Praxis Staff Spotlight: Richard Peter

Keeping Up with Richard Peter, Praxis Indigenous Peoples Liaison

 

Tell us a little bit about your role as Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison and what are you currently working on?
I work to bridge the gap between the Indigenous SCI community & research, and connect with the peers, stakeholders, Indigenous researchers, front line workers. I’m currently working on the development and implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Liaison position at Praxis. In this, I’m making connections provincially and nationally. I am also the face of all the initiatives that include Indigenous front.

What impact do you think your work will have on people with spinal cord injury? How will it advance SCI research?
Awareness on many different levels, to hear all of the different voices and concerns across BC & Canada.

Where did you grow up?
Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island.

The 2010 Paralympic Games invited me back to do the torch relay in my 
home community. I was joined by community dancers during the event.

What’s your dream project?
To somehow include all of the following: Parasport, Indigenous SCI peers, remote communities, equality, awareness… to start with.

What’s your favourite word in the English language?
“Hello.” Communication is a huge part of who we are. We are sometimes a little too focused on the digital era of texting, emailing and social media – that we should pickup the phone and call someone, or talk to the person that we just passed on the sidewalk or elevator. It’s good to unplug once in a while.

What was the last series you binged?
Peaky Blinders on Netflix and The Mandolorian on Disney.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“You’re not always here for a long time, so make it a good time.”

What is something from your childhood that you still have?
Just memories.

What’s your favorite time of day?
Any time that I can enjoy any sport and activity – ‘Sport for Life.’

What’s inspiring you in your life right now?
Family. Gotta stay safe and healthy, so that we can visit again soon.

What superpower would you want?
I have too many already.

The most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life..
Skydiving, ParaSports, street meat in various countries, marriage, and Vegas done right are a few that I can mention.

My mother-in-law likes to do crazy things on her birthday. 
She wanted to go white water rafting with the family. This was two weeks before the Paralympic Games.

Dolphins or koalas?
Depends, how they are cooked? (….awkward laugh).

How do you unwind?
Chillin’ with friends, enjoying a cool beverage and BBQ beachside, or wherever.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
SLOW drivers in the passing lane.

How do you handle pressure in your work?
With a deep breath – with every issue there will be a solution.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve given or received?
Try it once and have fun. If you’re not having fun at what you’re doing, then why are you doing it?

What’s the best advice you’ve completely ignored?
That you can’t do that because of your disability.

————————————————————————————————————-

Richard will be attending the National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Surrey on June 21st from 3 – 8pm. Learn about the event here: vancouversbestplaces.com/national-aboriginal-day/