September 2014 by Salish Sea Sentinel

Volume 10 • Issue 8

SEPTEMBER 2014

KWUNEW KWASUN More than a library for Malahat PAGE 3

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH GATHERING FOCUSED ON PROTECTING BURRARD INLET PAGES 6-8

STZ’UMINUS GEODUCK UPDATE PAGE 9

CANDO EC/DEV CONFERENCE PG 12

Naut’sa mawt

TRIBAL COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Vancouver Island Office Finance & Administration Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council has recently moved its office on Vancouver Island to Halalt First Nation between Duncan and Chemainus.

urbansystems.ca

This office is the financial operations centre for the Tribal Council. We are looking for someone to assist our Director of Finance in a wide range of accounting activities as well as general office work. There is an opportunity to learn the unique First Nations comprehensive software from Xyntax Systems and other essential financial practices. The position may initially be part-time, 2-3 days per week, but could develop into a first step in an exciting career in First Nations financial management. Send us your resume outlining your experience and expectations to: Finance Position Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 8017 Chemainus Road Chemainus, BC VOR 1K5 For more information, please contact Lisa Scott, Finance Director, at 250-324-1800 or lisas@nautsamawt.com Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council encourages persons of Coast Salish ancestry to apply for the position. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EDITORIAL Transparency not a one-way street

ow that the uproar around the First Nations Financial Transparency Act has died down, perhaps we can all get back to work. If only a small fraction of the media’s coverage on the FNFTA was dedicated to the many successes of First Nations, Canada would be a much better place. With the right-leaning Canadian Taxpayers Federation leading the ill-informed charge, Kwikwetlem Chief Ron Giesbrecht’s salary in hand, Canada’s indigenous people

were once again stereotyped as greedy loafers out to steal the poor white man’s hard earned tax dollars. Meanwhile, a collective sigh stretched out across First Nations communities – a great number of which were already reporting their financials to members. It is valid to question Giesbrecht’s nearly $1 million salary, largely consisting of a 10 per cent bonus from an $8 million deal with the province. But, as Klahoose Chief James Delorme pointed out in an interview, where’s the story about the councillor working late into the night to help a member in crisis? Or the story of the (fairly-remunerated) chief going

above and beyond to build success for his or her community? Instead, we get the same tired narrative again and again, feeding the blind outrage of brutes with little to no understanding of on-reserve governance. You only have to read the comments on a single online news story about the FNFTA to see how far we have to go. Transparency and accountability of all leaders is a good thing, but not the only thing. The public’s lack of understanding about the reserve system, about the services nations provide and about the role of Aboriginal peoples in our society is both stunning and sad.

Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council Nations Editorial: Mark Kiemele, Editor editor@salishseasentinel.ca 250-246-3438 Cara McKenna, Reporter cara@salishseasentinel.ca 604-366-6215 Advertising: Manoj Sood ads@salishseasentinel.ca 604-723-8355 Publisher: Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 1921 Tsawwassen Drive, Tsawwassen BC V4M 4G2 Gary Reith, CAO 604-943-6712 | 1-888-382-7711 The Salish Sea Sentinel is published monthly, eleven times a year, by the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, incorporated as a non-profit society in 1983 and governed by a board of di-rectors from our eleven member First Nations located around the Salish Sea. About 6,500 people hold membership in our nations.

www.salishseasentinel.ca

1. HALALT (250) 246-4736 chief@halalt.org www.halalt.org 2. HOMALCO (250) 923-4979 richard@aboriginalaquaculture.com 3. KLAHOOSE Qathen Xwegus Management Corp (250) 935-6536 www.klahoose.com 4. MALAHAT (250) 743-3231 lawrencelewis@malahatnation.com www.malahatnation.com 5. SLIAMMON (604) 483-9646 clint.williams@sliammon.bc.ca www.sliammonfirstnation.com www.sliammontreaty.com 6. SNAW-NAW-AS (Nanoose) (250) 390-3661 administrator@nanoose.org nfnbandmanager@nanoose.org www.nanoose.org 7. SNUNEYMUXW (Nanaimo) (250) 740-2300 johngwesley@shaw.ca www.snuneymuxw.ca 8. STZ’UMINUS (Ladysmith) (250) 245-7155 Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com www.stzuminus.com 9. TSAWWASSEN (604) 948-5219 chartman@tfnedc.com www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com 10. TSLEIL-WAUTUTH (604) 929-3454 bbaptiste@twnation.ca www.twnation.com 11. T’SOU-KE (Sooke) (250) 642-3957 administrator@tsoukenation.com www.tsoukenation.com

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 1

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

Homalco land transfer in dispute The BC government is in hot water over a parcel of land it is transferring to Homalco First Nation as part of its incremental treaty agreement. The government announced on August 6 that it would transfer 826 hectares of land off the east coast of Vancouver Island to Homalco. But the Laich-Kwil-Tach Nation quickly shot back with an announcement

Biomass project Halalt First Nation is looking at a new alternative energy project. The nation signed a memorandum of understanding with Sunvault Energy on Aug 14 and will pursue a 10-megawatt anaerobic biomass power project on Vancouver Island in Halalt traditional territory. Biomass energy is created from plant-based materials.

Hydro power On Aug 1, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation signed a revenue-sharing deal with the province for a 25-megawatt hydroelectric power project. The Skookum Creek project is expected to earn the nation about $17,000 per year.

Aquaculture money There is $400,000 available for Aboriginal organizations and entrepreneurs from the National Aboriginal Aquaculture Fund. But you better be quick because the application deadline is Sept 15 and projects

2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

that the lands in question – on Sonora and East Thurlow Island – are part of its traditional territory, not Homalco’s. Laich-Kwil-Tach claims the government has known of its claim since the early 1990s when it filed a statement of intent in the B.C. treaty process. Wei Wai Kum Chief Councillor Robert Pollard said leadership is now preparing to go to court in hopes of putting the process on hold. Homalco Chief Richard Harry said his nation has plans to use the land for resource development.

Chief Richard Harry

have to be completed by March 31, 2015. The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association based in Homalco territory is handling applications. More information is on the News link at aboriginalaquaculture.com or email info@aboriginalaquaculture.com or call 250-286-9939.

Two cedars Timberwest donated two cedar trees from Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations territory to a totem pole carving project at Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University in early August. Two Snuneymuxw First Nation carvers, Noel Brown and Thomas Jones, are involved.

Letter response Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Bryce Williams penned an open letter in response to a Vancouver Sun article on the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. The letter elaborated on the fact that his nation is not required to post financials online under treaty.

Noel Brown at work on the VIU totem

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

KWUNEW KWASUN PUTS MALAHAT BACK ON MAP Nation celebrates with grand opening of the new cultural resource centre

liana Harry received thunderous applause when she spoke at a grand opening for Malahat Nation’s new cultural centre and library on August 6. The eight-year-old, wearing a pink floral dress, wasn’t shy as she appeared before a crowd celebrating the grand opening of the Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre. Her audience included Malahat leaders and community members, Rotarians and BC’s Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon. “I would like to thank everyone who made this building and helped make it possible for all the little kids to have somewhere to read books and to learn and have fun,” she said. “Thank you.” The Kwunew Kwasun centre has been open for about four months. More than $100,000 was raised at the nation’s Catch A Star gala last November. “It’s such an opportunity for us because

Lt Gov Guichon and Chief Harry cut the ribbon to officially open the centre. INSET: Eliana Harry got a hug from Chief Michael Harry after her speech

four years ago we weren’t on the map,” Chief Michael Harry said. “We’re doing our best to build successes and build relationships with surrounding communities.”

The Lieutenant Governor added that she was excited to see the vision for the centre – prompted in 2012 through an email exchange between the Rotary Club and Malahat leadership – become reality. “What we see before us is so much more than a building or a library,” she said. “It’s a place of community, a place of learning, a place of teaching, a place of renewal and a place of celebration.” Her predecessor, Steven Point, the Sto:lo chief and lawyer, started the Write to Read literacy campaign, working with Rotary and companies like building manufacturer Britco. One aim was to build libraries in small, relatively remote First Nation communities. Lt. Gov. Guichon opened a new library at Halalt First Nation in March of 2013.

The new cultural centre has transformed the landscape at Malahat

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 3

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

THE SOUND OF A DIFFERENT DRUMMER FROM TSAWWASSEN

HE TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION was a tough place to be a teen in the 1980s. There was nothing to do, nowhere to hang out, and Andrew Bak’s family wasn’t well-to-do. So when Bak’s clarinet – one of his few sources of entertainment over the years – was stolen after a high school Christmas concert, he knew it was gone for good. At band class the next day, Bak told his teacher he couldn’t afford the $350 to replace the instrument. He asked to drop the course and take something else instead, but was met with a terse: “No, and if you can’t find another instrument you’re going to get an F.” In an act of desperation, Bak stole (“actually borrowed…I did end up giving them back eventually”) a pair of drumsticks from an Air Cadet marching band. Little did he know at the time it would lead him on the path to playing music professionally, or that his progressive metal band Antiquus would be touring the world, opening for bands as renowned as Blind Guardian.

4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

By Cara McKenna

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS Sitting in his office in the Tsawwassen First Nation, where he currently works as territory management officer, Bak now chuckles at the memory. “I went to class and sat in the back with the drummers and the teacher said, ‘so you’re a drummer now.’. I replied, ‘Yeah. I guess I am.’” While he is now on hiatus with Antiquus, Bak is still more-than-busy working on albums with two other bands, My Own Chaos and a Black Sabbath tribute called Sister Sabbath (the woman vocalist dresses like a nun “honestly, it’s just to get people’s attention”), as well as working fulltime with Tsawwassen during a hectic posttreaty period. “I don’t sleep. I just don’t sleep,” he said, adding that he has two children and recently decided to go back to school to study business. “Now just seems like a good time to start building skills in other areas. Now that TFN has business interests as a nation, we need business skills.” Bak’s appearance also reflects a true mix of heavy metal and businessman, clad in a crisp black dress shirt with saltand-pepper hair past his shoulders. He has pens that are shaped like drumsticks. And, fittingly, the jobs he’s held as territory management officer, treaty negotiator and former council member were all things that, like his music career, came into place serendipitously. He started at the nation in the late 1990s when the cultural department needed someone experienced to handle the technical end of recording and mixing Hun’qum’i’num language CDs. Bak, who had studied and worked in music tech, stepped in and never looked back. He now cites former chief Kim Baird as a major influencer, and encourager, in his career. He even once declined a nomination for chief in order to support her. “My job here was going to be a temporary thing between tours,” he said. “But I joined fulltime in 1999. I’ve been very fortunate.”

“I guess the last 15 years have been kind of a hiccup in my tour schedule.”

Bak with My Own Chaos

Since treaty negotiations ended, Bak has worked with leadership to “breathe life” into the agreement, working on community development (work recently began on the nation’s mega-malls) and areas of governance that need attention. “This community has very high expectations of its civil servants and elected leaders,” he said. “It’s such a radical change from the way things used to be. It’s terrifying to many people, some of the stuff we’re rolling out now. But it’s all very necessary stuff being rolled out to help the community. It is a better place to live now than it was before.” And while he is constantly juggling work and music, Bak says the two rarely mix. “I have pretty deliberately not done music material that is based in Coast Salish storytelling or traditions,” he said. “Metal as a genre is full of all sorts of themes exploring concepts like death and violence and that’s just not in keeping with Coast Salish spirituality. “I’m not a very spiritual person but respect that it means a lot to other people. The other part of that, too, is that I just haven’t found the right story.”

Bak added that he loves certain aboriginal music, but treads carefully. He mentions specifically a prayer song gifted by Tsleil-Waututh elder Leonard George and his family that “melodically is very, very strong. I’d really love to give that a metal treatment. “I hear it in my head and its great. But culturally is it the right thing to do? I haven’t found the right way to breach the protocol.” Adding that he thinks he’s getting to the end of his musical shelf life, Bak said he hopes he has enough energy “to still work on both sides of the street” for a while longer. But as he prepares to start recording a new album with My Own Chaos, looks forward to an MBA from Simon Fraser University and talks animatedly about his wife and children – occasionally being interrupted by his office phone ringing – it is clear that he has all but mastered juggling. Looking back at all the things that have led him to where he is, Bak shrugs. “I guess the last 15 years have been kind of a hiccup in my tour schedule.”

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

6 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

‘You’re next!’ Mount Polley chiefs warn

Caution given at Tsleil-Waututh Salish Sea Summer Gathering

EADERS FROM FIRST NATIONS near the Mount Polley tailings dam breach took to the stage at the third annual Salish Sea Summer Gathering to give a somber warning: You’re next. The third annual gathering, hosted by TsleilWaututh Sacred Trust, was held at Wheyah-wichen/Cates Park in North Vancouver on Aug 10, overlooking oil refineries on the far shore and tankers in Burrard Inlet. While there was a festive atmosphere with rock bands, food stands and ceremonies, the mining disaster was a dark cloud over the day. The Aug 4 incident in BC’s central interior released millions of cubic metres of water and silt containing potentially toxic metals into area creeks and lakes. Sekw’el’was Chief Michelle Edwards stifled sobs as she told the crowd that she is in mourning, particularly for the salmon. “I don’t know if other people can really understand this loss that we’re going through,” she said. “It’s like I’ve lost my mother. It’s very emotional in our territory, very somber. It’s like I don’t even have the heart to be beating this drum.”

Edwards expressed concern for her people and for disasters that have not yet happened, while other chiefs at the event warned: “Keep your ear to the ground, because you’re next.” “I can’t go on grieving,” Edwards said. “It’s time that I have to get back in there and figure out how we’re going to fix this.” Sacred Trust project manager Rueben George said he feels redirecting money from fossil fuel projects to green energy would change the world, which is why alternative energy systems were highlighted at the festival. “We’re going to keep protecting our land,” he said. “I hate to see that these disasters happen. The more we and other people can do, the better. It’s really, really important.” Thirteen-year-old Takaiya Blaney of Sliammon First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh elder Leonard George and Chief Maureen Thomas were also speakers for the day. In the evening, musical acts including Chilliwack and Vince Vaccaro performed.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 7

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

Rueben George welcomes canoes

COAST SALISH TREATY DRAFTED

PROTECTING WHO WE ARE

8 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Coast Salish leaders including former Lt Gov Steven Point, signed a declaration in 2007

COAST SALISH TREATY is being drafted in light of recent government decisions around fossil fuel development. The agreement, sparked when the federal government conditionally approved the Enbridge pipeline expansion, will be put forward to protect the land and recognize cultural and spiritual teachings as the highest law. It will be signed Sept. 21-22 during a gathering at Tsleil-Waututh First Nation. Rueben George of the nation’s Sacred Trust group, is spearheading the project. He said the signing will involve Aboriginal and non-Indigenous leaders. “This is a way of protecting who we are,” he said. “It’s our responsibility.” George said leaders are now working on the document, which will be approved and read by Coast Salish chiefs at the gathering. The agreement is similar to an international treaty signed last year to protect the land from tar sands projects. More information is available through www.twnsacredtrust.ca or by contacting George at rgeorge444@hotmail.com.

PRESERVE AND PROTECT Leaders from both sides of the border signed on to protect the Salish Sea when the Coast Salish Gathering was held at Cowichan in January, 2007. They all put their signatures on a large painted deer hide.One year later, when the Gathering was held at Tulalip, Washington, leaders also signed a powerful statement that said, in part: Over the decades our lands and waters have been severely impacted by pollution that affects our culture, food, health, and economy; most importantly, hurting our elders who have relied on these since the beginning of time and threatening the life ways of our children’s future. We have always defended and protected our ancestral lands and waters…our homelands and waters need to be protected, preserved and restored for future generations. With our commitment to our Sacred Trust, we will work together with the six governing bodies of the Salish Sea to overcome the environmental challenges to our shared homelands.

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

Lorna Sampson came with her drum

Community members gathered on the shore

GEODUCK BATTLE

MOVES TO COURT FOR STZ’UMINUS

he Underwater Harvesters Association has thrown down the gauntlet amidst the Stz’uminus First Nation’s ongoing struggle for rights to a valuable geoduck fishery adjacent to its reserve land. The UHA has taken legal action, claiming its commercial fishing boats were obstructed during a protest at the nation in August. Chief John Elliott is scheduled to appear in federal court in Vancouver for a preliminary hearing Sept 9. The dispute was provoked when the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opened a commercial geoduck fishery in Kulleet Bay, despite the nation’s leadership’s firm insistence and warning that the fishery was closed to all non-native fishers. It is the second time the nation has

taken action to keep commercial harvesters out land following many years spent trying and failing to get into the aquaculture business. A successful blockade took place in 2010. Now, Stz’uminus leadership feels like it has truly come to an impasse with the UHA and DFO. Coast Salish Development Corporation CEO Ray Gauthier said he feels the real issue of indigenous resource management is once again being deflected. “We’ve hit the end,” he said. “We’re just a little band and have done everything we can do.” Meanwhile, Klahoose Chief James Delorme penned an open letter of support for Stz’uminus, expressing concern that the government’s lack of meaningful engagement has been “both appalling and disturbing.” “We applaud you…for taking a stand for your community and for the rights of other First Nations in the same battle,” he wrote, in part. “Klahoose First Nation seeks the same resolutions in our territory, therefore your plight becomes ours.”

STRONG COMMENTS APPEAR ON FACEBOOK Excepted from the Salish Sea Sentinel Facebook page... Denise Smith: Hang in there. Canada is dead wrong that they own the resources on the Ocean floor. Why aren’t they suing Canada? They put them in this situation!? Luke Marston: This has been going on since the 1800s when First Nations were NOT allowed to own businesses or possess gold or even harvest fish for sale... Now tell me how can this still be happening to our people? It’s called oppression. Matthew Seymour: Our people been just stepped on for far too long and we definitely need big voices out their to show that they are wrong. Musqueam Navigator Guerin: Good job protecting multi billion dollar resource. Lou-ann Ika’wega Neel: -> Luke Marston: oppression, hypocrisy, double-standard, and illegal.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 9

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

NATASHA BOB STEPS INTO FEDERAL POLITICS Snaw-naw-as councillor says it’s time for First Nation engagement at all levels

Snaw-naw-as First Nation councillor Natasha Bob is throwing her hat into another political ring as a nominee-candidate for the federal NDP party. Bob, who currently works as a cultural safety worker with Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services, said she thought for months before filling out a nomination form. The day she did was shortly after the federal government conditionally approved Enbridge’s pipeline expansion project. “That was the key thing that made me fill out those papers,” she said. “I was actually very upset on that day. Just really trying to understand the rational of the government to make a decision like that without the confidence of our people.” Bob is now one of four candidates in the running to represent the federal NDP in the area’s new Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding. “I wanted to commit to a party that I think is most aligned with the interests of First Nations people,” she said. “I think my biggest motivator has been working on the front lines in social services and really being acquainted to all the social barriers that exist and wanting to be critical of some of the (federal) policies.” 10 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

On her campaign website, Bob writes that her vision for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, where she has lived her entire life, is to “safeguard our most treasured assets, our shorelines, our mountains and our people. We need to vehemently defend our interests and clear a path for the future.” Meanwhile, another indigenous female politician, BC Assembly of First Nations regional chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, is also entering mainstream politics by running for the federal Liberals. Bob said she feels more Aboriginal people entering the world of nonindigenous politics reflects creativity in interest advancement. “I really think First Nations people should have been involved since the be-

ginning,” she said. “Even though we have our own organization, the AFN, I think the whole situation with Atleo’s resignation was an indicator that what we’re doing could be more effective.” Bob said that she sees a huge disconnect and mistrust towards mainstream politics in aboriginal communities and hopes to encourage youth to get involved. “I think there are many qualified individuals who would impact tremendous change at that level and I really wish would be involved, but aren’t,” she said. “There’s also a bit of a cultural conflict because its not really in our culture to promote ourselves and as part of these campaigns you really have to highlight your skills and abilities.” A federal NDP candidate will be chosen during a nomination meeting Oct 5 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Voters must be members of the NanaimoLadysmith NDP no later than Sept 5. Allcandidates meetings are confirmed for Sept 7, Sept 21 and Oct 1. More information is available at: www.natashabob.ca

SALISH SEA CALENDAR

CALENDAR

Time of salmon SEPTEMBER, in the Hul’qumi’num language is puqulenhw or ‘the month of the white frost’. But maybe it should be the month of salmon as a good sockeye fishery means that freezing, canning and smoking is still ongoing for families in our nations. The main photo is from the Swinomish Tribe ceremonial and subsistence fishery in the San Juan Islands for Fraser River sockeye. Photo courtesy of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. SEPT

SEPT

22-25

SEPT

24-26

SEPT

27-28

The annual general meeting of Tsawwassen First Nation will be held from 8 a.m. until noon at the TFN recreation centre. It will also be webcast. Details at tsawwassenfirstnation.com

Malahat First Nation’s new cultural centre, Kwunew Kwasen, will be the venue for a presentation on the ‘New Approach for Housing Support’ from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Find out more from kirstins@nautsamawt.com or call 604-943-6712 or 1-888-382-7711. The last Indian Act election in Sliammon First Nation history will take place. Candidates for chief are: Gloria Francis, Vernon Pielleand Clint Williams.

‘Collaboration: Realizing Opportunities’ is the theme of the 21st annual national conference of CANDO, the organization dedicated to Aboriginal economic development. It will be held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo and is co-hosted by Snuneymuxw First Nation and Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. www.edo.ca The 3rd annual Our Food is Our Medicine conference at Suquamish Nation in Poulsbo, WA, has a theme of ‘Resiliency in the Face of Change’. More info at nwicplantsandfoods.com

The 2nd annual ‘Living Breath of Wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ: Indigenous Ways of Knowing Cultural Food Practices and Ecological Knowledge’ symposium is hosted by the University of Washington’s American Indian Studies department. Registration deadline is Sept 12. More info at depts.washington.edu/native

OCT

2-4

OCT

7-9

OCT

24-25

OCT

29-30

NOV

Alternatives to incinerators and landfills will be under discussion at an international conference hosted by Zero Waste Canada. Info at www.zerowastecanada.ca

Comprehensive Community Planning workshop at the Songhees Wellness Centre in Victoria. Celebrating 10 years of the CCP model. Contact bc-ccp@aandc.gc.ca or call Carla at 604-775-7214 or Colette at 604-775-7110.

‘Women as a Catalyst for Growth’ is the theme of a BC economic forum sponsored by the Vancouver Board of Trade. Details at boardoftrade.com

The 7th annual Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference will be hosted by tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) First Nation in Ucluelet. Organizers looking for presenters and and organizations who are interested in setting up booths or poster presentations. Online registrations at indigenousfoodsvi.ca and more info from coordinator Norine Messer at 250-735-4111 or norinemesser@hotmail.com First Nation economies will be among the items on the agenda at the State of the Island economic summit in Nanaimo. Details at www.viea.ca

Malahat First Nation presents ‘Shoot for the Moon – Catch a Star’ 2nd annual gala with singer Crystal Shawanda and astronaut Dr Robert Thirsk at Brentwood College, Mill Bay. More info from 250-743-3231 or www.malahatnation.com

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 11

FROM THE TRIBAL COUNCIL

ABORIGINAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Our nations help host CANDO National Conference

ore than 400 Aboriginal economic development officers from across Canada will visit Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) communities later this month at the annual CANDO national conference in Nanaimo. The theme for the conference, which runs from Sept 22-25, is Collaboration: Realizing Opportunities. NmTC leaders will have a strong presence during the event in Snuneymuxw First Nation’s traditional territory. Chief John Wesley of Snuneymuxw and Chief James Thomas of Halalt (the NmTC chair) are scheduled to be part of the opening ceremonies at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. An opening prayer will be offered by Eleanor White followed by a welcome song from Thomas Jones. T’Sou-ke Chief Gordon Planes travelled to Winnipeg last year for the CANDO 12 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

conference with other NmTC executive members in an effort to help bring the conference to Nanaimo this year. “We attended to support building capacity awareness within the tribal council for the Aboriginal business sector,” he said. “This conference is all about acknowledging successful Aboriginal businesses across Canada and will be a benefit for the tribal council and Vancouver Island First Nations.” NmTC executive member Terry Sampson of Stz’uminus, Steve Sxwithul’txw and tribal council staff have been taking part in conference calls with CANDO committee members from across Canada for the past several months to plan the event. On Sept 24, delegates will get a firsthand look at several NmTC nations during a community tour. That evening will end with a cultural event and traditional feast at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Conference

Centre featuring the Snuneymuxw dance group and hoop dancer Alex Wells. During the conference, delegates will attend professional development workshops and listen to keynote speakers on a range of topics. Panel discussions will also be held including youth from across the country as well as women in business. One highlight comes on the final day of the event when Lawrence Lewis of Malahat Nation joins Dan Huang of Urban Systems to discuss ‘Creating the trifecta of sustainable community development’. Delegates will also vote for nominees in three categories for CANDO’s economic developer of the year awards. Individual, Aboriginal private sector business and community winners will be named at the President’s dinner on the final night of the event.

It is an important venue for economic developers and related stakeholders to come together, create new business contacts, share best practices, address obstacles and reveal existing trends in our dynamic economy. Through a program of top speakers, cutting-edge topics, training and educational tours, conference attendees will not only see the region’s innovative energy, but leave with fresh strategies and tools to take their organizations and communities to the next level. With the right tools, economic developers in Aboriginal communities everywhere can create a vision for the future, stimulate consensus and prepare their communities for success.

Who attends the CANDO National Conference? The Cando conference attracts hundreds of delegates from across the country, from a broad cross section of the corporate sector, government institutions, Aboriginal communities and development corporations, Academics and young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of Aboriginal Economic Development. Specifically: • Economic Development Officers working in First Nation, Métis & Inuit communities and organizations • Program Managers, Band Administrators & Finance Officers • Aboriginal business owners and consultants working with Aboriginal communities • Elected leaders and senior executives • Academics leaders and students presenting and pursuing the latest research • Senior Executives from Financial Institutions, the Mining and Energy Sector, Trust & Investment Firms, Law Firms, and many other corporate sector representatives.

COLLABORATION: REALIZING OPPORTUNITIES

THE CANDO NATIONAL CONFERENCE is the only platform that focuses exclusively on topics and trends related to the advancement of Aboriginal Economic Development in Canada.

What are the benefits of attending? BOLSTER YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK: This is your chance to mingle with the best and brightest in your field. Check out the latest progress from industry innovators, engage with like-minded people and exchange ideas, and develop friendships with people from all over Canada. BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE BASE: The conference is a hotbed of interesting seminars and workshops – attending some great presentations during the conference will allow you to learn about all of the new things that are developing in other regions of the country while expanding your current knowledge within a specific area of expertise. CATCH UP WITH TRENDS: Attending the Cando conference is a great way to stay on the cutting edge. Learn about the most recent trends in Aboriginal economic development and bring the leading best practices back home for the benefit of your community or organization. EXPAND YOUR RESOURCES: The conference is full of people promoting new ideas, vendors selling new products and consultants teaching new methodologies. Take advantage of this opportunity to fill your toolbox with new techniques for greater success. GET INSPIRED: The Cando conference offers Canada’s most inspirational showcase of Aboriginal youth role models, and economic developers. With so many successful members of your industry present, chances are good that you could bump into your next mentor or role model at the Cando conference.

COLLABORATION: REALIZING OPPORTUNITIES SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2014 | NANAIMO, BC

DER STAKEHOL ITIES OPPORTUN SHOW & TRADE RE STILL BOOTHS A E! AVAILABL

What Can I Expect from the Cando Conference? • Pre-Conference PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP “Mineral Exploration, Mining & Economic Development for Aboriginal Communities” • GOLF DAY at the Fairwinds Golf Club - great prizes & networking opportunities • CONFERENCE ICEBREAKER RECEPTION in conjunction with Peace Hills Trust 32nd Annual Native Art Contest Awards Ceremony - an opportunity for delegates to socialize and network amid displays of breathtaking artwork • COMMUNITY TOUR of local First Nations & CULTURAL EVENT at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural & Conference Centre featuring traditional meal and local entertainment including Snuneymuxw Dance Group and a worldrenowned hoop dancer Alex Wells • ECONOMIC DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AWARD presentations & voting, an award that recognizes and promotes recent or long-standing Aboriginal Economic Development initiatives throughout Canada • TRADE SHOW & ARTISAN SHOW & SALE - a chance to network and connect with organizations that contribute to Aboriginal community economic development and to purchase local arts and crafts • 10TH ANNUAL NATIONAL YOUTH PANEL - an inspiring showcase of the achievements of six highly motivated Aboriginal youth from across Canada who have been nominated by their peers and recognized as national role models • WOMEN IN BUSINESS PANEL - a plenary session that will highlight and recognize the significant impact that Aboriginal women entrepreneurs have on the Canadian economy • INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS, keynote presentations and informative plenary sessions • PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION, DINNER & DANCE

Cando National Conference Sessions: First Nation Strategic Partnerships • The Benefits of Partnerships - Turning Nightmares into Dreams • Community Decision-Making: How Good Communications Can Guide Decision Making & Lead to Stronger Communities • Managing Community Change • First Nations Business Investment Strategies: New Approaches • Generating Jobs & Revenue • Pipeline to Prosperity? Examining Options for Financial Benefits From Major Projects • New Below-prime Rate Financing for First Nations Projects • Building Training Opportunity for Aboriginal Youth in the Trades Through Partnership • Economic Growth Acceleration: Partnering for Aboriginal Economic Development Success • Measuring the Impact of Aboriginal Economic Development • A Straight Forward, Field Tested Approach to Strategic Planning • Entrepreneurship Among First Nations Women in the Atlantic Region: Key Findings & Implications for Practice

Join delegates from across the country Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal community economic development & speak with the people directly involved in improving the economic viability of Canada’s Aboriginal communities! To learn more about the upcoming conference or to register, please visit our web site at www.edo.ca/conference/2014, e-mail Svitlana Konoval at skonoval@edo.ca, or call the Cando office toll free at 1-800-463-9300 or (780) 990-0303.