By Ray Wanuch & Svitlana Konoval

By Svitlana Konoval

This year's AGM was preceded by a community tour of Skeetchestn First Nation; and opened with an address from Chief Ron Ignace. Next, a delicious meal of deer stew,
fried and smoked salmon, and some wild meat provided by the community members was served to the delegates. After lunch, a group of delegates left on a Natural Resources Canada tour of New Afton Mine; the rest of the delegates stayed behind to participate in the 14th Annual General Meeting.

Some key motions were put forth such as changes to CANDO's Bylaws and a decision to hire MacKay LLP to perform CANDO's audit for a 3-year term. The 2006 - 2007 Annual Report was reviewed and accepted. A location was also chosen for the 2009 CANDO Conference - it will be held in Enoch, Alberta and will be hosted by the Enoch Cree Nation at the new River Cree Resort and Casino. The meeting was concluded with a closing prayer. Then delegates had an opportunity to stop and shop at The Horse Barn on the return trip to the Best Western Kamloops to shop for western attire in preparation for the President's Dinner.

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Trade Show

CANDO was pleased once again to host the Conference Trade Show which is renowned for offering conference delegates with exceptional opportunities to network with representatives from federal and provincial government departments, educational institutions, members of the corporate sector, Aboriginal businesses and non-profit organizations from across Canada. This year, the trade show was held at the Forster's Convention Centre and accommodated 41 exhibitors. The trade booth exhibit area was full of impressive displays and helpful, friendly representatives. It provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to interact, network and solidify new and existing relationships with trade show exhibitors.

On behalf of the CANDO Board, Staff, Conference Committee, Stakeholders and conference delegates we would like thank all of the trade show exhibitors who participated in this year's trade show. Thank you for making our trade show informative and interesting, it was evident that conference delegates enjoyed interacting, networking and generating ideas. Remember that booth space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so help us make sure you get the best booth location possible by registering early for next yearâ's 15th CANDO Annual National Conference & AGM. If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact the office at 1-800-463-9300.

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Conference Artisans Showcase Their Talents

Each year artisans are invited to showcase their talents at our conference, and once again this year 18 local artisans were given the opportunity to share their gifts with conference delegates. Throughout the conference the delegates had a chance to visit and take a glimpse at the colorful artisan tables. Each artisan display was filled with a variety of artwork and crafts including jewelry, beadwork, paintings, clothing apparel, moccasins, carvings and regalia. Conference delegates recognize that artisans not only play an important role in the sphere of economic development, but also remind them of the significance of tradition, creativity and providing lasting impressions for future generations. On behalf of the CANDO Board, Staff, Conference Committee, Stakeholders and Conference delegates we would like to thank the artisans that came from all across British Columbia and other areas of the country to showcase their unique artwork at this year's 2007 CANDO's National Conference & AGM "7th Generation Economies."

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Conference Icebreaker

Guests of the Conference Icebreaker Reception were greeted at the door by a real rubber boa snake (rubber snakes are non-venomous and are native to BC), falcon, barn owl and a burrowing owl. The BC Wildlife Park hosted this interactive wildlife experience. Some of the fun activities included interactive displays, wildlife encounters and interpretive talks. After enjoying the educational and memorable walk though the BC Wildlife Park facility we all strolled down to the outdoor Amphitheatre to see the Sage Hills Drum and Dance Group Perform. The traditional drumming was remarkable and the dancer's outfits were stunning. The unity, as well as the precision of the group was evident throughout the entire performance. Following the Drum and Dance performance delegates enjoyed a show by the very memorable Hypnotist Scott Ward. His hilarious and positive performance was the source of much laughter throughout the audience. It was a great night!

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By Delilah Mah

The 3rd Annual National Youth Panel was held during the final morning of the 2007 CANDO National Conference & AGM in Kamloops, British Columbia. Conference delegates were once again treated to an unforgettable session with four very motivated young people. Since CANDO has hosted its first National Youth Panel in 2005, it has proven to be a stimulating part of the conference. One conference participant stated that "it made me proud to see young people full of so much knowledge and inspiration." Another delegate acknowledged that "the youth panel was clear, articulate, motivational, and inspirational; great selection of youth who provided a variety of topics "thank you!" This year, CANDO thought it would be appropriate to select a youth from the local community to moderate the panel; therefore, Josh Gottfriedson from the Kamloops Indian Band was invited. Josh opened the panel presentation by introducing this year's National Annual Youth panelists: Andrea Dykstra from Ottawa, Ontario; Crystal Favel from Vancouver, British Columbia; Dusty Rose from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Jeff Ward from Victoria, British Columbia. The Theatre was packed with conference delegates eager to hear the youth's goals, challenges and accomplishments. Each panelist had an inspiring story to tell. Conference delegates were deeply moved by everyone's story; the common thought echoing through everyone's minds was that "hearing the youth's experiences was encouraging; there is a need for more youth entrepreneurs."

CANDO looks forward to making the youth plenary a part of our conference each year, and we encourage our readers to nominate an inspiring youth who is making a difference in your community for the 4th Annual National Youth Panel, which is to be held in Montreal, Quebec. Please contact the CANDO office at 1-800-463-9300 for more information.

By Svitlana Konoval

Once again, CANDO assembled some of the most knowledgeable and talented speakers presenting to delegates on a variety of topics related to the Aboriginal Community Economic Development. CANDO would like to express its most sincere thanks to the speakers who shared their experiences, stories, and wisdom with fellow professionals, as well as the delegates whose stimulating questions only improved the already impressive presentations.

President's Dinner, Reception and Dance

There is no better way to wrap up another successful conference, than to have a fun and entertaining Gala Dinner on the final evening? The CANDO 14th Annual National Conference & AGM was indeed a great success: with over 430 delegates in attendance, the final evening started out in the foyer of the Forster's Convention Centre with tasty appetizers and beverages. Delegates and guests had another chance to network, exchange contact information and get ready for an official part of the evening.



The theme of this year's President's Dinner was "Western Casual" and a number of delegates showed up in their Western finest! Elder Charlotte Manuel provided the opening prayer; and after a delicious meal of Forster's Rouladen and Coffee Toffee dessert, the presentations got underway. Ray Wanuch and Alfred Loon, who served as Masters of Ceremony for the evening, thanked all of those involved in organizing the conference. Next on the program was the presentation of the 2nd Annual NIEEF Scholarship; our congratulations go out to Darlene Johnson who was the recipient of this year's scholarship.

Everyone's anticipation was building up as the Masters of Ceremony got up on stage to announce the winners of Economic Developer of the Year Award! The Little Shuswap Indian Band located in British Columbia was awarded the Community / Business Economic Developer of the Year Award; and Ruth Williams from All Nations Trust, British Columbia took home the award in the Individual Category. Economic Developer of the Year Recognition Awards were presented to Andrew A. Manitowabi Group from Northern Ontario and Verna Billy-Minnabarriet from Merritt, British Columbia. Congratulations to the 2007 Economic Developer of the Year Award winners and Recognition recipients on your outstanding achievements in the field of Aboriginal Community Economic Development!

Alfred Loon, CANDO President and Director - Quebec, wrapped up the evening program with the 2008 Conference kick-off inviting all the delegates to come to Montreal, Quebec for another great conference. Then the stage was vacated to the famous Wiley Band whose upbeat country sound had everyone two-stepping for the rest of the night.

The President's Reception, Dinner & Dance closed out the 2007 Conference in fine style. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our conference hosts, the Kamloops Indian Band and the CFDC of Central Interior First Nations, for their hospitality given to all at this year's event.

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