Clarence Campeau CEO continues to set lofty goals
- EFN Staff | March 24, 2017
What could sound more magical than growing up spending time playing, fishing and tobogganing on the banks and trails of the South Saskatchewan River? For Pam Larson, this was childhood. Pam was raised in Prince Albert Saskatchewan and spent much of her time at her Grandparent’s home at St. Laurent.
Both of Pam’s parents came from large Métis families who instilled in her a strong work ethic along with the sense of gratitude in being happy with the lives that they had. Her Grandmother was an entrepreneur who hand-made mitts, moccasins and other crafts to sell at the gift shop at the National Batoche site. She remembers accompanying her on visits to many community members and friends picking up various crafts along the way.
“Family was really important, we spent a lot of time together.” More often than not, Pam’s family and extended family would gather at her grandparents to spend time, and just be together. “I really don’t know how my Grandmother did it, at times we would have thirty people in a home that had no running water, and a wood stove for heat.” It was this upbringing that grounded Pam to value a simpler way of life. “I appreciate what it means to live in a remote setting, away from some of the amenities that we all take for granted in our daily lives.”
Upon graduation from St. Mary’s in Prince Albert at the young age of seventeen, she made the move to Saskatoon to attend the University Of Saskatchewan College Of Commerce. Renting a room from her aunt, Pam embarked on her education journey while learning to face the many changes that came along with it. “My first year of accounting was quite a shock for me. I remember just bombing a test, and the reality check that you really have to apply yourself at this level of learning. When you fail, pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes.”
Shortly after beginning her post-secondary education, Pam became a Mom. At nineteen she made the decision to move back home for eight months to be closer to her family support system. The added responsibility of motherhood didn’t slow her down though. “I was determined to complete my four year degree on time.” Pam took as many classes as she could in Prince Albert while making a weekly trek to Saskatoon for her history class. “I would bring my son, feed him on the trip in. My dad worked shift work, so he would take the baby while I was in class, and then I would feed him on the way home.” Pam attributes her successful completion to the support of her family. “Surround yourself with good people, there will be ups and downs along the way.”
In 1996, Pam began her job search. “It was hard, I received quite a few rejection letters because I didn’t have any relevant work experience.” She persisted, and eventually landed a job as a bookkeeper for a local jewelry store in Saskatoon. Over the next ten years, Pam took a position with the University of Saskatchewan, had her daughter and completed a two year Certified Management Accounting Program.
Pam was approached by the Clarence Campeau Development Fund in 2010. “At that time the fund was growing. I looked at this as an opportunity to work for a Métis organization and support the credibility and accountability of the organization.”
Related: CCDF helping build economic capacity in Métis communities
Gaining a depth of knowledge about the organization over seven years, Pam has recently advanced to take on the role of the CEO. “Ultimately I am focused on continuing to grow the fund. A new Métis Community Capacity Strategy Program was launched last month. It is an exciting opportunity to help Métis communities open new businesses that provide opportunities for their people.”
Beyond the hard work of running a $30 Million dollar organization, Pam sees an advantage in bringing a female perspective to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), and other Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) who are primarily overseen by men. “Step out of your comfort zone. This is how you grow and develop.”
Her advice to women is to “set your goals high. With determination, passion and drive, you can achieve them.”