This year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the Whitecap Dakota First Nation School and was well attended by the CANDO delegates. There were chartered buses that took the delegates on a community tour to Packham Place and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation prior to the AGM.

After the community tour was completed, the delegates were taken to the Whitecap Dakota First Nation School where lunch was served preceding the AGM. The delegates enjoyed moose stew, bannock, mashed potatoes and Caesar salad followed by a tasty dessert. Elder Melvin Littlecrow opened the AGM with a traditional prayer. The Honourable Eric Cline, Minister, Industry & Resources delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. Chief Darcy Bear followed with welcoming remarks to delegates attending the AGM and visiting his community. Chief Bear provided an overview of this community and new economic development ventures within the community.

Following the opening remarks, CANDO Co-President Vaughn Sunday thanked Chief Bear and Whitecap Dakota First Nation for hosting CANDO's 13th Annual General Meeting. Ray Wanuch was introduced to the delegates as the new Executive Director of CANDO; an announcement was also made informing the delegates that Ross Mayer had moved into a new position as Director of Strategic Initiatives.

The meeting started and the minutes from the 2005 AGM were reviewed along with CANDO's Audited Financial Statements. The 2005 - 2006 Annual Report was reviewed and accepted. There were a number of By-law changes that were reviewed and recommended for approval by CANDO Full members. A copy of the approved By-law Amendments can be viewed on the CANDO web site at www.edo.ca. A round-table discussion was held on how CANDO could facilitate and promote Regional Economic Development Officers (EDO) Associations, followed by the election of the new CANDO Student Board Member, Ashley Charles. The last order of business was a discussion and approval that the 2008 CANDO Annual National Conference & AGM be held in Quebec City, Quebec.

Native Artists Celebrated at Icebreaker Reception

As is customary of every CANDO conference, the opening Icebreaker Reception was held as an opportunity for delegates to socialize and network amid displays of breathtaking artwork. This year, CANDO was fortunate to partner once again with Peace Hills Trust to host the 24th Annual Native Art Awards Ceremony, in conjunction with the Icebreaker reception at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Guests arrived and tasty food and refreshments were provided for the delegates to enjoy. A few of the artists were on hand to mingle and discuss their work with interested guests. The art contest was open to four different age categories ranging from young children to adults. The finalists' artwork was displayed throughout the facility with plenty of art to choose from for interested buyers.



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Making a Difference Panel

CANDO was lucky to have four knowledgeable, experienced and involved speakers to present at this year's Making a Difference Panel. Dwight Percy, a business columnist for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix and radio talk show host, moderated a panel of speakers with one thing in common - they all represent successful local organizations that are making a difference in Aboriginal communities.

Keith Martell was instrumental in the creation of the First Nations Bank of Canada and gave a brief history of its achievements thus far. He also described how the bank assists Aboriginal businesses and communities across the country. Therese Mcllmoyl, General Manager of The Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF), spoke about her involvement in SIEF and “its vision of facilitating the growth of Aboriginal communities by supporting the business initiatives of individuals and First Nation communities.  Wayne McKenzie from First Nations & Metis Relations gave a passionate and charismatic speech about the importance of closing the gap in the shortage of adequately skilled and educated Aboriginals. He also discussed the barriers faced by many aspiring Aboriginals related to workplace norms. He sparked the desire for action in Aboriginals to challenge the current workplace and societal norms. Zane Hansen spoke about his role in Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, outlining successes in assisting Aboriginal communities to develop business ventures.

CANDO would like to thank the Making a Difference panelists as well as moderator Dwight Percy for highlighting the successes and achievements of these four organizations in contributing to Aboriginal economic development in Saskatchewan.

2nd Annual National Youth Panel

After the 1st Annual National Youth Panel was so well received by delegates at the 2005 CANDO Annual National Conference & AGM in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, there were high hopes that this year's panel would be equally successful and inspiring. Held during the final afternoon of the 2006 CANDO National Conference & AGM in Saskatoon, delegates were treated to a refreshing session with five very motivated young people. We were grateful to once again have Turtle Concepts' Dave Jones to moderate the youth panel for a second year. It was his ability to energize the audience with invigorating stretching and breathing exercises that truly set the tone for the ensuing panel presentations.

The panel discussions started with Helen Ward-Wakelin of the Eel Ground First Nation in New Brunswick giving an interesting presentation. Helen spoke about her education, employment and business experiences and shared with the audience some of the challenges and barriers she had to face in starting her own business, Craft N'Grow.

Next to present was 18-year-old Alex Sauvie, the youngest person to be invited to participate in this year's youth panel. A member of the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan, Alex did an excellent job in delivering his message to such a large audience and was commended for his courage in taking on such a speaking opportunity. Alex spoke of the importance of education and having the support of family to achieve his goals, and discussed his achievements and community involvement.

Jason Robertson of the Lytton First Nation in British Columbia spoke of his experience in various entrepreneurial initiatives and how he saw the need for growth in the Lytton community. Jason shared how his experiences and community involvement allowed him to give back to his community. His humor and wit captivated the audience as he presented his story and successes and gave the panel a lighter turn.

In keeping with the lighter tone, Jerry Cunningham of the East Prairie Metis Settlement in Alberta presented next and shared his experience in starting up his own business, Cunningham Outfitting Ltd. Jerry's humor and vibrancy came through in his presentation as he shared pictures of his clients and their trophies and reminded us all of the value in making life easier by "saving that extra $40.00 to send Mom to bingo".

Caroline VanEvery-Albert from the Six Nations in Ontario rounded out the panel presentations with her story of cultural reconnection through her traditional Mohawk language. This young educator had many insightful observations to offer the audience and did very well in relating the connection that Native languages can have to personal well being, a healthy self-identity and success in social and economic development. Her passion was very evident and inspiring when she spoke out about the importance of learning her language.

This year's youth panelist, from left to right: Jerry Cunnigham, High Prairie, AB; Helen Ward-Wakelin, Eel Ground First Nation, NB; Jason Robertson, Lytton First Nation, BC; Caroline Van Every-Albert, Six Nations, ON; and Alex Sauvie, Red Pheasant First Nation, SK.

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Workshop Highlights

CANDO's13th Annual National Conference & AGM "Celebrating Our Success" featured some of the most knowledgeable and talented speakers from across the country. They presented the business of entrepreneurship, new advancements in research, and the essential nature of natural resources development. CANDO would like to express its most sincere thanks to the speakers for sharing their vast knowledge and success stories with our delegates.









The three-hour long workshop sessions featured multiple speakers presenting on similar topics and included a short break for delegates to network. These sessions provided delegates an interactive experience in which a particular topic was explored in depth with opportunities for discussion and application for learning. Lester Lafond of Lafond Insurance & Financial Services Ltd. spoke about the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation TLE selections and strategies, concentrating on the need for urban development and providing some specific examples and locations. Tony Kuchapski from Whitecap Dakota First Nation provided an overview of the First Nations Land Management Act (Bill C-49) and outlined contributions the Act has made to economic development of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Lorraine Rekmans, an Executive Director of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association provided an overview of the key issues and major trends that influence forest management and forest sector activities in Canada. Lorraine's workshop also explored the impact of the changes occurring in the sector on Aboriginal communities and their aspirations. Lastly, Donna Roth of grafikom.Speedfast Ltd. provided an overview of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and explained how Chain of Custody (COC) certification works for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and printers; why it's necessary and how to obtain it.

This year's conference also featured a Natural Resources Panel entitled "Seizing Community Opportunities: Mining, Forestry and Energy". The panel was facilitated by Brian Wilson of the Canadian Forest Service of NRCan and showcased First Nations success stories in the natural resources sector.

In addition to workshops and the Natural Resources Panel, delegates could also attend a number of the short snapper presentations that offered a range of topics of interest for participants. Some of the topics covered in the short snapper sessions included: Export: Expanding Sales from Your Community to the World Market; Leading Change: What it will Take to Bring First Nation Communities into the 21st Century Economy; Aboriginal Leadership, Vision, and Strategic Focus in Transforming Our Communities; Leveraging Technology to Pursue and Enhance Economic Development Initiatives; How Can We Mix Indigenous and Western Approaches to Development?; Planning for the Future; Planning for Success - Lessons from CANDO Economic Developer Award Winners; The Art of Advocacy; Separating Business/Administration from Council; Minding Your Own Business; Building Regional Alliances for Women's Community Development; and Partnering Strategies.

This is just a brief overview of the many sessions that took place at the CANDO 13th Annual National Conference & AGM. For complete copies of the presentations, please visit our Speakers page.

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Cultural Event Showcases Aboriginal Talent

The 2006 Cultural Event was held at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon on the second-to-last evening of the conference. Established in 1949, the Western Development Museum features the 1910 Boomtown, a railway town replica representative of a typical Saskatchewan town in the 1900s. Guests who attended were invited to explore the museum sights as interpretative displays provided many with a greater understanding and appreciation for the rich history and economic growth of the province. Delegates were given the opportunity to take in such interactive displays as the blacksmithing demonstration and a crafting demonstration provided by the ladies' auxiliary. There was ample time for delegates to socialize, network and enjoy the evening amid interesting and informative museum displays.

Once guests had taken in the museum displays, the food and entertainment ensued with the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company providing the evening's entertainment. Emceed by Donna Heimbecker, the program showcased such Aboriginal talents as Tantoo Cardinal, Moreen Belanger, John & Vicki Arcand, Yvonne Chartrand and Krystle Pedersen. Some CANDO Staff and Board Members were even persuaded to get up and showcase their jigging skills onstage as fiddler Moreen Belanger played. All who attended this event had a great time and enjoyed the varieties of food and entertainment that were offered. Many thanks go out to the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company for putting together a very entertaining program for this event.

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Presidents' Reception, Dinner and Dance

The best way to wrap up another successful conference was having the Presidents' Reception, Dinner and Dance on the final evening of the 2006 National Conference & AGM. Held in the main ballroom at the Radisson Hotel Saskatoon, this year's theme was Western Formal Vintage and you can bet we had plenty of willing participants dressed in their western best! Delegates and invited guests were treated to tasty appetizers and beverages in the Crush lobby before being seated in the main salon for a sumptuous prime rib dinner. Elder Albert Scott provided the opening prayer for the dinner program before great food was served up and presentations got underway with George Lafond and Ray Wanuch serving as Masters of Ceremony.

Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, Chair of the CANDO Standing Committee on Education & Research got up to acknowledge the achievements of four Certification Candidates who received their TAED Certification this year. Congratulations to Allan Weselowski (British Columbia), Greg White (Alberta), Kevin Rose (Ontario), and Louis Joe Bernard (Nova Scotia) in attaining Technician Level Certification through CANDO's Certified Aboriginal Economic Developer Process! Next on the program was the presentation of the first two National Indigenous Economic Education Fund (NIEEF) scholarships to Robert Daniels and Janetta Soup.

As dinner shifted into dessert, the much-anticipated Economic Developer of the Year Awards were announced with four candidates vying for the top awards in the Community/Business Category and the Individual Category. CANDO Co-Presidents Vaughn Sunday and Rob Campbell presented an award to Gary Swite of the Westbank First Nation in British Columbia, who took home the Individual Economic Developer of the Year Award. The Whitecap Dakota First Nation was awarded the Community/Business Economic Developer of the Year Award, and Chief Darcy Bear accepted the award on his community's behalf. Economic Developer of the Year Recognition awards were presented to Maynard Angus of Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Attawapiskat First Nation of Ontario. Congratulations to the 2006 Economic Developer of the Year Award winners and Recognition recipients on your outstanding achievements!

To wrap up the evening's dinner program, CANDO Board of Directors Geri Collins (Southern British Columbia) and Victor Tom (Northern British Columbia) lead a rowdy regional working group onstage for the 2007 Conference kick-off. Singing their own rendition of the "Beverly Hillbillies" theme, working group members extended a warm invitation to guests and delegates to come out to Kamloops, British Columbia for a rollicking good time at CANDO's 14th Annual National Conference & AGM. Tables were then cleared to make way for the ensuing dance and the Mykal Gambull Band took to the stage to play for those eager to get up and move to the beat. The 2006 Presidents' Reception, Dinner & Dance was yet another great event held at this year's 13th Annual National Conference & AGM.


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