The Art of Inclusive Excellence

The second of two Future Forums in Whitehorse included the participation of members of the Royal Society of Canada and the use of theatre arts to illustrate the two main themes of the consultations: Inclusive Excellence and Engaged Leadership.

The event took place at the MacBride Museum, surrounded by the Land and Light exhibit featuring the Yukon-inspired paintings of artist Ted Harrison.

Throughout the Future Forums consultations, participants have been encouraged to make their own artwork to express insights and ideas about Inclusive Excellence and Engaged Leadership. Theatre arts were used for the first time, depicting leadership as pluralistic and seeking participation from a disparate group of individuals.

Cynthia Milton was one of the participants in the theatrical presentation, and is the president of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada.

“How can we have excellence without inclusiveness?” she said, underscoring the importance of bringing more people to the conversation when it comes to academic pursuits and overall leadership in Canada.

Another Future Forums participant and president of Alkan Air, Wendy Taylor, noted that achieving Inclusive Excellence means adjusting mindsets.

“One of the challenges we face as humans is that we tend to bring like-minded people into our tent,” she said.

Pascale Fournier, the President and CEO of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation reminded participants of how meaningful their insights will be, as the Foundation seeks to innovate its mission towards a greater focus on Inclusive Excellence and Engaged Leadership.

“We are going to adopt a strategic plan which I am confident will bring greater Inclusive Excellence. Your suggestions are very appreciated,” she said while bringing the Future Forums consultations in Whitehorse to a close.