SFNS’ REGIONAL ECONOMIC LEAKAGE STUDY

Ontario Tribal Council Summit February 6, 2019 Presented by: Jennifer Whiteye, Executive Director Vision Statement: Southern First Nation Secretariat’s commitment is to bridge programs and services based on common interests and needs achieved through collaborative relationships and partnerships. Mandate: The Southern Secretariat delivers programs and services to our member First Nations in the following areas: 1. Post-Secondary Funding & Support Services 2. Technical Services 3. Employment & Training Support Services 4. Economic & Capacity Development 5. Financial Advisory Services Background ■ Tribal Council located in southwestern ■ Seven member First Nations: 1. Aamjiwnaang First Nation 2. Caldwell First Nation 3. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation 4. Delaware Nation-Moravian of the Thames 5. Kettle & Stony Point First Nation 6. Munsee-Delaware Nation 7. Oneida Nation of the Thames ■ Population of 16,000+ ■ 2 PTOs/IROs – Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians & Anishinabek Nation (Union of Ontario Indians) Why an Economic Leakage Study?

To localize and strengthen the regional economy by identifying & addressing economic leakage (money spent outside of the community – members & location).

Identifying leakage allows communities to: ■ Develop strategies to share costs, resources and services; ■ Enhance local First Nations’ procurement and employment; ■ Develop and grow local First Nations’ businesses targeted to meet market needs; ■ Create programs to educate and train community members for local opportunities. Phase 1: Scoping Study What have we done so far?

■ Assembled a working committee appointed by each FNs Chief & Council ■ Plan the project with the working committee ■ Looking at other First Nation leakage study case studies, current data and needs/interests Phase 2: Leakage Study What have we done so far?

■ First Nation government leakage analysis ■ Behaviour analysis (reasons) ■ Environmental scan (root causes) ■ Asset mapping (strengths) Phase 2: Key Findings

Between 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, SFNS and member First Nations’ governments spent about $72.5 million (80%) on non-member vendors (or $37.7 million annually). Phase 2: Key Findings Phase 3: Strategic Planning What have we done so far?

■ Top 10 high areas of First Nation Government leakage ■ Developed a strategic plan to recapture leakage (member First Nation and regional perspective) Phase 3: Strategic Planning

 Cost-sharing (group purchasing) agreement  Online Business Registry & Asset Inventory  Policies for preferential contracting to member vendors  Business development (& partnership) opportunities  Capacity development (education & training)  Community planning WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW Implementing Phase 3 Strategic Plan & Phase 4 Household & Business Surveys Phase 3: Strategic Plan Implementation

1. Business Registry (Part of online tool) 2. Asset Bank (Part of online tool) 3. Cost Sharing Agreement(s) 4. Policy Framework 5. PSE Institution Partnership With SFNS 6. Business Plans Phase 4: Economic Leakage Study (Household & Business Level Spending)

To localize and strengthen the regional economy by identifying household & business leakage (money spent outside of the community – members & location).

Purpose of Phase 4: ■ Get a picture of community & regional leakage at the household & business level. ■ Enhance strategic plan. ■ Develop online tool to use data. Phase 4: Household and Business Level Spending ■ Trained team of youth Co-Researchers are leading: – Asset mapping sessions & focus groups – Online household & business surveys ■ Enhance regional strategic plan ■ Support community planning ■ Online tool Promising Practices

 Responding to need(s) identified by communities  Hiring & training youth (capacity development)  Engaging Elders  Collaborating with working committee (community reps)  Reporting back to Chief & Council  Sharing back with communities  Making data usable (i.e. online tool) THANK YOU! Jennifer Whiteye, Executive Director [email protected] 519-692-5868 ext.242