Aboriginal Marketplace Magazine/Summer 2015

VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 3 ///// JUNE/AUGUST 2015

PENTICTON INDIAN BAND’S

SHOWCASE DEVELOPMENT REZLAND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

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NABOC OSOYOOS 2015

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CHEAM FIRST NATION MOVES FORWARD

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PENTICTON INDIAN BAND AND GREYBACK DEVELOPMENTS PARTNERSHIP A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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///// IN THIS ISSUE

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2ND ANNUAL PACIFIC ASIA INDIGENOUS TOURISM AND TRADE CONFERENCE

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CHEAM FIRST NATION MOVES FORWARD

BY JOINT VENTURING

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REZLAND NEW ABORIGINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN PLANNING CONFERENCE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tina Lee Rodocker tina@2ggroup.ca

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NABOC OSOYOOS A PERENNIAL CONFERENCE FAVOURITE

ADVERTISING SALES Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com

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FOUR DIRECTIONS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY MMA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM TRAINING THE WARRIOR SPIRIT TO SUCCEED IN LIFE

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THE ABORIGINAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT FINANCING THE FUTURE

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“MONEY CAN’T BUY YOU LOVE,” IN THE PIPELINE BUSINESS. WILL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES IN CANADA ACTUALLY AGREE TO COLLECTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN PIPELINE DEVELOPMENTS?

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EASING THE TLE/ADDITIONS TO RESERVE PROCESS THROUGH DEBENTURE FINANCING

PUBLISHER Geoff Greenwell 2G Group of Companies geoff@2ggroup.ca MANAGING EDITOR Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com

CONTRIBUTORS Geoff Greenwell, Jennifer Wiegele, Keith Henry, Frank Bush, Sean Holt, 2015 PRODUCTION SCHEDULE Oct/Nov & Dec/Jan DISTRIBUTION Aboriginal Marketplace is published by 2G Group of Companies ©2012 all rights reserved. The magazine is distributed globally online and in printed form in Canada. The views expressed in the Aboriginal Marketplace are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff.

WWW.ABORIGINALMARKETPLACE.COM

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///// FEATURES

05 LEGAL EAGLE 07 KEEPING IT RIEL Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 3

Valuation & Litigation Support

Assurance & Audit Taxation

Training Solutions Consulting

Intervention Services Corporate Finance Succession Enterprise Risk Investigative & Forensic Services

Circle of Opportunity For more than 25 years, MNP has invested more time and resources into understanding Aboriginal communities than any other national accounting and business consulting firm.

With more than 800 Aboriginal clients across Canada, MNP has developed a comprehensive suite of services designed to maximize results while preserving your traditions.

To stay connected visit us at MNP.ca/AboriginalSocial Contact Kenny Ansems, CPA, CA, CAFM, Provincial Director, Aboriginal Services, B.C. & Yukon at 250.734.4335 or kenny.ansems@mnp.ca

4 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

Insolvency

LEGAL EAGLE ///// JENNIFER WIEGELE | LAWYER, MILLER TITERLE + COMPANY LLP JWIEGELE@MILLERTITERLE.COM

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS VS. EMPLOYEES

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

OVERVIEW

Controlling costs and having flexibility over a workforce is a significant benefit to any business.

Engaging independent contractors can offer these benefits and, for these reasons, is often an appealing option.

However, it is critical, when engaging independent contractors, to ensure you have properly classified the worker as an independent contractor and that you have made the working arrangement very clear at the outset.

Unfortunately, simply classifying a worker as an independent contractor is not determinative. If the worker ultimately challenges the classification or makes a claim (as further explained below), the substance of the relationship will be carefully scrutinized and the worker may be deemed an employee. The consequence of such a determination is that your business or organization may be liable to pay significant costs, penalties, and liability.

AS AN EMPLOYER, YOU ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO DEDUCT, CONTRIBUTE, AND REMIT PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS ON BEHALF OF YOUR EMPLOYEES.

MISCLASSIFICATION - THE RISKS

Tax Liability

As an employer, you are legally required to deduct, contribute, and remit payroll deductions on behalf of your employees. Such deductions include income taxes, pension contributions, and employment insurance premiums. If you engage Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 5

independent contractors, you are not required to make any such deductions since these workers are not employees, but rather, independent business people.

If you classify a worker as an independent contractor and the CRA subsequently determines that the “independent contractor” is actually an employee, your business or organization will generally be liable to pay retroactive CPP and EI contributions (both the employer and employee portions), as well as withholding taxes if they have not been made by the employee. Further, penalties and interest may be levied for your failure to remit these taxes. These amounts, cumulatively, can be significant.

Employment Legislation and Wrongful Dismissal Claims Employees are entitled to protections under either federal (Canada Labour Code) or provincial (Employment Standards Act) legislation in British Columbia. Under the legislation, employees have various entitlements such as: unpaid overtime, maternity/parental leave, statutory holiday pay, etc. Further, employees also have additional entitlements at common law, the most notable one being severance pay upon dismissal. Independent contractors, by contrast, are not entitled to severance pay or any of the protections and/ entitlements under the legislation.

Should an independent contractor make a complaint or file a court claim and ultimately is found to be an employee, the worker may have significant entitlements you did not bargain for and which can end up being very costly.

Occupational Health and Safety

If a worker you classified or treated as an independent contractor becomes injured and is viewed by Worksafe BC as an employee, your business or organization will usually be liable for retroactive unpaid premiums, as well as possible interest and fines. Additional exposure may include increased future premiums, legal costs, and impacts on business reputation.

MAKING THE DISTINCTION It should be clear from paragraphs above that the failure to properly classify a worker can be a very expensive error. Disputes and claims in this area are common. Many workers do not understand the distinction and, dissatisfied with various aspects of their working arrangement or its termination, they may file a claim with the court or with an administrative body which enforces employment standards legislation. Alternatively, upon completing a contract and not having further projects or contracts lined up, a worker may make a claim for Employment Insurance, 6 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

thereby triggering potential tax consequences.

In such cases, the relationship between your organization and the worker will be scrutinized very carefully by the adjudicating body, whether it is CRA, the Court, Employment Standards Branch, or Worksafe BC. To assess this relationship, the adjudicating body will generally review the situation by looking at whether the parties intended to enter into a business relationship or an employment relationship. This will often involve a review of any written agreements.

Additionally, the following factors will also be considered in determining whether the relationship is an employment relationship or a business relationship: • The degree of control each party over the work to be done and the way that work will be carried out; • The degree of financial risk assumed by the worker (e.g., operating costs or overhead which is not reimbursed); • Whether the worker has an opportunity to make a profit or bears the risk of a loss (e.g., fixed fee arrangements in which the contractor is not entitled to additional compensation for time spent in excess of the original estimate); • The degree to which the contractor and his or her work is integrated into the entire organization’s operations. It will be more likely

that the worker will be viewed as an employee if his or her work is critical or key to the the business and/or if the worker is significantly integrated within the organization; and • Which party provides the tools and equipment with which to perform the work.

SOME TIPS FOR REDUCING RISK

There are no risk-free solutions, however, if you plan to engage independent contractors, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of the CRA reclassifying these contractors as employees.

• First, it is critical to have a written agreement when you engage an independent contractor.

The written agreement should clearly delineate the nature of the arrangement and contain terms which are consistent with a business relationship rather than an employment relationship.

• Second, it is a strong indicator that the relationship is truly a business relationship if the independent contractor’s business is incorporated, and/or has a GST number that is noted on the invoices submitted to your organization. These requirements should also form part of the written agreement.

• Finally, legal advice is strongly recommended if you have any questions about classifying a worker or creating a sound written agreement which will assist in protecting your business from unexpected liability.

KEEPING IT RIEL ///// KEITH HENRY - PRESIDENT, BC MÉTIS FEDERATION K.HENRY@BCMETIS.COM

KEEPING IT RIEL IT IS THE BELIEF OF MANY IN THE MÉTIS COMMUNITY THAT AS CANADIANS WE BEAR THE AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY TO REVIEW AND RE-DEVELOP OUR HISTORY – STARTING WITH LOUIS RIEL.”

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LOUIS RIEL, PÈRE - SOURCE: COURTESY OF BIBLIOTHÈQUE ET ARCHIVES NATIONALES DU QUÉBEC

SHOULD LOUIS RIEL BE EXONERATED FOR THE MÉTIS PEOPLE IN CANADA?

ith Canada’s Sesquicentennial (2017) being widely promoted by the Canadian government and in the media we would be remiss not to take this opportunity to open up a new narrative on Louis Riel and his role in Canadian history. It is the belief of many in the Métis community that as Canadians we bear the awesome responsibility to review and re-develop our history – starting with Louis Riel.

Consistent with history and justice, the conviction of Louis Riel for high treason in 1885 needs to be examined to prove the righteousness of its reversal ensuring Riel’s historic role is formally recognized in time for Canada’s Sesquicentennial.

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 7

At his trial in Regina, NWT, in 1885, upon being found guilty of the crime of high treason Louis Riel called out for justice: “My wish is this, your Honor, that a commission be appointed by the proper authorities, but amongst the proper authorities of course I count on English authorities, that is the first proper authorities, that a commission be appointed, that commission examines into this question, or if they are appointed to try me, if a special tribunal is appointed, that I am tried first on these questions; 1. Has Riel rebelled in 1869?

2. Was Riel a murderer of Thomas Scott, when Thomas Scott was executed?

3. When Riel received the money from Arch bishop Taché, was it corruption money?

4. When Riel seized the property of the Hudson's Bay Company did he commit pillage?

5. When Riel was expelled from the House (of Commons) was he a fugitive of justice?

6. Whether Riel rebelled on the Saskatchewan in 1885?

CANADA - CIRCA 1970: STAMP PRINTED BY CANADA, SHOWS LOUIS RIEL, CIRCA 1970

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I WISH MY CAREER SHOULD BE TRIED, NOT THE LAST PART OF IT!” Riel was denied his “Inquiry” and was hanged on November 16, 1885. Since that time (although in March of 1992 the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing the various and significant contributions of Louis Riel to Canada and to the Métis people and, in particular, recognized his unique and historic role as a founder of Manitoba) no such inquiry has been held and Louis Riel remains branded a “traitor to Canada.”

Canadians are a justice loving people. Many Canadians want to see Louis Riel exonerated, deemed innocent of the charge of high treason. This can only happen if the Canadian Parliament exonerates Louis Riel and recognizes his “proper place in Canadian history. A symposium on the Career of Louis Riel would provide a framework and evidence necessary to answer these questions and resolve this scar on the Canadian historical record.

Reconciliation is the order of the day. Our ability to carry out this vital work in the century’s long campaign to exonerate Louis Riel depends upon support from friends of Louis Riel. Therefore BC Métis Federation and numerous friends are working to host a forum in November 2015 and request those organizations and individuals interested in supporting this campaign to please begin your support.

True reconciliation for many in the Métis community can only be achieved when we correct historic injustices and take our rightful place in Canadian history.

Thank you co-author Mr. David Doyle from the BC Métis Federation for our shared work on this article.

For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to our website www.bcmetis.com.

Just trying to keep it Riel! k.henry@bcmetis.com

#PAITC2015 Join us as we bring our hearts, minds and spirits together for the 2nd Annual Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism and Trade Conference.

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May 20, 2015, Coast Salish Territories (Vancouver, BC)

he Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC, Host Partner for the second Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism & Trade Conference – taking place Sept. 12 – 14, 2015 in Vancouver, BC – is pleased to announce that the preliminary conference schedule and early registration have been confirmed with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance.

Those interested in attending may register for the conference by visiting http://paitc2015.com Conference topics will include case studies for successful partnerships in Indigenous tourism, winning formulas in eco-cultural tourism, and best practices to work in the Pacific-Asia marketplace.

The World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA) is the custodian of the Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism

BEN SHERMAN, OGLALA LAKOTA, WINTA CHAIRPERSON

Conference (PAITC), hosted this year in the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh Nations. WINTA is a global network of Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples and organizations that seek to give practical expression to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, through tourism.

“As global tourism continues its tremendous growth rates, Indigenous communities are increasingly engaged in developing and offering our own brand of authentic experiences,” says Ben Sherman, chair of WINTA. “These experiences provide visitors with a special view into ancient cultures, while demonstrating our close relationship with the natural environment.”

The Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference will focus on the international opportunity for engagement and sharing by all peoples who have an interest in promoting, implementing and celebrating achievements in fostering Indigenous selfdetermination through participation in tourism. It represents the most important statement of commitment from the tourism sector that it intends to take on an active role in giving practical effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“From coast to coast to coast, Canada has a rich Aboriginal history and culture that dates back millennia, providing a foundation for uniquely authentic tourism experiences” says Keith Henry, chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada. “Authentic Aboriginal tourism stands to benefit greatly from the modern traveller’s appetite for immersive educational experiences, and, at the same time, has room to improve its market visibility, product quality, and coordination with other tourism agencies and organizations to realize its full potential.”

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 9

CONFERENCE LOCATION - THE PINNACLE HARBOURFRONT HOTEL, VANCOUVER BC

“We are pleased to be building on the success of the inaugural PAITC held in Darwin in 2012 by also providing a strong business trade and marketing component …The delivery of the conference in Vancouver is a welcomed opportunity to provide an international focus on Aboriginal tourism in Canada.” – Brenda Baptiste, AtBC Chairperson

BEAUTIFUL DETAIL OF COAST SALISH TOTEM POLE, VICTORIA, BC, CANADA

The host province of British Columbia is home to one third of Canada’s First Nations and the second largest Indigenous population and has experienced strong growth in Aboriginal tourism over the past decade. In 2010, 3.7 million visitors included Aboriginal experiences on their itineraries and spent $40 million learning about and experiencing First Nations culture. This represents nearly 100 per cent growth since 2006. Today, there are m ore than 200 Aboriginal tourism businesses in BC, an 85 per cent increase over 2006, which together contributes $561 million in value added GDP. For more information, visit http://paitc2015. com or follow the conversation on social media through: #PAITC2015.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Brian Cant, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-888-8729 (cell) or brian@tartangroup.ca Paula Amos, Aboriginal Tourism BC: 604803-4494 or paula@aboriginalbc.com

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CHEAM FIRST NATION MOVES FORWARD BY JOINT VENTURING

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ust off Highway 1 near Chilliwack in British Columbia is the sleepy little town of Rosedale and the main reserve lands of the Cheam First Nation. With a membership population of 550, Cheam is a fairly small Band but is has big aspirations on the business front!

From 1995 – 2011 Cheam’s main business venture was the operation of a very successful landfill making significant profits for the Band and its operating partners. The landfill closed and was remediated in 2012 and since then the Band has greatly missed the revenues

it generated which were used for various community programs.

In 2014 the Chief and Council made a decision to seek new business opportunities and attended a number of economic development and business conferences to seek ideas and potential joint venture partners. Out of these efforts came a new business opportunity for them in the Emergency and Hazardous Response industry with expert partner Quantum Murray (a well-respected and vastly experienced service provider in the emergency response industry). With Spectra Energy and Kinder Morgan pipelines crossing their territory

as well as a CN rail line going right through the centre of the community Cheam had lots of potential environmental risks to consider.

“When we looked at the volume of oil, gas and rail coming through our territory it made sense to get involved with protecting the community, and so we started looking for a suitable partner to help us do that. After several meetings with Quantum Murray’s executive and management team Cheam chose them to be our joint venture partner in the environmental risk and emergency response management business. We intend to seek contracts with Spectra Energy, Kinder Morgan and CN to make sure if there are ever spills, leaks Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 11

or derailments in our area we have the capacity and expertise to handle them properly and keep our members safe,” explained Councillor Darwin Douglas who leads Cheam’s business development team.

Another opportunity that came out of Darwin’s recent trip to the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC) in Prince Rupert, BC was creating a joint venture with Ecora Resource and Engineering Group to handle any forestry, civil or structural engineering, GIS and environmental consulting

needs that Cheam may have. “Ecora is a highly diversified and innovative young company that provides a great range of services that tie in very well with our upcoming needs,” added Darwin.

“They have a great track record of working with Aboriginal communities so we were really happy to be able to create a new joint venture with them which we think will open up a lot of contract opportunities for us.”

Cheam, like numerous other First Nations in their region, is in the midst of negotiations with pipeline giant Kinder Morgan over the proposed twinning of the TransMountain oil pipeline that runs through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley to the coast. One of the big procurement opportunities in the project is land surveying for the right of way that will cross over 1,000 kilometres of fee simple and reserve lands between Alberta and the BC coast. Recognizing this opportunity Darwin approached survey industry giant Opus Stewart Weir and gave them a proposal to joint venture with Cheam on the submission of a First Nations led survey work bid to Kinder Morgan. Opus Stewart Weir senior executives Ron McGaffin and Steve Pugh also sat down with Darwin at NABOC Prince Rupert and worked out a joint venture arrangement.

“I was very pleased to be able get a major survey industry player like Opus Stewart Weir to agree to work with us, it shows how far industry has come in the last ten years in their willingness to work with First Nations groups in a mutually beneficial way on projects,” said Darwin. “We’re continually looking for ways to bring income to the Band through Cheam Enterprises LP our community owned Development Corporation,” explained Darwin. “We don’t want to depend on AANDC money to run our community, we want to be self-sufficient and financially successful and we see joint-ventures as a good way to start and develop our capacity. Cheam will be a name synonymous with economic success in the future and we want our members to be well educated, have good jobs and long-term prospects,” added Darwin in closing. For more information on the Band go to www.cheamband.com Everyone here at Aboriginal Marketplace magazine wishes Cheam great success on its economic journey.

READ ONLINE

ABORIGINALMARKETPLACE.COM TO INQUIRE ABOUT ADVERTISING EMAIL EDITOR@ABORIGINALMARKETPLACE.COM

12 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

Penticton BC | skahahills.com

Change Your View on Life.

Visiting Here is Breathtaking.

Owning Here is Life Changing.

SKAHA HILLS

Skaha Hills Has it All. And So Can You.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Beach Access Boat Moorage Golf Hike & Bike Trails Spectacular Views Fitness Facility Pool Outdoor Sports Courts Estate Winery & Restaurant Nation’s Top-rated Energy Efficient Homes Choice of Terraced Homes or Single Family

RezLAND

NEW ABORIGINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN PLANNING CONFERENCE

REZLAND 2015 is the first conference of its kind, focusing on the unique Aboriginal perspective on Land Development, Community Infrastructure and Urban Planning, and will be held at the Osoyoos Indian Band’s spectacular NK’MIP Resort from June 16th – 18th.

As more First Nations join the movement towards the development of Land Use codes/plans to get them out from under the cumbersome regulations in the Indian Act, the pace of development on Reserve land across Canada is rapidly increasing.

There are lots of examples of successful land development on-reserve across Canada and several communities such as Squiala, TsleilWaututh, Westbank, Membertou and Osoyoos will be showcased on how they achieved their success.

As always at Aboriginal Marketplace events there will be a focus on networking

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he focus of the event will be technical in nature with 12 industry experts giving presentations on: Pre-Land Development Considerations, Legal Aspects of Land Development, Providing Safe, Clean, Community Drinking Water, Urban Reserve Development, How to Develop an Infrastructure Asset Management Plan, Developing a Land Use Code, Resort Development, Financing Community Infrastructure and Land Developments, Campground & RV Park Development, Shopping Mall Development, On-Reserve Housing Development and Land Use Planning.

and information sharing as private sector and First Nations delegates rub shoulders at the conference. This event is designed for First Nations Public Works managers, Band Managers/Administrators, Housing managers and Economic Development officers. The intent of bringing together private sector land development experts with First Nations delegates with land development and community infrastructure responsibilities, is to share information on the latest technological advances and best practices in the industry sector.

Inez Jasper will perform live at RezLand

“REZLAND 2015 IS THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ITS KIND, FOCUSING ON THE UNIQUE ABORIGINAL PERSPECTIVE ON LAND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN PLANNING.” 14 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

RezLAND “For private sector companies REZLAND 2015 will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with the individuals from First Nations responsible for public works, housing and land development decisions and management. It’s a very unique networking opportunity for the private sector to have these kinds of key decision makers from numerous First Nations communities gathered together in one place,” said our CEO, Geoff Greenwell, when we talked about the concept of this event. “We also expect very strong attendance from the Aboriginal sector as there has never been an opportunity for this kind of knowledge sharing in the past,” added Geoff.

Across the country we are seeing an increasing amount of development on reserve land with global companies such as Walmart opening numerous mega-stores on First Nations lands. Development land with appropriate zoning for commercial and industrial development is becoming very rare and expensive in municipalities and so reserve land on the edge of municipal boundaries is much sought after by the development community.

Over the last decade there has been a lot of media attention on the continuing issues around poor quality drinking water on-reserve. The Federal government’s cumbersome approval process for community infrastructure funding perpetuates the problems, and so now many First Nations are seeking P3 partnerships to help build and repair critical community infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads. There will be opportunities at the conference for discussions amongst delegates on how best to work together to alleviate the funding and operating issues of community infrastructure.

The two day event will include charity golf, a wine tour and banquet dinner with live entertainment. As always with Aboriginal Marketplace events delegates are guaranteed to have a good time as well as take away useful information and new contacts. For more information on the conference and to register go to www.2ggroup.ca and follow the links to the event.

“THERE WILL BE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CONFERENCE FOR DISCUSSIONS AMONGST DELEGATES ON HOW BEST TO WORK TOGETHER TO ALLEVIATE THE FUNDING AND OPERATING ISSUES OF COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE.” Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 15

NABOC OSOYOOS A PERENNIAL CONFERENCE FAVOURITE

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or the last six years a regular event on many people’s calendars has been the annual National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC) in Osoyoos hosted by Chief Clarence Louie.

Started in 2010 NABOC Osoyoos is in its 6th year and has become one of the most popular Aboriginal/Private Sector business networking events in western Canada. All 5 previous years

16 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

events have sold out and the feedback from delegates has been increasingly positive yearon-year.

So why change an event that is so successful?

We asked 2G Group CEO Geoff Greenwell for his reasoning behind the change in format of the 2015 event?

“We continually ask our delegates for feedback at all of our events and we take onboard as many of the good suggestions as we can; this helps us ensure that we are creating good value for our clients when they attend our events,” said Geoff.

“People love coming to the Osoyoos Indian Band’s NK’MIP Resort anyway, it is such a

“NABOC OSOYOOS IS IN ITS 6TH YEAR AND HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ABORIGINAL/PRIVATE SECTOR BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENTS IN WESTERN CANADA. ALL 5 PREVIOUS YEARS EVENTS HAVE SOLD OUT AND THE FEEDBACK FROM DELEGATES HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY POSITIVE YEAR-ON-YEAR.” special place and has a fantastic aura of positive energy, however as always we wanted to improve on previous years,” added Geoff.

“For this September’s event we are going with the format we recently used at NABOC Prince Rupert in April which received great reviews.

We are putting together some excellent plenary presentations for Day one, as well as creating a schedule to allow for all-day one-on-one networking and business pitching on Day two,” explained Geoff. “People want to do more networking and less listening so we’ve altered the format of the event to maximize the networking opportunities and slim down the plenary sessions to just one day.”

“We’re very pleased to announce that Brenda Baptiste from Aboriginal Strategy Group LLP is going to be one of our MC’s at NABOC Osoyoos, Brenda has started to work as a facilitator and MC again after several years off the speaking circuit as CAO for Tsleil-Waututh First Nation

in North Vancouver BC, and so we decided that her sharp wit and relaxed style of delivery would be a perfect fit for the atmosphere we like to create at our events,” said Geoff.

“We’re also working on some great musical talent for the hospitality events at the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre, it’s such a great outdoor venue for listening to music while you’re eating under the stars.”

“The theme of this year’s event is “Creating partnerships that work” and to ensure we get the right mix of private sector people to network with our Aboriginal delegates we’ll be doing personal invitations; Private sector delegate space will be limited to 120 with another 80-100 spaces being held for Aboriginal delegates.”

“It really is a great time for creating partnerships,” said Chief Clarence Louie when we talked with him recently. “It’s time for all business leaders in this country to help end the Aboriginal dependency cycle. We need to work together to create business opportunities and joint ventures that benefit both aboriginal communities and private sector businesses. We are doing special invites to specific leaders because we want to see leaders and decision makers around the table,” added the Chief.

This year’s conference is being held from September 15th – 17th, for information and to register for the 2015 National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference in Osoyoos go to www.2ggroup.ca Book your travel through Aboriginal Travel Services and help support students bursaries. www.aboriginaltravelservices.com

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 17

FOUR DIRECTIONS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY MMA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

TRAINING THE WARRIOR SPIRIT TO SUCCEED IN LIFE

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he Four Directions Martial Arts Academy is creating a new generation of leaders through their MMA Youth Leadership

Program. Four Directions Martial Arts Academy offers this two-day workshop to Aboriginal youth on an outreach basis in schools and in First Nation communities across Western Canada. The goal of the program is to teach martial arts and reinforce the values of respect, discipline and confidence.

The most unique aspect of the MMA Youth Leadership Program is that it teaches the most popular and fastest growing sport in the world while incorporating workshops that make a difference in the youth for the rest of their lives. Four Directions Martial Arts is owned by Darwin and Francine Douglas and is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated business. Darwin is Stó:lō and is on council for Cheam First Nation. Francine is also Stó:lō from Sts’ailes First Nation and Tsimshian from Metlakatla. Darwin and Francine have strong ties to their culture and to their traditional territory in the Fraser Valley of BC. The MMA Youth Leadership program is an opportunity for them to teach martial arts and teach values that relate to their Aboriginal culture that will allow their students to succeed in school and in life.

“THE MOST UNIQUE ASPECT OF THE MMA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IS THAT IT TEACHES THE MOST POPULAR AND FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN THE WORLD WHILE INCORPORATING WORKSHOPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE YOUTH FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.” 18 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

“THE MMA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO TEACH MARTIAL ARTS AND TEACH VALUES THAT RELATE TO THEIR ABORIGINAL CULTURE THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.” Darwin, a professional MMA fighter, Head Coach at Four Directions Martial Arts, council member with Cheam First Nation and a cultural leader in the Stó:lō territory has seen the positive transformations in youth and in people of all ages when practicing martial arts. He has seen the positive changes in himself since he started training MMA more than ten years ago. Darwin was inspired to compete in MMA from his dad and uncles who were all boxers. Darwin knows this program is one way to bring our youth to their full potential as leaders in our communities.

Youth are learning to stand tall and find they are capable of protecting self, family, community and nation.

The Youth Leadership Program includes various disciplines of martial arts:

Boxing

Boxing is the most popular combative sport in First Nation communities. Many communities have generations of boxers in their families. Our coaches will often build resources within the communities to bridge the generations together during the workshop.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai, the Art of Eight Limbs. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and is referred to as the most effective striking sport in the world.

Wrestling

Wrestling, one of the oldest combative sports in the world. This is one of the original Olympic sports and is the most relevant discipline within the UFC and MMA fight promotions today.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the Gentle Art. The art of ground fighting and submission grappling.

It is known as a soft martial art, with no striking and teaches the skill of leveraging a larger opponent.

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport in the world and the most popular amongst our youth today. It is a combative sport that combines the striking and grappling sports of all of the above.

This program teaches important self-defense skills, while the Coaches

instill in the youth skills to make healthy lifestyle choices, build a strong work ethic and learn the tools to set and reach goals.

The coaches incorporate discussions and workshops on healthy relationships, anti-bullying, anti-violence, Aboriginal culture and history and career choices in the future. The workshops incorporated include: • Anti-Bullying and Anti-Violence • Building Healthy Relationships • Developing values of respect,

confidence and discipline • Aboriginal Culture and History • Diversity and Cross Cultural Relationships • Safe Sex • Self Care and Hygiene • Creating your Career Path They offer a one or two day workshop that will build respect, discipline and confidence in youth to make healthy lifestyle choices, practice good work ethic and the learn the tools to set and reach goals.

Visit them at www.fourdirectionsmartialarts.com for more information

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 19

THE ABORIGINAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT FINANCING THE FUTURE BY: SEAN HOLT - CO-FOUNDING PARTNER, 1.647.824.2002 SEAN@GB-CAP.COM & NEIL PHILCOX - CO-FOUNDING PARTNER, 1.604.733.7221 NEIL@GB-CAP.COM

A

GRAND BASIN CAPITAL s we visit Osoyoos for the inaugural Rezland 2015 Conference, we are reminded of the tremendous

need and opportunity for infrastructure development on reserve. For example, the Okanagan Correctional Centre, a public-private partnership (or P3) located on Osoyoos Indian Band Reserve, provides a welcome reminder that infrastructure can generate long-term economic benefits for First Nations. In the future, we believe many such projects will include Aboriginal governments as the “public” component of the P3.

The cumulative infrastructure deficit on Aboriginal reserves is estimated to be $300-$400 billion for new construction and repairs to water, waste water, schools, housing, policing stations, health facilities, roads, bridges, energy, and broadband connectivity. For non-Aboriginal governments, the P3 model has proven effective in delivering world-class infrastructure on time and on budget, at less cost and with less risk than projects developed through conventional designbid-build approaches. This success is because P3s integrate design, construction, finance, maintenance and often operation of facilities into one contract, which puts the onus on private sector partners to achieve delivery milestones and quality standards.

While P3s may offer promise to Aboriginal governments lacking infrastructure and financial capacity, the realities of the current approach is problematic for Aboriginal governments.

20 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

REZLAND 2015 is the first conference of its kind, focusing on the unique Aboriginal perspective on Land Development, Community Infrastructure and Urban Planning, and will be held at the Osoyoos Indian Band’s spectacular NK’MIP Resort from June 16th – 18th.

SEVERAL FACTORS ARE AT PLAY: • Limited awareness how P3s work; • The need to develop long-term

infrastructure and capital plans; • Limited technical capacity to access the viability of complex projects; • Limited access to capital due to non- traditional revenue streams for Aboriginal governments, on-reserve legal and loan security concerns, and project scale.

Can private partners play a greater role in developing infrastructure with Aboriginal governments? In cases where projects enjoy sufficient scale (or are bundled to achieve scale), private sector partners will be interested to support the development of Aboriginal infrastructure needs, in real partnership with communities. In some cases, there may also be an opportunity to finance Aboriginal equity participation in revenue generating projects, such as clean energy or waste water facilities that can serve the community as well as municipal government or private sector customers.

Some enabling financial mechanisms have emerged, such as the $1.2 billion P3 Canada Fund, which provided up to $13 million to the Namgis First Nation, to finance the Namgis’ project equity alongside that of Brookfield Renewable Energy in the Kokish River Hydroelectric Project. In June of 2014, the First

Nation Financing Authority (FNFA) executed its first institutional bond offering to raise $90 million for 14 First Nations to build and improve roads, waste and waste systems, power/ lighting and public buildings, etc. Some banks also offer infrastructure funding to Aboriginal governments through their long-term credit facilities. Despite these initiatives, the financial capital required to meet the infrastructure needs of many communities is far beyond what many communties are able to access.

Another barrier to Aboriginal infrastructure development is a general lack of awareness of the P3 approach, and the need for long-term infrastructure and capital planning. “One of the main challenges we face in our projects is getting communities to understand the process and what P3 means,” says Jeffrey Frank of Castlemain Group. “There’s a lot of education required because it is such a different approach.”

Beyond any given project, it is important to align community infrastructure needs with the social and economic development priorities.

This approach can provide Aboriginal governments with greater clarity regarding the assessment, sequencing and structuring of projects that reinforce sovereign stability and economic resilience. Sustainable infrastructure development calls for sophisticated structuring and governance of project related income, as well as revenue from other sources, such as royalties, transfers and taxes. Aboriginal communities can also benefit from tools that enable them to leverage long-term revenue streams, given that P3 contracts tend to last between 25 to 35 years, far exceeding the average time frame for First Nations funding agreements.

Grand Basin Capital works with Aboriginal communities to provide specialized advisory services that support the creation of sovereign wealth, social development and economic resilience through the development of real assets and infrastructure. Grand Basin Capital works as an honest architect to align the interests of developers and financial partners with the need to maximize Aboriginal participation and benefit in projects.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Strategic and financial advisory support regarding infrastructure investment; • Strategic assessment and feasibility of proposed projects to: o Avoid or otherwise mitigate and manage financial, political and environmental risks; o Realize maximum blended return across financial, political, environmental, social and cultural asset categories; • Structuring and financing of sustainable real asset and infrastructure projects; • Strategic and financial advisory to Aboriginal institutions and government agencies.

To continue the conversation, please contact Neil Philcox at +1.604.733.7221, or by email at neil@ gb-cap.com, or Sean Holt at +1.647.824.2002, or by email at sean@gb-cap Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 21

“MONEY CAN’T BUY YOU LOVE,” IN THE PIPELINE BUSINESS. WILL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES IN CANADA ACTUALLY AGREE TO COLLECTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN PIPELINE DEVELOPMENTS?

W

ith the recent refusal by Lax Kw’alaams First Nation in northwest British Columbia of a $1

billion financial package from the Petronas owned Pacific Northwest LNG project, the debate over the ability of Aboriginal communities to refuse large resource projects on their traditional territories takes yet another interesting twist.

“ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED, HOW DAMN HARD CAN IT BE TO SIT THE BUSINESS LEADERS OF THESE COMMUNITIES DOWN AND AGREE ON A ROYALTY FORMULA WITH INDUSTRY?” 22 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

Unlike the 1950’s when oil and gas companies regularly crossed traditional territories and reserve lands with their pipelines without any compensation, the year 2014 will go down in Canadian history as the year oil and gas companies woke up to the future reality of the pipeline business. The Tsilhqot’in decision was a game changer for all resource extraction companies, and now they finally know they have no choice but to consult and accommodate Aboriginal interests in all future projects.

Add on to the Tsilhqot’in decision the recent unanimous community “no” vote by Lax Kw’alaams on the Petronas owned Pacific Northwest LNG project, and it becomes increasingly clear that the biggest hurdle for future pipelines isn’t necessarily financially accommodating Aboriginal communities, it is whether affected communities will agree to the projects at all! There is much more to play out in the Petronas saga though, as the four other affected communities of Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, Kitkatla and Metlakatla may yet vote “yes” to the Pacific Northwest LNG project. If they do, will the provincial and federal governments consider that a green light to push the project through regulatory approvals and ignore Lax Kw’alaams?

If it then goes to court will it come down to strength of claim between the five affected Bands? Perhaps the ‘bigger picture’ concern for government and industry should be whether any group of Aboriginal communities along a proposed pipeline group can actually come to a consensus agreement amongst themselves on royalty sharing, environmental mitigation and equity participation.

Whether these future pipelines are going to go north, east, west or south across Canada they are going to cross Aboriginal title lands at some point, and when they do, can the pipeline builders get clarity and certainty on whether Aboriginal communities will support the projects, and if so what it is that they may want out of the deal?

As an example the proposed pipelines to the northwest coast of BC currently being negotiated by Spectra Energy and Transcanada are crossing the title lands of over 20 different First Nations who have ongoing disputes with each other over ‘overlap territory’ where their land claims intersect without a viable process to resolve this issue.

In situations like this the negotiating teams for the pipeline builders struggle to get agreements that have meaning and certainty, as if even one of the communities along the route of the pipeline refuses to come to an accommodation agreement then the entire project could be jeopardized. A current example of this is the House of Luutkudziiwus (part of the Gitxsan Nation in northern BC) blockade and

declaration that, “no pipelines will cross our lands without our consent.” This blockade stands directly in the route of the proposed pipeline that would supply Pacific Northwest LNG’s project in Prince Rupert.

Similarly in southern BC, a similar scenario is playing out with Kinder Morgan’s proposed TransMountain Pipeline Expansion. Over 100 First Nations lie along this pipeline route and even though Kinder Morgan has had a pipeline and existing right of way since the 1950’s there is still great uncertainty on the potential success of this project. Some First Nations support the project and have already signed Impact Benefit Agreements, while others are adamantly opposed to it regardless of potentially lucrative financial settlements for them if they agree.

So where is the negotiation leadership and dispute resolution going to come from to help these projects succeed? Can the business leaders of industry and the various Nations along these pipeline routes set aside their political differences and negotiate common sense business agreements that will both satisfy environmental concerns and yet still see Aboriginal communities benefit? Is it possible to create an Aboriginal Pipeline Group(s) similar to what was structured in the Northwest Territories by the Inuvialuit, Sahtu, and Gwich’in communities along the Mackenize Valley route?

In that agreement which was signed on June 19, 2003 the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, and TransCanada signed an agreement giving the Aboriginal groups of the Northwest Territories one-third ownership of the pipeline project.

Another pipeline story currently playing out is the Eagle Spirit Energy project which proposes to move oil to the Prince Rupert area via another pipeline. This group has been gaining some traction of late with their “Aboriginal led’ approach to the project. Even though the projects financial backing to date is from the non-Aboriginal Aquilini Group from Vancouver, the project’s figurehead Calvin Helin (a well-known Aboriginal author) is claiming significant Aboriginal community buy in to date. Perhaps the biggest challenge for this project though is the fact they wish to transport oil. Regardless of how much they demonstrate that they have a safe model for transporting oil, there will always be doubters. Recent oil spills off the coast of Vancouver have once again heightened sensitivities around the exportation of oil around BC’s pristine coastline and this is not helping Helin’s case.

Based on past history of negotiations between Nations along the proposed BC pipeline routes it seems unlikely that any collaborative agreement can be reached without some kind

of mediation/negotiation process involving an independent third party who is not representing either government or industry. If LNG and/or oil is to flow in any geographical direction across Canada then a group that will be trusted by the affected Nations and industry needs to establish a dialogue between all of them along the pipeline routes to the Northwest coast of British Columbia, USA border and east coast of Canada.

Some people have recently pointed to Chief Clarence Louie and his new Aboriginal Strategy Group LLP as a potential leader of such a process. When we asked the Chief about this he replied in his typically pragmatic way, “If we don’t stop fighting amongst ourselves these opportunities will pass us by, we don’t have to agree on where our territories begin and end we just need to get together, form our own companies and negotiate a bigger piece of the pie so we’ll all benefit. Aside from the obvious environmental concerns that need to be addressed, how damn hard can it be to sit the business leaders of these communities down and agree on a royalty formula with industry?”

We hope someone like Chief Louie can help the communities along these pipeline routes to come to a business arrangement soon or maybe Canada as a whole will lose out economically!

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 23

EASING THE TLE/ADDITIONS TO RESERVE PROCESS THROUGH DEBENTURE FINANCING FRANK BUSCH - DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION & MARKETING, FIRST NATIONS FINANCE AUTHORITY - FBUSCH@FNFA.CA

S

askatchewan First Nations are celebrating their one millionth acre of land transferred through the Treaty Land Entitlement/ Additions to Reserve process, which began in 1992. It has been a long road to achieve this historic milestone and there is still a long way to go. The process of Treaty Land Entitlement was developed to address the various land debts owed to First Nations who did not receive all of the reserve lands that were originally agreed to in the treaties. As part of some of the agreements, a cash payment was awarded to First Nations owed in order for them to purchase Federal, Provincial/ Territorial or private land from “willing sellers” in order to settle the land debt.

The process itself is quite complex, time consuming and there are many legal obstacles to overcome. Often overlooked is a financial situation that comes about when, in the course of regular business, a First Nation has a loan with a financial institution.

Whenever credit is extended in Canada, the lender will place a lien against the borrower called a “PPSA”. The Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) is a statute used in most provinces in Canada regulating the acceptance and enforcement of security.

“THE PROCESS OF TREATY LAND ENTITLEMENT WAS DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THE VARIOUS LAND DEBTS OWED TO FIRST NATIONS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE ALL OF THE RESERVE LANDS THAT WERE ORIGINALLY AGREED TO IN THE TREATIES.”

24 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

“BORROWING THROUGH THE FIRST NATIONS FINANCE AUTHORITY (FNFA) IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM TAKING OUT A LOAN WITH A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. THE FNFA IS A MEMBER GOVERNED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT ACTS ON THE DIRECTION AND ON BEHALF OF FIRST NATIONS GOVERNMENTS WHO CHOOSE TO BECOME MEMBERS.” Each province and territory has its own PPSA rules and regulations and First Nations are not immune. In dealings with financial institutions and other lenders, many First Nations governments are not always fully aware of what this might entail.

A “lien” is a filing of notice for a security agreement against personal property to guarantee payment of a debt. For example, when you borrow money to purchase a home off reserve, the lender files a lien on the home. If you default on the loan, the lender can take possession of the home to square the debt. If the debt is fully repaid as expected, a release of the lien (also known as a discharge) is provided by the lender.

I recently requested a PPSA search for a First Nation that had an operating loan with

one of the major financial institutions. For a relatively small loan, the financial institution registered a lien against: “All of the debtor’s present and after-acquired personal property wherever situate including but not limited to goods including inventory, equipment (equipment includes, without limitation, machinery, tools, apparatus, plants, furniture, fixtures, aircraft and vehicles of whatsoever nature and kind, but excluding consumer goods), chattel paper, documents of title, instruments, intangibles, money, licences, crops and securities.“Chief and Council were very surprised by this and commented that they had not been fully informed on what was in the “fine print”.

Borrowing through the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) is very different

from taking out a loan with a financial institution. The FNFA is a member governed, non-profit organization that acts on the direction and on behalf of First Nations governments who choose to become members. The function of the FNFA is essentially to allow First Nations governments to leverage their own source revenue into long term loans from the Capital Market. FNFA does not ask for collateral against its member’s assets and no liens registered as PPSA’s. This means that a First Nation borrowing from FNFA to purchase land for TLE/ATR purposes can sail right through Phase 1 (of the 3 phase process), while those borrowing from other lenders might have to wait until the debt is repaid and the lien is removed.

For more information contact: Frank Busch (See page 24).

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 25

PENTICTON INDIAN BAND AND GREYBACK DEVELOPMENTS PARTNERSHIP A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS BY: KIM LOGAN

PHOTO: (LEFT TO RIGHT) MATT KENYON,

PRESIDENT GREYBACK DEVELOPMENTS; CURT

JANSEN, VP SALES & MARKETING, SKAHA HILLS;

MOHAMED AWAD, MANAGER WINERY & VINEYARD, SKAHA HILLS; CHIEF JONATHAN KRUGER,

PIB; JASON PECHET, PRESIDENT, STAGEWEST

HOSPITALITY; CHRIS SCOTT, CEO, SKAHA HILLS; GARRY LITKE, MAYOR OF PENTICTON; DAN ASHTON, PENTICTON MLA.

T

he Penticton Indian Band (PIB) and Greyback Developments may just have created one of the most significant real estate developments in Okanagan and British Columbia history. For the PIB, this was the first time it had entered the development market to collaborate with a private sector construction company.

The result is Skaha Hills, a multi-million dollar residential community with resort-style amenities in southwest Penticton.

Launched in 2013, Skaha Hills offers an economic boost to band members through taxation revenue, employment and training opportunities. The Penticton Indian Band

Development Corporation (PIBDC) was formed to foster the development of a sustainable economy for the Penticton Indian Band. PIBDC is the “for profit” business investment and development division of the Penticton Indian Band.

It was a very smart move for the Penticton Indian Band and the accolades are still coming in. In March of this year, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business awarded the PIBDC its Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award for 2015, for its progress on Skaha Hills and other businesses.

To begin development plans, PIB members voted positively in a referendum to lease its land to what would become the Skaha Hills Limited

“AS ONE OF THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN THE AREA, GREYBACK PREVIOUSLY WORKED WITH THE OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND TO DEVELOP A SIMILAR RESORT/RESIDENTIAL PROJECT, THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED SPIRIT RIDGE VINEYARD RESORT AND SPA IN OSOYOOS.” 26 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

RENDERING OF $5.2 MILLION WINERY AND SKAHA HILLS RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY.

Partnership, in 1999. This marked the beginning of a process that would eventually create the 600home master-planned community on a 550-acre site on the slopes of south Penticton, overlooking Skaha Lake. In addition, a positive vote enabled Canadian hospitality giant, StageWest Hospitality, to lease a 17-acre parcel for its $5.2 million winery and up to 50 acres of vineyard.

“The winery and the community will provide many benefits to the Penticton Indian Band. The winery adds a remarkable entrance feature to the Skaha Hills community. Revenue in the form of taxation and utilities, training and employment of our people at the winery and Skaha Hills are just a few of the potential benefits,” says Chief Jonathan Kruger.

The PIBDC partnered with Greyback Developments because it is one of the Okanagan’s most trusted and successful commercial, industrial, resort, and residential builders.

Greyback has more than four generations of experience in the Penticton community.

As one of the largest construction companies in the area, Greyback previously worked with the Osoyoos Indian Band to develop a similar resort/residential project, the internationally acclaimed Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa in Osoyoos. Led by Larry and Matt Kenyon, Greyback’s project management excellence, innovative design and local expertise have earned the company an esteemed reputation for delivering superior quality products that embrace the natural beauty of the Okanagan.

The Skaha Hills development site is the first of its kind to be designated for a 150-year lease term. The land, owned by the PIB, and

JASON PECHET, PRESIDENT, STAGEWEST HOSPITALITY (LEFT) AND MOHAMED AWAD MANAGER OF SKAHA HILLS WINERY & VINEYARD (RIGHT)

Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015 27

SKAHA HILLS - PHASE 2 INITIAL LAND PREPARATION 28 Aboriginal Marketplace - June/Aug 2015

leased to the new partnership, is fully secured by a Crown Lease with the Government of Canada. Construction of the infrastructure for Skaha Hills is providing water and sewer to adjacent communities and will create up to 350 construction jobs.

From the initial launch of Skaha Hills, Penticton’s newest residential community generated a high level of interest. All of the 47 Phase One home sites sold in 2014.

19 sold within two days of the April sales event and Skaha Hills has been exceeding expectations ever since. Having gained overwhelming community support, the Band and Greyback Developments are moving forward in the right direction.

Larry Kenyon, president of Greyback Developments Ltd. says, “Greyback has completed projects up and down the Okanagan Valley and without question this is an outstanding site. The lack of good developable land has stagnated Penticton’s growth in the past and we believe there is a pent-up demand for a master-planned community offering resort style amenities.”

Other key players involved include Chris Scott, one of the most dynamic and trusted CEO’s in British Columbia, and the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Skaha Hills, Curt Jansen. Scott offers unrivaled expertise on Indian Band business affairs, having previously worked closely with the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Government of Canada. He has mastered the art of taking undervalued First Nations lands and reverting them to crown controlled development sites, transforming them into viable sources of economic sustainability for First Nations.

Jansen brings more than 30 years of proven hospitality, sales and real estate experience to the table. Previously Director of Sales & Marketing at Spirit Ridge, the highly reputable Jansen harnessed his expertise in resort development and took the initiative to team up with Scott and help secure Greyback’s involvement in the project.

The PIBDC are moving forward with an array of economic aspirations, such as the Green Avenue Bridge and Satikw Crossing Bridge. The Green Avenue Bridge is an $8 million dollar project that began construction in January 2015. Final bridge construction and highways works are anticipated for completion by October 2015.

Benefiting the entire community of Penticton, Satikw Crossing Bridge and development are part of a long-term economic strategy that is expected to generate up to $2 million in annual revenue for the Band and create more than 600 jobs within the next 10 years.

Development on reservation land can take communities to new heights and PIBDC’s collaboration with Greyback Developments is further enhancing not just their community but also the entire Penticton community.

In addition to the collaboration of the PIB and Greyback the advertising and marketing of the project was provided by NichePlus Digital Media. As a leader in the digital platforms combined with their expertise in traditional media they were able to build an integrated communications strategy that was instrumental in achieving the results to date. Their staff has over 100 years of experience in the advertising industry. For a detailed look of their portfolio and services, please view the website at www.nicheplus.ca

OSOYOOS

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Let us deliver your solution in a timely, cost-effective, safe manner.

+1 250 624 2084 Prince Rupert +1 778 634 2084 Terrace www.opusinternational.ca

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