The Story of White Raven
Once upon a time, Dawn was traveling in South America, discovering the complexities of society outside the Western box. Kelly was working as a researcher, discovering the complexities of society inside the bureaucratic box.
Kelly asked herself a lot of questions, but didn’t get a lot of answers. She thought, “Hmmm, there must be many people out there with questions, who want to know more, who want to know why.”
“People want to know more about Tseshaht and all First Nations,” thought Kelly. “My sister and I have the skills, talent, and passion to help them get their stories out with integrity, respect and grace.”
Many emails went back and forth between Kelly and Dawn, pondering how they could work together and how much they missed each other.
Over time, they hatched the idea of White Raven Consulting. Soon, Dawn was working on their first official contract: a newsletter. And thus, the ravens took flight.
As time went on, new contracts—like so many shiny things glinting in the sun—caught Dawn and Kelly’s attention and they worked with organizations such as: the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, the Alberni Valley Museum, and Uu-a-thluk, the fisheries department of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
Now ravens need a comfortable nest, and the only space Dawn and Kelly had was an unfinished, undrywalled room, working on a fold-out TV tray with an old computer. They were barbaric—like monkeys with sticks, really.
So they got to work creating a business plan and securing a loan to build their own space and grow their business.
Around this time, Mary started working at Houle Printing and met Dawn first, then Kelly, as they came in to order print jobs. Mary discovered that Dawn and Kelly were fond of hugs, and so a beautiful relationship began. Over time, Mary worked with the ravens at the print shop, then as a contractor.
In November of 2007, WR paid off its business loan and began making plans for expansion, including bringing on several team members. Mary was the first to officially join the flock. Shortly afterwards, Alesha Hayes started, but flew the coop in January to pursue a beautiful bohemian life in Victoria. Beginning in February, long-term bookkeeper Terri expanded her role to administrative assistant and general office angel.
Charmead joined the flock in January 2008, while Mary was off caring for her new hatchling. In April 2009, Mary came back and Char left to care for her new chick. Oh, and Kelly added one more birdie to her home nest in August 2008. That’s right. They’re breeding a whole flock.
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Epilogue
So far, we’re pretty close to “happily ever after,” but we continue to spread our wings and look to the future. We like telling stories that don’t otherwise get a lot of exposure. We like creating understanding between communities that might otherwise not connect. And we continue to look for new and exciting ways to do this.
So watch the skies! And listen for the raven song.
