Topic: BUSINESS

The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association is pleased to announce the Aboriginal Aquaculture in Canada Initiative (AACI). It is a new development funded through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development Strategic Partnership Initiative.

The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) was established in 2003 largely in response to the decline of the traditional resource industries of forestry and fishing resulting in high unemployment rates in First Nation communities.

Aquaculture was one of the fastest growing sectors in BC. Chief Richard Harry, a founding member and President of the Association states “Sustainable aquaculture development has the potential to restore coastal First Nations to thriving, self-sustaining communities through increased employment, revenue and control over the ancestral territories.”

The Aboriginal Aquaculture Association was to serve as a focal point for First Nations to work together to develop renewed community economies based on sustainable, responsible aquaculture and to assist and support the meaningful participation of First Nations in sustainable aquaculture development.

The AAA vision is that First Nations will play a key role in the development of a sustainable aquaculture sector. The AAA provides guidance and advice in support of economic development, addressing the specific interests and needs of First Nations interested or involved in aquaculture development. Its mandate is to promote aquaculture development that supports First Nations communities, culture and values.

Currently there are about 50 Aboriginal groups from across Canada that have developed aquaculture business ventures and partnerships. This has resulted in new job creation and skills development and as a result has increased the wealth and prosperity in the rural and coastal communities providing both social and economic benefits.

An increasing number of Aboriginal communities across Canada are expressing interest to learn more and get involved in new opportunities in the aquaculture sector. In response to this increased interest the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, have implemented the Aboriginal Aquaculture in Canada Initiative (AACI).
Through the AACI, Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs can receive support to capitalize on the economic development opportunities in aquaculture that are available to them.

The AAA coordinates the delivery of the support services in B.C., Alberta and Canada’s North (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut). A Regional Aquaculture Business Development Team consisting of Aboriginal Business Technical Experts (ABTE) has been set-up to provide business and technical services to Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs interested in developing a sustainable business in aquaculture. The team can also link Aboriginal businesses with others from government, industry, academia and non-government organizations to help bring additional expertise to the initiative.

Services include assistance with development and preparation of business plans, feasibility studies, preparation of project funding proposals, and help with the provision of advisory and aftercare support.

Aquaculture in Canada occurs in every province and the Yukon Territory. Across Canada, 56 different species of finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants are commercially cultivated. In Canada, aquaculture generates about $2 billion in total economic activity, much of which takes place in rural and coastal communities.

There are immediate opportunities for the development of finfish, shellfish and freshwater aquaculture endeavors, with longer-term opportunities for species where culture technology is under development (e.g. geoduck, scallop, sablefish, sea cucumber and rockfish). In coastal B.C., First Nation communities have great potential for salmon and sablefish farming and processing, for oysters and clams and emerging aquaculture species (geoduck, abalone, cockles, scallops, sea urchins). Inland and in the north of B.C., trout, and possibly sturgeon, walleye and perch have potential for development. Rainbow trout make up the majority of Alberta’s production and sales. Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have a small aquaculture industry composed of pothole-lake fish farms, where fish are stocked and grown in closed-system pothole lakes, and tank farm operations that raise and export Arctic char and Arctic char eggs.

In order to meet global demand for seafood it will be necessary for the industry to grow, “First Nations want to be a part of that and are interested in direct participation in the development of sustainable aquaculture”, says Harry. “Industry and government are beginning to recognize the benefits of being more inclusive of First Nations. Kitasoo, Ahousaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations are all positive examples where First Nations and the aquaculture industry have worked cooperatively, resulting in mutually beneficial relationships.” For First Nations, this has meant increased employment; revenues and other social and economic development spin off benefits.

First Nations are in a unique position to take the lead with expansion of the industry and have much to offer to potential partnerships. First Nations not only have access to production sites but, in many cases, the necessary skills and infrastructure already exist in First Nation communities for aquaculture development because of past involvement in the traditional fisheries. Harry goes on to say “There are tremendous opportunities for First Nations, however support will be needed to address the ongoing challenges such as lack of capital and policy constraints.”

Aboriginal groups are poised to position themselves at the forefront of future aquaculture development within Canada. The AACI can assist interested Aboriginal groups in developing their vision for a sustainable aquaculture industry.

For more information about the AACI and services available visit the AAA website – www.aboriginalaquaculture.com

Three west coast Aboriginal employment and training organizations have formed a new training alliance to take advantage of job opportunities created by a $3.3 billion federal shipbuilding contract for seven vessels awarded to Seaspan in 2011 as part of a $35 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society (CSETS), and the First Nations Employment Society (FNES) formed the Coastal Aboriginal Shipbuilding Alliance (CASA) to jointly design, develop, and deliver high quality training and employment programs for coastal First Nations youth and young adults seeking skilled trade careers in the burgeoning shipbuilding industry.

“The award of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) to Seaspan creates the need for skilled workers in the marine industry,” says John Webster, president and CEO of ACCESS. “ACCESS is proud to be partnering with FNES and CSETS under the Coastal Aboriginal Shipbuilding Alliance to provide Aboriginal people with the means to gain the skills necessary to be part of this exciting opportunity.” The organizations will work together to ensure Aboriginal people living in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island will be ready to help the industry meet increasing demands for skilled trades to satisfy the federal shipbuilding contracts. “This is a long-term partnership,” said Marlene Rice, CSETS executive director. “We are joining forces to provide funding for training and assist our clients in finding employment in the shipbuilding and marine industries.”

In October, Seaspan was awarded an additional $3.3 billion contract to build another ten non-combat vessels, raising the total order to 17 and further stimulating the west coast’s once troubled shipbuilding industry with another multi-million dollar boost. Federal Public Works Minister Diane Findlay said the additional contract means the boom and bust cycles that have long plagued Canadian shipbuilding “are a thing of the past.” Brian Carter, president of Seaspan Shipyards, stated the announcement marked the “rebirth of the shipbuilding industry in British Columbia.” The additional ten ships (five multitask vessels and five off-shore Coast Guard patrol vessels) must go through a design and approval process.

The national procurement strategy is now in its fourth phase, as designs are being finalized and infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion. Last October, the company broke ground for a $200 million facility upgrade expected to be completed by October 2014 when the first ship (an off-shore fisheries science vessel) will begin construction. At that point, Seaspan will be looking for about 4,000 additional employees.

Two southern B.C. Interior First Nations have received their first dividend from taxation on a mining operation on their traditional territory thanks to a new mine-revenue sharing agreement between the Secwepemc and Skeetchestn Indian bands, the New Gold Inc. mining company, and the provincial government. Under the terms of their Economic and Community Development Agreement (ECDA), the First Nations will split $730,000—almost three-quarters of a million dollars—now that New Gold’s New Afton Mine has completed its first year of production.

Chief Ron Ignace of the Skeetchestn said the dividend lays the foundation for economic self-reliance is a positive step towards self determination for First Nations. “With these revenues, it’s a way of reconciling our two sovereignties, the Secwepemc (a.k.a. Shuswap) and the provincial crown, our democratic right to self-determination, and lays the foundation of our capacity for self reliance,” said Ignace.

Ignace said the two First Nations have also negotiated a separate arrangement with the mine for 2% of the Net Smelter Returns (NSR). The price of gold fluctuates, but returns are expected to be comparable to the tax revenue. New Afton is New Gold’s newest operating mine; it commenced production in July 2012 ahead of schedule. New Afton is an underground block-caving mine, producing an annual average of 75 million pounds of copper and 80,000 ounces of gold over 12 years. The mine is located just 10 kilometres west of Kamloops. About 25% of the workforce is Aboriginal.

“This is not about the money,” said Chief Ignace. “What this is about is bringing dignity back to our people and honour back to the Crown.” Since the historic ECDA was signed with the Secwepemc and Skeetchestn Indian bands in 2010, the BC government has signed nine more mine revenue-sharing agreements covering five operating mines.

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Sodexo Canada are pleased to announce this year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is Phil Fontaine O.C., O.M. He was recognized for his lifelong dedication to the Aboriginal community at CCAB’s 11th annual Vancouver Gala held on September 23, 2013.

The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations is presented to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through his or her professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal people and Canada’s business community.

Phil Fontaine has been instrumental in facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people from the time he was first elected to public office as Chief, at the age of 28. He is a proud member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba and still plays an active role in the support of his community.

In the early 1980’s he was elected to the position of Manitoba Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. When his term expired in 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs where he served three consecutive terms. In 1997 he stepped onto the national stage where he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for an unprecedented three terms in office.

Sodexo Canada is pleased to partner with CCAB to create an award that recognizes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders who have championed positive change for the Aboriginal community through business. Dean Johnson, President of Sodexo Canada, says “Phil Fontaine is an articulate advocate for the future of Canada and for our indigenous peoples. We are proud to recognize his tenacious and solution-oriented leadership with this award.”

JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB says, “Phil Fontaine has been a role model for the Aboriginal community as well as the Canadian population. CCAB is proud to be recognizing Mr. Fontaine for his dedication to building bridges across sectors. He truly is the kind of leader the Award for Excellence was designed to honour.”
Phil Fontaine has seen many changes over the years and he has been part of many of these changes. Aboriginal business has taken giant steps in the last ten years, one could say that more has been done for Aboriginal Busines in the last ten years than was hot accomplished in the last 200 years. Sitting in the Fairmont-Waterfront. Phil was happy to answer questions about the future of Aboriginal business.

How does the current state of Aboriginal business differ from 20 years ago?

There has been a dramatic shift and more of our people see economic development, the private sector, as the way forward and more of our people are engaged in business development and now there is an estimated 30,000 businesses owned and managed by Aboriginal people in various sectors. They are involved in oil & gas, pipeline, mining, construction; and the language has changed significantly. Our people talk about equity positions, partnerships, joint ventures, ownerships, IBA’s (Impact Benefit Agreements), and this was language that was seldom heard 20 years ago, and that’s the major transformation we’ve witnessed in the past 20 years.

Who do you see as making a change in Aboriginal Business?

Our people involved in the various sectors; Just the other day I was reading about the West Bank First Nations and Chief Robert Louie and the creation of a private hospital, who would’ve thought 20 years ago that there would be this distinct possibility that this would occur in a First Nation Community. It’s communities like Moose Factory that have 25 per cent equity position in four major dams. First nations are involved in oil and gas, mining and construction developments, but all this is not to suggest that our people have walked away from the environment or have become less concern about water or less concerned about protecting the land, it’s about responsible development with our environment.

Thoughts on winning the award?

I’m honoured, I never thought I would become as involved as I have in the private sector – I’ve spent 40-plus years in the public sector as a chief, a public servant and as National Chief.

What has been your highlight as Special Advisor of the Royal Bank of Canada and Norton Rose?

Definitely the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, as RBC was a major sponsor, the torch run was the longest in history with 119 First Nation Traditional Ceremonies, the Aboriginal people played a significant role and presented a positive image in Olympic history.

Last month, Bob Spence from Peguis First Nation became the first Aboriginal man to receive the Winnipeg Transit 2012 Bus Operator of the Year Award. Bob has over 29 years of service as a Bus Operator and has received the Operator of the Month Award on two other occasions.

The award is based on service record, attendance, and accomodation, and Bob has shown his true dedication since first starting with Winnipeg Transit back in 1984. “Bob has demonstrated that Aboriginal people can not only succeed but also excel as Bus Operators with Winnipeg Transit,” said Darrell Sais, Assistant Human Resources Coordinator. “He is a great role model for other Aboriginal people, including those in your readership, and he has proven that we as Aboriginal people can have very successful careers with Winnipeg Transit and the City of Winnipeg as a whole.” Darrell says he remembers how Bob welcomed him into the Winnipeg Transit family when he started his career as a Bus Operator. “He continues to be a very positive role model for me and others at Winnipeg Transit. I can only hope one day that I will be as well respected as Bob within our organization!”

At 25-years-old, Bob was referred by a friend to apply for the Core Interior Training Program with the City of Winnipeg, a program geared to recruit and employ Aboriginal people. He began training as a bus operator, and within two years was driving regular bus routes in the city. Bob said that of the eight First Nations trainees that started with him back in 1984, about four remained with winnipeg Transit and the rest either left or changed their careers. “I really like this job, and I encourage younger Aboriginal people to consider Bus Operator as a career. The benefits are good, and the pay is good as well,” Bob said. “I am very honoured to recieve this award, and I am quite happy that I stayed with Winnipeg Transit—30 years this June.”

Over the years Bob, would get his fair share of observations by Aboriginal transit users, but all positive comments. “They usually would say it is nice to see a First Nations bus operator and there should be more Aboriginal bus operators,” Bob said. “Winnipeg has the highest Aboriginal urban population in Canada, and in my opinion, there aren’t any First Nations considering bus operators as a career.”

In 2013, Winnipeg Tranist will be hiring over 100 Bus Operators, and to date, 50 new Bus Operators have been hired. “However, it is disappointing to see very few Aboriginal people apply for this position, and we hope you will share our thinking that an article in First Nations Drum on Bob’s success will help spread the word about the great careers opportunities that are waiting for Aboriginal people at Winnipeg Transit,” said Darrel. “We really believe that having more Aboriginal people in Winnipeg Transit careers will benefit the entire city of Winnipeg.”