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CHECKMATE … STALEMATE … or Pawn? AFN leaders face off in Corporate touted as resource game land management leaders

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Publisher’s desk - AFN Leaders hot ticket as corporate advisers... is published quarterly by 4 Lynda Powless Publisher 5 Wind Energy project in Ontario ... Turtle Island News Publications and Multi-Media Inc. AFN Corporate Canada Boards... 7 Other publications include: Turtle Island News First Nations in Canada touted as land management leaders ... Turtle Island News Daily 12 Aboriginal Tourism One of Canada’s Wealthiest Native Millionaires... Discover Six Nations Magazine 13 Choices Aboriginal Education Magazine FORE Aboriginal Golf Magazine 16 Canadian Banks chasing economic boom ... We want to feature your business success story. Navajo bring home sacred masks... Contact us if you would like to be in 17 future editions, have an article you’d like to submit or an event you want to promote. 19 Deninu Kue first Nations get rights to diamond benefits... Submitted manuscripts accepted but may not be returned. Financial Literacy & Health Wellness... Authors of selected materials only 20 will be contacted. No portion of the magazine, 21 Ken Coates Inside Policy: Canada should get use to... including advertisements, pictures or editorial content may be reproduced without permission. Assembly of First Nations, 2014 Winter Gala... 22 CONTACT US AT: ABORIGINAL BUSINESS Editor Lynda Powless Mineral Exploration Conference Writers Lynda Powless Premier Christy Clark spoke at the Ken Coates opening of the Association for Graphics Mineral Exploration Conference Nancy Gambacourt this past January 2015. Advertising Amy Catherwood AME represents thousands of members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, Subscription can be purchased for one year at: entrepreneurs, exploration $29.95 Canadian / $33.50 American (US) companies, suppliers, mineral $37.50 Air or Other producers, and associations Submit your payment to: who are engaged in mineral Turtle Island News exploration and development in P.O. Box 329, 2208 Chiefswood Rd., Ohsweken ON N0A 1M0 BC and throughout the world. Phone: 519-445-0868 / Fax: 519-445-0865 www.theturtleislandnews.com

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Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 3 editorial From the Publisher’s desk: AFN leaders... hot ticket as corporate advisers... Lynda Powless Publisher ormer Assembly of First Nations documents the employment of former interest in started to boil. leader, , had his consulting senators and governors on boards of But it was during ’s short Ffirm on line before the door on his last directors and shows the plum jobs pay an AFN life that it boiled over and the Supreme term as national leader had closed average of $251,000 per year for part-time Court’s Tsilhqot’in First Nation decision Within weeks of returning from a month’s work. And more than 45 percent of senators granting the Tsilhqot’in land claim changed long soul searching motorcycle ride after who have left office since 1992 have served the way business is now done in Canada resigning as leader of the AFN Shawn Atleo on the board of a publicly traded firm; in for the government and the resource found himself on the receiving end of a comparison, only 20 percent of former industries. number of appointments and requests. senators have worked as registered lobbyists. That decision also clarified major issues Even former chief is now But in First Nation politics while a number of such as how to prove aboriginal title and being seen as a hot commodity on the political leaders have over the years actively when consent is required from aboriginal corporate scene. sought out appointments and jobs in the groups. All of which now affects negotiations The whole idea of former AFN leaders private sector and used their influence to on major projects such as the Northern suddenly appearing on the boards of peddle their worth jumping on the energy Gateway pipeline and sent companies like Corporate Canada and mining and energy gravy train has brought the issue more into the Pacific Future Energy Corp., the banks, companies is a new concept to First Nations. the open. mineral companies and others out head The AFN leader has always been seen as is still in politics hunting for well-known and respected first that, the national leader and thoughts about serving as Grand Chief of the James Bay nation leaders in controversial development what they did after their political life was Nation of Eeyou Istchee and Chairperson of areas to add to their leverage with first never really given the time of day...they were the Cree Regional Authority. Serving as AFN nation communities. just the national leader. leader from 2000 to 2003, seems almost like While most and American At least it wasn’t until the west’s oil a pit stop for the well- known Cree who went politicians are already successful business industry, eager to prevent First Nation back to Cree politics after leaving office. people before they join politics, for protests on their future development plans Ovide Mercredi served as AFN leader from aboriginal politicians, becoming politicians began seeking out First Nations leaders to 1991 to 1997 and upon leaving entered the in cash-starved communities is the successful act as advisers, well rewarded advisers, to world of academics, teaching, became an business ( in communities without jobs) their companies, boards and plans. author, speaker but recently was appointed that gets them on their road to becoming And let’s face the reality, the hope is they to Pacific Future Energy Corp as an adviser. national leaders and coming to the attention won’t just provide advice but look real good In fact the energy giant brought on a wall of boardrooms across the country. to First Nation people. of aboriginal leaders from Mercredi to Shawn Without those leadership positions as Life after politics isn’t a new concept in Atleo, Robert Louie and more. jumping off points the chances are Phil either American or Canadian politics. Phil Fontaine works as an advisor to Royal Fontaine would never have been heard of, Politicians are often recycled on corporate Bank of Canada and TransCanada Corp on its Shawn Atleo would have been a popular boards and the public accepts the move. energy east pipeline academic and Ovide Mercredi practicing And companies want them. He sits on the boards of New Brunswick law. They want them for the prestige but more Power, the provincially owned utility; of But it is their characteristics that helped importantly they want them for who they Chieftain Metals Group, which is developing them get elected and bring them into the know. mineral properties in northwestern B.C., and national spotlight that also make them Both Canadian and American politicians on of Avalon Rare Metals Inc. He also represents attractive to boards and corporations looking leaving office considering becoming lobbyists the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to find the road least bumpy in their path to face a “cooling” off period of two years but in their negotiations with Ottawa for the unfettered development. can jump on the corporate bandwagon as the return of the former Ipperwash military base And it is also these former chief’s first door to political office closes behind them. to their reserve. nation leanings that current AFN leader Many of them do still profit from the There is no doubt all of these lucrative is counting on to help First political connections, influence and expertise spots are due to their time in office, but Nation grass root leadership get the best they accumulated during their time in office. for Fontaine it became much easier. It was deals possible for their people as Corporate A U.S. study “Capitol Gains: The Returns to during his time that the concept of First Canada expands onto the last frontiers... Office from Corporate Board Directorships,” Nations land owners and lands they hold an First Nation lands.

4 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business project Samsung, Pattern Energy and Six Nations Complete Wind Energy Project in Ontario The Biggest Wind Facility in the World

It’s the biggest wind facility Council producing income and jobs for Six in the world and its owners Nations people to the tune of almost $44 million. include Six Nations of “Samsung and Pattern Energy are proud the Grand, the Grand of the engagement agreement we signed Renewable Wind facility’s with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs 1000 turbines will now Council(HCCC) in 2013 that increases local employment opportunities and provides generate clean energy significant community funding for the for 50,000 homes lifetime of the project. We look forward to continuing our positive working By Lynda Powless relationship with the HCCC,” says Editor Samsung in a statement. TORONTO, ONTARIO, – Ontario’s Samsung provided the HCCC with newest wind facility is now up $4.5 million in compensation over the and running and able to provide next 20 years. enough energy to power 50,000 And they entered into an equity Ontario homes. partnership with Six Nations Elected And it is a historic first. Band Council that resulted in the Six The biggest wind facility in Nations community owning 10% of the the world is a combined power Grand Renewable Wind project. ownership between Six Nations That 10 per cent equity translates into of the Grand River and one of the an estimated $38 million in revenues over world’s largest energy companies, 20 years. Samsung and Pattern Energy also Samsung Renewable Energy, Inc. provided a $400,000 donation to the Grand (Samsung) and Pattern Energy Group River Post-Secondary Education Office, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGI) (TSX: PEG) (Pattern which will increase opportunities for Six Energy). Nations students. Samsung announced in January the Six Nations Elected Chief Ava Hill said “The Grand Renewable Wind project construction opportunities,” Six Nations Elected Council is committed is completed and it has reached commercial said Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy. to ensuring we enter into sustainable operation. “Collaborative projects like this one will development projects that not only enrich The 149 megawatt (MW) Grand help wind reach 15 per cent of the province’s our economy but are also socially and Renewable Wind facility has the capacity installed capacity by 2025.” environmentally responsible.” to produce clean power for approximately It’s one of the few green energy projects She said “Both Samsung and Pattern 50,000 Ontario homes each year. that has managed to skirt Six Nations Energy committed to developing an equity “Wind provides clean, emission- internal politics and is successfully working partnership with Six Nations, the way free electricity for Ontarians while with both the Six Nations Elected Council they approached the partnership with Six creating thousands of jobs and economic and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Nations set the ( continued on page 6 )

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 5 project Partnerships and engagements are producing results

( continued from page 5) bar on how we our number of Ontario facilities to two in for their support.” want to work with businesses to enable operation, two in construction and two in “We’re proud to bring our proven us to generate resources for our future late stage development, totaling 1,269 technology to the Grand Renewable generations.” megawatts to be installed in the province Wind project and to continue to provide For Samsung it’s a win win situation. by 2018. We would like to thank the Six Ontario with jobs, economic growth and “Samsung is proud to be part of the Nations and the community of Haldimand affordable and sustainable wind energy,” said Jacob Andersen, Head of Wind Power Renewables, Siemens Canada Limited. Grand Renewable Wind utilizes 67 Siemens 2.3 MW wind turbines with blades and towers that were made in Ontario. Siemens’ turbine blade facility in Tillsonburg manufactured the blades for the project and CS Wind’s facility in Windsor used Ontario-made steel to manufacture the turbine towers. The Grand Renewable Wind facility had more than 500 workers on site during peak construction and created 12 full- time permanent positions for ongoing operations and maintenance. Over 98% of the workforce was comprised of workers from Ontario, which were involved in every aspect of the project – from manufacture and assembly of the wind turbine components to site construction, installation work and project operations. Working with the Haudenosaunee Altogether, Samsung and Pattern Energy’s Confederacy Chiefs Council’s development wind power projects in Ontario are and policy department thry were able to creating thousands of manufacturing and launch an archeology monitoring program construction jobs, contributing significant that is putting Six Nations people to work. property taxes in host communities, and That program has since been duplicated providing millions of dollars for schools by First Nations all over Ontario. and important community projects. Samsung and Pattern Energy also Haldimand community and excited about provided more than $15 million in a our historic equity agreement with Six Community Vibrancy Fund for Haldimand Nations Elected Council,” said Mr. Steve County which neighbours Six Nations and Cho, Vice President, Samsung C&T. “The has included Six Nations unceded lands Grand Renewable Wind facility along within its borders. The fund will support with our other projects in the province local community, environment, health and are creating thousands of high-skilled wellness initiatives. The fund will provide jobs that will benefit real people in this a stable source of support over the next 20 community and across Ontario.” years. “We are honored to be able to further The electricity from Grand Renewable expand our presence in Ontario through Wind, which is helping Ontario reach its this partnership with the Six Nations,” said clean energy goals, is committed to the Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “The Independent Electricity System Operator commissioning of the Grand Renewable (IESO) under a 20-year power purchase Wind facility by the end of 2014 brings Blake Sault agreement.

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 6 advisors AFN leadership guarantees spots on corporate Canada boards

Heavy oil refinery project names aboriginal leaders as advisors

Canada’s Aboriginal leaders’ took to the stage in December talking tough over pipelines and natural resource development. But as writer Lynda Powless tells us while the Assembly of First Nations National leader Perry Bellegarde was warning Canada it’s no longer business as usual, two other former national chiefs were already hired on as oil industry consultants for a B.C. project.

By Lynda Powless He stared into tv cameras and spoke catch his breath at taking the helm of the Editor to Canadians telling the country... beleaguered organization his job may “Canada will no longer develop “First Nations peoples will oppose have just gotten more difficult. pipelines, no longer develop transmission any development which deprives our Within hours of his election Pacific lines or any infrastructure on our lands as children of the legacy of our ancestors. Future Energy Corp announced two business as usual,” said newly elected We will no longer accept poverty and former AFN leaders had jumped on the National Chief Perry Bellegarde upon hopelessness while resource companies tar sands gravy train. being elected in a historic second ballot and governments grow fat off our lands,” Pacific Future Energy Corp announced vote on a cold day in Winnipeg last the leader from Saskatchewan said. former leaders, Shawn Atleo and Ovide December. But before Chief Bellegarde could Mercredi had joined their ranks as advisers. Advisers, who some analysts are describing, are there to help find a way around the stalled Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline. The proposed heavy oil refinery project in hinges on the completion of a pipeline from the Alberta tar sands to the north coast of B.C. to run at full capacity. Pacific Future Energy is expected to process Alberta bitumen. Its first phase would cost $10-billion and process 200,000-barrels-a-day of bitumen from the oil sands that could be transported by ( continued on page 8 ) PERRYBELLEGARDE Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 7 advisors

( continued from page 7) rail. The next stand in full support of achieving a true four phases of the project, which would partnership with Indigenous Peoples, raise the cost to $34-billion, could be communities and families,” he said. supported by a pipeline. The appointments have caused a stir Shawn Atleo (Ahousaht First in First Nation communities. Nation), has joined the management None of the leader’s home team as a senior advisor. Mr. Mercredi, communities are located near the () and current proposed Pacific Future Energy Corp., band chief Robert Louie (Westbank First pipeline route or the refinery. Nation) have been named to an advisory Atleo is Ahousat, part of the Nuu Chah board chaired by former Conservative Nulth Tribes located on Island, federal cabinet minister Stockwell Day. Mercredi is from Northern and The announcement came at the Louie is from right outside of Kelowna, Vancouver Board of Trade meeting B.C. far outside any danger zone for their on Dec. 10, the same day that Atleo’s communities should a pipeline burst replacement Perry Bellegarde was voted or spring a leak at any point along the in as the AFN’s next national chief. bitumen trail. “I see this as a major opportunity to The Pacific Future Energy refinery shape a new direction in major project project is being billed as the “green” oil development,” Mr. Atleo said at the refinery and has now pushed the timeline announcement in December, where it for construction seven to nine years. was announced he would assume the As word of the aboriginal leaders role of senior advisor-partnerships on the jumping on board leaked into First nation company’s senior management team. communities some B.C. chiefs said they “The only way a project will proceed were ‘shocked and deeply saddened’ by OVIDE is if First Nations are directly involved, Atleo. Mercredi and providing their consent and their Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the support, and their full partnership if that Union of BC Indian Chiefs, who has Sterritt said former AFN grand chiefs is what they choose,” he said. worked with Atleo in the past, expressed Atleo and Mercredi should withdraw their Mercredi, AFN leader from 1991 to his profound disappointment with the participation in the $10-billion “world’s 1997, was named a part of the company’s move. “I realize that Atleo is in the private greenest refinery” project proposed for advisory board that already included sector now, but despite that you would the Prince Rupert area. Robert Louie, chief of the economically think he would have some compassion If they don’t, Sterritt said, Coastal successful Westbank First Nation near or empathy for the mass number of First First Nations will launch an aggressive Kelowna. Nations communities who oppose these effort to discredit Pacific Future Energy’s Mr. Mercredi said there is a great projects, and with good reason,” Phillip project and their role in promoting it. need for a new approach that recognizes told Ricochet. Sterritt said his members don’t trust the traditional lands and territories and “the He added “I am surprised, shocked company’s vow to build a project that third order of government. and deeply saddened that former AFN doesn’t pose a major environmental “Where governments failed, perhaps, chiefs Atleo and Mercredi have moved threat. developers, industry and the business over and joined the ranks of the very oil Pacific Future is headed by Samer world can succeed,” he said. industry that so many First Nations are Salameh, an executive with the Mexican The appointments come as another currently fighting in the courts, in the industrial conglomerate Grupo Salinas. project, the Northern Gateway pipeline streets and on the land itself.” Sterritt said First Nations leaders have proposed by Enbridge Inc., is planning Chief Stewart isn’t alone in his muted their concerns out of respect for to offer greater equity participation and assessment. Atleo, who stepped down as AFN leader control to B.C. First Nations. In January Art Sterritt of B.C. Coastal last year. Samer Salameh, Pacific Future First Nations and leader of one of the But Sterritt said the gloves will Energy’s executive chairman, said his most prominent B.C. First Nations groups come off if he can’t meet with Atleo and company wants to work with Canada’s opposing oilsands pipelines to the north Mercredi and persuade them to abandon aboriginal peoples by showing full respect coast issued an ultimatum to the two the company. of their inherent rights and title. “We former leaders. “I’m trying to set up a meeting and

8 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business advisors

(last October) by B.C. Premier Christy Clark to an academic post at Vancouver Island University to lead “dialogue sessions” that “will help foster understanding and partnerships between indigenous peoples and the broader public, private, and corporate sectors. SHAWN B.C. Premier Clark’s ex-husband ATLEO Mark Marissen is the project’s Executive Vice President. Marissen is the head of say, ‘hey guys, you’ve got a chance to “Pacific Future is a very Burrard Communications, a firm that bail on this or we’re coming after you,’” used to do lobbying work for Enbridge. Sterritt said in an interview. important recovery program Atleo also has been appointed a “We can’t allow them to pacify for recovering politicians,” Distinguished William A. MacDonald, everybody, or make people in Alberta Q.C. Fellow in Indigenous Education and and everywhere else think that just former AFN leader Shawn adjunct professor in two OISE academic because they’re involved that we’re all Atleo told the Vancouver departments: Social Justice Education and going to roll over.” Leadership, Higher and Adult Education. Neither Atleo nor Mercredi would be Board of Trade at the That appointment is supported by a $5 made available for comment, said Pacific announcement he was million gift, the largest donation ever Future spokesman Mark Marissen. made to a Canadian faculty of education “The site has not yet been joining Pacific Future’s for Indigenous education research . determined, but suffice it to say that advisory board. Ironically the list of First Nations Pacific Future Energy will only go where we are welcomed,” he added. “We have had many constructive discussions with First Nations to date.” Pacific Energy is touting its refinery as the world’s greenest and cleanest refinery, with “near net zero” carbon emissions, partly through the use of natural gas and renewable energy to power the facility. It plans to ship refined products like gasoline and diesel to Asia. The refinery will “turn this bitumen into refined products like diesel and gasoline. In the case of a spill, these products float on top of water and evaporate,” the company materials state. Atleo‘s presence on the board surprised many since as a former outspoken AFN leader he criticized efforts to get Alberta’s bitumen to the B.C. coast for export to Asia-Pacific markets. “The vast majority of First Nations that are impacted directly (by the responsibility, to stand with them, and I projects) are giving expression to their opposing the pipelines includes Atleo’s will do so firmly.” opposition,” he said at a 2012 B.C. rally own Nuu Chah Nulth Tribal Council. Since resigning and throwing the AFN against the proposed Enbridge pipeline Alteo joked at the official into chaos, Atleo, in addition to his role to Kitimat and the Kinder Morgan plan to announcement of his new position with Pacific Energy, has also been named twin its pipeline to Burnaby. “That’s my that Pacific ( Continued on page 10)

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 9 advisors

( Continued from page 9) Future Energy “is in fighting with each other. Division Fontaine has found himself on the important for recovering politicians.” allows governments to ignore us. The opposite end of protests as he made Atleo’s crossover from First Nations elders remind us that the colonizer his way across the country carrying leadership to oil project advocate loves nothing more than when we fight Corporate Canada’s message. surprising, given his avid support for amongst ourselves.” But advisory board chair Stockwell alternative energy sources such as wind But are First Nations leaders paving Day calls First Nations appointments a farms. Atleo is known for supporting the way for a clearer understanding of ‘good start’. “generating clean, green power, wealth, First Nations rights or joining corporate First Nations have been vocal critics to employ First Nations in B.C. and across Canada’s early retirement plans, as of shipping bitumen from the West the country”. Atleo himself says, for politicans. Coast, but that doesn’t mean that they Now he will find himself talking to Environmentalists and First Nations are against economic development, said B.C. First Nations’ to seek support for a have described the tar sands as “the Stockwell Day, who joined Pacific Future project that will need a pipeline and a biggest and dirtiest mega-project in Energy in August as special adviser. steady flow of oil to China through the Canada today.” Mr. Day said there is room in the Rupert or Douglas Channel to remain Producing bitumen takes two and oil market for Pacific Future Energy’s profitable. a half times more water to extract than proposed $10-billion bitumen refinery. The Pacific Future Energy oil would regular oil. When you add the energy to “This is being seen as doable and it’s be refined on a site near the Pacific transport it to the coast via a pipeline making sense to people,” Mr. Day said before being shipped through the and then onto China via tankers, last December after delivering a speech treacherous waters and narrow channels environmentalists question where the to the Vancouver Board of Trade. “We’re in tankers. green energy part of the Pacific Furture now heavily engaged in a second round Environmentalists and First Nations Energy company comes in. of funding.” are concerned while processed oil is Corporate Canada is playing a heavy It was at the Vancouver Board of balancing act recruiting First Nation Trade that Atleo made the surprise leadership to their teams. appearance at the scheduled speech Atleo and Mercredi join a third by former federal Conservative cabinet former National AFN Chief, Phil Fontaine, minister Stockwell Day, Pacific Future’s on the corporate train. Fontaine was advisory board chair. hired last year by TransCanada to be its “I have 25 years of experience, emissary to 180 Aboriginal communities the last 15 years directly, in elected crossed by the Energy East project. politics,” Atleo told the audience in a The proposed $12-billion cross- Q&A after Day’s speech. “Pacific Future country pipeline would pump 1.1 million is a very important recovery program barrels of mostly Alberta bitumen for recovering politicians,” he said to STOCKWELLDAY

lighter and can float it still destroys everything in its path and contend that only 20 per cent of an oil spill damage is PHIL ever cleaned up. FONTAINE Add to the threat of tankers running aground a pipeline leak, and a leak or a spill and you have a recipe for disaster. But helping Atleo along the way will be his former deputy chief of staff, Jeffrey Copenance, also hired by Pacific Future Energy . That pipeline is opposed by 130 nations, 27 of whom are directly on the route of the Northern Gateway project. to refineries and export terminals in laughter. During the early days of , Montreal, a Quebec town, and New The 48-year-old Atleo will also be Atleo told First Nations, “I don’t believe Brunswick. travelling ( Continued on page 11)

10 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business advisors

( Continued from page 10) the province I hear that comment, I go, ‘Yeah, it’s a territories, the AFN national Chief Perry on B.C. Premier Christy Clark’s bill to good start,’” said the former federal Bellegarde said. engage in “dialogue sessions” about international trade minister. “We believe “You can’t unilaterally exploit various priorities between First Nations profoundly, as Shawn will tell you, that resource wealth,” Bellegarde said in an and local and business leaders. involvement with First Nations has to be interview . At Pacific Future, Atleo joins the more than going through the motions. It Now he says First Nations are armed management team to help the company has to be something that’s heartfelt and with court cases in their quiver. build cooperation with B.C. First Nations believed. We hear about the Williams “Exactly. It’s a huge arrow in our quiver. It’s a huge game-changer. When you start talking about a national energy strategy, we need to be part of that as indigenous peoples. We’re tired of this poverty that we face and the hopelessness. Everybody else seems to be benefiting from the land and resource wealth. But indigenous peoples aren’t. We need to be there every step of the way, not just for the jobs and the economic wealth creation. But as well, we bring the added element From left: Pacific Future Energy Corp. advisory board chair Stockwell Day, along with of respecting the land and water.” senior advisor, partnerships, Shawn Atleo and CEO Robert Delamar But Bellegarde will also be sitting across the table from three men who and bring the project - billed as a “near- case and some people talking about held his job before him and it may come zero emissions” refinery – to life. that, saying it’s really created a lot of down to a game of chess and who has “I had the privilege, over the roadblocks and obstacles…. We don’t the best strategy. last five-and-a-half years–and over see that as presenting obstacles. We see “I say this back home all the time. a decade at the Assembly of First that as pointing to a way forward–and We need more and more of our first Nations–to travel to most of the First Shawn has been particularly helpful nation people involved where decisions Nations communities across the country. with that.” are being made on our behalf that affect The little bit that I learned about energy The Pacific Future refinery, if it our lives,” says Bellegarde. was just enough to be dangerous–and goes ahead, would cost $10 billion He said he wants to see more just dangerous enough to join this to build but the company expects a directors, CEOs and aboriginal people team. This project doesn’t just have projected $1 billion EBITDA per year on corporate boards. local implications but Canadian and from the refinery, and Day argued that “As CEOs with more and more First global implications. the economic conditions–including Nations people on boards of directors “This is about creating a real the U.S.’s recent push to energy self- in the private sector and involved in conversation, as opposed to it sufficiency and a burgeoning Asian cabinet where decisions are made at being either/or,” he added. “This is consumer market–make it the right the provincial and federal level, at every about recognizing First Nations as time to build Canada’s first refinery step of way where decisions are being governments–and those conversations, since the 1970s. “The refineries that are made I am hoping if they continue I’m really pleased to say, are going running now have been running for 50, they have in their hearts and heads extremely well, because the approach is 60, 75 years–and they’re still making an indigenious perspective and world one that First Nations have been looking money,” said Day, . “We say it’s time view. for for a long, long time.” for Canada. It’s time for all the people “That they will affect from the inside Day, in his speech, also took the of Canada. And it’s time to put our First and be strong allies for us, opportunity to announce that Ovide Nations people front and centre.” making changes from the Mercredi, and Chief Robert Louie of the But just over in Manitoba the newly inside I would hope they Westbank First Nation would be joining elected leader of the AFN told a national would echo things like Pacific Future’s advisory board. audience “government and industry free prior and former “Some may be saying, ‘That’s a must realize it’s no longer“ business consent that’s how I lot of First Nations involvement.’ When as usual when working in First Nations look at this,” he said.

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 11 leaders First Nations in Canada touted as land-management leaders

By BRUCE CHEADLE Ontario border, Sophia Rabliauskas of The Canadian Press Poplar River First Nation is among those Amid the court challenges, war of pursuing World Heritage Site status for words, sit-ins and street protests that a huge range of boreal forest known as have marked First Nations relations with Pimachiowin Aki. Canada’s resource sector, it might surprise misused in a way that would substantially Their bid, which was deferred in 2013, some Canadians that aboriginal land deprive future generations of the benefit of has highlighted shortcomings in the management in this country is being held the land,” McLachlin wrote. assessment process and is seen as a global up as a model to the world. The right-leaning Fraser Institute test case for new ways of recognizing Members of three remote native responded to the ruling with an analysis “cultural landscapes” – indigenous people, communities are in Sydney, Australia, this that warned, “There is a possibility that their culture and their geography together. week, where the World Parks Congress is already existing economic development That’s on the agenda in Sydney this week holding its sixth international summit. projects may be suspended or shut down.” as well. “There’s some real leadership happening The Tsilhqot’in are among First Nations Rabliauskas said she’s not anti- in Canada,” said Valerie Courtois, director who are now drafting their own resource development, but resource developments of the Aboriginal Leadership Initiative management and land stewardship can’t take place in Pimachiowin Aki and for the International Boreal Conservation policies. they must benefit the people who actually Campaign, before departing for Sydney this “This is not about saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ live in the developed area. week. to development,” said Courtois, who will “When you stand up for your rights, it’s Representatives of the Grand Cree of address a World Parks Congress forum on seen as difficult or confrontational,” she Quebec, the North West Territories’ Lutsel Saturday. said. “It doesn’t have to be that way.” K’e and Manitoba’s Poplar River First Nation “It’s an artificial dichotomy. It’s really Nitah noted the Lutsel K’e negotiated have been invited to the congress, which about how much is enough.” terms of the development of a zinc mine meets every 10 years to discuss biodiversity, The real goal is taking charge of that borders the Thaidene Nene preserve, conservation and the state of the world’s managing your own land, she said. For Innu and Dene rangers will monitor the land for parks and protected areas. such as herself, for example, survival of environmental damage. This year, Canada has garnered global the caribou is central to their way of life. If “It’s not all doom and gloom because attention. development fails to protect caribou, that’s aboriginal people have rights now,” he When the Supreme Court of Canada ruled a failed management strategy. said. that the Tsilhqot’in First Nation in B.C. had Aboriginal consent, she said, “allows for Indeed, for a federal government that aboriginal title to more than 1,700 square a dialogue” and should be seen in a positive has dramatically slashed Parks Canada kilometres of traditional territory, it’s fair light. “It’s a condition for ‘yes.’ ” Steven funding and employment, empowering to say the decision rattled the country’s Nitah is the Lutsel K’e lead negotiator on First Nations rangers or “guardians” to resource sector. the creation of the massive Thaidene Nene monitor remote land preserves may be seen “This is not merely a right of first refusal protected area in the Northwest Territories. as win-win. with respect to Crown land management or He says the Dene people have been The Lutsel K’e are training their rangers usage plans,” Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin stewards of the land for millennia. in traditional lore and land practices, which wrote in the unanimous June 26 decision. Negotiations for the protected area with reinforces cultural bonds. “Rather, it is a right to pro actively use the federal and territorial governments, It’s a model that is already widely used and manage the land.” now near conclusion, long predate the in Australia, and aboriginal land managers However that collective title was not Tsilhqot’in court ruling. from down under visited Lutsel K’e just this unencumbered, said the court, and current “This is just a continuation [of historic month to share best practices. generations must not make decisions “that practice], using modern tools and “In the end, we can’t fail in this,” said would prevent future generations of the legislation,” said Nitah. “I think we were Courtois. group from using and enjoying it.” ahead of the game.” If we fail, we fail our culture. The stakes “Nor can the land be developed or Far to the east, along the Manitoba- are really high for us.

12 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business wealth

One of Canada’s wealthie$st native millionaires Dave Tuccaro on mission to enrich First Nations

And it is gaining, if not full support, certainly interest from First Nations. In February the massive project secured support from a number of B.C. chiefs including: North Central BC, Chief Dan George, Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Indian Band), Chief Archie Patrick, Stellat’en First Nation, and Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs Larry Marsden (Gitsegukla) and Art Mathews (Gitwangak). But that continued support will depend on ensuring the project follows the leader’s community’s guiding principles for resource and development in their nation’s Dave Tuccaro of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, shown at his home in Las Vegas ( Photo by Isaac Brekken ) traditional territories. The Supreme Court of Canada decision By Lynda Powless wealth to First Nations communities and in the Tsilhoqut’in case in 2014 confirmed Editor people. that First Nations in British Columbia have His name isn’t as common place as Donald That’s the thinking behind the Eagle ownership of their traditional territories. Trump or Warren Buffet. Spirit Energy Oil Pipeline Project in Since that decision, a number of BC And he certainly isn’t as flamboyant. Northern British Columbia that will provide First Nations have developed principles But with a nine figure income, Dave a percentage of ownership to the First governing how development will proceed Tuccaro has become the wealthiest and Nations whose territory it crosses. in their traditional territories. most successful First Nations businessman The brainchild of lawyer, author and With that decision in their back pockets, in Canada. businessman Calvin Helin, Dave Tuccaro, Calvin Helin and Dave Tuccaro are two of But, unlike Trump he carries that mantle an investor and director the first aboriginal with modesty. in the $50 billion project businessmen to Mr. Tuccaro’s worth easily comes in jumped on board to help “We’ve become an begin to change at over $120 million plus and he isn’t First Nations become economic force. the face of finished. self-sufficient. Canada’s massive At 57 years old the oil sands tycoon is The project boasts it We’re respected now, energy industry taking on a new challenge. He has switched will rival the Enbridge where in the past people by building a first from supplying the oil sands industry Northern Gateway, but it would look at us and say, nations-owned to competing with some of the nation’s won’t progress without energy corridor biggest energy companies. But not just to support from First ‘You don’t know how across northern add a few more zeros to his worth. Nations communities to do this,’ ” B.C. to move Dave Tuccaro is on a mission to bring along its path. ( continued on page 14 ) Mr. Tuccaro said.

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 13 wealth

( Continued from page 13) natural gas, sell oil to China at world market price and And those nations would be responsible electricity and oil make more money for Canada?” he asks. for management, maintenance and spill Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings Ltd. While gaining First Nations favour may be response. announced last year it was launching a First challenging, so is the price tag attached. Eagle Spirit’s Calvin Helin is a member of Nations-led alternative to the Enbridge’s The complex Eagle Spirit plan would the Tsimshian First Nation in northwestern Northern Gateway pipeline. Since then cost more than $50-billion, and it comes B.C. and Vancouver lawyer and businessman . the two men have spent the last year with a promise to include the highest The Aquilini Group, owner of the consulting with and securing support from environmental safeguards available to Vancouver Canucks, is another backer. First Nations along the proposed pipeline address First Nations’ concerns about a Dave Tuccaro is well known in aboriginal route. spill. Mr. Tuccaro says financing isn’t the business circles. With $103 million from a deal to sell his issue. There is no shortage of oil industry A Mikisew Cree, who went from being a business and more than $20 million in real interest. trappers son to owner of Tuccaro Inc,. estate holdings, Mr. Tuccaro, who could be But for him it’s about economic power He often speaks of those days on trap relaxing at his desert home in Nevada, got for First Nations. lines and said when he was growing up, involved in the project, he told reporters He said First Nations would own up to his band was hard hit by the demise of to build a future for First Nations people in 50% of the project and virtually become, the fur trade instigated by environmental B.C. and Alberta. almost overnight, an energy powerhouse. organizations like Greenpeace. “What we want to do is to tell the The size of equity participation of “All of a sudden our livelihood was taken [aboriginal] community: ‘This is your each community would be determined away,” he said. “There was nothing for us pipeline,’” he said. by how much pipeline crosses its lands. to do and we had to find a different type

Shell Tar Sands Mine “All of a sudden our livelihood was taken of trap line. And that different type of trap away,” he said. “There was line was the oil sands.” And he said, if First Nation leadership nothing for us to do and Mr. Tuccaro started working in the don’t want the pipeline, “we will back off. industry as a crane operator and in But we know for sure, they know as well, we had to find a different 1991,bought a taxi licence in Fort that a pipeline is going to be built, from type of trap line. And that McMurray, bought a company owned by here to the West coast. It’s in Canada’s best different type of trap line four aboriginal communities that was on interest to sell our oil to somebody other the brink of bankruptcy by selling real than the United States.” was the oil sands.” estate holdings and secured a loan. From a business perspective, he says the Mr. Tuccaro said. Next he found himself negotiating deals pipeline makes common sense. “Why are with oil-sands executives for contracts we subsidizing oil to the U.S. when we can ranging from heavy hauling to laboratory

14 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business wealth

With his success in hand, Mr Tuccaro sits success was based on its contracts in the on a number of boards aimed at helping oil sands and the company is required First Nations. He says “I donate a lot of my to report its aboriginal ownership and time volunteering to try and get as many aboriginal employee base it made more people lifted up [from poverty] as I can.” sense for Mr. Tuccaro to stay on as a part He says First Nations “don’t need owner with over $100 million in shares. handouts. What they need is support and With homes in both Canada and Las Las Vegas, a biography written by Peter C Newman on the shelves, he was inducted “It’s different over there,” into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame he said about B.C. in 2012. “It’s going to take time, And he is proud of the success of Alberta First Nations in the oil sands where they it’s going to take people like have become a huge power force. me to go there and show Mr. Tuccaro sees it as “our new trap them and say: “This is what lines. If we don’t adjust, we’re just going to get left behind. We’re going to be just we could do and this is what as poor as we were before the oil sands Dave Tuccaro with his award we could have”. started.” services. He said working with First Nations in Mr. Tuccaro said. As he became successful he started the Alberta has provided the oil sand’s industry Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association with eight native businesses supplying good and services to the oil sands to the tune of $20-million in annual revenue. Today that association has 120 companies as members who are generating more than $1.5-billion in annual revenues from the oil sands, including the Fort McKay, Mikisew Cree and the Athabasca Chipewyan. Cold Lake First Nations alone employs more than 500 First Nations people in their Chiefs signing onto the pipeline company Primco Dene Ltd., an oil-patch mentorship.” with stability. services company, that zeroed in on the set That’s the message he is taking across “If we’re successful, then they’re aside contract obligations in the oil-sands. B.C. to First Nations leary of pipelines and successful,” Mr. Tuccaro said. “And when Agreements signed with local first nations the oil sands. they go to apply for an expansion of their that included certain economic benefits. He says First Nations are largely new to existing operations, they have support Royal Shell Pic has spent $1 billion on resource development and are concerned rather than roadblocks or negative contracts with first nations companies development or resource deals may affect interventions.” and Cenovus Energy Inc., which has several their land claim negotiations. With his own company under the contracts with Primco, spent more than “It’s different over there,” he said about tutelage of an American equity firm, Mr. $240-million on aboriginal-owned and B.C.. “It’s going to take time, it’s going to Tuccaro has set his sights elsewhere. joint venture businesses in 2011. That’s take people like me to go there and show He is using some of the proceeds from about 9 per cent of its total corporate them and say: ‘This is what we could do his new partners to invest in other first capital spending, and increased 6 per cent and this is what we could have’. nations businesses. over the previous year He is a shining example of success. And it’s And he is investing in a dream to move “We’ve become an economic force. We’re a success that caught the eye of NCA Partners from servicing the oil sands to working respected now, where in the past people LLC, a Settle-based private equity firm that with First Nations to launch their own would look at us and say, ‘You don’t know bought out Mr. Tuccaro two years ago. pipeline that could be taking oil-sands crude how to do this,’ ” Mr. Tuccaro has said. When the firm learned the company’s produced by a future aboriginal company .

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 15 banks

Canadian Banks Chasing Economic Boom in Aboriginal Market

Canadian banks are chasing billions Below: director of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous of dollars right into aboriginal Stephen Fay Economics in Kamloops, B.C., told The communities. BMO Post about the growing number of Aboriginal aboriginal communities that are finding More Canadian banks are “pushing the Banking ways to support ongoing revenue. envelope” in aboriginal communities in And Canadian banks also have their order to earn their business. eye on an emerging market. Analysts say that this boom of According to the report, small businesses, primarily run by young, economic growth in Canadian Native Above: urban aboriginal entrepreneurs, are communities is largely due to billions of Clint Davis VP growing six times faster than the non- dollars in recent land claim settlements TD Bank Aboriginal aboriginal market. Clint Davis, the vice- that are trickling down the pipeline, as Banking president of aboriginal banking at TD well as better access to resource revenue, management” and that the BMO has Bank, told the paper “They’re the growth the National Post reported. over $1billion. The paper also estimated generation.” The Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto- that in the next 12-18 months, when a As this momentum continues, bankers Dominion Bank and Canadian Imperial half a billion dollars from land claims is like Stephen Fay, head of aboriginal Bank of Commerce and the Bank of expected, that new flux of income could banking at BMO, say that they will make Montreal (BMO) are a few of the banks mean a boom in the loan business, as moves to accommodate the aboriginal competing for aboriginal business. business will open and new projects will community by providing specific Toronto-Dominion has “more than need secure funding. products and lending options. “Once it $1.5 billion in First Nations [land] claims “They’re going to become very starts to move,” Fay told The Post, “you under administration and investment attractive to the banks,” André Le Dressay, can’t stop it.”

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Aboriginal Business c/o Turtle Island News Editor: Lynda Powless is published quarterly by Turtle Island News Publications. We want to feature your business success story. P.O. Box 329, Ohsweken, ON If you would like to be in future editions, have an article N0A 1M0 P: 519-445-0868 F: 519-445-0865 you’d like to submit, event you want to promote contact us.us at: [email protected]

16 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business artifacts Navajo bring home sacred masks

sold at Paris auction house

Vannenberg Foundation and Hopi people but for the international community not apply to items held internationally. Nation Announce Return of Sacred as a whole,” said Sam Tenakhongva, a Hopi In April of this year, the French firm Artifacts to Native American Hopi Tribe cultural leader. “The Annenberg Foundation Neret-Minet Tessier & Sarrou auctioned 70 The largest Native American tribe in the set an example today of how to do the artifacts for €930,000, ignoring pleas and American Southwest has bought back seven right thing. Our hope is that this act sets an protests around the world. Servan-Schreiber, sacred masks at a Paris auction house after example for others that items of significant who acted for Survival International and failing to stop the contested sale. cultural and religious value can only be the Hopi in that case as well, bought and The objects sold Monday at the Drouot properly cared for by those vested with the returned a sacred Hopi artifact to the tribe auction house included religious masks proper knowledge and responsibility. They last summer. He also bought on Monday one believed to have been used in Navajo simply cannot be put up for sale.” artifact for €13,000 and intends to return it wintertime healing ceremonies. The positive development came after to the Hopi. The U.S. Embassy in Paris had asked efforts, including those of the U.S. Embassy, “Many individuals worked tirelessly on Drouot to suspend the sale to allow Navajo were made to delay the auction of the this issue for many, many months only to and Hopi representatives to determine if Hopi and San Carlos Apache items. Acting come away feeling disappointed following they were stolen from the tribes. on behalf of the advocacy group Survival the ruling by the French court,” said U.S. government officials and Arizona’s International and the Hopi, attorney Pierre Servan-Schreiber. “Now we have reason to Congressional delegation also tried to stop Servan-Schreiber went last week before a celebrate.” the sale that netted over $1 million. judge in Paris in an attempt to have the sale “Hopefully this gesture is the beginning The auction house said it acted within of the Hopi items blocked, but on December of a larger conversation to discuss and inform the limits of French law. 6, the court ruled against him. That’s when various communities about what is sacred The purchased items also included dozens Weingarten made the unprecedented and what is for sale,” concluded Tenakhongva. of Hopi kachina dolls and several striking decision to intervene. “Although we were disappointed in the Pueblo masks embellished with horse hair, “As an artist, I was struck by the awesome decision of the court which allowed the bone and feathers, thought to be from the power and beauty of these objects,” said sale to proceed, we will continue to work to late 19th and early 20th centuries. Weingarten. “But these are not trophies to protect our cultural heritage on behalf of our Annenberg Foundation Vice President and have on one’s mantel; they are truly sacred Hopi people and others. This issue extends Director Gregory Annenberg Weingarten works for the Native Americans. They do far beyond us, and it is our hope that others announced that the Annenberg Foundation not belong in auction houses or private who have seen our campaign will step has purchased 24 sacred Native American collections. It gives me immense satisfaction forward and help to enlighten, educate and artifacts from an auction house in Paris – to know that they will be returned home to join us in protecting cultural heritage and totaling $530,000 – for the sole purpose their rightful owners, the Native Americans.” value across the world. of returning them to their rightful owners. The Native American Graves Protection “Our thanks are once again extended Twenty-one of these items will be returned and Repatriation Act gives federally to Survival International and Mr. Pierre to the Hopi Nation in Arizona, and three recognized Native American tribes a way Servan-Schreiber for their efforts and to the artifacts belonging to the San Carlos Apache to reclaim funerary objects and ceremonial Annenberg Foundation for their goodwill and will be returned to the Apache tribe. items from federal agencies and museums generous gesture. Kwakwah (Thank you).” “This is a great day for not only the Hopi in the United States. The law, however, does

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 17 18 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business benefits Deninu Kue First Nation gets rights to diamond benefits

N.W.T. Métis Balsilllie says his band has Nation signs missed out on previous IBAs benefit agreement with and watched in frustration as other Akaitcho groups De Beers signed agreements with Gahcho Kue diamond mine water mining companies. licence approved hi-louis-balsillie-fort- Now this agreement changes that. Chief Louis Balsillie of Deninu Kue First res ‘This is Akaitcho territory,’ says Louis “All the other First Nations are getting Nation signs an Impact Benefit Agreement Balsillie, chief of the Deninu Kue First IBAs. Deninu Kue hasn’t received one. with Glen Korophuk of DeBeers Canada. Nation. We’ve signed two other ones, with The Deninu Kue First Nation in Fort Tamerlane and Avalon, but they didn’t of a diamond mine. Resolution, N.W.T., has signed its first move forward with any of their projects Balsillie adds that his band is in talks an impact benefit agreement, or IBA, yet. So this one here, it’s a big deal for us.” with Dominion Diamond Corporation with a diamond mine, De Beers Canada. This is the first agreement of its kind about signing IBAs for the Ekati and The agreement, signed last week, that the band has signed with the owner Diavik diamond mines. will provide the band with money, jobs, training and scholarship funds when production begins at De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine, which is expected in 2016. “This is Akaitcho territory,” says Louis Balsillie, chief of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Previously, diamond companies denied that Fort Resolution, which is south of Great Slave Lake, had any right to claim benefits from the diamond mines. However, the band did its homework and looked at band member’s traditional activities north of the lake where the diamonds are.

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 19 “Yes, but what we really need is a rm that understands our values.”

People who know First Nations, know BDO. Financial literacy & HealtH Wellness - The ImpacT of fInancIal STreSS In The Workplace

ISmo heIkkIla - T.e. WealTh [email protected]

and it is a reaction and response to stress which becomes an important life skill. common programs include smoking cessation,

can be consequences, of course, when not education should be included in an employer’s comprehensive health and wellness program. of dealing with stress can manifest mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Foundation reports that the return on

…the unpleasant feeling that one is unable to meet financial demands, afford the necessities of life, and have sufficient funds to make ends meet…

inancial Literacy and Health Wellness might be “…the unpleasant feeling that one is education program as a preventative wellness intervention has been consistently measured at Workplace a 3:1 return. In essence, for every $1 invested “It is said that if you want to know make ends meet …” . Fwhat you were doing in the past, look at your workplace, the return back to the employer is body now; If you want to know what will stress include cash and debt management, around $3. happen to you in the future, look at what your investments, children’s education funding, Direct measurement that relates to mind is doing now” - Dalai Lama retirement, taxes, insurance, estate planning, improved productivity includes less and maintaining lifestyle. absenteeism; reduced presenteeism; and of our personal choices are represented in Financial stress occurs in all age groups, reduced prescription drug usage in certain Health, Relationships, Career, and Finances. including adolescents, young adults, mid- career adults, adults approaching retirement, relationships at work and at home, and a generally improved lifestyle. While society has families and friends. shared intentions and mutual obligations in One has expectations about decisions personal debt have on various health ailments. and how processes should work and what It is clear that individual’s who have higher the outcomes and results should be. Stress workplace appears to have the highest potential The First Nations Practice at BDO develops and becomes an irritant when things than those who have low levels of debt. It can to continually provide the most appropriate aren’t going according to plan, especially in be surmised that those with higher levels of resources. Our experience has been that an those areas. Stress can be situational or chronic debt are more likely to experience chronic Striking a balance between tradition and economic growth isn’t always easy. With stress that relates to includes both a strategic plan and a tactical practical experience and a deep understanding of First Nations issues, BDO can work with high level low level chronic health issues implementation approach is a “best practice” of you to develop your community while also preserving your way of life. Our dedicated health issues of stress from deBt of stress from deBt leading to more serious the most appropriate use of available resources professionals offer a range of strategic and analytic solutions to help you achieve results migraines/headaches 44% 15% health problems. and outcome measurement. An increasing that will last for generations to come. severe depression 23% 4% number of health and mere possession or in lavish expenditure, but in insomnia/sleep issues 39% 17% wellness programs are its wise application” - Miguel de Cervantes. Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory severe anxiety 29% 4% being implemented in Ismo Heikkila is the National Director, www.bdo.ca the workplace. In fact, Aboriginal Services, at T.E. Wealth. Ismo can high blood pressure 33% 26% 64% of companies now be reached at [email protected] and the heart attack 6% 3% have a variety of health website is www.tewealth.com/aboriginal BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, and wellness programs a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent ulcer/digestive issues 27% 8% member rms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. with 12% of others musclestenstion/low back pain 51% 31%

Aboriginal Marketplace - September/October 2013 20 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business

Seiter&Miller 001013 Pub. The Aboriginal Marketplace Size. 8.375 x 10.75 Issue April/May ‘13 Art Director: sd/lg Copywriter: ms Account Executive: em Date 03/22/13 reaction

Ken Coates in Inside Policy: Canada should get used to wealthy First Nations By Ken Coates, Feb. 12, 2015 In the Feb. 2015 edition of Inside Policy, the magazine of the In the 1999 Marshall decision on Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Ken Coats Macdonald-Laurier Aboriginal fishing rights in the Maritimes, Institute Senior Fellow Ken Coates says First Nations are only going the Supreme Court of Canada declared to get wealthier in the coming years – and the rest of Canada is that First Nations had the right to earn a just going to have to deal with it. “moderate income” from the commercial Impact and benefit agreements and resource revenue sharing fishery. It was a strange decision, imposing arrangements in places like Nunavut and the Northwest Territories imprecise limits on the earning potential of Indigenous fishers. While the rationale are already making Aboriginals richer, he says. behind the earning limit is unclear, there “While Canadians are remarkably sanguine about the often- appears to be a concern about Aboriginal remarkable wealth accruing to real estate speculators, chief people making too much money. executive officers, entrepreneurs and professional hockey players, Indigenous business and political they have no shortage of opinions about Aboriginal prosperity, leaders often comment on the non- which many imply is unfair and unjust”, writes Coates. Aboriginal preoccupation with the

discussions about resource revenue sharing. While Canadians a re remarkably sanguine about the often-remarkable wealth accruing to real estate speculators, chief executive officers, entrepreneurs and professional hockey players, they have no shortage of opinions about Aboriginal prosperity, which many imply is unfair and unjust. That the wealth is typically held collectively, rather than individually, also troubles many non- Aboriginal observers, for it runs counter to the dominant Canadian ethos. Get over it, Canada. Indigenous Canadians are getting a great deal wealthier than in the past. Many of the incomes of Aboriginal people, whether legislation requiring the reporting of larger impact and benefit agreements it is from post-secondary education incomes for chiefs and councillors, which and the most substantial revenue sharing grants, salaries for chiefs and councillors, is a useful public policy tool but which has arrangements, like those in the Northwest or the wealth of successful Aboriginal unleashed a torrent of public criticism of Territories and Nunavut, already produce business executives. Note the nation- the small number of Aboriginal leaders hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and wide First Nations’ reaction to the people believe to be overpaid. This same other benefits for First Nations and Inuit fall 2014 implementation of federal sentiment shows up, sotto voce, in the communities. ( continued on page 22 )

Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business 21 reaction

( continued from page 21 ) The country payments. The basic point is that resource communities. With commercial and is going to see more of these companies revenue sharing will give Aboriginal professional success, based in part on assembling large pools of investment peoples a great deal more money than resource revenue sharing, Aboriginal capital, which they will use to purchase they have at present, providing them with people will have the opportunity to share land, support businesses, sustain local options, opportunities, and more financial in Canada’s overall well-being. When this programming, and otherwise underwrite autonomy than they have exercised in happens – and these processes are already the work and lives of Aboriginal generations. occurring in selected communities across peoples. If resource revenue sharing Some development corporations the country – Aboriginal communities succeeds, Aboriginal people will become already have hundreds of millions of will likely have the social, cultural, and substantially wealthier. And the best dollars. Inuvialuit Regional Corporation financial resources necessary to address communities, like the most successful has more than $500 million in assets. the socio-economic challenges that are non-Aboriginal communities, will use the Athabasca Basin Development has a turn- such a significant part of Indigenous life income to build even greater wealth and over of more than $100 million annually, in Canada. regional opportunity. much of it related to northern resource There is a quid pro quo in this situation. Aboriginal people will respond development. Aboriginal communities can expect push- differently to the financial and commercial A decade or two from now, as the back from Canadians who do not have opportunities presented by resource number of successful Aboriginal businesses access to collective wealth, generated by a revenue sharing. Some will, no doubt, continues to grow, as more communities legal or treaty regime that is not available come to rely on the income from the find their economic feet, and as more to non-Indigenous peoples. Put aside for revenue, using the funds to supplement Aboriginal people find employment in a time questions of legal and political existing economic activity and Indigenous or non-Indigenous owned rights and focus on questions of public government programs. Others will, in the companies, there is a good chance that perception. To some non-Aboriginals, that spirit of Osoyoos, Fort McKay First Nation, the fundamental relationships in this Indigenous peoples are gaining financial Membertou, and others, use the funding to country will change. Wealth, communal and other resources at the same time that launch new businesses, create additional or individual, does matter. Prosperity, their demands and needs for government jobs, and drive their communities away elusive for generations, could make a assistance are greater than ever, is from reliance on government transfer real difference in the lives of Indigenous worrisome.

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS Gordon LaFortune, Managing Partner 2014 Winter Gala of Woods, LaFortune LLP, attended the Assembly of First Nations 2014 Winter Gala held at the Delta Hotel in Ottawa on December 18, 2014. The Gala was held at the end of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)’s Annual General Meeting and was used as an opportunity to welcome newly-elected National Chief, Perry Bellegarde. The event, an overall success, was very well attended by Members of the AFN community and its many supporters. WL LLP and CCAB The photo right features Gordon LaFortune

22 Winter 2015 / Aboriginal Business

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