous aboriginal community is demonstrated by our support for this kind of achievement and success among young people.
We are also members of the following organizations, which allow us to support our own professional development and to gain a greater understanding of the aboriginal community:
- Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA);
- National Aboriginal Trust officers Association (NATOA)
We have also participated in conferences and training programs sponsored by: - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB);
- Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB);
- Indigenous Corporate Training
Christina L. McLeod
Partner, Portfolio Manager
Tel: (604) 605- 4620
Fax: (604) 683- 7294
cmcleod(at)genuscap.com