Without equal economic opportunities, there can be no reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians

National Indigenous Economic Development Board shows that improving education, training and employment outcomes would generate billions of dollars in return

Ottawa, ON – Closing the significant opportunity gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians will annually boost Canada’s GDP by $27.7 billion or 1.5% is the main conclusion of a report released today by the National Indigenous Economic Development Board.

The report, Reconciliation: Growing Canada’s Economy by $27.7 Billion, demonstrates in hard numbers how keeping Indigenous Canadians out of the economy by under-investing in education, infrastructure and other services, has hit Canada’s bottom line. The report estimates that Canada’s GDP would grow by 1.5% or $27.7 billion per year if barriers preventing Indigenous Canadians from participating in the Canadian economy were removed.

“Investing in Indigenous peoples is an investment in Canada’s future prosperity,” said Dawn Madahbee Leach, Interim Chairperson of the Board and General Manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation. “Full reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will not happen without economic reconciliation. It is not only the fair and right thing to do, but there is a strong and compelling business case for all Canadians.”

Previous work by the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) has highlighted the significant gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in terms of their high school completion, university completion, labour force participation, employment and average annual income. The NIEDB’s Aboriginal Economic Progress Report (2015) discusses how some of these gaps have widened over time.

“Providing equal economic opportunity for Indigenous peoples will help Canada address the ongoing economic challenges caused by low productivity and demographic change from an aging population,” said Chief Terrance Paul, Board member and Chief of Membertou First Nation. “This includes equal access to education and training, and economic opportunities more broadly – from access to new jobs and equal employment conditions to resources for starting a new business.”

In its Reconciliation report, the NIEDB estimates that closing the productivity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians would lead to an increase of $27.7 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. This figure is the sum of the estimated increases in employment income earned by Indigenous peoples across all provinces and territories. Additionally, there is an estimated $8 billion “opportunity dividend” to gain each year from reduced poverty and lower healthcare, social and other associated costs.

In other words:

  • If Indigenous peoples had the same education and training as non-Indigenous peoples, the resulting increase in productivity would mean an additional $8.5 billion in income earned annually by the Indigenous population.
  • If Indigenous peoples were given the same access to economic opportunities available to other Canadians, the resulting increase in employment would result in an additional $6.9 billion per year in employment income and approximately 135,000 newly employed Indigenous people.
  • If the poverty rates among Indigenous Peoples were reduced, the fiscal costs associated with supporting people living in poverty, would decline by an estimated $8.4 billion annually.
  • Overall, if the gap in opportunities for Indigenous communities across Canada were closed, it would result in an increase in GDP of $27.7 billion annually or a boost of about 1.5% to Canada’s economy.

Current federal government commitments

As of last year, the Government of Canada has been pursuing an ambitious reconciliation program for Indigenous Peoples, which includes the $8.4 billion earmarked in the most recent federal budget to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and their communities.

The NIEDB sees this as an important first step on the road to reconciliation, but emphasizes that there is much work to be done.

“The Government of Canada has taken positive first steps, significant investments will be like a ‘down payment’ on future economic growth. But reconciliation needs to remain a long-term priority. Reconciliation will take a generation of sustained effort, and full reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians cannot occur without economic reconciliation,” added Madahbee Leach.

“Canadian governments at all levels have a stake in closing these gaps and have a role to play,” said Chief Terrance Paul.

 

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on issues related to Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada, the Board helps governments to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The report Reconciliation: Moving Canada Forward by $27.7 Billion was prepared for the NIEDB by Fiscal Realities Economists. Fiscal Realities has prepared a second follow-up report, entitled Investing in Canada’s Future Prosperity: An Opportunity for Canadian Industries, which can be downloaded below. This report profiles the gap in labour force and employment opportunities by sector across Canada.

Full Report (2016)

Infographic (2016)

Full Report – Part 2 (2017)

Infographic – Part 2 (2017)

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

David Rodier
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
613-786-9945
david.rodier@hkstrategies.ca

National Reconciliation: The $27.7 Billion Argument for Ending Economic Marginalization

Op-Ed by Dawn Madahbee Leach and Chief Terrance Paul

On December 14, 2015, on the occasion of the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, made the following statement: “…we will, in partnership with Indigenous communities, the provinces, territories, and other vital partners, fully implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

At the time, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board applauded the Prime Minister’s statement, and today we acknowledge his on-going commitment to moving forward on a path of reconciliation based on recognition of rights, respect, and partnership.

And it is a path that all Canadians – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – must walk together.

For Indigenous peoples, national reconciliation is critical to addressing the wrongs of the past, improving the socio-economic outcomes of today, and restoring the self-sufficiency and independence of our communities and governments.

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board also believes that national reconciliation is not possible if Indigenous peoples continue to be excluded from sharing in Canada’s prosperity: an objective that will not only improve the socio-economic outcomes of Indigenous peoples but, according to our analysis, will provide significant benefit for all Canadians.

Today, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board released a comprehensive report, Reconciliation: Growing Canada’s Economy by $27.7 Billion, that demonstrates the potential economic benefit of reconciliation – both in terms of what is being lost to Canada and the value of what can be gained by all Canadians.

Reconciliation Growing Canada’s Economy by $27.7 Billion

Our report concludes that the continued economic marginalization of Canada’s Indigenous peoples is costing our economy $27.7 billion each year. In other words, action to achieve economic reconciliation – equal access to financial services, capital and other business supports, adequate community infrastructure and housing, and connectivity for Indigenous communities, as well as equal access to quality education and training – can increase Canada’s Gross Domestic Product by 1.5%. This is greater than the Government’s own estimates on the impact of its infrastructure investments.

Considering the condition of the global economy and a looming demographic challenge, a growing Indigenous economy and an increase in labour force participation among Indigenous peoples could represent a much needed shot in the arm for a low-growth Canadian economy. Canada’s aging population means more workers are leaving the workforce now than are entering it. In contrast to the rest of Canada, the Indigenous population is young and growing fast. With almost half of Indigenous peoples under the age of 25, this young generation is critical to Canada’s future.

The federal government has made important investments, including $8.4 billion earmarked in its most recent budget to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and their communities. We acknowledge the importance of these investments. However, the chronic and systemic underinvestment in Indigenous communities over the last decades is evident in the deplorable conditions many of our communities must endure: conditions that would be unacceptable to other Canadians.

Raising the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples should be a matter of social justice and equality, and a nation as fortunate as Canada should not need a business case to address decades of historical wrongs. But Canadians must walk the path to reconciliation together – and our numbers show that there is nothing to fear and much to gain.

Reconciliation: Growing Canada’s Economy by $27.7 Billion – Some facts:

  • If Indigenous peoples had the same education and training as non-Indigenous peoples, the resulting increase in productivity would mean an additional $8.5 billion in income earned annually by the Indigenous population.
  • If Indigenous peoples were given the same access to economic opportunities available to other Canadians, the ensuing increase in employment would result in an additional $6.9 billion per year in employment income and approximately 135,000 newly employed Indigenous peoples.
  • If the poverty rates among Indigenous Canadians were reduced, the fiscal costs associated with supporting people living in poverty, would decline by an estimated $8.4 billion annually.
  • Overall, if the gap in opportunities for Indigenous communities across Canada was closed, it would result in an increase in GDP of $27.7 billion annually or a boost of about 1.5% to Canada’s economy.

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on issues related to Indigenous economic development.

Dawn Madahbee Leach and Chief Terrance Paul

Full Report (2016)

Infographic (2016)

The NIEDB Identifies Economic Development as a Foundational Element to Achieve Reconciliation in their 2016-2019 Strategic Plan

Ottawa, ON – During their last quarterly meeting held in February, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) formally adopted their 2016-2019 Strategic Plan setting out a broad forward agenda for their work.

Through advice and recommendations to the Government of Canada, the Board’s work will aim to engage urban, rural and remote Indigenous communities alike in developing policy recommendations that respond to the circumstances of the wide variety of Indigenous communities across Canada – a one-size fits all approach will not work as Indigenous peoples move forward. With a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government, one that starts with the recognition of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, the Board will work to measure the changing economic landscape for Indigenous peoples and to track progress and indicate key areas for improvement and focus.

The Board’s vision is a vibrant Indigenous economy, where Indigenous peoples are economically self-sufficient and have achieved economic parity with Canadian society. The Board is fully committed to this objective and calls on all Canadians to work with Indigenous peoples to make Indigenous economic success a reality.

“It is in the interest of all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are full participants in the economy and are able to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s economic prosperity” – said Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB .

The 2016-2019 Strategic Plan focuses on five key priorities over the next three years:

  • Enhancing Indigenous Community Readiness for Economic Opportunities
  • Access to Capital: Building Stable Revenues
  • Building the Economic Potential of Our Lands and Minimizing Environmental Impacts
  • Supporting Indigenous Businesses
  • Promoting the Importance of Indigenous Economic Development

“There are still significant barriers to Indigenous economic development that must be addressed. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis will achieve comparable outcomes in education and income and have access to jobs and skills training on the same level enjoyed by other Canadians when these barriers are removed.” – Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB .

 

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on issues related to Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada, the Board helps governments to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada.

The NIEDB Calls for Increased Investment in Indigenous Economic Development

Ottawa, ON – The National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) is calling for increased investment in Indigenous economic development and highlighted this during a meeting with federal Ministers Bennett, Wilson-Raybould, and Tootoo. The Board’s work and research has shown that investment in Indigenous peoples and communities results in real contributions to the national GDP and improved regional economies throughout Canada.

The Board made a number of recommendations to assist the Government of Canada in meeting its objectives to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous economic development as set by Prime Minister Trudeau in the mandates given to his Ministers.

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The Government of Canada has made the relationship with Indigenous peoples a top priority and the Board believes that this should be adequately reflected in the budget. These recommendations include:

  • Renewing the fiscal relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the premise that Indigenous governments are equal to other levels of government.
  • A threefold increase in federal spending on Indigenous economic development from approximately $278 million to approximately $834 million recognizing the fact that these investments add value to the Canadian economy overall.
  • Increasing funding to Aboriginal Financial Institutions by $100 million dollars to continue to build Indigenous businesses to address jobs and economic growth.
  • Investing additional funding of $150 million for the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime and its institutions in their work to strengthen fiscal capacity.
  • Establishing a North-specific infrastructure investment fund that will help open northern communities for development that they wish to pursue.
  • Providing the necessary support to address the 2011 National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems that estimates that $4.7 billion worth of investments are needed over the next ten years to meet current standards and anticipated population growth. No community in Canada should be without clean drinking water.

The Board believes that economic development is a foundational element in achieving reconciliation. Progress in economic, business, and community development can be achieved when supported by strong Indigenous led governance structures, sufficient and appropriately targeted financial investments, and innovative policy development in partnership with Indigenous communities.

It is in the interest of all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are full participants in the economy and are able to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s economic prosperity.

The amount of money currently dedicated to Indigenous economic development is inadequate. Our Board has long advocated that funding for economic development should comprise not less than 10% of total spending on Indigenous peoples” – said Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB .

Last week’s meeting represents a historic juncture for a promising partnership committed to bringing transformational change to the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, to address historic wrongs and to make real and lasting improvements to the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples.

 

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on issues related to Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada, the Board helps governments to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Closing the Gap: The NIEDB urges the federal government to invest in Northern infrastructure

Op-Ed by Hilda Broomfield Letemplier, Member of the NIEDB _XC_8983

Increased spending on infrastructure can’t come soon enough for Northern and Indigenous communities, where infrastructure endowment is among the poorest in the country. The lack of adequate infrastructure in the North – including port facilities, runways, roads, bridges, telecommunications, housing, and energy infrastructure – creates what is arguably the most significant barrier to community and economic development in the region.

With this in mind, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) welcomes the federal government’s stated commitment to increase infrastructure spending in Canada. In many Northern communities in Canada, critical infrastructure doesn’t exist and community infrastructure, like housing, is severely overcrowded and in need of major repairs.

On January 20th, the Board released its report entitled Recommendations on Northern Infrastructure to Support Economic Development. The recommendations urge the Government of Canada to support Northern infrastructure and economic development with a North-specific approach to increased investment, and by funding research and community planning to support Northern community capacity.

The Board firmly believes that investment in Northern infrastructure has the potential to result in significant positive benefits for not just Northern and Indigenous communities, but all Canadians. Our background studies identified that each dollar spent on Northern economic infrastructure has the potential, if invested wisely, to generate $11 of economic benefits for individuals and $11 of fiscal benefits for governments.

The conclusions in our report are echoed by others. In a survey conducted by GE Canada which involved Northern business and community leaders, 70% of those surveyed ranked infrastructure as “the single most important criteria” for attracting investment and facilitating business development in remote communities. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, among others, have also signaled a critical deficit in Canada’s infrastructure.

An economically viable North with healthy communities is good for all of Canada. Indigenous people comprise the majority population in many places in the North, and settled land claims and local economic development corporations already create a strong base for economic development in the North. Our report clearly demonstrates the value of investing in Northern infrastructure as not only individuals and governments would benefit, but regional attractiveness to private investors would also increase. Our report concludes that strategic investment and enhancements in telecommunications, energy, and transportation infrastructure are critical for economic and social development in Indigenous communities.

As demonstrated by our Aboriginal Economic Progress Report, some progress has been made between 2006 and 2011; however Indigenous Peoples in Canada are currently not on track to achieving parity with non-Indigenous Canadians. Improved infrastructure can create conditions that support regional economic development and lower the investment costs of other infrastructure, like housing and health care.

The vision of the NIEDB is for Indigenous Peoples to be economically self-sufficient and full participants in the Canadian economy. For this to happen, we need to create conditions where Indigenous economies can grow and businesses flourish. Infrastructure investment is needed to create these conditions across Canada, especially in Northern and Indigenous communities.

Bold investment in northern infrastructure is needed now in Northern Indigenous communities to close the gap. The NIEDB urges the federal government to invest in the North while ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are engaged as true partners in the planning, decision-making, and business development opportunities along the away.

The NIEDB
Established in 1990, our Board, comprised of First Nations, Inuit and Métis members, is a national, non-partisan body with a mandate to advise the Government of Canada on Indigenous economic development issues.

NIEDB Recommendations Signal a Critical Moment for Infrastructure Investment in Canada’s North

Ottawa, ON – The National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) has released their Recommendations on Northern Infrastructure to Support Economic Development. The recommendations address the significant infrastructure deficit in Canada’s North which acts as the predominant barrier to economic and business development in the region and the improvement of the quality of life in northern Indigenous communities.

“Not only is more infrastructure funding needed. The North should have its own specific strategy based on the recommendations we have developed for the Government of Canada,” said Hilda Broomfield Letemplier, of NIEDB’s Northern sub-committee.

The Board has found that because of the unique challenges faced in Northern regions, large, nation-building infrastructure is required alongside increased investment in community level infrastructure to support Northern communities. Enhancements to transportation infrastructure, improved connectivity and improvements to energy infrastructure are crucial for community and economic development in Northern communities.

The NIEDB is adding its voice to an increasing number of groups calling for new approaches and renewed investment in Canada’s infrastructure. Organizations such as the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, among others have all signaled a critical deficit in Canada’s infrastructure.

Despite the critical state of Northern infrastructure there is the potential to generate significant net economic and fiscal benefits, while developing sustainable economies. World demand for resources has brought global attention to Canada’s North. In 2011, total mineral exploration expenditures in the three territories were approximately $914 million, representing an 85 percent increase from the previous year.

The Board’s work on infrastructure in the North identified that each dollar spent on Northern economic infrastructure has the potential, if invested wisely, to generate $22 in economic and fiscal benefits.

To fully realise the economic potential of the North, bold infrastructure investments must be made. A report by GE Canada discovered that Northern business and community leaders consistently rank improving infrastructure as the “single most important” criteria for attracting investment and facilitating business development in remote communities.

The report builds on the Board’s research on infrastructure and economic development conducted throughout 2014-2015. Those findings were published in the two reports, Addressing the Infrastructure Needs of Northern Aboriginal Communities Report, and the Business Case for a Northern Economic Infrastructure System. In addition, the Board has consulted with Northern leaders at a roundtable on infrastructure and economic development.

To support Northern infrastructure and economic development the Board recommends that the Government of Canada address three broad areas:

  • Coordinate investments in economic development infrastructure
  • Increase infrastructure funding and financing
  • Support Northern community capacity by funding research and comprehensive community planning

Based on the findings contained in the report, the NIEDB has come forward with the following recommendations. Please refer to the report for full recommendations.

Recommendation 1
It is recommended that the Government of Canada fund a system to facilitate coordination in infrastructure development.

Recommendation 2a
It is recommended that the Government of Canada work with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions.

Recommendation 2b
It is recommended that the Government commission a feasibility study on establishing a Northern Indigenous investment entity, examining the potential benefits of a pooled approach to create a pan-Northern development fund.

Recommendation 3
It is recommended that the Government of Canada designate additional funding to establish a new North-specific infrastructure investment fund, in order to invest in infrastructure to support economic development in the North.

Recommendation 4
It is recommended that further work be undertaken by governments and key Northern leaders to examine alternate private investment models that apply to the North.

Recommendation 5
It is recommended that the Government of Canada consider adopting tax structures that take into account the added cost of operating in the North and would act to level the playing field for industry choosing to operate in the North.

Recommendation 6
It is recommended that the Government of Canada fund a publicly accessible, independent Resource Center to coordinate research into, and share information on, best practices in economic development in the North.

Recommendation 7
It is recommended that the Government of Canada provide dedicated funding and support to Aboriginal governments and Northern communities in order to support comprehensive community planning and provide access to tools that allow proactive engagement in natural resource development.

Northern infrastructure is inadequate to meet the needs of Northern Canadians, and it is limiting our ability to realise the great potential of the North. We are at a crossroads and action is needed now. ” – Hilda Broomfield Letemplier, Northern sub-committee.

Recommendations on Northern Infrastructure to Support Economic Development
The Recommendations on Northern Infrastructure to Support Economic Development build on past research into Northern infrastructure, including the Study on Addressing the Infrastructure Needs of Northern Aboriginal Communities that was conducted by the Conference Board of Canada’s Centre for the North on behalf of the NIEDB. The Fiscal Realities Economists’ 2015 study The Business Case for a Northern Economic Infrastructure System was also used extensively in the development of the recommendations. The ideas and strategies generated at the Roundtable on Northern Infrastructure and Economic Development hosted by the NIEDB in June 2015 were crucial in the preparation of the recommendations. The Board consulted extensively with Northern experts in the development of this report.

 

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the NIEDB is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy and program advice to the federal government on Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit and Métis community and business leaders from across Canada, the Board plays an important role in helping the federal government develop economic policies and programs that are coordinated, accessible and responsive to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous Canadians.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

David Rodier
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
613-786-9945
david.rodier@hkstrategies.ca

Chief Clarence Louie on a Speaking Tour in Germany and France

In June 2015, the Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, Chief Clarence Louie, was invited on a speaking tour in Germany and France.

The Canadian Embassy in Berlin pursues an active program relating to the Canadian Arctic and Canada’s Indigenous people. This includes promotion of Canadian Indigenous film-makers at major festivals like the Berlin International Film Festival, promotion of Indigenous artists in collaboration with major German institutions as well as educational programs on the Arctic and on Canada’s Indigenous people.

Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, and Marie Gervais-Vidricaire, Canada's Ambassador to Germany, at the Annual Reception of the German-Canadian Association in Mainz on June 27th, 2015

Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, and Marie Gervais-Vidricaire, Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, at the Annual Reception of the German-Canadian Association in Mainz on June 27th, 2015

Chief Clarence Louie delivering a presentation on "Aboriginal Entrepreneurship - Building Sustainable Businesses and Communities" to the German-Canadian Business Club on June 23rd, 2015 in Munich

Chief Clarence Louie delivering a presentation on “Aboriginal Entrepreneurship – Building Sustainable Businesses and Communities” to the German Canadian Business Club on June 23rd, 2015 in Munich

Chief Louie’s visit to Germany included stops in Munich, Berlin and Mainz, addressing audiences at six separate events – ranging from university students, to young entrepreneurs, to established Canada-Germany business networks – on the theme of “Aboriginal Entrepreneurship – Building Sustainable Businesses and Communities”. His presentations describing Indigenous business success stories combined with his clear commitment to the economic development of Canada’s Indigenous peoples were met with positive reactions at all events. Chief Louie’s visit to Germany was profiled in the media and his profile was featured in two major weekly magazines including one of Germany’s largest news weeklies “FOCUS”.

Chief Louie (right) also took the opportunity of a visit to the winery of the official Mainz City Vintner to exchange views on the wine business and to compare some local Mainz wines with those of his band's prize-winning Nk'Mip Cellars.

Chief Louie (right) also took the opportunity of a visit to the winery of the official Mainz City Vintner to exchange views on the wine business and to compare some local Mainz wines with those of his band’s prize-winning Nk’Mip Cellars.

Chief Louie’s speaking tour included France, where he was a keynote speaker during the “2015 Canada Week” activities organized by the Embassy of Canada to France. His program in France was based on the theme of promoting economic development and Indigenous culture, as well as to respond to the interest of the French to better understand Indigenous social and cultural realities.

Chief Louie meeting with parliamentarians Catherine Coutelle et Sandrine Battistel, Chairs of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Relations, at the National Assembly

Chief Louie meeting with parliamentarians Catherine Coutelle et Sandrine Battistel, Chairs of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Relations, at the National Assembly

Chief Louie’s visit generated interest of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), French parliamentarians, the Office of Tourism, as well as the interest of the Quai Branly Museum that features indigenous art of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Chief Louie made several presentations during which he stressed the importance of Indigenous communities being economically dynamic, not afraid to go into business, investing to become prosperous, autonomous and proud – all in the interest of the future of their communities.

Chief Louie had the opportunity to speak about the dynamism of Indigenous communities, the successful Indigenous economic development initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities that Indigenous people in Canada are facing.

The Board Welcomes Its Newest Member – Darlene Bernard

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board is pleased to welcome Darlene Bernard, Former Chief of Lennox Island First Nation, who was appointed to the Board in June 2015.

Darlene Bernard believes that building positive, mutually beneficial relationships governed by respectfulness, true consultation and dialogue are key to the wellbeing and development of individuals and communities.

Darlene-Bernard

She served as Chief of the Lennox Island First Nation, a small Mi’kmaq community located just off the north shore of Prince Edward Island, from 2001 until 2013. Before her time in politics Darlene was the Director of Employment and Training Services for the First Nation and developed and implemented important programing to assist adult band members to be better able to engage and experience success in employment and educational activities.

For her full biography and more information on the Board, please consult the following page: http://www.naedb-cndea.com/the-board/.

The NIEDB Publishes its Annual Report for 2014-2015

Ottawa, Ontario – 3 September 2015 – The National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) released its 2014-2015 Annual Report today. The Board achieved a number of important milestones this year which have contributed to ensuring that federal policies and programs are well aligned with the goals of fostering the economic growth of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

As Aboriginal business and community leaders, we view economic development as a necessary pre-requisite for the wellbeing of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities alike.

– Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB

Key highlights from the Board’s work in 2014-2015 include:

The NIEDB strongly believes that Indigenous  people are making economic and social progress and making important contributions to the Canadian economy. It is essential to maintain this momentum by developing policies and programs that will drive economic development and contribute to closing the gap in economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

The Board’s long-term goal is to ensure that Indigenous people are healthy, well-educated, economically self-sufficient and full participants in the Canadian economy. As the Board gets ready to embark on their next Strategic Plan 2015-2018, their priorities continue to be guided by this overarching goal.

 

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the NIEDB is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy and program advice to the federal government on Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit and Métis community and business leaders from across Canada, the Board plays an important role in helping the federal government develop economic policies and programs that are coordinated, accessible and responsive to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous Canadians.

Economic Development for Indigenous People Still Not on Track

Op-Ed by Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB , and Dawn Madahbee, Vice-Chair – Earlier this month, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on Residential Schools generated hundreds of media reports and helped focus attention on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.

Op-Ed published by the Ottawa Citizen on June 17, 2015

Residential schools are but one example of the many actions that served to strip our communities of their independence and erode our ability to provide meaningful opportunity to generations of our young people.

While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a key milestone with immense symbolic importance, it will have no lasting effect unless we provide the economic tools that our communities need to fully participate in the Canadian economy.

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board’s (NAEDB) vision is for Aboriginal people to be healthy, well-educated, economically self-sufficient and full participants in the Canadian economy. We believe that all of the gains we want to make collectively for the 1.4 million Aboriginal Canadians must be achieved by moving the needle on income, education and entrepreneurship and to close the vast economic gaps that exist between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

Tumbnail_Op_Ed

Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB , and Dawn Madahbee, Vice-Chair, at the launch of the the Progress Report during the First Nations Infrastructure, Land Development & Urban Planning Conference (RezLAND) in Osoyoos, British Columbia.

The opportunities for economic development for Aboriginal people today are greater than ever- due to a host of factors including assertive treaty rights, and growing recognition that local communities have much to offer. Success stories include the shipbuilding contracts in Nova-Scotia; the construction of the first on-reserve correction centre in Canada on Osoyoos Indian Band reserve lands; the second largest mall development in Canada by Tsawwassen First Nations; and Air Inuit, which began in 1978 and now employs close to 500 people.

It is estimated that Aboriginal people in Canada will generate $32 billion a year in combined income across households, businesses and governments by 2016 – more than Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island combined.

However, Aboriginal Canadians represent 4% of the Canadian population and their 32 billion in economic activity represent less than 1.5% of Canada’s projected 2016 Gross Domestic Product. Aboriginal prosperity is therefore essential to Canada’s overall prosperity and Canada’s long-term economic success.

In 2012, the NIEDBset a bold goal to achieve economic and social parity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians by 2022. We pledged to measure the progress every 3 years from the 2012 baseline and to report back to Canadians. This week, the First Report Card was released – the Aboriginal Economic Progress Report.

  • The findings show that Aboriginal people in Canada have made slight gains between 2006 and 2011, but significant gaps remain between the Aboriginal and the non-Aboriginal populations – especially for First Nations living on reserve.
  • Gaps between First Nations living on reserve and non-Aboriginal Canadians actually increased in terms of employment rate, reliance on government transfers, college and trades completion rates, university completion rates, and crowded housing conditions.
  • Inuit unemployment declined to 19.5% in 2011, leading to a two percentage point drop in the gap with the non-Aboriginal population. However, gaps in Inuit post-secondary completion rates increased. Inuit university completion rates remained the lowest at 4.9%, compared to 25.8% for the non-Aboriginal population.
  • The Métis population had the highest high school (71.0%) and university completion (12.2%) rates among Aboriginal heritage groups. The average income gap between Métis and the non-Aboriginal populations was reduced by 6.7%.

In short, Aboriginal people in Canada are currently not on track to achieving parity with non-Aboriginal Canadians. The NIEDB is concerned that much of the economic potential of Aboriginal people remains unrealized. The only way forward is through economic, business, education, employment and community development led by strong governance, political will and sufficient targeted financial investments in these areas.

Based on the findings contained in the report, the NIEDBhas come forward with a set of recommendations including specific strategies for First Nations on reserves, education, employment and skills training, community and business development, youth and data collection in order to strengthen policy making.

The Board firmly believes that economic development is the foundation for real reconciliation and true collaboration between governments, private sector businesses and all Aboriginal people. It is clear that there is still much work to be done before Aboriginal people are in the same position as other Canadians to contribute to and benefit from one of the world’s wealthiest economies.

 

The NIEDB
Established in 1990, the NIEDB is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy and program advice to the federal government on Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit and Métis community and business leaders from across Canada, the Board plays an important role in helping the federal government develop economic policies and programs that are coordinated, accessible and responsive to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous Canadians.