Business

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Ernie Sandy of Christian Island, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government. Also included are questions and comments made by the assembled Commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Swan of the Nicola Valley Community Futures Association. Swan discusses his organization, a Non-Profit whose focus is on promoting employment opportunities within the community by both encouraging business growth and helping workers match up with jobs. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Swan.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation given by the Honourable Bob Mitchell, Marv Hendrickson and Marlee Rasmussen concerned with the relationship of the Province of Saskatchewan Government with the Aboriginal Community of of the province.

File contains a presentation by Jacques Girardin of an unspecified local Chamber of Commerce. Girardin discusses the composition of his Chamber of Commerce, and its relations with the Manawan First Nation. The Chamber's territory includes the "whole northern part of the County Regional Municipality, Matawinie, St. Zenon, St. Michel and Manawan, and the unorganized territories." Girardin discusses the participation of Atikamekw organizations and businesses in the Chamber, as well as some its programs and philosophy.

File contains a presentation by Jean-Paul Nicolette focusing on Aboriginal employment at the McClean Lake Mine in Saskatchewan. His company welcomes Aboriginal employees and employs them in direct and in-direct jobs relating to the operation of the mine. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jim Andersen. Andersen discusses his life in Makkovik and the struggles he has gone through, as well as his great interest in the struggles of Aboriginal people to attain their rightful place in Confederation.

This file contains a presentation by Joanne De Laurentiis relating to Aboriginals and Canadian banking. As Aboriginal communities continue to acquire funds through treaty negotiations or land claims settlements, and as Aboriginal people continue to develop new business and entrepreneurial skills, banks want opportunities to respond to those new business demands. The banking industry is taking some steps to work with Aboriginal peoples by sponsoring a number of business training programs, providing loans to viable Aboriginal enterprises, and also providing non-lending services as well.

The file contains a presentation by Joy Playford of the Federal Business Development Bank serving Aboriginal people. Playford, Director of Business Management Training Services for the Bank in the prairie provinces and Northwest Territories, discusses what the Bank does and gives some examples of "individual efforts that perhaps would be helpful to others who seek to support Aboriginal peoples and their enterprises." Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Playford.

File contains a presentation by Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union. Thorkelson, the Union's Northern Representative, delivers a presentation "from a Northern perspective of a fishing community that has a great deal of Native participation and certainly within our Union we have many First Nations people...Seventy-five to eighty per cent of our members." Thorkelson discusses a range of environmental, trade, and economic issues effecting the West Coast fishery, and its various communities.

File contains a presentation by Julia Eweing focusing on her organization's role in Aboriginal economic development initiatives that assist Aboriginal people in working toward increased economic development and self-sufficiency through a number of programs offered by her organization. Eweing calls on the Commission to help deal with obstacles in receiving government funding for essential programming. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Kim French. French, a local businessman, discusses his views on on-reserve Casino development at Roseau River, and why he thinks it would be a positive thing for both his community and the First Nation. Following French's comments the Commissioners thank him for his contribution.

File contains a presentation by Judy Coocoo Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck delivers a summary of her views on economic development including business competetiveness, development, and the idea that developing an adequate economic base should precede self-government. Whiteduck discusses federal programs as they pertain to small business development, and some of the economic developments already in place under Kitigan Zibi. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of hte issues raised with Whiteduck.

File contains a presentation by LaShelle Brant of the First Peoples Fund of Toronto. Brant discusses her organization's origins and its accomplishments to date. The fund is intended to provide credit for Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Following the presentation is a discussion between Brant and Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson on business development issues.

File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Luke Novoligak whose organization was established in 1959 and serves Cambridge Bay and area. The store is essential for supplies and in addition, the Co-op also runs a hotel and a commercial fishing venture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Loretta Clark, General Manager of the Communities Economic Development Fund. Clark discusses "the economic conditions and opportunities or lack of the same for Aboriginal peoples." Clark also gives some of the historical background of the CEDF, and describes its' operations. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clark.

The file contains a presentation by Marguerite Sanderson. Sanderson, presenting on behalf of the Northern Women's Resource Services, discusses that organization's mandate and work in northern Manitoba "improving the situation of the Northern women and their families, in the social, economic, and political spheres." Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Sanderson.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Lawrence Martin on behalf of the town of Sioux Lookout. Martin discusses his position as an Aboriginal person and Mayor, the changing demographics of the town, his personal background, the Wataway Native Communications Society, self-governance issues, education and the difficulty of separating non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal issues in a mixed town like Sioux Lookout, cultural education and race relations, the local friendship centre, Aboriginal language curriculum.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Tom Lawson of Grand Bend, Ontario, and Walter Kornas. Lawson, presenting as an individual, discusses economic self-sufficiency with regard to reserves. Lawson discusses business partnership programs, on-reserve banking, and related security issues. Following the presentation Lawson and Kornas discuss economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

This file contains a presentation by Michael L. Rice that first provides a history of the Kahnawake business community and the Caisse Populaire Kahnawake. His organization was involved in the "establishment and implementation of the trust deed arrangement - loan security system." This system allows Aboriginals to use their land and their buildings as security on loans for commercial and housing purposes. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Neil Perley focusing on restrictions placed upon Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneuers because of federal government policy. Perley states that First Nations governments and organizations must be given the authority to make decision and disperse funds which will benefit their communities and people. He also says that economic development should be viewed as the cure to the social problems which occur on every First Nations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Neil Thompson. Thompson presents a pre-prepared statement on behalf of the Daily Press in Timmins, Ontario by John Farrington. Farrington addresses the Commission about the publications they create for Aboriginal communities, and youth literacy programs they run. Following the presentation Thompson discusses these programs with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains presentations by Lorraine Moses, and Chief Gordon Antoine (Coldwater Indian Band), both of the Nicola Valley Indian Development Corporation. Moses presents on a variety of economic issues her organization is concerned with including the tourism industry, financing, education, and related matters. One key point she highlights is the relationship of Aboriginal people with Canada's banks.

File contains a presentation by Oscar Kistabish on Algonquin Economic Development. Kistabish, whose Algonquin name is Osezima, discusses the history of his people, his idea of autonomy and self-sufficiency, the importance of territory and the different conceptions which Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people have of it.

This file contains a presentation by Patrick J. Lavelle, Robert Campbell and Steven Christianson that focuses on their organization's attempts to bridge the gap economically between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Canada. The presenters call for the formation of an Aboriginal development bank, and for the creation of an education foundation to assist young Aboriginals to remain in high school and to consider careers in business or as entrepreneurs.

File contains a presentation by Paul Fritts. Fritts, a Mohawk, and a lawyer, discusses economic issues with particular respect to Status Indian peoples. Included in his presentation are his views on the Indian Act as it pertains to economic matters, and problems attracting investment. Following the presentation are some comments by Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Weetaluktuk, Co-op and Grocers' Association. Weetaluktuk discusses the high cost of living in the community, and the difficulties this causes not only for individuals but for Co-ops and small businesses. Weetaluktuk also discusses the problem of high rents for tenants in the north. Commissioner Dussault thanks her for her presentation and remarks that the Commission has heard complaints regarding the cost of living at other locations across the north and will be making note of it.

File contains a presentation by Ralph Richard on behalf of Native Employment Services in High Level, Alberta. Richard discusses his organizations history as a formerly federally funded, and now provincially funded agency that acts as an "honest broker" between non-Aboriginal employers and Aboriginal people. Richard discusses some of the issues his organization faces in this respect and their work with pipeline companies in Alberta. Following the presentation is a discussion between Richard and Commissioners Beaulieu, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Rebecca Johnson that acknowledges the need to work with Aboriginal businesspeople. She believes that changes to the Indian Act would permit Aboriginals to be more involved in business, and that GST makes accounting practices difficult for Aboriginal businesspeople. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Ron Nadeau of Native Communications Inc. Nadeau discusses the history of his organization and the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting, government funding, broadcasting in the Cree language, and their relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following the presentation is a discussion between Nadeau and Commissioner Blakeney and Paul Chartrand on broadcasting in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The file contains a presentation by Ron Nadeau, Native Communications Incorporated. Nadeau discusses the operation of Aboriginal broadcasters like NCI in Canada, touching on mandate, cultural, government policy, and funding issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadeau.

This file contains a presentation in French by Rosaire Gendron relating to sport fishing as a tourist attraction in the Pointe a la Croix area, resulting in employment opportunities for area residents. Bruce Macintosh, Mayor, Campbellton, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

This file contains a presentation by Sam Horton whose organization recently acknowledged that "Ontario Hydro is really a company which failed to respect the Aboriginal people as individuals and nations with a proud history that were inhabitants of this land since time immemorial." Horton states that the presentation is more a status report on Ontario Hydro's experiences in working with Aboriginal people in Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Simon Brascoupe of Apikan Ltd. Brascoupe discusses economic development, the role culture plays in it, and concludes with general economic strategy advice. Brascoupe emphasizes the interrelatedness of development and spirituality, the importance of traditional and local economies, and his belief that the future lies in education of people. Following Brascoupe's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Tamara Bell, Proprietor, Pow Wow Native Arts and Fashion Centre. Bell is a Haida woman and entrepreneur who presents on economic issues. Bell discusses the need for an economic base, the ability of businesses to "bridge gaps and cut through cultural and social boundaries," and claims "Economic independence has a distinct advantage in helping both the Native and Non-Native community." Following the presentation Bell answers questions from Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand on the issues raised in her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ted Andersen, Makkovik Economic Development. Andersen discusses training program, employment issues, trapping and fishing, and general economic issues facing the community.

The file contains a presentation by the Concerned Fishermen, Chairman Robert Ross. Chairman Ross discusses his Aboriginal fishermen's organizational viewpoint regarding the environment, conservation harvesting, marketing of their own fish, and tourism. Ross makes a variety of complaints regarding the fishing operations of the Freshwater Fish Corporation on Great Slave Lake, alleging serious environmental and labour abuses.

File contains a presentation by the Corporation de developement economique montagnaise and by the Conseil regional de concertation et d'intervention en milieu amerindien. Presenters include co-coordinator Stephane Bacon of the CRCI, President Zacharie Mollen of the CRCI, and General Manager Paul A Fournier of the CDEM. Stephane Bacon covers a variety of economic concerns including Band management of businesses, Constitutional, Treaty, and Indian Act issues, the need for sharing based on equality and respect, and the need for self-governance to direct economic development.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Ivens and Bill Gagnon of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce. President Ivens welcomes the Commission, discusses his organization's mandate, and introduces Bill Gagnon. Bill Gagnon then delivers a presentation discussing the Hay River business communities views on Aboriginal relations, self-governance, culture, cross-cultural understanding, economics, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business, self-government and definitions of self-government, education, and general business issues.

File contains a presentation by Elaine Pichet, General Manager of the Val d'Or Chamber of Commerce. Pichet reads a letter to the Commission expressing the Chamber of Commerce's desire for good relations with the local Cree and Algonquin peoples, and explaining some of the projects and initiatives they have taken to promote those relations. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault and Polson discuss the Chamber of Commerce, its position, programs, and role in race relations with Pichet. Following the discussion the sitting of the Commission is adjourned for the day.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Holizki focusing on the effects of racism toward Aboriginal people. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission deals with complaints from Aboriginals relating to culture, education, the criminal justice system, employment and housing opportunities. She calls on the Commission to help end the systemic and institutionalized racism in Saskatchewan. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Tom Uvloriak expressing frustration with the inability of his group to secure substantial funding to continue selling crafts made by local artists. Uvloriak seeks assistance with locating the proper government department for arts funding.

File contains a presentation by Frank Parnell and Cliff Anderson of Tricorp. Tricorp is the Tribal Resources Investment Corporation. Parnell delivers an overview of "economic development in how it evolved in the northwest here right from our involvement in the village that I'm from to where we are at today" and then makes four recommendations to the Commission regarding it. Following Parnell's presentation, he and Anderson field questions from the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Valerie Nielson, Bob Brown, John Snow Jr., George Calliou and Sandra Parsons focusing on Aboriginal involvement in the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. An Aboriginal Opportunities Commitee, with the Calgary Chamber, was formed in 1980. The objectives of the Committee are to recognize the importance of Aboriginal people in our community, and for the Chamber to play an active role in helping the Aboriginal community improve their economic situation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Violet Gellenbeck focusing on the role her organization plays in the economic development of her community. She provides a brief history of her organization and states that its goals include assisting in the initiation, expansion, improvement and promotion of viable business opportunities for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, and to pursue federal, provincial and other sources of funding to assist Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in achieving individual economic independence. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Walter Manitowabi. Manitowabi, a business development adviser with Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island, discusses his "small business development which strengthens Aboriginal business.

This file contains a presentation by Wayne Taylor illustrating the numerous barriers Aboriginal people face in seeking involvement in small business and economic development in Canada. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has recognized challenges such as lack of skills, lack of direct linkages with the business community, and prohibitive government policy that impedes the progress of Aboriginals becoming small business owners.

File contains a presentation by Michael Low, Manager for the Western Region of Weyerhauser Canada. Low discusses the Weyerhauser Corporation's vision for working with Aboriginal individuals and communities in the forestry industry, stresses the importance of cultural understanding, and highlights some of the developments that have been made in the relationship. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Low for his presentation.