Aboriginal Marketplace

VOLUME 1 – ISSUE 4 July - August 2012

Okanagan Nation’s Emerging Economic Driver

IN THIS ISSUE:

New Source of Capital for First Nations Nupqu Development Corporation Partnership Aboriginal Recruitment Fair – Vancouver 2013

EXCELLENCE Excellence is the only option.

At Westkey we do not celebrate mediocrity.

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Westkey is a proud supporter of First Nations and First Nations business in Canada.

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COVER STORY

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8 • Okanagan Nation’s Emerging Economic Driver The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation will be the new emerging economic driver of the Okanagan Nation

ISSUE 4 VOLUME 1 – 2012 July - August

IN THIS ISSUE

Nation’s Okanagan r omic Drive on Ec Emerging

IN THIS ISSU

4 • F irst Nations Hold the Key E:

of Capital New Source ions for First Nat elopment Nupqu Dev Partnership tion pora Cor t Fair Recruitmen Aboriginal 2013 – Vancouver

Publisher

2G Group of Companies geoff@2ggroup.ca

Financial institutions are queuing up to prove their commitment to people and planet as well as profit

6 • Effective Corporate Gifting Shain Jackson shares his company’s corporate gift selections

Managing Editor

Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com Design / Production

Corrina Deters corrina@nichemedia.ca Advertising Sales

Marlon Louis editor@aboriginalmarketplace.com Contributors

Merle Alexander, Keith Henry, Paul ClementsHunt, Neil Philcox, Shain Jackson, Willie Joubert, Chris Gardner

16 • NABOC Tour returns to NK’MIP for 4th Year September’s National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference Series Tour returns to NK’MIP and Spirit Ridge

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

March, May, June, August, October 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.

22 • Nupqu Development Corporation Starts New Venture Partnership established with Highland Powerlines of Kamloops, BC

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FEATURES 10 • Keeping it Riel 11 • Summit Update 12 • Featured Business 15 • Fantastic Employees

24 • Klahowya Village 26 • Recruitment Fair 28 • Valard Partnership 30 • Legal Eagle Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 3

First Nations in Canada:

Holding the Key to Access Global Capital Markets

by Paul Clements-Hunt & Neil Philcox

Paul Clements-Hunt

Neil Philcox

4 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

Post the 2008 global financial crash, investors worldwide are exploring new ways to protect their assets and build value over time. Short-termism measured in micro seconds may still drive the world’s trading floors but, increasingly, investors who have to protect and grow returns over decades seek yield elsewhere. Their investments include tangible hard assets, such as infrastructure, real estate, and natural resource projects that provide co-benefits to the communities they serve, and support the maintenance of the environments they operate in.

Since 2006 more than 1,000 pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance reserves representing USD 30 trillion in assets have committed themselves to a set of United Nationsbacked principles demanding best environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across all investments in every asset class.

At the UN’s Sustainable Development Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012, scores of banking CEOs signed up to the UN’s Natural Capital Declaration.

Across the globe, financial institutions are queuing up to prove their commitment to people and planet as well as profit.

A finance and investment sector deeply scarred by the negligence, scandals and criminality of the 2008 crash have to rebuild reputations and trust; they are waking to the power of first rate environmental, social and governance practices to achieve this goal. Not all, but certainly the most forward-looking financial institutions understand that world beating performance in ESG is a way to rebuild relationships with communities, clients, policy-makers and investors.

Increasingly, getting the ESG balance of projects and investments right is seen as a “must have” rather than nice to have. Even more than that, ensuring the sustainability of investments through environmental and social best practice is regarded as the “cheapest insurance you can buy” to protect investments over the long term.

First Nations in Canada have a chance to shape a Global Standard of ESG excellence,

especially as it relates to the billions of dollars of industrial, energy, transport and natural resource driven projects proposed in the Province over the next decade.

These projects, fuelling new growth and development, are underway in one of the most culturally rich and environmentally pristine regions in the world. A region where millennia-long stewardship by First Nations ensured rich ecosystems that flourished for centuries under intuitively understood ecosystem based management principles, while natural wealth in so many other regions was over-extracted for shortterm gain.

First Nations, collectively and individually, are demanding ESG excellence on projects proposed or underway in their traditional territories, primarily through impact benefit agreements, governmentto-government protocols, and other private sector agreements. This approach is also shaping a model of development that can be replicated, scaled and shared with the rest of the world.

Based on the combination of First Nations environmental stewardship, a focus on long-term economic development and the current outlook for large scale industrial and infrastructure projects across Canada, access to global capital markets may be the logical next step for many First Nations.

The Blended Capital Group is a new firm that raises and directs capital into projects that build strong communities, promote long-term partnerships, and maintain high environmental standards.

With partners and affiliates in Beijing, Cape Town, Geneva, London, Sao Paulo and Vancouver, TBCG focuses its engagements with the most forward-looking financial, investment and development groups to bring ESG excellence to cutting edge projects.

For more information contact: Paul Clements-Hunt The Blended Capital Group e-mail: pch@blendedcapital.com Tel: +41-76-753-3442

Broughton Archipelago

Prince Rupert’s port

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 5

Spirit Works Limited – Effective Corporate Gifting

by Shain Jackson

Spirit Works Limited: an Aboriginal owned, operated and staffed company focused on the design, creation, and distribution of high quality West Coast Aboriginal artwork.

In 2007, the year of our company’s birth, we had no idea where Spirit Works was going. While running from the law (practicing law that is), I thought it might be good to lay low, take a hiatus, and as an Aboriginal artist perhaps work on some of those designs buzzing around in my head.

What’s happened since, quite organically, has been inspiring to all of us involved.

Corporate gifts by Spirit Works 6 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

From an economic development standpoint, yes Spirit Works has done well.

Since opening the doors we’ve seen near exponential growth, this even during the recent recession.

We are also very proud to say, like many Aboriginal businesses, we have taken an active role in our community. On this front Spirit Works has developed programs aimed at providing employment and training to Aboriginal youth; donates space, equipment and expertise to Aboriginal artists in need; consistently donates time and artwork to numerous charitable organizations; has

designed and facilitated workshops aimed at providing cultural teachings for at-risk Aboriginal youth; and much more.

Although all of this is important, what has really inspired those associated with Spirit Works is the artwork and what it’s really about.

What many do not realize is that traditionally artwork was the only written language in Aboriginal communities. Our culture, history, and even our laws were codified into the artwork. Based on this what we do at Spirit Works, through our various art forms is provide a voice.

What’s been the cause of much of the excitement surrounding Spirit Works is that the byproduct of this is a bridging of the gap between Aboriginal society and that of the rest of Canada.

One might ask what all of this means in practical terms. It came about most noticeably within the margins of our corporate gifting program.

Here we provide anything from promotional pins, to table gifts, all the way up to high-end gifts for dignitaries. We would be approached by various Aboriginal, corporate and governmental organizations all looking for a meaningful gift. What we found was that in facilitating these gifts we began acting in an almost diplomatic capacity helping our clients navigate through various levels of protocol.

As a lawyer who represented Aboriginal interests in the resource sector, I can tell you first hand, the most successful files were those where the parties took the time to simply get to know one another. Within an environment of respect the parties were dramatically more likely to conclude a deal and maintain fruitful, and lasting, business relations.

On the other hand I can tell you the quickest way to see a potential venture head south is by not taking those introductory steps and just showing up without any prior knowledge of their hosts, or worst yet with lawyer in tow.

One of the most common misconceptions is that Aboriginal people in Canada are

all one group. The Northwest coast region of North America is as large as Western Europe, and has about as many Nations.

Each of these Indigenous Nations has its own language group, history, culture, traditions, laws, and of course protocol.

Many of us have heard first-hand the horror story of when a company wishing to do business with a coastal First Nation brought in another First Nation’s liaison to facilitate. The company unwittingly allowed the liaison to conduct a tobacco ceremony not realizing this may as well have been a Chinese tea ceremony as it would have been equally as foreign.

Another situation conveyed to me recently was that of a large company who, attempting to win the favour of a particular First Nation, purchased some artwork from a local Aboriginal artist. After spending literally hundreds of thousands of dollars on this artwork the company was dismayed to find out the artist was actually not from that First Nation at all. It would have been like trying to impress the British by purchasing a Monet.

With the resource boom occurring in Canada it has become abundantly clear that good relations between business and First

Nations is of paramount importance. It may sound simple but when you want do business with First Nations, a gift is where you begin.

In B.C. up and down the coast, and in the interior, Aboriginal cultures are gifting cultures. Gifting means so much more than just purchasing something you think is nice.

There must be research into the gift. A gift in our cultures invariably contains a message.

This message can be one of acknowledging a past relationship or perhaps putting forth the hopes of peace and friendship for future relations. In either case the meaning in the gift should acknowledge and commemorate the relationship.

When it comes to Aboriginal/NonAboriginal engagement this is where Spirit Works excels. Spirit Works has been built on the notion of bringing cultures together. Spirit Works has developed substantial expertise in this area and has facilitated countless presentations which have essentially been the launching of many positive undertakings.

Although we do not profess to know everything in the Aboriginal world, through our networks of artists, First Nations, companies, governments, and organizations we are perfectly suited to assist in navigating

through uncharted territories, and as a company we continue to build on this.

For example we are currently developing workshops and materials dealing with various protocols, and the importance of gifting associated with them.

If there is a common theme in the British Columbia Aboriginal world it must revolve around partnerships. In our culture it is our togetherness that is cherished above all else.

Our studio in North Vancouver is a place where this all happens and as a result we have taken collaboration to new heights. By using the tools, skills, resources, ideas and so on from so many sources we’ve been able to formulate something truly exceptional here.

As conveyors of culture and builders of relationships please feel free to contact us as a first step to see what we can do for you.

Shain Jackson, President Spirit Works Limited Unit 4 – 1500 Railway St. North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 1B5 Tel: 604 982 0024 Fax: 778 340 1615 Email: spiritworkslimited@shaw.ca Website: www.spiritworkslimited.com

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa at NK’MIP Resort - Osoyoos, BC

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Email stay@spiritridge.ca, visit www.spiritridge.ca or call 1-877-313-9463 to book!

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 7

Okanagan Nation’s Emerging Economic Driver The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation will be the new emerging economic driver of the Okanagan Nation

Chris Scott, PIBDC Project Consultant

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 and is the umbrella organization that holds the corporate business investments; it is responsible for the overall management of the band’s business portfolio. Our values are deeply rooted in the traditional qualities of our community and provide meaningful employment opportunities for our people.

Incorporated in 2007, PIBDC now oversees three limited partnerships: Westhills Aggregate LP, Coyote Cruises LP and Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP. With a focus on profits and business sustainability, we have also started a new major project called Arrowleaf- “The Land Speaks” and the results ultimately lead to successful job creation, training opportunities and wealth generation for the Penticton Indian Band.

Coyote Cruises

destinations in the Okanagan Valley, attracting tourist groups from around the globe.

Westhills Aggregates

Established in 1992, Westhills Aggregates specializes in construction sand and gravel services, with an emphasis on – and a complete selection of – crushing (cracked rocks) and screening (naturally round rocks) construction aggregate.

In addition, to trucking and delivering construction products for customers, Westhills Aggregates also employs excavation equipment that allows for both small and large construction jobs, including road maintenance, site preparation, excavation, snow removal and plowing, water line installations and septic system installations.

Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP

April Gabriel, PIBDC Communications 8 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

Solely owned and operated by the Penticton Indian Band since 2005, Coyote Cruises is the South Okanagan’s hottest summer attraction. Coyote Cruises provides tube rentals and transportation along Penticton’s River Channel, located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. In the summer months, Coyote Cruises serves in excess of 100,000 people per year and has remained one of the greatest tourist

Out of the 46,000 acres of land owned by the Penticton Indian Band, approximately one half of the land base is under forest cover.

Officially created in July 2009, the Penticton Indian Band Forestry Department, operating as Sn’pink’tn Forestry LP, manages the forest resource on IR#1, IR#2 and IR#3A.

Aerial view of Arrowleaf area

By doing so, they address forest health issues and manage interface fire hazards.

Sn’pink’tn signed a Forest and Range Opportunity Agreement with the Provincial Government in 2007 and has begun managing two Non-Replaceable Forest Licenses (NRFL) within the Okanagan Nation traditional territory, actively harvesting beetle infested pine and spruce.

As well, Sn’pink’tn has a working partnership with Gorman Brothers Lumber Ltd, developing cutting permits and assisting with timber cruising.

Arrowleaf – “The Land Speaks” Arrowleaf is a planned residential golfing community situated on a spectacular 550acre site set amongst the pristine south Okanagan hillside. Only minutes from the beaches of Skaha Lake and the ski slopes of Apex Mountain, Arrowleaf commands an inspiring view of the valley and vineyards to the south.

Project Overview • Mixed-use residential, commercial development — currently 600 singlefamily and multi-family units planned • Planned hotel • 99-year term leases registered with Canada • Variable density with a phased development plan • Professional golf course with optional vineyards surrounding the course • Commercial village core with clubhouse amenities • Located adjacent to the city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the South Okanagan Valley • Easy access off Highway 97x For more information about Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation (PIBDC) and it’s subsidiary companies please visit our website www.pibdc.ca or contact Lesley Gabriel, Business Development Officer at 250-492-3154 or by email lgabriel@pib.ca

Lesley Gabriel, PIBDC Business Development Officer Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 9

Keeping it Riel

I write this month with a focus on one of my passions, that being Aboriginal tourism and the importance of marketing your Aboriginal tourism business.

As entrepreneurs we all know how challenging any business can be and one thing is for sure, without good marketing your business success will be very limited.

In my role at the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), we launched a new campaign with the tag line ‘Our Story. Your Experience.’ This is a new summer campaign promoting Aboriginal experiences to visitors in British Columbia. The campaign is an innovative marketing approach with the intention of luring travellers to the Aboriginal experience providers.

I can say confidently travelers are looking for authentic, engaging experiences, and Aboriginal tourism providers are in a great position to respond to this need. With this in mind, AtBC developed the ‘Our Story. Your Experience’ campaign which connects the audience with the individual experience

provider through Aboriginal stories and hands-on experiences.

The campaign includes the rollout of six 2-minute feature videos and ten 30-second vignettes each describing an integral part

Members of the Métis Nation at Klahowya Village in Stanley Park 10 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

by Keith Henry President, BC Métis Federation k.henry@bcmetis.com

of today’s Aboriginal way of life and how the visitors will be enriched by this connection.

Video themes vary from culinary experiences and wildlife encounters to language preservation and celebrations.

Other campaign components include a new design for AtBC’s website and social media channels, written stories and photo galleries of Aboriginal tourism experiences, regional brochures highlighting each market-ready AtBC Stakeholder and print ads in the regional Tourism BC guides.

The campaign uses online and social media marketing to guide people to the individual experiences. The campaign will be leveraged by AtBC’s travel media efforts and partnerships with the Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism BC and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations. In addition, the campaign materials such as regional brochures and videos will be heavily promoted at Klahowya Village in Stanley Park, through Visitors Centres in BC and along select BC Ferries’ routes.

To build excitement around the campaign and to further create awareness of Aboriginal tourism and Stakeholders, AtBC will also be launching a summer-long contest that offers people opportunities to win Aboriginalthemed getaways as well as First Nations & Métis Art & Jewellery.

Aboriginal tourism has tremendous potential for economic development and cultural revitalization for so many communities. However without a strong marketing element to your business plan success in the long term will be very difficult.

There will be an estimated 3.8 million people seeking an Aboriginal tourism experience this summer and the manner in which you market and reach these visitors must be well planned, organized and include strategic partnerships.

For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to our website www. bcmetis.com - k.henry@bcmetis.com Just trying to keep it Riel.

Aboriginal Economic Leadership Summit Update From June 26 - 28, Chief Clarence Louie and the 2G Group of Companies hosted over 140 Chiefs, Councillors, and Aboriginal business leaders, from First Nations and Metis communities across Canada, at the spectacular NK’MIP Resort in beautiful Osoyoos, British Columbia. The delegates attended the inaugural Aboriginal Economic Leadership Summit to network and share stories. Many positive business relationships were formed amongst the group as they discussed current happenings in the Aboriginal business world.

High profile industry speakers presented topics such as: achieving practical accommodation agreements with industry, successfully developing real estate on-reserve, setting up appropriate governance structures for Aboriginal development corporations, joint venture structures and the Aboriginal contribution to the Canadian economy. At the keynote lunch presentation on day one, Chief Clarence Louie and Dawn Madahbee, Chair and Vice Chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, presented the Aboriginal Economic Benchmarking Report, a culmination of 5 years of research.

The report sets out bold 10 year targets to bring Aboriginal Canadians in line with the economic prosperity enjoyed by the nonAboriginal citizens of this country.

The presentation provided by members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Westbank First Nation and the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation on how to successfully develop real estate projects on Reserve created enormous interest from the audience.

This is certainly becoming the hot topic across the country and we’re expecting to see more First Nations communities successfully competing in the real estate market very soon.

Facilitated roundtable discussions throughout Co-facilitators Tewanee Joseph (left) and Clint Davis (right) the event allowed delegates to share their stories and discuss how to travelling to these functions for many years,” create successful economic development said Denny Bellerose from the Alberta initiatives within Aboriginal communities.

Driftpile First Nation when we chatted with What we witnessed at the event was much him at lunch. progress coming from the sharing of stories It was evident that the first ever from one group to another.

Aboriginal Economic Leadership Summit “This was certainly one of the most was a great success and we look forward to informative and positive networking events coming back and reporting on the next one that I have ever attended and I have been in 2013.

Delegates came from as far away as Australia to attend the Summit

We got lots of positive feedback from delegates about the Summit at our Aboriginal Marketplace booth

Chris Scott shared the real estate success stories of the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 11

Featured Business Opportunity Furniture Manufacturing Business for Sale The Treehouse Furniture and Mattress In 1998 the Hopfner brothers of Ste. Rose, Manitoba started the retail store known as ‘The Treehouse Furniture and Mattress’ which is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Since that time the quality of furniture available for the store to buy in Canada has been declining year after year. This forced many retailers to begin to bring in containers of furniture from China, with the quality declining year-after-year.

As a result, in 2006, the brothers decided it was time to open their own factory in Morris, Manitoba and build high quality bedroom furniture at an affordable price for their retail stores.

The vision at the time was to start a factory, focusing on high quality, Canadian built, solid wood furniture. Since that time, they have grown from a small manufacturing plant to sales of $1million per annum.

Today, they have a streamlined operation which has the capacity to produce 100 sets of bedroom furniture per month. At this time, they employ 15 staff members from the

12 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

local community. The factory is also set up to employ an additional 15 staff by adding a second shift during high season.

The community has greatly benefitted from this as most of the money is staying local. They also have many Canadian retail stores, aside from their own, that now carry their solid wood bedroom furniture. They supply a 15 store chain, a buying group, plus several independent retail stores across the country.

After 14 years running the operation, the brothers are now getting on in years and want to retire and sell the business. Included in the package price is the following: • 1.5 acres of land in the commercial area of Morris, MB; • 9,360 sq ft building, zoned commercial/ industrial zoned; • 8,000 sq ft building, zoned commercial/ industrial; • all manufacturing equipment associated with the operation.

For sale for a guide price of $1,200,000 The Aboriginal Marketplace team sees this as an incredible opportunity for First Nations People to get involved in a proven business with great future potential. This opportunity could not only employ local Band members, but will be able to supply quality furniture to Bands across Canada.

This is an area of the business that has not been tapped into and we can foresee great potential in this area.

As part of the sales agreement, the brothers can stay on with the company for up to one year to help with training and transition. All dealers they currently sell to have also agreed to continue to purchase product from the new owners when the business is sold.

For further information about this opportunity contact Kevin Hopfner at 250717-6926 or e-mail treehouse@mts.net

Indigenous Statistics Conference in Vancouver, November 2012 The “2012 Indigenous Statistics Conference: Data as a Tool for Change” is a joint partnership between DPRA Canada and the First Nations Statistical Institute (FNSI) and is supported by numerous federal/provincial/territorial government departments and Indigenous organizations.

January 2012 marked the beginning of a new Census cycle in Canada and many organizations and groups are starting to move forward with new empirically based Indigenous initiatives. This two day event

will be held at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver from November 21-22 and will host between 300-500 delegates across the country.

The diversity of the conference themes

and quality of speakers will tackle some of the most prominent challenges within our Indigenous communities, leading to a better understanding of the quality of life for First Continued on page 14

EVERY COMPANY IS UNIQUE. THAT’S WHY OUR ADVICE IS CUSTOMIZED TO FIT YOUR BUSINESS. Understanding the needs of over 400 Aboriginal clients across Canada has proven that no two are the same.

BDO. MORE THAN YOU THINK.

Eagle Transformation: “Sharing Empirical Knowledge to Transform Our Communities” - Alano Edzerza, Tahltan Nation

Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory www.bdo.ca

BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.

“Eagle Transformation” artist Alano Edzerza Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 13

November 2012 Statistics Conference con’t Continued from page 13

Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in western and northern Canada.

Improve your understanding of Aboriginal data gathering and data-based decision-making by learning from leading experts from the public and private sectors, form partnerships, and share best practices.

There is a tremendous amount of diversity in the challenges facing First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in northern and western Canada. The conference will

reflect the complexity of these issues by focusing on the 6 main themes: • Health and well-being • Education and labour market • Economic development and community self-sufficiency • At-risk populations • New data initiatives • Land, culture and resource management Meaningful discussions around these issues, and the importance of data in addressing them, will include the

consideration of: families and social networks, impact benefit agreements, population dynamics, urbanization, housing, and children and youth.

As the hosts of this event, DPRA is one of Canada’s most well-respected private research companies and a leader in private industry when it comes to working directly with Indigenous groups at the community level.

The diversity of the conference themes and quality of speakers will tackle some of the most prominent challenges within our Indigenous communities

We are honoured to sponsor NABOC Osoyoos.

Your commitment to the community inspires us all.

It’s important to build relationships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common understanding. That’s why RBC® has a long history of partnering with associations and organizations serving Aboriginal communities from coast to coast to coast.

Together, we can create a strong and sustainable future for all.

Banking | Community | Employment | Procurement To learn more about how RBC partners with Aboriginal associations and organizations, visit rbcroyalbank.com/aboriginal or call one of our local team members at 1-800-Royal®-20.

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.

14 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

FNSI is a First Nations-led and managed statistical agency created to increase the quality and accessibility of First Nations data.

FNSI works in partnership with First Nations communities to create innovative statistical products and services that facilitate the use of statistical information to improve planning, decision-making, and investment.

In the most recent federal budget, it was announced that FNSI’s operational funding had been cut by 50% in 2012/2013, and eliminated for 2013/2014. As a result, FNSI is currently in the process of winding down its activities and projects.

As part of its wind-down, FNSI is committed to knowledge sharing activities that will maximize the benefit of the statistical tools, products, research and expertise that have been developed by FNSI during its operation.

The Indigenous Statistics Conference: Data as a Tool for Change is dedicated to sharing experiences, strategies and best practices for using statistical information in an Indigenous context, and FNSI is pleased to be a part of it.

We believe this conference offers tremendous value to all participants and recognizes the importance of a strong public sector/private industry partnership as a way to come together to share our knowledge, expertise, best practices and challenges.

For more information about the conference, go to www.indigenousdata.com

Fantastic Employees Haida House at Tllaal Haida House at Tllaal in Haida Gwaii, a world class cultural tourism lodge, has created a team who are simply all Fantastic Employees! They just opened this past June and are very proud of the nurturing family and stellar team they have created over the course of a month. Each of their staff is cross trained for dining service, housekeeping, guest services and cultural interpretation and each employee knows the value of working as a team and supporting each other, for no one can do it alone.

One month ago they were renovating the guest rooms and dining area, and each staff member helped “put the lodge together” for their grand opening on June 24.

In essence, this staff didn’t just arrive to start a shift at work…they built the heart of

this new Cultural Tourism destination one day at a time. Not only do they know where to find towels (they drilled the towel racks in the walls of the rooms); they are also enjoying the mentoring of Chef Eddie Szasz who is a culinary wizard with a constant smile on his face.

As Haida Gwaii’s premier lodging, dining and cultural experience, their standards are high coupled with their desire to share the Haida tradition, nature and culture with their community and guests. They truly have assembled some great staff to help them achieve their goals in this first year of operation!

Haawa (thank you in Haida) to Joëlle, Manager at the Haida House at Tllaal for nominating her team.

Chef: Eddie Szasz

Guest services: Justin Klevgaard (back left), Shawna Williams (back center), Angela Williams (front left), Aileen Hans (center in Haida regalia), Victoria Gross (right).

Cooks: Camille Janzen (left), Carla Russ (right).

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 15

NABOC Tour Returns to NK’MIP and Spirit Ridge for 4th Year From September 11th – 13th the Osoyoos Indian Band’s NK’MIP Resort will once again host a stop on the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC) Series Tour.

Two hundred and fifty delegates are expected at this year’s event from across Canada, USA, Europe and Asia, with over 100 First Nations and Metis communities typically represented. This will be the 4th year that a stop on the NABOC tour has been hosted at the NK’MIP Resort’s Spirit Ridge Hotel.

Chief Clarence Louie will be the host and the conference will be co-facilitated

by Tewanee Joseph, CEO of Tewanee Consulting Group and Brenda Baptiste, SAO of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Major Sponsors for the event are Britco, Stuart Olson Dominion Construction, and Valard; with RBC Group, Kinder Morgan, Graham Group, BC Hydro, High Velocity Equipment

Training, Corix, Urban Systems and Fortis all taking significant sponsor positions as well.

The format for this year’s NABOC Osoyoos will include plenaries on days 1 and 2, hospitality events on both nights, a banquet dinner with live music and a comedian on night 2; and a charity golf tournament and wine tour on day 3.

There will be over 30 presenters covering topics such as: How to Structure P3 Partnerships, How to Access Investment Capital for Equity Buy-Ins on Major Projects, How to Successfully Develop Real-Estate On-Reserve, Community Biomass Systems, Update on the Federal Environmental Assessment Changes, as well as six Business Pitches. The ‘Business Pitches’ are a new addition for 2012 and will see Chase Office Interiors, Eagle West Cranes, Domcor Health - Safety & Security, Spirit Works, Scuka Enterprises and

Lots of Chiefs attend NABOC Osoyoos - Chief Clarence Louie greets Chief Bernie Elkins 16 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

Samara Networks each giving 30 minute presentations on business opportunities that have relevance to the entire audience.

‘Best Practice’ sessions from Sts’ailes Development Corporation, Embark Engineering and the Transcanada Corporation will round out the agenda by sharing innovative models of excellence with the crowd.

As usual with NABOC events there will be lots of time allocated in the agenda for networking breaks allowing delegates to get to know each other and see if they are a good fit for potential joint ventures, partnerships and/or supplier opportunities.

Tens of millions of dollars in business deals have been concluded as a direct result of NABOC events and the 2012 Osoyoos stop is expected to continue that trend.

The diversity of the delegates seems to increase year-on-year with NABOC events and the organizers are expecting to see a lot

of new faces as well as many repeat delegates.

The Squamish Nation’s very own Bitterly Devine, led by lead singer Tewanee Joseph, will be bringing their unique ‘Indian’ rhythm and blues sound to the banquet dinner and dancing will no doubt continue into the early hours of the next day with DJ Larry Gray coming back to “rock the house” once again.

Hospitality events supported by the Kekuli Bistro, and Spirit Ridge will allow delegates to sample the award winning NK’MIP wines and delicious local appetizers.

All proceeds from the Charity Golf tournament will go to the Osoyoos Indian Band’s youth program and delegates who end up off the fairways may get to meet a rattlesnake or two up close! September is a beautiful time to be touring vineyards in the Okanagan and the wine tour will take participants to 5 local wineries with lunch included.

NABOC Osoyoos has gained a reputation as “the place to get business done” and is probably now western Canada’s highest profile Aboriginal business networking events.

The Aboriginal Marketplace team will be onsite in Osoyoos taking in the proceedings and interviewing delegates in September.

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 17

Building Opportunities for First Nations

by Chris Gardner

Building Stronger Communities Initiative

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

Britco believes that what we do today creates the foundation for dynamic and thriving communities tomorrow.

Building innovative partnerships is at the core of everything we do.

An industry leader in the innovative application of modular construction technology, we help people rethink what is possible in new building design and functionality.

www.britco.com

18 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

New ideas and innovative thinking - it’s what successful community-building partnerships are all about.

At Britco, we recognize that our actions today play an important role in building healthy and thriving communities tomorrow.

As our business has grown and expanded in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world, we now have over 600 employees who share a commitment to building strong communities here at home.

Through our Building Stronger Communities initiative, Britco works with community partners who focus on youth, education and health.

Under the sponsorship of the Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Britco is working with Rotary International to provide community library facilities to remote First Nation communities. This initiative is aimed at supporting literacy programs, learning activities and computer classes for both adults and children. In this unique partnership, Britco is donating library buildings to First Nations in remote parts of BC who are working with the Honourable Steven Point while Rotary is supplying books, computer workstations and furnishings.

The first library facility was presented to the Toosey First Nation near Williams Lake. Four additional projects are underway: a library/multi-purpose facility for the Yunesit’in First Nation near Alexis Creek; a library/gathering place for the Oweekeno / Wuikinuxv First Nation in River’s Inlet; a library for the Halalt / Lyackson First Nations near Chemainus; and a library/ gathering place for the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella. For the second phase of this project, Britco has committed to provide an additional five community library facilities in 2013.

The library buildings donated by Britco have an interesting Olympic legacy. As part of Britco’s Official Sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, all of the library buildings

Toosey children enjoying their new library

were originally designed and used as commentator booths for the international media covering events during the 2010 Winter Games. Britco has been repurposing the buildings and converting them to community library facilities. This unique project highlights not only the sustainability and reusability of modular buildings but also the wide range of innovative applications.

As an Official Supplier of the 2010 Winter Games, Britco partnered with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and BC Housing to design and manufacture 300 temporary rooms that were used by 600 officials in the Whistler Athletes’ Village.

After the Games, these temporary rooms were disassembled and relocated to five communities across British Columbia, (Chilliwack, Enderby, Saanich, Sechelt and Surrey) where they were reconfigured into 156 permanent social housing rooms in facilities with community support services.

Earlier this year, the Virginia-based Modular Building Institute, www.modular. org, presented Britco with four awards for its Olympic Legacy Affordable Housing partnership including best modular building in North America for its project in Chilliwack.

In addition to being part of the Lieutenant Governor’s Literacy Program, Britco has also established a partnership with Indspire (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) to provide scholarships for First Nations’

students in British Columbia, www.indspire. ca. Student applicants will be assessed on such factors as leadership, academic record, community involvement and financial need.

David Taft - Britco Co-founder (left) with the Honourable Steven Point (right) at the Toosey Library dedication Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 19

First Nations – Building Partnerships

by Willie Joubert

For years First Nations have formed an integral part of British Columbia’s culture and identity but today they also have an important role in development.

Creating balanced partnerships that benefit both the development community and the First Nations groups is critical to building successful projects. Projects that engage and are inclusive of First Nations are the first step; the next step is to create lasting legacies in the community and for the people involved.

By understanding the needs of all parties, respecting limitations and striking a balance, Stuart Olson Dominion Construction Ltd. (SODCL) has found a way to create lasting relationships between First Nations and the private sector.

As an organization, the company has long valued First Nations groups as important members of the development community, and they recognize the benefits and social capital that can result from employing First Nations individuals in construction-related roles.

SODCL has made a long-term commitment to working with First Nations groups to provide employment opportunities and empower these communities to drive change from within.

SODCL is well known in the industry for their commitment to training and development. The company has succeeded, through the strategic development of their people and formalized policies and procedures, to ensure that staff are provided the opportunity to develop new skills. Over 30 First Nations people are employed by the BC division and regularly partake in these training programs.

In addition to internal development programs, the company has worked with external organizations to extend training opportunities to First Nations.

Working with BladeRunners since 1992, a program whose participants are approximately 66% First Nations, the company extended their at-work training opportunities to their at-risk youth clients.

Exemplifying the success that they have shared with BladeRunners’ participants is a First Nations individual who started with 20 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

SODCL in 2004 as a Construction Safety Officer, and is moving up the ranks. He is now an Assistant Superintendent for the company.

The company has also participated in creating successful external training initiatives such as the VANOC winter games FAB shop and carpentry training program in conjunction with the Vancouver Regional Construction Association.

The facility provided safety and basic construction skills training, in addition to fabrication of various Olympic related structures, to individuals recruited from a variety of social development organizations.

Among these clients was ACCESS, a non-profit agency that delivers services to Vancouver’s urban First Nations people.

Also, SODCL just completed construction of the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility, where the community outreach programs have resulted in First Nations individuals obtaining apprenticeship positions with subcontractors working there.

On the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Centre, two spiritual rooms were built within the hospital and were designed with input provided by the Northern Health Authority’s Aboriginal Patient Liaison. The role of the Aboriginal Patient Liaison was to facilitate Aboriginal people’s access to health care services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and to increase the quality of care.

SODCL’s Industrial group is also highly experienced in reaching mutually beneficial agreements with numerous First Nations groups on industrial projects. They will assist JHP Partners and BC Hydro in developing and implementing First Nations programs as required.

For example, on February 16, 2012 SODCL’s Industrial group signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council (TATC) in Saskatchewan. TATC is a council consisting of members from Day Star First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kawacatoose First Nation and Muskowekwan First Nation.

The MoU forms the basis for creating

a Joint Venture partnership for industrial opportunities available on TATC’s land.

Specifically, this newly formed partnership will bid on a multi-billion dollar project and provide opportunities for the community including scholarships, bursaries, training and utilizing local employment.

Developing skills on the construction site leads to extending opportunities by assisting First Nations to develop and run their own projects.

In a recent partnership created with the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, SODCL and the community created a joint venture partnership on their Cultural Centre and Public Library in Whitehorse. A component of that agreement was the provision of training and skills development to people from the community.

SODCL used their construction experience to partner with Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN) in responding to the Yukon Government’s RFP requesting construction management services for the Yukon Corrections Infrastructure Project.

Upon award of the contract, SODCL and KDFN formed a joint venture to execute the project. This partnership provided KDFN with a variety of economic and training/ labour benefits shown in the table next page.

By identifying the specific needs of First Nations, using the experience and knowledge of established construction firms such as SODCL, the opportunities available for First Nations development on their own lands are greatly expanded. Building infrastructure that serves local communities in a way that provides a cultural legacy as well as an economic legacy can be done through respectful partnerships.

A selection of some of SODCL’s projects involving First Nations groups is provided in the table on the next page.

If your community is interested in talking with SODCL about partnership opportunities please contact: Willie Joubert Direct: (604) 273-7765 Cell: (604) 785-2874 willie.joubert@sodcl.com

Yukon Corrections Infrastructure Project Economic and Training/Labour Benefits Benefit

Details

Economic opportunities

• Fee split between SODCL and KDFN’s construction company.

• Equipment rental opportunities for equipment normally carried as part of the construction manager’s general conditions (i.e. secure storage containers, bobcats, fans and heaters).

• Soft Landscaping design-build subcontract: KDFN’s construction company was offered a sole source opportunity to provide a fixed price design-build proposal for the soft landscaping component on the Project.

Training Opportunities:

• Provided training to KDFN’s construction company for a Construction Safety Officer (CSO) and Project Assistant that later joined a second project completed as a joint venture between SODCL and KDFN.

Economic Opportunities for KDFN members and companies

• Labour: KDFN’s labour coordinator was contacted first when the joint venture was looking for labourers and carpenters to complete sundry labour (i.e. housekeeping, blocking, etc).

• KDFN member companies were contacted first when the joint venture was looking for services such as snow removal, grading, etc.

Stuart Olson Dominion and Kwanlin Dun First Nation team members working together

Experience Partnering with First Nations Groups Year Completed

Construction Value

Nature of Relationship with First Nations Group

Fort St. John, BC

2012

$235 million

Stakeholder

Yukon Corrections Centre

Whitehorse, YT

2012

$57.8 million

Construction joint-venture partner

CAFN Cultural Centre

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Haines Junction, YT

2012

$12 million

Client

Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and Whitehorse Public Library

Kwanlin Dun First Nation Whitehorse, YT

2011

$21 million

Client and construction jointventure partner

BCIT Aboriginal Gathering Place

BCIT

Burnaby, BC

2011

$393,000

Stakeholder, user group

Piapot Cree Nation Water Treatment Plant

Piapot Indian Reservation

Piapot, SK

2010

$3.2 million

Client

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Siksika Nation

Cluny, AB

2005

$14 million

Client

Norway House School

Norway House Cree Nation

Norway House, MB

2004

$35 million

Client

Proposed Siksika Nation Pow Wow Arbour

Siksika Nation

Siksika, AB

2003

$2.2 million

Client

Pinaymootang School

Pinaymootang First Nation

Fairford, MB

2003

$3 million

Client

Horse Lake Rec Centre

Horse Lake First Nation

Horse Lake, AB

2002

$7.4 million

Client

Inuvik Hospital

Northwest Territories Public Works & Services

Inuvik, NT

2001

$37 million

Construction joint venture

Project

Client

Location

Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Centre

Northern Health Authority

Yukon Corrections Infrastructure Project

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 21

Nupqu Development Corporation Starts New Venture Ktunaxa Territory/Cranbrook - Nupqu Development Corporation is expanding their services once again, as they have now entered into a partnership with Highland Powerlines of Kamloops, BC. The new venture called Nupqu Powerline Services will be the only First Nations owned powerline maintenance and construction company in Southeastern BC. The primary services offered will be powerline design, line construction and line maintenance.

“Nupqu Development Corporation continues to explore business opportunities in pursuit of its vision of being a contributor to a thriving Ktunaxa Nation economy,” says Bob Luke, Board of Directors Chair of Nupqu Development Corporation.

“We look forward to growing this new business with our current corporate partners and to developing employment opportunities for Ktunaxa citizens.”

Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’) people have occupied the lands adjacent to the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and the Arrow Lakes of British Columbia, Canada for more than 10,000 years.

The territory of the Ktunaxa Nation covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres within the Kootenay region of south-eastern British Columbia and historically included parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington and Idaho.

Nupqu operates throughout the territory of the Ktunaxa Nation from the head office located at the St Mary’s or ?Aq’am community near Cranbrook, BC. Nupqu Development Corporation is a

22 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

Ktunaxa Nation owned business with fifteen years of experience in natural resource based consulting and contracting. Nupqu is the Ktunaxa word for black bear which was chosen to represent the powerful and resourceful nature of the organization.

“We have existing business relationships and operations that we hope to expand on through Nupqu Powerline Services,” says Norm Fraser, Operational Director for Nupqu Development Corporation. “We now offer a unique opportunity for industry to work with a Ktunaxa business in the Ktunaxa Territory.”

“We also hope to expand employment and training opportunities for Ktunaxa people into the powerline industry. The goal of Nupqu Powerline services is to bring together our business experience with powerline trades people and expertise, to offer quality competitive services while meeting our corporate objectives.”

Highland Powerlines brings to the partnership, over thirty years of construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution powerline projects throughout BC. “This partnership is modeled after a similar agreement we have with the Simpcw First Nation” says Clark Hooton, Manager, Highland Powerlines. “We feel that Nupqu’s experience in the forestry and environmental aspects of powerline systems makes them an ideal partner.

“We already are operating with one crew based in Cranbrook including a journeyman Powerline Technician, bucket truck and line truck. We have the ability to expand or bring in other Highland resources quickly to meet customer needs.”

Nupqu Development Corporation (Nupqu) was formed in 2009 as a vehicle for the Ktunaxa Nation to capture wealth, economic, employment, career development and other benefits from natural resource industrial activity

within the Traditional Territory. For the previous twelve years the Ktunaxa Nation successfully operated in the natural resource field as the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Development Corporation. “We have successfully grown and developed the business over the past sixteen years” continues Luke “We now average four million dollars in sales annually.”

Nupqu is proudly owned by Columbia Lake First Nation, Lower Kootenay Band, St. Mary’s Band and Tobacco Plains Band along with the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society.

“Companies are increasingly seeking participation from the Ktunaxa Nation on a wide variety of projects in our Territory,” says Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Chair.

“Nupqu provides an opportunity to work with an experienced and professional Ktunaxa entity in both the natural resource business and powerline services partnership.”

The employees of Nupqu, up to 60 at peak season, are becoming well known in the service area for providing quality and professional services. Last year 60 percent of the hours worked were by Ktunaxa employees. With wages and benefits this is approximately one million dollars directly into the Ktunaxa economy.

The services offered by Nupqu Development Corporation are generally grouped as forest tenure management, forestry services, environmental services and general contracting.

“We have been providing technical forestry services to Canadian Forest Products and Tembec since 2004. Other long term contracts include over 10 years of pipeline maintenance support for TransCanada Pipelines and environmental consulting for Teck Coal Operations since 2008” continues Fraser “We have ongoing contracts with BC Hydro throughout the territory including vegetation management and access maintenance for the transmission system. This experience, along with transmission line planning and clearing contracts for both BC Hydro and Columbia Power Corporation naturally led to the formation of Nupqu Powerline Services.”

For more information on Nupqu Development Corporation, please visit: www.nupqu.com

Nupqu Powerline Services employees

Bringing together First Nations business experience and powerline tradespeople, equipment and expertise.

250-489-5762

nfraser@ktunaxa.org

www.nupqu.com

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 23

Explore Klahowya Village in Stanley Park The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is a provincial non-profit Aboriginal organization that supports training, product development and marketing with Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry throughout BC. AtBC is operating their third season of the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park located in Vancouver, BC as part of their annual marketing activities.

AtBC works with the host Nations of Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh to welcome the expected 60,000 visitors to attend this summer.

The Klahowya Village began as a project for AtBC during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games held in Vancouver. AtBC designed the Klahowya Village project as another

Richard Krentz - Master Carver 24 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

marketing initiative where visitors could sample Aboriginal tourism and enable AtBC to cross promote a number of other Aboriginal tourism destinations and experiences in the province.

Since the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, AtBC has maintained this marketing approach as one of many ways to reach visitors and increase awareness of the unique Aboriginal experiences available today.

Each year the Klahowya Village increases in visitations, industry support and partners who see the Klahowya Village as another strategic way to support communities share their stories and celebrate their culture.

The Klahowya Village in Stanley Park is an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience like no other you’ve ever seen.

Visitors can travel through the forest

on the Spirit Catcher miniature train and discover the Legend of the Sasquatch.

Visitors and guests can shop the Artisan Marketplace for First Nations and MĂŠtis art, jewellery and more. Visitors can watch live cultural performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and holiday Monday throughout the summer.

Klahowya Village also includes storytelling, Aboriginal cuisine, and a number of children`s activities for the family.

AtBC is extremely proud of the strong relationships with the host Nations as part of the direction and support for the Klahowya Village.

In recognition of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose traditional territory includes Stanley

Members of the Métis Nation at Klahowya Village

Park, AtBC has established Nation Days to honour these communities. As well, this year the Sts’ailes Nation will be featured as they provided the story of the Legend of the Sasquatch.

Each Nation will have performers, storytellers and artists on site to share their culture and to tell the stories of their Nation’s historic and cultural connection to Stanley Park and the Sasquatch. Bring your family down to take in what will surely be some of the most amazing weekends at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park.

entrance to the Village. Please note that all parking in Stanley Park is paid parking.

Entrance is by donation this year and all proceeds support additional marketing and product development of our Aboriginal cultural tourism industry.

AtBC is extremely proud of the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park and welcomes all

of you to visit us. Klahowya Village is part of the new AtBC Five Year Plan and AtBC continues to explore concepts to deliver Klahowya Village projects in other key gateway locations in the province.

For more information about Klahowya Village please view www.klahlowyavillage. com.

Friday July 13 – Sunday July 15: Sts’ailes Nation Days Friday July 27 – Sunday July 29: Squamish Nation Days Friday August 10 – Sunday August 13: Tsleil-Waututh Nation Days Friday August 24 – Sunday August 26: Musqueam Nation Days Klahowya Village is located at the miniature train plaza in Vancouver’s Stanley Park – just north of the Stanley Park Pavilion and west of the Vancouver Aquarium.

Parking is available right outside the west

Actors pose as cultural animals Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 25

Aboriginal Recruitment Fair Coming to Vancouver in May, 2013 “Over the last ten years or so there have been numerous Aboriginal recruitment fairs across Canada but almost all of them were too small in scale and mostly targeted at specific communities, so they largely failed.

“As partnerships, joint ventures and business developments involving Aboriginal groups are currently booming across Canada, the timing is now right for a large scale national Aboriginal Recruitment Fair which will connect job seekers with employers”, explained 2G Group Client Relations Manager, Rochelle Saddleman when we interviewed her about this new initiative.

“The 2G Group of Companies recognizes the need for a large scale Aboriginal Recruitment Fair and has committed to hosting one in May of 2013 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

“This unique event is expected to attract over 200 national employers from a range of industry sectors and will be a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal job seekers and employers. The intent of the event is to bring employers together with a large number of Aboriginal job seekers to facilitate employment and hiring opportunities,” added Rochelle.

The 2G Group is working in partnership with both the Pacific News Group (PNG) and the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council (AHRDC) in the planning and execution of the event to ensure it will be a success for both Aboriginal job seekers and employers.

“We have already received numerous enquiries from organizations we work with on a regular basis from various industry sectors and we expect most of them to come onboard once we begin to market the event,” explained Rochelle.

The 2G Group has pulled together a steering committee of high profile Aboriginal business leaders to provide advice to the event planning team. The committee members include Brenda Baptiste, SAO of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Keith Henry, CEO of Aboriginal Tourism BC, Tewanee Joseph, CEO of Tewanee Consulting Group, Shain Jackson, President 26 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

of Spirit Works and Merle Alexander a partner with law firm Bull, Housser and Tupper.

The event planning team will be sending invitations out to all Aboriginal communities across Canada offering their members the opportunity to attend the Recruitment Fair at no charge.

This unique event is expected to attract over 200 national employers from a range of industry sectors Through their work hosting multiple annual Aboriginal business related conferences such as the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference, and the National Aboriginal Tourism Conference, the 2G Group has established great business relationships with a wide variety of private sector, government and institutional employer groups who will all be invited to participate in the event.

With their large client and community contact databases PNG, 2G and AHRDC have great reach across Canada which will guarantee large scale participation in the event by both employers and Aboriginal job seekers.

It is a well-publicized fact that over the next five to ten years Canada will experience a large skill gap in the workforce as the baby boomer generation heads into retirement.

Many organizations are already actively planning for this gap in the labour market to occur, and are developing new recruitment methods to compete for job seekers. With higher levels of competition we will see a great deal of new and creative recruitment methods.

The Canadian government has historically depended on immigration to fill labour shortages and largely ignored the potential of much larger Aboriginal participation in the workforce. There should be no need to import labour when Canada’s Aboriginal unemployment rates are so high.

There is a need for better communication and connection between Aboriginal job seekers and employers. There is also an important role government can continue to play by providing more training funds to Aboriginal people to help them break the unemployment cycle and transition into fulltime work.

We are slowly seeing an increase in Aboriginal graduates entering professions and becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants etc. There is also an increase in Aboriginal people entering the trades in areas with booming resource sectors such as the Alberta oil sands. However there is still a massive impending labour shortage and both employers and Aboriginal job seekers will certainly benefit from attending the 2013 Aboriginal Recruitment Fair. The design of the event will allow employers to offer on-site job interviews leading to immediate employment for job seekers. Having this option available for employers differentiates this event from most other recruitment fairs and enhances employment opportunities for job seekers.

“We are working hard to make this event unique and successful for both Aboriginal job seekers and employers. We need this recruitment fair, we need on-site job interviews, and we need to get more of our people, especially our youth, working” said Rochelle as we ended our interview.

For more information on the recruitment fair contact Rochelle on her toll free line 855-307-5291 or at rochelle@2ggroup.ca We commend the organizing partners for this initiative and look forward to reporting from the event in May of 2013.

On opposite page - Vancouver Convention Centre, venue for the Aboriginal Recruitment Fair in May, 2013

Building Successful Aboriginal Partnerships in Canada’s Electrical Transmission Sector Valard is a Canadian utility contractor who has constructed power line projects across Canada, bringing it into contact with numerous Aboriginal communities. When it comes to building effective community relations, it all begins with remembering the human side of business, according to Valard CEO Victor Budzinski.

“We keep it simple,” he explains. “We respect the people, and we respect their land. We make partnerships that maximize employment, training and business

opportunities now and for the long-term.

Because to us, the effect we have on a project’s neighbours is just as important as completing the project safely, on time and on budget.”

Relationship building is ongoing Strong community relationships take time to build. Valard’s general practice is to meet with Aboriginal communities whose treaty or traditional lands are in proximity to a proposed new power line

as early on as possible. Representatives from Valard introduce themselves to community members and begin to get acquainted. When the community is ready, the proposed project is discussed. Valard shares information about the project and its role and, even more importantly, listens to the community to understand their concerns and interests.

When a foundation for a relationship has been built and the community signals it is ready to move forward with discussions,

Valard recently completed construction of the Bruce to Milton 500-kV transmission line in southern Ontario with Hydro One. The line is the largest expansion to Ontario’s transmission system in 20 years.

28 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

the next step is to discuss the resources the project requires and to explore the community’s capacity. For large projects, Valard often seeks to form a joint venture.

Joint ventures bring joint benefits Valard’s joint ventures usually have three features. First, a quantified commitment to community participation measured either in work-hours for labour and/or an explicit budget set aside for known local resources. “The key point here is meaningful participation,” says Roland Bailey, Executive Vice President. “We depend on the community for a major contribution of resources to make the project happen.”

Second, community ownership of the project. A profit-sharing structure is established that brings the community’s interest in line with the interests of the project.

Apprenticeship opportunities are also available for those interested in a career in the trades. Work experience on a Valard project can contribute to certification as a power line technician, heavy equipment technician, electrician or crane operator.

Construction can be contentious – or commemorative A new transmission line can permanently change a region’s landscape. When locals are not engaged, the line can become a constant reminder of the project owner’s intrusion and indifference. But if the community is invited to become a part of the project and

is engaged throughout, the transmission line becomes an enduring symbol of what can be achieved by working together.

“A transmission project can be very beneficial, especially to a remote community,” says Adam Budzinski, President. “It can create local employment opportunities, bring money in and invite residents to have meaningful input into the future of their community. Done right, it can be talked about in a positive light for years afterwards.”

To learn more about Valard and read its paper on Aboriginal Partnerships, visit www. valard.com.

We respect the people, and we respect their land Third, a Business, Employment and Training Committee. Comprising company and community representatives, the committee meets regularly to identify new conditions or opportunities as the project moves forward.

Boost to employment and training The biggest tangible benefit a joint venture brings is employment. On a typical power line project, Valard hires community members to fulfill a number of roles that can range from warehousing and materials management to assembling and erecting transmission towers, and from environmental monitoring and land surveying to project administration and health and safety duties.

To those interested in working on the project, Valard provides project orientation, basic skills training and safety and environmental training. Workers are then placed in crews with experienced leaders to learn on the job, picking up transferable skills that can apply to the broader industrial and construction industries.

Building on respect

Valard is a Canadian utility contractor whose operations have grown to span across Canada, bringing us into contact with numerous Aboriginal communities. We are committed to creating partnerships based on respect that maximize employment, training and business opportunities now and for the long-term.

www.valard.com

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Transmission Distribution Substations Canada’s Largest Power Line Workforce Competitive Project Financing

Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012 29

Legal Eagle

by Merle Alexander Partner, Bull, Housser & Tupper mca@bht.com

Aboriginal Resource Rights: Revenue Sharing as a Tool in the Toolkit At the recent election of the AFN, National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and other candidates delivered a strong message to Canadian Governments - Aboriginal Peoples are rightful beneficiaries of the natural resources extracted from our territories and economic accommodation must be fulfilled through resource revenuesharing and other mechanisms.

To translate this message into an initiative, we must understand revenue sharing, its importance and our role in delivering benefits to our Peoples.

Aboriginal-Crown resource revenuesharing is a tool in the toolkit. This toolkit will facilitate Aboriginal Peoples’ achievement of true equity and economic accommodation of our Title and Rights, but revenue sharing alone cannot and will not alone accommodate the elusive consultation obligation.

To fulfil economic accommodation, we require a hybrid of: (1) Aboriginal–Crown resource revenue sharing and (2) economic opportunities and benefits negotiated directly with the proponent of a project.

The duty to consult has developed such that both public law and private law solutions are used as accommodation mechanisms. The current case law reflects this dual solution.

On the one hand, the Courts state that the primary obligation originates from the “honour of the Crown” and as such third parties do not in themselves have a constitutional obligation.

On the other hand, the Courts also legally endorse the Crown’s delegation of procedural and operational constitutional obligation to industry.

This hybrid solution allows for workable, constructive and commercially reasonable solutions. The success of this approach greatly depends on all parties truly negotiating in good faith.

30 Aboriginal Marketplace / July - August 2012

Why is Resource Revenue-Sharing only partial accommodation?

Resource Revenue Sharing Agreements share the revenue that the Government receives through its taxation of a project at advanced stages. These Agreements depend on extraction of a resource to generate taxable profit to share. The trees need to be cut for there to be stumpage. A pipeline needs to be built for there to be taxes and tolls payable. A mine needs to extract minerals to share royalties due. In other words, the Crown only shares after years of impacts in the developmental phases of the project. The accommodation does not occur during early stage infringement of our Title and Rights. When you consider that the law requires that consultation/accommodation is to occur prior to the adverse impact not after, you can understand that post-damage compensation is an imperfect tool.

Do you have constructive suggestions for a workable resource revenue sharing?

Yes. Anyone can be smart and poke holes in a great idea but offer no workable solutions. I want to see success of our Aboriginal Leadership on this poignant issue, so here are some points for their consideration: Legal Requirement to Share Revenues: Advocate for a regulatory requirement that the Crown must share revenues directly and indirectly arising from development in our territories. The courts have endorsed two supportive concepts to this proposal.

First, Courts recognize that Aboriginal Groups may have Aboriginal economic rights of a commercial nature and a right to maintain a “moderate livelihood”. Second, they acknowledge that all Aboriginal rights have an “inescapable economic aspect”.

Canada requires a stable legal environment on this issue. Legal requirements such as a statute-based revenue sharing formula and a requirement for an impact benefit agreement

before advancement of a project are those simple solutions.

Self-Government Laws: Develop draft self-government laws for First Nations to adopt that set out specific revenuesharing requirements for each industry engaging communities (i.e., mining – tax on exploration investments, royalties on production). Draft laws would allow First Nation’s customization to reflect their customary decision-making processes. We are entitled to revenue sharing because our rights are adversely impacted, we should rely on Aboriginal law and Canadian law as a basis for resource revenue-sharing.

Registry: Information-sharing of resource revenue-sharing agreements, statutory requirements, Aboriginal laws and other policies in a central online registry would improve access for communities and allow for faster implementation of developing norms.

National and Regional Expert Working Groups: National and Regional Working Groups should be struck by resolutions at the AFN and other regional Aboriginal Associations. These Groups can be tasked with consolidating existing resource revenue sharing examples from the region and development of the informationsharing Registry. Ideally, a working group of true experts could be mandated to develop template resource revenue-sharing agreements, draft laws and policies. Experts would include lawyers, economists and public policy analysts.

Closing Comments The recent AFN election for National Chief highlighted a simple fact for me. We need to lead with solutions, not rhetoric.

A concerted and focussed discussion on resource revenue sharing is a tangible and constructive solution. Let’s literally put some money where our mouths are.

WE’RE CREATING oPPoRTuNITIEs FoR AboRIGINAl busINEss

bC HydRo Is CommITTEd To THE AdvANCEmENT oF ECoNomIC oPPoRTuNITIEs FoR AboRIGINAl busINEssEs. We encourage interested businesses to visit bcbid.gov.bc.ca to learn about current opportunities.

To register your business on BC Hydro’s Aboriginal Business Directory, please visit: https://www.bcaboriginalvendors.ca/aboriginal_vendors/

For 50 years, BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable electricity to our customers. Today we are planning for the next 50 years by investing in new projects, upgrading existing facilities and working with our customers to conserve energy through Power Smart.

Learn more at bchydro.com/regeneration50

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