VOLUME 1 – ISSUE 1 MARCH 2012
Northwest British Columbia’s Dramatic Expansion
IN THIS ISSUE:
National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference All-Season Road Network for Manitoba Aboriginal Tourism Conference
First Ever World Indigenous Housing Conference Vancouver, BC • June 11-15, 2012
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Despite the global recession, Prince Rupert continues to be one of the fastest-growing container terminals in North America.
ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1 – MARCH 2012
Northwest lumbia’s British Co Expansion Dramatic E:
IN THIS ISSU
riginal National Abo ortunities Business Opp ference Con All-Season
16 • Port of Prince Rupert experiences dramatic growth
k Road Networ a for Manitob al rigin Abo Tourism nce fere Con
ce sing Conferen genous Hou , 2012 World Indi First Ever BC • June 11-15 Vancouver,
Publisher
2G Group of Companies geoff@2ggroup.ca
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 7 • Northern BC’s Biggest First Nations Business Networking Event NABOC comes back to Prince Rupert. Tens of millions of dollars in business deals have been generated as a result of NABOC events.
Managing Editor
Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com Design / Production
Corrina Deters production@nichemedia.ca Advertising Sales
8 • Always moving forward We interview Chief Clarence Louie to see what’s new in Okanagan territory.
Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com Contributors
Tewanee Joseph Merle Alexander Ronuk Modha PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
March, May, June, August, September and November 2012 Distribution Aboriginal Marketplace is published by 2G Group of Companies ©2012 all rights reserved. The magazine is distributed online in Canada and the United States. The views expressed in the Aboriginal Marketplace are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff.
13 • Aboriginal Tourism Conference NK’MIP Conference Centre is the venue for the first ever National conference dedicated to Aboriginal Cultural Tourism
www.aboriginalmarketplace.com
10 • OFNEDA Conference 14 • Manitoba roads 15 • Legal Eagle
20 • WIHC Conference 22 • Insurance Crisis 30 • Lighter Side Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 3
ANNUAL
OFNEDA EDO CONFERENCE August 14-16 London, Ontario
Are you a First Nations Economic Development Officer interested in networking with industry or an industry person who works with First Nations on economic development projects and initiatives? If you have answered yes, then you should register for our annual conference and join us in building sustainable economies. The Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) is a not-for-profit organization that is governed under the direction of a Board of twelve (12) Directors. It was established in July 2009, as a result of First Nation requests and recommendations to create a provincial EDO association. The association is working to put in place a method to empower and support economic sustainability. Through our efforts, we host an annual OFNEDA EDO Conference which is attended by over 130 Ontario First Nations community EDO’s. This conference gives our attendees an opportunity to share information and tools to support First Nation Economic Development officers in Ontario. The conference aims at encouraging best practices to elevate all First Nations and build on their strengths, while still recognizing the importance of diversity. Our 2012 Annual Conference includes high profile keynote speakers, engaging workshops, a community tour and a charity golf tournament. The proceeds from the golf tournament go directly to the OFNEDA Post-Secondary Student Bursary. This initiative promotes excellence in Economic related studies. We are also seeking sponsors and exhibitors. This event gives private sector companies the opportunity to meet with all of Ontario’s First Nations Economic Development Officers in one place. The OFNEDA Annual EDO Conference is a great place for networking, and increasing partnerships while learning strategies aimed at assisting First Nations with economic development projects and issues. Please contact our conference organizers 2G Group at conferences@2ggroup.ca or call Toll Free 866 284-8322 for more information and registration.
It’s about creating relationships Welcome to the first issue of our new magazine, we are pleased at the response we’ve had from the Aboriginal business community on both sides of the border. Our intention is to present information as it comes in from our readers without adding to or altering the opinions expressed. We will try to present both sides of a story wherever we can and look forward to helping everyone connect.
1 VOLUME 1 – ISSUE MARCH 2012
Northwest bia’s British Colum nsion pa Dramatic Ex IN THIS ISSUE:
nal National Aborigi ortunities Business Opp Conference d Network All-Season Roa for Manitoba Aboriginal Tourism Conference nce
fere Housing Con ld Indigenous 5, 2012 First Ever Wor BC • June 11-1 Vancouver,
To submit stories for future issues please email your articles with any associated pictures to: stories@aboriginalmarketplace.com If you are interested in advertising please email: editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com P: 866 284-8322 F: 250 766-0253 www.aboriginalmarketplace.com
Howie Miller Congratulates AboriginAl MArketplACe on its launch! For the past 15 years Howie Miller has been travelling the world performing stand-up comedy and has established himself as one of the funniest corporate and club comedians in North America. He is a First Nation Descendant of the Cree Nation and was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. His quick wit and hilarious routine is enjoyed by all audiences, regardless of age, race, or sex; and has garnered numerous television appearances. Howie’s entertaining comedy is perfect for any function.
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Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 5
My Two Bits
by Tewanee Joseph CEO, Tewanee Consulting Group tjoseph@tewaneegroup.com
Field of Dreams
A Metaphor for Aboriginal Business Field of Dreams staring Kevin Costner. Who over the age of 35 hasn’t seen that movie? Most of us have, but since statistically half of the Aboriginal population is under the age of 30, let me break it down for you. The basic plot goes something like this. While walking in his cornfield, novice farmer Ray Kinsella hears a voice that whispers, “If you build it, he will come,” and envisions a baseball diamond. Although his wife is skeptical and most of his family – with the exception of his daughter – believes he is mentally unstable, Ray builds the baseball diamond anyway. And in this case the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and other storied baseball players do come, and eventually the public as well. You might be asking what does this have to do with business? What could this possibly have to do with Aboriginal people? To me, it
is clear. It reminds me of the many outrageous and borderline ideas I heard during my eight years on the Squamish Nation Council. As well as the crazy and just plain weird pitches I had to endure during my seven years as the CEO for the Four Host First Nations preparing for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Although the bad outweighed the good, there were certainly many exceptional ideas that we successfully persued. Admittedly, I am as big a dreamer as you will find – but I am also realistic about the hard work and diligence required to fulfill a dream. We need Aboriginal Entrepreneurs to dream big, but more importantly, to plan big. I have witnessed that the most successful projects follow some basic rules. Develop a clear vision that defines what you want to do or create, or the service you wish to
provide. Make it as specific as possible; Set realistic objectives that must be achieved in order to realize your vision; Determine the core deliverables required to attain those objectives; Define an action plan including strategies and tactics, budget, schedule, key activities and human resources; Implement your plan, adjusting it and making refinements along the way as circumstances dictate; Regularly measure/monitor your performance against your objectives to ensure that you’re staying true to your vision. Kinsella’s wife may have let him pursue his dream on a whim but mine certainly won’t. So keep this in mind – without a realistic and well thought out plan backed by hard work, a field of dreams is only a field. And that’s my two bits.
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National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC) Prince Rupert – April 18th - 20th Building on the enormous success of the 2011 NABOC event in Prince Rupert the conference is returning this year to the North Coast Convention Centre and Crest Hotel from April 18th – 20th. The NABOC conference tour has been around since 2004 and offers very credible business opportunities, joint ventures and partnerships for both Aboriginal and private sector groups that attend. Tens of millions of dollars in “business deals� have been generated as a result of NABOC events and the conferences continue to attract high quality “key decision makers.� The 2012 event sees an impressive line-up of speakers discussing developments in the Port of Prince Rupert, Renewable Energy Projects, Mining, Construction Opportunities associated with the Northwest Transmission Line, Canpotex Terminal, and expansion of Ridley Terminals as well as numerous other projects about to begin in the booming Northwest area of BC. With the discovery of Shale Gas in the region, the building of a massive Liquid Natural Gas terminal in Kitimat and the controversial Enbridge pipeline there is a lot happening “up north� in BC. The 2011 event attracted over 230 delegates and the organizers 2G Group expect a similar turnout in April of this year, however as Geoff Greenwell – CEO of the 2G Group noted when we spoke with him; “lots of Aboriginal conferences have just become volume based these days without paying attention to the quality of the delegates, NABOC events always attract key decision makers from both the Aboriginal and private sector which is what everyone who attends needs. Time is money for everyone, so being able to convene a large group of First Nations and private sector leaders in one venue with a concentrated focus is beneficial to all delegates. Our Prince Rupert event is mostly a regional based conference and we expect the 6 surrounding Nations to all send multiple delegates, but there are also opportunities for other First Nations from outside the region who attend.� The Prince Rupert event has some impressive speakers with numerous CEOs and Chiefs participating in the plenaries and moderated panels. Delegates are coming from as far away as China and Europe to explore the opportunities associated with resource extraction and shipping of products from the region. Once again the host First Nations communities for the 2012 NABOC Prince Rupert event are the emerging economic powerhouses of Metlaktala and
Lax Kwa’alaams. Collaborating together as the Coast Tsimshian, in 2011 these two communities became the first Bands in Canada to sign an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with a federal port authority. Since that signing numerous future mega projects that are coming to the port, such as the multi-million dollar Canpotex terminal, Pinnacle wood pellet terminal and the expansion of Ridley terminals, are now obliged to work with the two Bands within the terms of the IBA to provide accommodation in the form of procurement, employment and partnership opportunities. Chiefs Harold Leighton of Metlakatla and Garry Reece of Lax Kwa’alaams will be in attendance along with their councils and business advisors. The Haida Nation will be represented from both Skidegate and Old Massett, with Chief Ken Rae attending along with Councillors from both communities. The Tahltan Nation are sending Annitta McPhee, President of their Central Council, and some other noteworthy First Nations delegates are Chief George Williams of Gitlaxt’aamix Village Government, Chief Derek Orr of Mcleod Lake Indian Band, Leonard George former Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Dave Porter CEO of the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, Laurie Sterritt Executive Director of the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association and Dr. Judith Sayers. From the private sector side there is a very diverse range of companies mostly being represented by CEO’s, Presidents and company Directors. The private sector registrants include companies such as: Prince Rupert Port Authority, CN, Smit Marine, Canpotex, Ridley Terminals, Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group, Graham Group, Ledcor, SNC Lavalin, Maher Terminals, Northern Savings Credit Union, Bull Housser & Tupper, Corix Utilities, Island Tug & Barge, RBC Group, Valard, Britco, Spectra Energy, Kerr Wood Leidal, High Velocity Equipment Training and many others. CFNR Radio will be broadcasting live from the event and interviewing delegates to get their opinions on the opportunities on offer at the conference and how First Nations and private sector groups can collaborate to improve the overall economy for everyone. Regional airline Hawkair is the conference airline partner and they are providing a round-trip charter from Vancouver for delegates leaving April 17th and returning on April 20th. For more information on NABOC Prince Rupert go to: www.theeventpros.ca/conferences/NABOCPrinceRupert2012.html
Tens of millions of dollars in “business deals� have been generated as a
result of NABOC events
NABOC Prince Rupert April 18th-20th 2012
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 7
Osoyoos Indian Band
Always moving forward What can we say that hasn’t already been said about Chief Clarence Louie and the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB)? The story just keeps growing so we thought we’d do our own update on what’s going on down south in Okanagan Territory! We attended a recent media event that Chief Louie hosted alongside BC Premier Christy Clark, where the Band was announced as the successful site location for a $200 million correctional centre to be built on the Band’s Senulkemen Enterprise Park in the next two years. As well as creating about 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, the new facility is seen as a huge long-term economic driver for the south Okanagan region. Some people criticized the Band for
8 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
This gives us access to a greater source of capital at far better rates to build new infrastructure . . . accepting a prison onto their lands given the high percentage of Aboriginal inmates in Canadian prisons. However, in typical pragmatic style, Chief Louie told us, “listen this
thing is going to be built in our region anyway so why not get the benefit for the Band and our members, we’re also planning to implement unique and progressive programming once the jail is open to assist Aboriginal offenders, that wouldn’t happen if this thing wasn’t getting built on our Rez”. The Chief is as innovative as ever! The Band now owns and operates nine companies providing over 650 jobs in a region where work is traditionally hard to find. “We are the largest private sector employer in the south Okanagan, that’s something we’re very proud of,” added the Chief. Another recent feather in the headdress for the Band is that alongside the Songhees Band in Victoria and the Tzeachten Band in Chilliwack, the Osoyoos Band have distinguished
themselves as one of the first three Bands in Canada to achieve First Nations Financial Management Board certification. This is not merely a plaque on the wall – it’s a designation that will enable them to borrow money for infrastructure projects on the same basis as municipalities. This is a big deal for two reasons. First, local governments can finance projects through bonds, which effectively means borrowing at lower interest rates than financial institutions can offer. “This gives us access to a greater source of capital at far better rates to build new infrastructure and attract more public and private sector development on our reserve,” enthused the Chief. In closing our interview we mentioned to the Chief that their revamped website looks great, “yeah well credit our friend Geoff Greenwell of 2G Group for that, he called me up one day and said, ‘Clarence for such a dynamic and progressive organization your website really sucks’, so I asked him to send me a list of what needed improving and we got right on it.” The last thing I want to mention to you guys is the Economic Leadership Summit we’re hosting here at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort
I want to see several hundred Native leaders here in June talking business! and Spa from June 26th - 28th. “We want Native business leaders, Chiefs and Councillors to come together and spend 2 days talking about how we can all work together to improve the economy for our people.
“As leaders we only seem to get together to talk about politics, but this event is all about business. We’re not inviting any private sector or government folks; this is Natives only, talking about our people and our economies. For information go to our event partners website www.2ggroup.com “I want to see several hundred Native leaders here in June talking business!” As always it was a pleasure to have some of the Chief ’s positive energy rub off on us and we look forward to keeping tabs on the Band’s continued progress in future issues of our magazine.
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 9
OFNEDA offers up a great business networking event in August of 2012
OFNEDA Executive Director – Melanie Desbassige
From August 14th to 16th all of Ontario’s First Nations Economic Development Officers will congregate in London, Ontario for their annual conference. In previous years this conference has only been for members of the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), but for 2012 OFNEDA has decided to broaden the scope of the event and invite private sector and government representatives to attend. “We wanted to give our members some really good networking opportunities. With over 120 Ontario First Nations communities attending we thought it would be a great opportunity for private sector and government organizations to network with our members, so we are opening up our event to all interested parties,” explained OFNEDA Executive Director, Melanie Desbassige, when we interviewed her. 10 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
The 2012 OFNEDA Conference and Tradeshow is being held at the newly refurbished Best Western Lamplighter Inn Conference Centre in London, Ontario and will accommodate up to 300 delegates and 30 trade show exhibits. “We’re actively seeking sponsors and exhibitors for our event and we feel being a sponsor and/or exhibitor will give private sector companies very good profile and excellent opportunities to meet with our members,” added Melanie. The theme of the conference is “Moving Forward” or “Niigaanni” which we are told means moving forward in the local Ojibwe language of the Anishinaabe people. This is to symbolize the economic progress being made in Ontario by the OFNEDA member communities. OFNEDA is assembling their line-up of
speakers and presenters in March and expects to have a finalized agenda by the end of the month. Themes will centre around best practices in Aboriginal economic development, land use planning, structuring joint ventures and partnerships, financing projects, energy projects, communications and the use of technology, marketing, as well as numerous other topics. So if you’re interested in networking with either First Nations or private sector groups in Ontario it sounds like the OFNEDA event will be the best opportunity of 2012! For information on the event contact the event managers: 2G Group, conferences@2ggroup.ca or Toll Free on 866 284-8322. A link to the event can be found on the home page at www.2ggroup.ca
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become mbia (AtBC) has lu o C sh ti ri B f o urism. n ginal cultural to urism Associatio ri o To b A al c in ti g ri en o b th A ut f au The nities througho development o u e m th m in co er al in ad g le a world gether ers, and Abori ility to work to , our stakehold ab C e tB iv A ct er lle h co et a g To strated ia have demon 2006. British Columb in tourism since th w ro g t n ca gnifi and produce si been rism sector has u to l ting ra u lt cu al emands for exis borigin d A e er th m su as n th co w at Our gro stands th for new and AtBC under s and potential n io at n ti es d unprecedented urism ising future. ginal cultural to created a prom e av h s authentic Abori ct u d ro e Next Phase ural tourism p ave created Th h t en em ag Aboriginal cult an m ltural e Aboriginal cu leadership and th C tB w A ro g re o to ef er ap ted m Th 7. AtBC has crea provides a road 1 0 h 2 ic y h b w n 7 io 1 0 ill -2 m 2012 n to $68 marketing from $42 millio elopment and ev d ct u d ro p tourism sector rs. , pacity building y tourism playe ca ke f h o it n w o s si ip vi r sh er ea t tn a cl ng commitmen mitment to par ro m st co a e ed ir u q ew n re re ill with a this plan w tination implementing ment, and Des rn ve o G al ci n The success of vi Pro al Government, from the Feder anizations. Marketing Org sm sector based on touri d ce u d ro p n ent bee onomic assessm 012-2017 has ec 2 d e as an s, Ph t er ld ex o N The C stakeh e strategy ltation with AtB nfident that th co is C tB A research, consu re o that sector growth demand. Theref ed er u m n ti su n n co co d e an th of ccess ula for future su provides a form ds. leads global tren sure tourism will en l ra u lt cu al in g ill ri e 2012-2017 w r authentic Abo as fo Ph t th w ex ro N g e re Th The futu industry and entire tourism e th f o th w ro g ensure success. Thank you
Keith Henry Officer lumbia Chief Executive on of British Co ti a ci o ss A sm ri Aboriginal Tou
Chief Clarence Louie Osoyoos Indian Band
Keith Henry CEO Aboriginal Tourism BC
Glenn Mandziuk CEO of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
National Aboriginal Tourism Conference The Osoyoos Indian Band’s spectacular Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa and NK’MIP Conference Centre is the venue for the first ever National conference dedicated to Aboriginal Cultural Tourism which is being held from March 28th - 30th. The event is a collaboration between Aboriginal Tourism BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and the NK’MIP Group of companies. “We wanted to provide a quality conference that would attract delegates who work in the Aboriginal/Cultural tourism sector to share their stories and learn from each other, as well as from the industry experts we are bringing in to be speakers,” said Keith Henry CEO of Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC). The conference is planned as a three day event with plenary sessions, workshops and an AtBC awards banquet dinner on the first two days, followed by a wine tour and a guided tour of the Spirit Ridge facilities on day three. “Delegates are coming from all over Canada to the Okanagan Valley and we are looking
forward to showcasing the natural beauty and diverse tourism options we have in our region,” enthused Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). Plenary topics include: “Who is the Canadian Aboriginal tourism visitor?” which will help delegates understand the best areas on which to focus their marketing efforts; “What it takes to create a successful Aboriginal tourism product” which will showcase examples of highly successful Aboriginal tourism businesses; and “How to finance tourism projects” which will give delegates insight into a number of financing sources for future projects. Chief Clarence Louie is a keynote speaker on day 1 and the conference will also see the unveiling of AtBC’s Five Year Strategic Plan, as well as a session from TOTA on “How to create a regional tourism strategy.” The conference will become an annual event in British Columbia and will be hosted at other Aboriginal venues throughout the province in future years.
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 13
Manitoba partners with 13 communities on all-season road network
One of three panel bridges under construction
The all-season road network will eventually replace the seasonal winter road network
ESRA has invested over $27 million in training and employment for local communities
14 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
Addressing the challenges resulting from increasingly unreliable northern winter roads, the Government of Manitoba, in collaboration with local First Nation communities, is moving forward with an ambitious plan to construct an all-season road network on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Known as the East Side Transportation Initiative, the project will result in a 1,000 kilometre allseason road network that will replace the unreliable, seasonal ice roads that currently link thirteen remote and isolated First Nation communities in the region to Manitoba’s provincial road network. The all-season road project, which is being managed by the East Side Road Authority (ESRA), will benefit east side residents by reducing the costs of goods and services and improving access to health and social services. In addition, all-season roads will help to support the provision of basic sewer and water infrastructure to many of the communities that currently lack these services. “Building all-season roads to connect remote communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg ranks among the most important social and economic initiatives undertaken in Manitoba in many decades,” said Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister responsible for ESRA. “We are pleased to be working with local communities to make this dream a reality.” As a first step, construction has begun on a 156-kilometre stretch from Provincial Route 304, near Manigotagan, to Berens River. Already, a new bridge over the Wanipigow River near Manigotagan and seven kilometres of roadway have been completed. Work currently underway includes construction of new bridges over the Loon Creek and Longbody Creek along with five more kilometres of all-season roadway near Bloodvein. Farther north in the Island Lake region, plans and preparations are underway to install three new Acrow panel bridges over the Mainland,
Stevenson and Red Sucker Rivers. These improvements are being made on or near the existing winter road routes. This means that, year by year, as the length of the allseason road increases, the number of kilometres of temporary winter roads the province must build and maintain will decrease. At the same time, by following the existing winter road routes, the impact on the environment will be minimized. “A key focus of the all-season road project is to make sure local residents participate in and benefit from the project,” said Ernie Gilroy, CEO of ESRA. “Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs), worth $49.25 million, have been signed with all the First Nations to undertake preconstruction work. As of December 31, 2011, ESRA has invested over $27 million in local communities and provided training opportunities for 150 local east side residents.” ESRA includes local hiring requirements in road construction contracts which require 30 per cent of the total work hours for road construction contracts and 20 per cent of the total work hours for bridge construction contracts must be filled by east side residents. According to Gilroy, ESRA has a long-term commitment to invest $315 million, or approximately 35 per cent, of the overall road construction budget in jobs, training and economic development opportunities in local communities over the next 15 years. To date, Manitoba has invested $110 million in the all-season road project. It is estimated that the project will cost approximately $3 billion (2010$) and will take approximately 30 years to complete. Discussions with the federal government are underway to secure federal funding. With federal participation, the project could be accelerated and completed much sooner. Ronuk Modha, Communications Manager for the East Side Road Authority – ronuk.modha@gov.mb.ca
Legal Eagle
by Merle Alexander Partner, Bull, Housser & Tupper mca@bht.com
Northern Gateway Project
An Aboriginal Lawyer’s Perspective Let’s be clear from the start. I am opposed to the development of the Northern Gateway Project (“Gateway”). As a Heiltsuk-Tsimshian person that grew up in the traditional territory, as a person devoted to environmental, socioeconomic and Aboriginal rights, I am opposed. It is a mistake, however, to assume that First Nations are opposed to developments within the territory. In fact, my entire career is devoted to developing constructive, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations and prospective industry partners. There is wide spread concern that regardless of the Joint Review Panel’s (JRP) decision that the Cabinet will simply approve the project. Some have suggested that even if the JRP rejects the Gateway and does not issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, that Cabinet will approve Gateway. According to two legal experts however, George Hoberg and Nigel Banks, Cabinet cannot overrule the JRP. There are three broad economic arguments against the Gateway. First, Aboriginal economic rights will be unjustifiably infringed by any adverse environmental impact caused by Gateway. Second, the BC economy is dependent on a pristine coast. Third, the proposal to ship bitumen as a raw natural resource versus refining the product is not the most economically productive. Coastal First Nations have always been strong players in the BC economy; it probably goes without saying that environmental devastation would destroy this economic role. I have not had the opportunity to review the submissions made thus far at the JRP hearings, but I am confident that First Nations have raised this issue. With regard to the damage that a spill might cause to existing economic sectors, the City of Prince Rupert highlighted the roles of the tourism and fishing industries on the BC Coast in its submission to the JRP; and pointed out the overall negative effect on the regional economy that environmental damage would cause.
Duty to Consult – Will it be fulfilled by JRP alone? Will this public process that First Nations are active participants in fulfill the duty to consult for the Federal and Provincial Crown? I would say no. The Courts have stated resoundingly that consultation with no intent or purpose of achieving accommodation fails to fulfill the duty. The Crown can send out the JRP to hear First Nations concerns, but only Canada, BC and Alberta can rule on them. First Nations must commence traditional land use studies based on their oral histories and gather other western source evidence to conduct strength of claims assessments. Each individual First Nation’s strength of claim will inform the level of consultation required.
Is there a negotiated middle ground? No. Over 130 First Nations and counting have signed the Save The Fraser Declaration against oil pipelines and oil transport traffic on the BC Coast saying “No, over our dead bodies!” For Coastal and Corridor First Nations, the Gateway could cause a death to their unique cultural and distinctive societies.
Aboriginal Court Challenges In the event that the JRP recommends issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, it is predictable that a coalition as well as individual First Nations will immediately file court applications in the Federal Court for judicial review. Then, an appeal will go to the Federal Court of Appeal. Then, onto the big leagues, the Supreme Court of Canada. Needless to say, this will delay any movement on the Gateway for years, and likely make the project uneconomical. One of the key issues that will have to be determined is “did the JRP fulfill the duty to consult for the individual applicant?” Each of the First Nations will have a different strength of claim assessment and this will require individual First Nation evidence to determine the Aboriginal rights prospectively affected. Even one First Nation’s judicial review action, could require hundreds of days of trial. Joking aside, it might be easier to drill to China and deliver the oil that way. And these are my few common cents.
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 15
Port of Prince Rupert exp
periences dramatic growth In 2007, the Port of Prince Rupert, in northwest British Columbia, converted its Fairview facility to a high-efficiency container terminal. continued on next page
Port of Prince Rupert’s dramatic growth con’t from previous page Half a decade later, despite the global recession, Prince Rupert continues to be one of the fastest-growing container terminals in North America. In 2011, total port-wide traffic exceeded 19.3 million tons, which was up 18% over the previous record in 2010. Container traffic alone was up 20% over 2010, with growth largely driven by the export of Canadian goods. Coal and grain shipments saw corresponding increases. “Prince Rupert is frequently cited as a potential solution for almost every strategic commodity that is currently attracting significant investment in North America,” said
18 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
Don Krusel, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. With investments from the federal and provincial governments, CN Rail and other industry partners, the Port of Prince Rupert has undergone a transformation from a modest, regional Port into a major North American trade gateway. The Port and the Northern Transportation Corridor connect western Canada and North America’s heartlands to Asia’s fastgrowing economies. These economies are driving unprecedented demand for Canadian resources, such as timber, copper, coal, potash, wheat and other commodities.
Asia’s appetite for natural resources is driving up the value of Canadian resources, investment and employment. For Canada to benefit from this demand, a substantial increase in port capacity is required to facilitate trade—and the timely, cost-effective access to these markets in Asia and around the world. However, most other ports on the west coast of North America are located in major metropolitan areas and surrounded by urban gridlock. Their ability to grow and expand is restricted and most of their facilities are operating at or near full capacity. In this respect, the Port of Prince Rupert is unique. 400 hectares at the Ridley
Island industrial site, slated for terminal developments, are separated from urban constraints and the challenges associated with large metropolitan infrastructure developments. Accordingly, the port’s expansion plan – its “20/20 Gateway Vision” – is moving ahead quicker than anticipated. A significant amount of change and growth will take place in the next 12 to 24 months. The Road Rail Utility Corridor on Ridley Island, a public-private partnership in infrastructure, will lay the groundwork for Ridley Island to maximize its development potential. Ridley Terminals Inc. is currently undergoing an expansion that will double its coal-handling capacity. Other projects are close to or are undergoing environmental assessments, including an expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal,
the development of an associated integrated logistics park, and a proposal to develop a commercial connector road to ensure that truck traffic avoids city thoroughfares. Accordingly, the Port of Prince Rupert has renewed its commitment to manage growth safely, responsibly, and sustainably. Prince Rupert is North America’s deepest natural harbour as well as one of its safest. The harbour and the shipping lanes that lead into it are free of significant navigational hazards. The Port Authority became the first west coast member of the “Green Marine” Environmental Stewardship program. The program requires the port to adopt concrete
practices and undergo rigorous external audits that ensure sustainable operations. A recentlycompleted Shore Power Project will provide electricity to container ships. By allowing ships to power down their diesel engines and connect to the port’s electrical grid, 4,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases can be reduced each year. “We here in Western Canada are primed to take advantage of new Asian trade opportunities,” said Don Krusel. “Our commitment to maritime safety, environmental stewardship and community partnership will ensure we can deliver on our vision, and do it in a sustainable manner that allows us to turn our potential into reality.”
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Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 19
International leaders in Indigenous Housing to speak at WIHC An outstanding lineup of international leaders in Indigenous housing will speak at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference – Sharing Our Stories; Sharing Our Successes – the first international event to bring Indigenous housing and government leaders from around the world together to learn from best practices, build a global network and showcase Indigenous cultures. Keynote speakers and presenters will cover five important themes: Health and Housing, Capacity Building, Disaster Preparedness, Governance and Partnerships. WIHC speakers include: CANADA • TV star and housing expert Mike Holmes, host of Holmes on Homes • National Chief Shawn Atleo, Assembly of First Nations • Dr. Evan Adams, Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor, BC Ministry of Health and Coast Salish actor • Chief Kim Baird, Tsawwassen First Nation • Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chair, First Nations Health Council • Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band • Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, Manitoba UNITED STATES • Rodger Boyd, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Native American Programs, Housing & Urban Development • Kent Paul, Chief Executive Officer, Rodney Crawley, Chief Operating Officer, and Derek Valdo, Director, Safety Services, AMERIND Risk Management Corporation • Mellor Willie, Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council AUSTRALIA • Linda Burney, first Aboriginal MP, New South Wales Legislative Assembly • Geoff Scott, CEO, NSW Aboriginal Land Council Grand Chief Doug Kelly
NEW ZEALAND • Rau Hoskins, Chair, Te Matapihi Maori • Victoria Kingi, Trustee, Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Inc.
20 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
The 2012 WIHC will deliver tangible benefits: • Create a unique opportunity for dialogue among international Indigenous housing leaders, senior government officials, researchers and corporate heads from developed countries that share common housing experiences; • Develop a global network and online database of best practices to sustain connections beyond the conference; and • Exchange knowledge and ideas to help Indigenous people around the world achieve greater self-sufficiency and prosperity. “We will also take recommendations on Indigenous housing from our conference forward to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for international action, as the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, which is hosting the conference, is a registered UNPFII participant,” adds Andrew Leach, 2012 WIHC Director and AHMA Chief Executive Officer.
Chief Kim Baird - Tsawwassen First Nation
For more information contact: Aboriginal Housing Management Association P: +1.604.921.2462 | 1.888.921.2462 toll free in North America E: reception@ahma-bc.org www.indigenous2012.com
Dr. Evan Adams, Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor
Event organizers: 2G Group of Companies Toll Free (North America): 866 284-8322 and 855 307-5291 International Phone: 250 878-9908 and 250 307-5291 International Fax: 250 766-0253 E: conferences@2ggroup.ca
Sharing Our Stories; Sharing Our Successes The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) is hosting the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference, the first international event to bring Indigenous housing and government leaders from around the world together to learn from best practices, build a global network, and showcase Indigenous cultures. Speakers include:
June 11-15, 2012 Vancouver British Columbia www.indigenous2012.com
sponsors
Founding Partner
Mike Holmes TV star and housing expert, Host of Holmes on Homes
Gold Sponsors
National Chief Shawn Atleo Assembly of First Nations, Canada
Linda Burney First Aboriginal MP, New South Wales Legislative Assembly, Australia
Mellor Willie Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council, United States
Rau Hoskins Chair, Te Matapihi Maori, New Zealand
Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band, British Columbia
Media Sponsors
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 21
Insurance crisis looming... are we ready? 2011 was deemed the “Year of Devastation”. No country or community (including Indigenous homelands) was spared from one or more natural events – hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, tsunamis, flooding, drought, earthquakes, and catastrophic fires. The impact of such events will be felt for years to come as areas impacted attempt to recover – both physically and emotionally. The human toll was tragic and the cost of these 2011 natural disasters will exceed hundreds of billions of dollars, taking a significant toll on the insurance industry and the consumers who purchase their products. We should expect a significant change in how – before, during and after, the insurance industry responds to financial loss – expect withdrawal from certain geographical areas, increases in pricing, restricting the insurance coverage and ultimately cancellation of high risk areas. Historically this cycle of having coverage, to having no coverage at all, has kept Tribal Nations hostage year after year.
AMERIND’S headquarters in New Mexico
22 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
This cycle of insurance dependence was broken by Tribes in the United States more than 25 years ago. Should First Nations in Canada follow a similar path? “Indian Country”, a legal term used to indentify the communities of Indigenous Native Americans in the United States, is not immune from such disasters. Quite the opposite – fire, wind and hail devastation tends to be an annual phenomenon within Indian communities – making the purchase of insurance nearly impossible. Faced with the consequence of little or no insurance protection and predatory profiteers, 145 Indian housing authorities in the United States broke status quo and worked together to form a self-insurance program in 1986. This cooperative effort resulted in the formation of AMERIND Risk Management Corporation, a not for profit self-insurance risk pool that administrates four distinct and separate self-insurance plans on behalf of federally recognized Indian tribes and more
than 10,000 enrolled tribal members and growing. AMERIND is owned by more than 400 Tribal Nations and is truly one of a kind, providing financial protection exclusively for Tribes, their enterprises and members. Their motto “Tribes Protecting Tribes” is an excellent exercise of self-determination and self governance. AMERIND’s 25 year track record of protecting 12 billion dollars of Tribal and individual assets is unequaled by the traditional insurance market. Collectively, participating Tribes have saved more than $50 million in insurance premiums in 25 years while enjoying coverage equal to, if not better than, that provided by the conventional insurance industry. Many naysayers over the years have bemoaned the AMERIND model stating “two or more Tribes cannot work together financially or otherwise – AMERIND will fail.” Does saving money, improving access to insurance coverage, protecting communities and exercising self-determination sound
like an indication of failure? AMERIND’s success, staying power, and cost controls have demonstrated otherwise – they have earned the reputation of being a “beacon” for Tribal Nation collaboration and innovation. AMERIND is not designed to be a revenue stream for the benefit of stock holders – but rather to provide the necessary services and a quick financial response when disaster strikes Indian Country. AMERIND keeps money working in Indian Country, employing Native Americans, providing technical assistance, and preserving a way of life only understood by Native peoples. Having control over one’s destiny and how a tribal community should operate or rebuild itself should be retained by the tribal community, not an insurance entity whose motivation may be more expedient and in the best interests of the stockholder investor rather than the policyholder. Self-insurance plans, as modeled by AMERIND, provide flexibility, responsiveness and cost savings not otherwise enjoyed. A proven affordable insurance alternative, the AMERIND model if replicated in Canada may offer our Canadian Bands and Indigenous groups, a long term solution to the pending crisis – freeing us from the profit driven mainstream insurance industry. Our Native brothers and sisters to the south should be commended for working together and developing a viable insurance alternative that demonstrates our common goal of self determination, governance and fiscal responsibility.
Kent Paul, CEO and Rod Crawley, COO of AMERIND receive gifts on a recent visit to Coastal Salish territory
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 23
Tsleil-Waututh Nation land development success
Chief Justin George
Perched on the shores of the Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, the community of Raven Woods sits proudly amongst natural forests overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This 1,000 home residential real estate development is on the territory of the Tsleil-Waututh (people of the inlet). The vision for this development came from Chief Leonard George when he met Chinese businessman Robert Kuok in the early 1990’s and they agreed to form a joint venture which eventually became Takaya (which means wolf in Coastal Salish) Developments. The Kuok Group are very traditional Chinese business people who demonstrate integrity and honesty as fundamental business principles.
The focus of the entire development is to provide high quality amenities 24 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
Chief Leonard George was able to convince the Kuok Group to invest in what was one of Canada’s very first residential developments on reserve land, and that took a lot of faith on the Kuok side. Back in the 1990s there was still a lot of stigma around building houses for non-Native people on reserve lands, but in more recent times Bands like Tsleil-Waututh and Westbank First Nation have had great success with these kinds of developments. “My father Chief Leonard George was able to get the Nation behind it and make the project a reality, and now Nation building is fundamental to everything we do,” said Chief Justin George when we interviewed him for this article.
“Our people believe in sustainability, from time immemorial when the tide went out in the harbour the elders would say – the table was set for dinner – in our culture sustainability has always been key, respecting the cycles of nature and only harvesting what we needed without endangering our future resources,” explained Chief Justin. “This is why Raven Woods was built with as small a footprint on the land as possible, keeping the trees and streams in place and integrating the development into the natural environment,” he added. The Tsleil-Waututh (TWN) are wolf clan people, historically within the clan everybody has a place, and that collective model still prevails to this day with over 80 full time jobs for a community of only 500 members. TWN has less than 1% unemployment and despite having a very small reserve land base they are proactive in looking outside of that land base for future business opportunities. TWN recently created TWN Wind Power which manufactures and installs wind turbines. “We want to reclaim the strong governance and the quality of life we once had,” explained the Chief, “the Treaty process makes little sense to us with our small reserve so we have embarked on private sector partnerships as a way of improving our economy.” Takaya Developments has assembled an
award winning team of professionals including Bingham Hill Architects, Durante Kreuk, Insight Design Group, Jones Kwong Kishi Consulting, Horizon Engineering, GHL Consultants and Morrison Hershfield which has made their project a great success. The Chief ended our interview with these philosophical words, “a healthy First Nation economy benefits all other governments and people in Canada, we need to invest in our young people and their future, we have reclaimed our identity, the canoe philosophy our team believes in is all about pulling together. Success comes from finding good partners and win-win agreements.” We commend the Chief and his community on providing a great success story for other Bands to emulate.
The buildings are designed to blend into the natural landscape
Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 25
First Nations partner to build and operate Mica Camp Representatives from three First Nations, BC Hydro and the private sector met recently to celebrate the grand opening of a 240 person construction camp, which is being used to house and feed workers during the life of the Mica Units 5 & 6 and Mica Switchgear projects. One of the largest contracts ever awarded by BC Hydro to a First Nations joint venture, Secwepemc Camp and Catering has installed single-room dormitories and a service complex with kitchen and dining rooms, recreation, lounge and first aid rooms at the Mica townsite. Secwepemc Camp and Catering is a partnership between Adams Lakes, Neskonlith and Splatsin Indian Bands, and Horizon North Logistics. “This ceremony celebrates the success of Secwepemc Camp and Catering for building, installing, and operating the Mica Construction Camp” said Owen Williams, Project Manager
The Chief Kinbasket Lodge 26 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
for the Mica Units 5 & 6 Project, during the grand opening. “BC Hydro is honoured to be guests in the camp operated by many members of the Adams Lakes, Neskonlith and Splatsin Bands,” said Williams. The complete camp was built in Kamloops by Northern Trailer, part of the Horizon North Logistics Group of Companies. The camp – henceforth known as Kinbasket Lake Lodge – was delivered by truck and installed at the Mica townsite last summer. “The Horizon North Logistics Group of Companies wishes BC Hydro and all of the aboriginal partners included in this project nothing but luck and business success in this most important project” said Mark Brown, President of Northern Trailer. During the grand opening celebration, guests were treated to a traditional First Nations prayer ceremony, including drumming,
followed by a gift exchange, meal and tour of the new lodge facilities. “This partnership allows us to generate activities which will provide economic growth and employment for our community. This arrangement is, in part, a way to gain sustenance from the land that will provide long term benefits,” said Adams Lake Indian Band Chief Nelson Leon, during the celebration. In 2010, BC Hydro started to replace the high voltage switchgear equipment at Mica. In 2011, BC Hydro started on-site work to install two additional 500 megawatt generating units into existing turbine bays in the Mica powerhouse. These two projects will expand the capacity of the plant to 2800 megawatt and enhance reliability. Workers for both of these projects will stay at the Chief Kinbasket Lodge.
Chief Nelson Leon, Diane Jules and members of the Adams Lake Indian Band attended the opening ceremony
Pat Hammerschmidt, Horizon North Logistics Inc., Warren Murray, Horizon North Camps & Catering, and Diane Jules of Adams Lake officially open the Chief Kinbasket Lodge.
Horizon North and the Shuswap – Lakes Division Nation’s through its new partnership, Secwepemc Camp and Catering would like to congratulate BC Hydro on the grand opening of their Mica construction camp. Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 27
Aboriginal Joint Ventures
The real faces behind a success story In the dark, early hours of a blustery cold day in December 2010, a small plane touched down on the frozen tarmac of Fort Nelson’s municipal airport carrying an odd cargo that had the potential to positively impact the lives of the school-aged kids in that remote northern town. Slowly, a dozen larger-than-average, slightly burly and somewhat lumbering men (and one woman) emerged from the plane to be whisked away in waiting vans. Several hours later, the same exhausted group returned to the airport ready for a long flight home. Tired and hungry, but knowing they made a positive impact on a generation of that community’s kids by giving them a day they will never forget. Who made up the plane’s mysterious cargo? Several members of the Calgary Flames Alumni team led by hockey icons Lanny McDonald and Jim Peplinski plus Danielle Goyette from the Women’s Canadian National Team, brought to the small community as an inaugural event
for Black Diamond Group Limited’s Aboriginal Relations and Community Investment program. The team spent the morning visiting Chalo and Fort Nelson Secondary schools, met with the local business community for lunch, and finished the day playing a game of hockey with
We want to contribute in ways that will benefit everyone – now and in the future. several youth players from the community. The trip was spearheaded by Black Diamond but was also partially funded by partner businesses that support the resource
development industry in the region. After the event, a gift totaling $60,000 was donated back to both the community of Fort Nelson and to Fort Nelson First Nation’s Chalo School, an Aboriginal Partner of Black Diamond’s. “Our goal for that event and for our Aboriginal Partnerships in general is to create something meaningful for the community and build something long-lasting,” said Trevor Haynes, President and CEO of Black Diamond Group. “We want to contribute in ways that will benefit everyone – now and in the future.” Black Diamond Group Limited is one of North America’s fastest growing modular building, remote lodging and energy services companies. With its head office located in Calgary, Alberta and 13 locations throughout Canada and the United States, Black Diamond provides world-class services to a full spectrum of industries including oil, gas, mining,
Members of the Calgary Flames Alumni pose for a group shot with the kids of Fort Nelson B.C. after the exhibition hockey game at the Black Diamond Leadership and Inspiration Day at the Northern Rockies Regional Rec Centre on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. 28 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
power, construction, engineering, military, government and education. An emerging, yet essential area of the business contributing to Black Diamond’s track record of success in key resource areas across Western Canada is their strategic and visionary Aboriginal Partnerships. In September 2009, Black Diamond and the Fort Nelson First Nation entered into an exclusive equity-based agreement called Black Diamond Dene LP. The partnership is a creative way to respond to global interest in the Horn River Basin and its vast reserves of natural gas. In January 2011, Black Diamond entered into a second Aboriginal partnership within the Treaty 8 area, signing an agreement with the West Moberly First Nation located southwest of Fort St. John BC. The goal of both businesses is to provide customers in resource areas with quality, competitively-priced products while allowing the First Nations people an opportunity to participate and benefit in the development of their traditional lands. The exclusive 50/50 equity partnerships not only provide the Aboriginal partners a steady revenue stream, but with ownership in assets that will continue to provide for the nation beyond the life of the projects within their traditional territory. Both partnerships are structured to improve local capital and offer community members the chance to start their own businesses and create sustainable careers. To date, Black Diamond Group’s Aboriginal partnerships have increased community capacity and delivered positive economic results for all parties involved. They are structured around an approach to Aboriginal engagement that is pro-active and long-term. The agreements are 50/50 equity-based and are able to build infrastructure, create community wealth and preserve local culture – now and into the future. They are also built from the ground up on mutual respect, trust, real friendship and goodwill. RJ Hunt, Community and Aboriginal Relations for Black Diamond spends much of his time in the communities of Fort Nelson First Nation and West Moberly First Nation and gets to see the economic and community impact on a daily basis, “I get to see firsthand how our participation on both a business and community level will really make a difference.” he said. “We are excited to see the real outcome of these relationships as they build over time.”
Chief Roland Willson of the West Moberly First Nation and Manager of Business Development for Black Diamond Energy Services serve up BBQ lunch to community members during West Moberly Days in July 2011.
Camps | Logistics Energy Services | BOXX Modular
www.BlackDiamondLimited.com Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012 29
The Lighter Side Apologies in advance if any of these offend you.
Q: How do you drive a metis crazy? A: Nail his moccasins to the floor then play the red river jig! Ria Letcher Three Sandy Lake Indians, Rod, Kenny and Jerome, were sitting naked in a sauna. Suddenly, there was a beeping sound. Rod pressed his forearm and the beeping stopped. The others looked at him questioningly. “That was my pager,” Rod said, “I have a micro chip under the skin of my arm.” A few minutes later a phone rang. Kenny lifted his palm to his ear. When he finished
he explained, “That was my cell phone. I have a micro-chip in my hand. Jerome, felt decidedly low-tech but not to be outdone, decided he (being such a Jerome), had to do something just as impressive. He stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom. He returned with a piece of toilet paper hanging from his behind. Rod and Kenny raised their eyebrows and stared at him. Then Jerome finally said, “Hey, will you look at that, I’m getting a fax!” Chief Yvette Metansinine There was this old man whose dog died and he was just heart broken! He wanted to
have a service for his dog so he went to his Catholic priest to enquire about a service for his dog. He asked the priest and the priest said that they did not do services for animals. He told the man to go to the Anglican church down the street maybe they had some sort of service the old man thanked him and was about to leave. Before he left the priest, he asked him if thought $5,000.00 dollars would be enough to cover costs? The Catholic priest said why didn’t you tell me the dog was Catholic, I can help you! Chief Gibby Jacob It must be real cold outside. I just saw a lawyer outside with his hands in his own pockets! Chief Kevin Whitney
If you have jokes you’d like to share, please email them to: editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com Smokey Bruyere 30 Aboriginal Marketplace / March 2012
CN is a proud supporter of the 2012 National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference Series CN is, and will continue to be, committed to maintaining close, mutually rewarding relations with First Nations across our network through employment, investment and partnerships with First Nations communities. The more closely we work together, the brighter the future will be.
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