>Download 2009 Presentations (30.6MB ZIP)
Download the individual presentations by clicking on the headings below.| Presenters | Presentations |
David Allison Braun/Allison Inc. | "7 Simple Steps to Boost Economic Development Success - Controlling Your Destiny by Controlling Your Brand" As First Nations communities focus on Nation Building, the science of branding can help. Branding is a tool to explain who we are, and what our vision is for the future. If we don't control our national brands, people will invent stories, and they may not be true. But, if we have a brand plan, it can change for the better what non-Aboriginal people think of us, and make cooperation easier. It can also give our youth something to become more proud of. Canada controls its story. What is the story of your nation that you want everyone to know? |
Jordana Soderman ECO Canada, BEAHR | "Aboriginal Engagement in the Environmental Industry" One of Canada's growing sectors is the environment industry, presenting great opportunities for employment and advancement, in particular for Aboriginal people. Learn about Canada's exciting BEAHR initiative- Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources. BEAHR is committed to increasing Aboriginal employment in the environmental sector through career awareness, the provision of training and employment resources, and recognition of environmental excellence. The presentation will provide conference delegates with and overview of the BEAHR initiative: why it was created, how it was built, and where it's going. The presentation will highlight how conference delegates can get involved in the project, specifically the environmental training programs developed by BEAHR. |
Philip Sutherland Jr. Aboriginal Inclusion, Forest Products Sector Council | "Advancing Aboriginal Inclusion - Building on Success" The Canadian forest products industry has a long tradition of employing Aboriginal people. In fact, the industry continues to employ more Aboriginal people than any other sector of the Canadian economy - roughly two times the national average for all other industries. There is a common understanding that Aboriginal people will be a key human resource in helping the forest products industry address future labour force requirements. There is also a strong desire, on the part of many First Nations and Aboriginal groups, to expand entrepreneurial opportunities within the sector and to continue to work and live in rural areas of Canada. To build on past success, the Forest Products Sector Council (FPSC-CSPF) has created the Advancing Aboriginal Inclusion Project to develop and disseminate tools and strategies which will assist in increasing present and future Aboriginal employment and participation in the forest products industry. Learn about the project and ways it may benefit your community. |
Travis Seymour First Nations Financial Management Board | "Benefits of FMB Certification" The First Nations Financial Management Board is one of the four fiscal institutes created by the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act. The mission of FNFMB is to provide the tools and guidance that will instill confidence in First Nations' financial administration and reposting systems to support economic and community development. There are several benefits of FMB certification that tie in with the conference theme "Controlling Our Destiny". For example, a First Nation that is successful at FMB certification can use the designation to promote the credibility of their financial administration system which in turn can lover the cost of borrowing. In addition, the designation can be used to open doors to other sources of financing (i.e. pooled borrowing). Our presentation will provide an overview of the FNFSA and the work done by FNFMB. In addition, we will provide information about a course entitled "FSMA and the FMB Certification Process". |
Dr. Ernesto Sirolli | "Beyond Paternalism: Respect in Cross Cultural Economic and Community Development" After years of failing miserably doing development in Africa, Ernesto Sirolli challenged himself to find an answer to a very simple question: "What kind of infrastructure needs to be created to allow the maximum number of people to become the self-fulfilled contributing citizens that they were meant to be?" In response he conceived of a respectful, modest approach to development called Enterprise Facilitation®. With over 30 years of experience on four continents, Ernesto Sirolli and the team at the Sirolli Institute have developed key principles and practices that have been proven to result in average success rates for small businesses that exceed 80%. The Sirolli Institute is dedicated to teaching civic leaders how to effectively transform individual passion and community activism into |
Jennifer Young HB Global Advisors | "Beyond the Harvard Study" We know how important leadership and effective governance are in creating sustainable economic development within communities. Now we will examine the role Economic Development Officers can play in support of leadership, effective governance, and in the pursuit of a community vision for strong economic development. The material for this workshop will be based on experiences from communities across Canada, with a particular focus on communities that have been approached and/or are already working with energy, alternative energy, mining, and natural resource partners. We will examine a variety of partnerships and identify some critical success factors that impacted each case. |
Aaron Marchant Youth Panel Moderator | "Building Healthier Communities" |
Delilah Mah & Anita Boyle Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers | "CANDO Certification Process" Many young adults today are considering a career in business, did you know that earning your CANDO Certification as an Aboriginal Economic Development Officer can get you well on your way? Come learn about CANDO's Certification Process. |
Warren Weir Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan Synexe | "Community Strategic Planning Readiness and Stakeholder Preparedness" This interactive short-snapper session will focus on the importance to Aboriginal organizations and communities of being ready to engage in meaningful and community-based strategic planning. To begin, we will describe strategic planning and strategic planning readiness, and will touch on the value of readiness to the larger strategic planning and management process. We will then highlight and define the elements of readiness, and talk about how strategic readiness can be evaluated and assessed. We will share our research on with First Nation communities in Saskatchewan on the need to address, strengthen, and align these readiness elements within and between leader and employees and/or community members. This will also include best-practice lessons from New Zealand, the U.S., Australia, and the rest of Canada. In ending, we would like to facilitate a discussion on how all stakeholders - including other communities, civil society organizations, governments, and corporations - ready themselves to participate in the development of partnerships with Aboriginal institutions and communities. This will assist us in highlighting gaps that exist between different stakeholder expectations, and clarifying the main issues that arise from differing parties when multiple stakeholders are involved in community-based planning. |
Bud Jobin First Nations National Building Officers Association | "Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Readiness and Community-Based Economic Development" Some First Nations communities, large and small, are inquiring about building approval process (BAP) while others have gone to the next step and introduced one. Councils are considering BAP because of several factors: Councils who are the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) are responsible for the building of residential and commercial properties. Consequently, Councils are realizing homes that are deficiently built or where injuries have occurred because the home was not built to national or provincial standards, are potentially legally responsible for the repairs and injuries. In other words, Councils may be legally sued by their band member. - Demand by Bands, financial institutions and insurance companies wanting homes to be built in accordance to building codes and housing standards. - Individuals residing in FN communities are more aware of their rights with respect to the safety of homes. - Councils have had to pay out claims to repair homes built in their communities. - Communities have a "building boom" taking place and want a BAP. - Opportunities to generate revenues. Currently, FNNBOA is working with communities to design, develop and implement a BAP that meets the needs and demands of those communities. Our research is based on reviewing BAP that already exist in several communities as well as BAP that exists in many municipalities, towns and villages across Canada. In addition, FNNBOA is giving several presentations on BAP, the reasons for it, describing a BAP and what it may look like in your community. |
Daniel Bellegarde Wakayos Holdings, Inc. | "Controlling our Destiny Through Community Law" Effective planning and community-based law are essential for First Nations to control our own destiny. In 2007, the Little Black Bear's Band began a comprehensive community planning process to effectively use our human and natural resources, including land use planning and land use policy development. The Band's Legislative Assembly passed the Economic Development Act of 2008, set up the LBB Development Partnership, a Limited Partnership between the Band and Wakayos Holdings, Inc., with the following objective: To promote sustainable business development within Little Black Bear's Band. The Band was awarded the 2008 Community and Economic Development Award by the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association. |
Usha Joshi Office of Small & Medium Enterprises, Public Works & Government Services Canada | "Doing Business with the Government of Canada" In a short presentation, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises will provide information on: - Goods and services purchased by the government of Canada - Where businesses can register - Where to look for opportunities - Where to market your offerings - Contracting process. If time permits, and wireless internet is available, the presentation would conclude with a live demonstration of MERX TM, the web site where government contracting opportunities are advertised. |
Catherine Twinn Sawridge First Nation Verna McGregor Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Vern Neufeld Redekop Saint Paul University | "Economic Development Based on Reconciliation" There is a recognition that underlying deep-rooted conflict with feelings of resentment and hatred is evident in lateral violence and the crab effect of successful individuals being pulled down and thwarted in their endeavors. This conflict hinders economic development in its fullest sense of providing the means for people to live well in their communities. A consultation process has been developed that links economic development with reconciliation and a re-commitment to those values that would enhance economic life so it contributes to the well-being of both individuals and communities. This three-day consultation process would enable 24 representatives of different groups within communities to work together in small groups as they tackle important issues challenging their communities. It does not provide solutions but it helps communities find a way to discover their own solutions and identify ways that people in communities can start taking action themselves to address what they identify as the most pressing challenges to enhance economic development so it works for them. |
Allan Clarke & David Hallman Indian & Northern Affairs Canada | "The Federal Framework on Aboriginal Economic Development" >Download Federal Framework Presentation >Downlaod Community Economic Development Presentation The Aboriginal Economic Framework, and the corresponding Aboriginal Engagement Strategy will serve to change the landscape of Aboriginal Economic Development for years to come. The changes are likely to be quite profound. The Framework will have a major impact on the EDOs, CEDP, and all of INAC's economic development programs. |
Deborah Taylor First Nations Market Housing Fund | "First Nations Market Housing Fund - Supporting Investment in Communities" Meeting the demand for increased housing in First Nation communities through private financing represents a key opportunity to improve the health of the community and contribute to its sustainability while creating the conditions for self-sufficiency. The positive economic impacts that come from increasing market-based housing are immense, ranging from the investments in the "bricks and mortar" - not only for housing but for the associated services to the continued expenditure by members living in and moving back to the community. The First Nations Market Housing Fund was opened in 2008 to help increase access to private financing for housing on reserve and to provide an additional source of capacity development funding to help strengthen First Nation communities who are engaged in creating or expanding market-based housing. It is important to get the word out to the conference participants about this new housing entity that can help drive economic development in First Nation communities across Canada through increased market-based housing activity. We think it is critical that the Economic Development Officers become engaged on this file to understand how it can move the broader economic development agenda in a community. |
Tammy Drew Miawpukek First Nation | "Governance Reporting for Band/ Communal Business" My presentation will be describing Miawpukek First Nation of NL. We continue to own Band-owned business and have been successful on meeting our targets, though not the typical business targets one might expect. How MFN: - Integrates profit oriented business reporting into its accountability requirements to the community. - Has the sense of ownership for community members evolved over the last 35 years? - Is learning to balance Economic and Social requirements for the band owned businesses? - Integrated Education Training, Economic Development, and Employment. MFN uses its skill development and how it leads to better partnerships with industry. |
Sheldon Tetreault National Centre for First Nations Governance | "Governance for Economic Success: 24 True Stories" >Download Governance Best Practices Report (5.6MB PDF) This presentation demonstrates effective governance principles that promote economic development in First Nations. Using the Circle of Governance, a partnership which allows NCFNG to share the experiences and success of those First Nations, we will provide examples of how effective governance principles can be implemented. The National Centre for First Nations Governance (NCFNG) has undertaken a Best Practices project and developed a Circle of Governance Excellence. A survey was undertaken of 24 First Nations who have implemented these governance principles and laid the foundation for economic success. This serves to demonstrate the links between effective governance and sustainable economic development. |
Rodney Nelson M.A., C.Dir. Global Governance Group | "Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into Good Board Governance Practices" Accountability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly critical for the success of any business. Aboriginal businesses have added responsibility to create wealth and prosperity in their communities and help to maintain their cultural identities. Within a business the Board of Directors are charged with the overall responsibility and oversight of these issues. Yet how does an Aboriginal board maintain its governance practices while considering indigenous knowledge and the wisdom of the elders? This session will provide an overview of sound governance practices and outline the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable vision and practices from an Aboriginal perspective. |
Eugene McLean Keynote Speaker | "Metis Settlements General Council" |
Dana Imbeault Mining Industry Human Resources Council | "Mining Industry HR Guide for Aboriginal Communities" >Download Aboriginal Inclusion Fact Sheet (56Kb PDF) During this session MiHR will promote the Mining Industry HR Guide for Aboriginal Communities. This resource informs Aboriginal career practitioners and community leaders of the careers at each stage of the mining cycle and how to prepare individuals in their communities for employment in the mining sector. The resource contains job descriptions, educational requirements, key resources and contact lists, as well as tools to help career practitioners and individuals prepare and assess their fit and readiness for mining-related careers. The Guide was developed in collaboration with various government departments, Aboriginal groups and mining associations, and validated through the Aboriginal community. The Guide is also available on-line at: www.aboriginalmining.ca |
Paul Blais Millier Dickinson Blais Inc. | "No Headlines Here - Economic Sustainability One or Two Jobs at a Time" Economic development research has consistently shown that more than 70% of a community's job and wealth creation comes from the businesses that already exist in the community. This percentage is thought to be even higher for rural and remote communities who have very little opportunity to attract new investment from the outside. Drawing upon his experiences as a local economic development practitioner and consultant who has delivered 15 business retention and expansion (BR+E) projects and an equal number of economic development strategies, Paul will make the case of why economic development officials should be investing more time and money into BR+E efforts. It may not grab the newspaper headlines like when (or should that be "if") a big business rolling into town, but creating one or two jobs at a time is more sustainable and adds much needed economic diversification. This presentation will incorporate more pictures than words and draw upon best practices to illustrate stories of how dozens of communities across North America have been successful with their BR+E projects. The goal of the session will be to provide delegates with techniques they can immediately use to motivate their governing bodies to invest time and money into BR+E. Delegates who already have BR+E initiatives in their communities will take away new ideas from the cited best practices that can be implemented immediately. Every delegate will walk away from the session having had a fun experience and strengthened his/her network through the workshop exercise. |
Stephen M. McGilligan University of British Colombia | "Property Rights and First Nations Economic Development" Nations prosper when private property rights are clearly defined. In the absence of such rights, it is impossible for the poor to convert their informal ownership into capital (such as using their lands as collateral for the acquisition of business loans). This paper will outline the importance of property rights regimes to the economic development of First Nations reserves. The paper will begin with an examination of the current rights available to First Nations and outline how the First Nations Land Management Act may serve to enhance property rights regimes within First Nations communities. |
Leslie Lounsbury SAY Magazine | "Recovering Our Assets: We Aren't All in the Top Thirty" Most employers look to hire the 30% who are "the cream of the crop", but what about the rest of us who are in the bottom 70%? Accepting the premise of "throw away people" does not control our destiny. A look at the skills in our communities, how these are essential for Community Economic Development and who is doing something about recovering these assets. The Aboriginal Community should not write off the folks who have problems if they have skills. |
Kristin Kozuback Spiritlink Communications & RedWAY BC News | "RedWAY's Sustainability Success Formula: 1 Community Vision + 80 Aboriginal Youth = 8600Subscribers" Learn to develop your own communication strategy using new technologies. Since 2003, Spiritlink has published a free on-line magazine called RedWAY BC News; follow our journey from 10 local urban Youth's stories to an on-line resource with over 3800 diverse stories and 8600+ international subscribers. Social responsibility means providing ways Aboriginal Youth can "earn and learn" to enhance writing, employment and digital literacy skills. Learn how the AYM Team earned over $30,000 in five months in short-term contracts as event reporters, researchers, and marketers. We're becoming sustainable by providing cost-effective marketing solutions, improving communications and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders. |
Myron Sparklingeyes & Joey Hundert Conduit Consulting Inc. | "Renewable Energy & Bioindustrial Opportunities for First Nations" The opportunities that exist for First Nations to develop renewable energy and bioindustrial operations are profound. This session will give an overview of the technologies that currently exist that may allow First Nations to create sustainable revenue generation while preserving the ecological integrity of their lands. Furthermore, we will discuss the processes involved in identifying opportunities and developing businesses within these spaces. |
Claire Marshall BC Transmission Corporation Jeannie Cranmer BC Hydro Lee Beran Terasen Gas | "Skill Builder: BC Utility Aboriginal Training Program" Managers from Aboriginal Relations and Aboriginal Human Resources from BC Hydro, BC Transmission Corporation and Terasen Gas will present information on Skill Builder: BC Utility Aboriginal Training Program. This program is coordinated by the above-named industry groups as well as Kinder Morgan, Spectra Energy, Corix Utilities, TransCanada (Alberta) and Enbridge Gateway Project (Alberta). The corporations collaborate to: - Enhance skills of Aboriginal people in British Columbia through industry specific training; - Promote industry leadership and coordination of Aboriginal-corporate relations; - Develop a pool of skilled workers that can be accessed by companies and contractors. |
Rochelle R. Côté University of Toronto | "Social Ties and Business Success: Using Networks to Create and Sustain Aboriginal Business in Mainstream Markets" This presentation will focus on findings from interviews of seventy-five Aboriginal entrepreneurs living in and around Toronto. While current research focuses on creation of on-reserve community wealth, little is known about successful practices of individual entrepreneurs. This project compares entrepreneurs living on reserve with those living in a large, metropolitan center: the latter a group of growing importance to Aboriginal economic development given the current trend towards increased urban migration and self-employment. In addition to funding, my research shows that successful competition in mainstream markets depends on access to key contacts and knowledge of how to "network". I provide a series of best practices for Aboriginal entrepreneurship based on these research findings. |
Andre Arrata Metaform Building Systems Professor Tang Lee University of Calgary | "Solutions to Aboriginal Housing: Healthy, Economical and Beautiful" Many Aboriginal houses are unhealthy due to poor design, construction, and lack of maintenance. They are prone to moisture problems that cause mould - growth that can have long-term effect on the health of occupants and their ability to function. A presentation will discuss the problems of Aboriginal houses from over 25 years of direct research throughout Western Canada and its impact on the health of occupant. The solutions are now available to provide housing that is energy efficient, durable, mould resistant, water resistant, fireproof, and beautiful. New materials are available to replace most of the wood and gypsum boards that are food sources for mould propagation. It is now possible to erect a basement without concrete in one day and the rest of the house in another 2 days. The workshop will also seek to encourage discussion on new ideas for financing community development and creatively accessing government funding programs. The sponsor, Metaform, will also encourage opportunities for Aboriginal communities to create local economic opportunities through technology transfer programs that encourage construction, manufacturing and engineering support within their own Communities. |
Elmo R. Osborne & Leah Lefebvre Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada | "Surety Bonding & Contractors Insurance for Aboriginal Contractors" This presentation is an introduction to New Sky, a managing general agency with insurance products designed for Aboriginal contractors and offered through Aboriginal insurance brokers. New Sky will introduce a new bonding solution for Aboriginal contractors regardless of where the project is built. The presentation includes bonding solutions that overcome section 89 and other issues that are unique to Aboriginal contractors. Presentation will also include the introduction of a new property and liability insurance program developed for Aboriginal contractors and offered through New Sky insurance brokers across Canada. |
Colby Delorme NATION Imagination, The Aboriginal Gifting Company | "Technology, Tradition & The New Economy" Learn from Colby Delorme's experience as a successful young entrepreneur. Get the inside track on creating a long-term sustainable business focused on creating a flourishing future by blending technology and tradition. The power of imagination in developing unique approaches to market opportunities, even in challenging economic times, can transform and inspire those who seek to approach their business in a future-focused way. |
| Myron Sparklingeyes & Joey Hundert Conduit Consulting Inc | "The New Economic Paradigm with a Brief Interruption" The new economic paradigm is a transfer of wealth from the west to the east and from the north to the south. Within this paradigm is also a transfer of capacity from low tech and low efficiency to high tech and remarkable efficacy. Slowing only momentarily during the global recession, these trends will result in massive opportunities for First Nations to harness and foster the proliferation of carbon-reducing technologies in energy, food and materials. This presentation will look at the global economy and renewable resources, and how they affect First Nations. |
Steve Berna First Nations Finance Authority | "Together We Are Stronger" Established under the First Nations fiscal and Statistical management Act, the FNFA is a non-profit corporation owned and operated by its members (First Nation governments across Canada who borrow or invest through the FNFA's programs). The Board is comprised of Chief and Council from its First Nation borrowing members. The purposes of the FNFA are to help First Nations achieve economic development, build infrastructure capacity, and provide professional financial advice through its programs. Adequate infrastructure makes economic development possible for communities as well as attracts outside investors to reserve lands. This in turn creates jobs and further economic growth and opportunity. FNFA provides Long Term Financing, Short Term Financing, Investment and Cash management, and Treasury Services / Advice. |
Blaine Collett Aboriginal Business Development Services, The Business Link | "Utilizing Resources and Knowledge" The presentation will focus on resources and supports available in the province of Alberta to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and Aboriginal Economic Development Officers. The services and resources of Aboriginal Business Development Services will be highlighted. These include: one on one business advice, business planning tools, training opportunities and more. The services and resources of other business service providers will be discussed. The presentation will provide direction to resources and services designed to equip EDO's and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools required to succeed in their roles. |
Ted Rusywick C.O.A.S.T. Inc | "Wastewater Treatment" Our presentation will deal with the problems concerning sewage treatment and disposal on settlements and reserves. By choosing the BIONEST system you will eliminate the existing problems for sewage treatment. Presently the way that sewage waste is treated has a negative effect on the environment, the BIONEST system improves water usage and quality i.e. the recycling of treated effluent. Our system can also be adapted to existing infrastructure. |
Jennifer David Stonecircle Consulting Chris McKay McKay Consulting | "Working with Consultants" How can communities best work with consultants? Economic and resource development is critical to the well being of many First Nations. But developing plans, strategies, policies and relationship agreements with industry can sometimes be overwhelming. Most communities need to bring in outside expertise, including consultants, to help address capacity gaps and build internal capacity. But how can you best take advantage of a consultant's expertise? How do you know what to ask? This presentation, from two Aboriginal consultants, will give you some strategies on how to articulate your community's needs, develop Requests for Proposals, and manage and guide consultants to help you get the products and processes that will benefit your community. Using best practices, this workshop will offer practical ideas for working with consultants, particularly in the resource development sector. |
Cody Bruno & Derek Bruno Peace Hills Pure Water Inc. / Cree Convenience / Chesters | "Young Guns - An Invite to the World of Young Aboriginal Entrepreneurs" Step into the lives of dynamic duo-partnership & brothers Cody & Derek Bruno. Since the young ages of 19 and 23, Cody and Derek embarked upon a seemingly impossible path of business. In 2006 the brothers were awarded the Syncrude Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Award of Distinction and in 2008 became a part of the Edmontonians Sizzling 20 Under 30. Follow the blazing trail of their on- and off-reserve businesses, and the mentorship provided there within. Get a practical perspective on the reality of financing, marketing, and opportunity as it relates to small aboriginal enterprises. Develop your business idea to be your own boss and create your own legacy. |