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Topic proposed by Joe Corbiere
What is the economic impact of the indigenous community on the region's economy?
- tribal council building in Blind River
- traditional role in the mining economy, changing over time
- communities in the area are involved in or settled land claims based resulting from survey issues
- involvement in highway development produced significant benefits for the area
- number of businesses in Garden River
- the native populations living within various communities are also contributing
boom/bust is not new
Government regulations are seen as a hurdle to development, will consultations with First Nations be a further hurdle
the issue of consultation is very complex and the process is being worked out with the provincial government
First Nations are willing to work with local communities to support and accommodate new investment in the best interest of all parties
from a workforce development perspective, partnerships and training are important
mechanisms are in place to facilitate this
real solutions depend on addressing the real problems not just the symptoms
training has been focused on certain needs (social workers) - new options and opportunities are required
capacity building through education is required but it's a double edged sword because better education people will be better able to represent themselves and their needs
How does Serpent River First Nation view mining given its history with uranium mining?
- small First Nations communities do not have the capacity to address this question. Although they may be talking to industry, their real negotiations are with the provincial government.
- exploration companies do not want to spend the time to negotiate and this may deter development
- different First Nations are handling negotiations differently (northeast vs northwestern Ontario)
- First Nations communities will respond differently based on their own desires and requirement but the time pressures of industry or exploration companies are not the first priority
- when no other communities or groups could slow the process of changes to the Mining Act, the aboriginal community has successfully influenced the process
How can we work with the Indigenous community in the growth of the economy?
- there is a need to include the First Nations in developments that include decisions by the provincial government (duty to consult)
- dealing with First Nations is often seen as a nuisence rather than a seeing the benefit of inclusion
- a holistic, inclusive approach is beneficial
- as with any relevant group or agency, relationships must be established and maintained - and like in any relationship, it will take time to build a track record of trust and success
- with regard to the resources and the economy, First Nations will be actively involved
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tourism is definetly an area of growth ........... i was at a tourism conference in Alberta ..... it was announced that the top tourism draws were no 1 the mountains and 2 was the Indians ............. combining the Algoma scenery with indigenous partners would be an excellent growth area
yet we cannot forget .......TURTLE CONCEPTS....... a Garden River business does things in a refreshing way to motivate youth and can change their view of themselves
Dave Jones ............. born and raised in Garden River ON ....... is a motivational leader ...... more then motivational speaking ...... Mr Jones ..........puts into practice aboriginal teachings with a contemporay twist
there is no pandering to the widely held "noble savage .... child of nature (innocent and niave)" belief
inclusionary participation ...... with the participants in a high degree of control and yet instilling self confidence and self esteem .......
Mr. Jones is welll known throughout North America but is definitely underutilized in his own back yard
Joe Corbiere