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3Message from the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Message from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

JEDI Board of Directors 2013-2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

JEDI Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

JEDI Program Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Supporting Community Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Community Economic Development Success Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Supporting Entrepreneurship and Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Entrepreneurship and Business Development Success Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Supporting Workplace Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Workforce Development Success Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Supporting Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Partnership Success Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

JEDI Workforce Development Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Appendix A - Audited Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Table of Contents

TABLE O

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JEDI has had another very active year in Aboriginal economic and workforce development. Working with our partners, we have been achieving many great things.

JEDI has been pleased to award funding for 13 JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF) projects during the 2013/2014 fiscal year. Investments have been made in businesses representing a variety of industries ranging from manufacturing to the service sector. This fund-ing will help these businesses grow and create jobs in the communities that they serve. We will also be contacting all of our JADF recipients to consult with them on how they are doing and how we can further help.

We currently have 112 businesses identified and we look forward to connecting with even more. This inventory will provide a use-ful resource for JEDI and its partners to ensure we are providing as much as we can to support these entrepreneurs with their specific needs. A great example of how this resource can help is the recent partnership with ProfitLearn that resulted in professional development workshops for 37 entrepreneurs in Woodstock, Elsipogtog and St. Marys. JEDI made sure that we only developed the content for the workshop after we consulted with the 112 entrepreneurs on what their needs were to ensure they receive the right type of training.

JEDI is also working closely with many Aboriginal communities to help them develop community economic development projects. Examples have been the Grey Rock Power Centre in Madawaska and the new Riverside Entertainment Centre in Miramichi. There are many community economic development success stories in New Brunswick and JEDI has been proud to assist with making these projects a reality.

The JEDI Aboriginal Intern project continues to be a success. JEDI has partnered with ArtsNB to provide two Aboriginal interns to support the work of ArtsNB and promote the organization to Aboriginal clients. Natalie Sappier and Katie Nicholas have been doing an excellent job and we are proud of their work.

JEDI has also been busy building relationships with other organiza-tions to offer as many resources and sources of assistance as possible to Aboriginal entrepreneurs so that any Aboriginal entrepreneur can find everything they need to have a thriving business. A great example is the increase in attendance at the JEDI Plenaries from a variety of stakeholders in the public and private sector.

JEDI is also proud of its workforce development work. JEDI has been working with all 15 Aboriginal communities and people living outside their community to ensure that any Aboriginal person in New Brunswick is able to tap into the many services we offer ranging from apprenticeship support to training-to-employment.

All of these projects are innovative and respond to the ever-changing needs of our clients and industry in New Brunswick.

Finally, the official opening of our new professional office space in February has created a contemporary environment for our talented JEDI team to work hand-in-hand with our partners to achieve success. This one-time investment has taken years of planning. The office space will also be available for our Aboriginal partners to use. It will truly benefit the JEDI team, our clients and our partners.

None of our achievements could have been accomplished without the partnerships we have with the 15 Aboriginal communities in New Brunswick, the North Shore Micmac District Council, the MAWIW Tribal Council, the Saint John River Valley Tribal Council, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick as well as our many private sector and public sector partners.

Woliwon. Welalin. Thank you.

Alex DedamPresidentJoint Economic Development Initiative

Message from the ChairAlex Dedam, President, JEDI

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Message from the CEOLynn Poole-Hughes, CEO, JEDI

Being located in St. Marys First Nation, I am reminded daily of the importance of the work of the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the impact JEDIs work has had for Aboriginal people in New Brunswick.

Every single day is a new learning experience for me. There will always be challenges within an organization but with the support of a strong dedicated team we are always able to move forward even on the tough days. This is a result of continuing to keep JEDIs mission in the forefront which is to work with our partners to foster economic and workforce development for Aboriginal people and communities.

With a team of 16 dedicated JEDI staff, we focus on trying to provide the right opportunities! A major focus in 2013-2014 was on Aboriginal entrepreneurs. JEDI offered a variety of resources such as the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund, professional development workshops and developing an Aboriginal database with the end goal in mind which is to increase the number of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and strengthen Aboriginal businesses.

Another focus for JEDI in 2013-2014 was on industry-driven workforce development which resulted in a number of Aboriginals receiving training in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as well as training in trades focused on the natural resources sector. This in-cludes construction, heavy equipment and trucking. All these training programs will provide the future workforce with the skills in demand by employers.

I am so proud of JEDIs accomplishments this past year. I look forward to continuing to work with the JEDI team and partners in 2014-2015 to create new relationships and identify new business lines which will support Aboriginal Participation in New Brunswicks Economy.

JEDI and the New Brunswick Arts Board have also partnered to provide opportunities this year through the JEDI Aboriginal Internship Program (AIP). This partnership, to encourage more support of Aboriginal arts in New Brunswick, is one example of how the AIP program helps Aboriginal professionals gain valuable work experience and help companies gain valuable new assets.

JEDI continues to work closely with Aboriginal communities and other partners in New Brunswick to open doors to economic and workforce development opportunities. Our Aboriginal employment, adult learn-ing and apprenticeship programs have worked closely with partners such as communities, tribal councils, industry and government to provide career opportunities for many Aboriginal people.

I am so proud of JEDIs accomplishments this past year and I look forward to continuing to work with the JEDI team and partners in 2014-2015 to create new relationships and identify new business lines which will support Aboriginal Participation in New Brunswicks Economy.

Woliwon. Welalin. Thank you.

Lynn Poole-HughesCEO Joint Economic Development Initiative

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The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a not-for-profit organization that supports Aboriginal partici-pation in New Brunswicks economy .

JEDI began in 1995 as a forum that brought together leaders of First Nations communities and organizations in New Brunswick with leaders from the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick and New Brunswicks private sector in an effort to improve economic and workforce development opportunities for First Nations in New Brunswick . Since 1995, JEDI has been active on its mandate and now operates as an indepen-dent not-for-profit organization that boasts many successes in Aboriginal economic and workforce development .

JEDI is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), the New Brunswick Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat (AAS), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (DPETL) . In addition to government funding, JEDI also receives support from the private sector as well as Aboriginal com-munities and organizations . JEDI is governed by a JEDI Inc . Board of Directors consisting of Aboriginal, private sector, and funding partners .

Programs under the management of JEDI include: the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF), the Provincial Aboriginal Employment Coordinator Partnership, the Aboriginal Adult Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator Partnership, youth initiatives such as the Aboriginal Internship Program (AIP),the JEDI/Brunway Bursary Program and the Aboriginal Workforce Development Initiative (AWDI) .

MissionJEDI works with partners to foster economic and workforce development for Aboriginal people and communities .

VisionHonouring traditional values, we strive for full Aboriginal participation in the New Brunswick economy .

JEDI is committed to working cooperatively with all stakeholders to achieve this mission and vision . The strengths of JEDI include strong stakeholder commitment in an open forum; credibility; longevity; a proven track record; recognition as a good partnership model nationally and JEDIs position as a non-political organization .

Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) held an April Plenary in Moncton focused on community economic development featuring speeches from Vancouver 2010 Olympics Co-Organizer Tewanee Joseph and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business CEO JP Gladu. Pictured from left to right is JEDI CEO Lynn Poole-Hughes, JEDI President Alex Dedam, Tewanee Joseph, JP Gladu, JEDI Economic Development Manager Charles Harn and JEDI Workforce Development Executive Director Karen LeBlanc.

7JEDI BO

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JEDI PresidentAlex DedamEsgenoopetitj First Nation620 Bayview DriveBurnt Church, NBE9G 2A8506-776-1330506-778-1061alex .dedam@nb .aibn .com

Assembly of First Nations Chiefs RepresentativeChief Gabriel AtwinKingsclear First Nation77 French Village RoadKingsclear First Nation, NBE3E 1K3506-363-3028gabrielatwin@kingsclear .ca

First Nation Economic Development RepresentativesLynn FrancisElsipogtog First NationRR#1, 373 Big Cove RoadElsipogtog First Nation, NBE4W 2S3506-523-8200lf@efned .ca

Jim WardNorth Shore Micmac District Council38 Micmac RoadEel Ground First Nation, NBE1V 4B1506-627-4611jimward@nb .aibn .com

First Nation ASETSMike GirouardNorth Shore Micmac District Council38 Micmac RoadEel Ground First Nation, NBE1V 4B1506-627-4611michaelg@nb .aibn .com

Laurie PaulMAWIW Council Inc .150 Cliffe Street, Box R12Fredericton, NBE3A 0A1506-461-5177laurie .paul67@gmail .com

First Nation Business Liaison Group of NB RepresentativeBill BelliveauBell Strategic698 Main StreetMoncton, NBE1C 1E4506-863-5589bill .bellstrategic@nb .aibn .com

New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council RepresentativeWendy WettelandChief320 St . Marys StreetFredericton, NBE3A 2S4506-458-8422chief@nbapc .org

New Brunswick Business Council RepresentativeSusan HoltCEO440 King Street, Suite 626Fredericton NBE3B 5H8506-444-8919susan .holt@nbbc-cenb .ca

Private Sector Human Resource RepresentativeKaren AtwinDragonfly Solutions37 Friesen DriveIslandview, NBE3E 1A3506-238-3384karen .atwin9@gmail .com

Ex-OfficiosPatrick FrancisGovernment of New Brunswick Aborginal Affairs SecretariatKings PlaceP . O . Box 6000Fredericton, NBE3B 5H1506-462-5172patrick .francis@gnb .ca

Manson GloadeAboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada1809 Barrington StreetSuite 500, 5th Floor, CIBC Bldg Halifax, NS B3J 3K7902-661-6480manson .gloade@aandc-aadnc .gc .ca

Kalie Hatt-KilburnAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency570 Queen Street PO Box 578 Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6506-444-6144Kalie .hatt-kilburn@acoa-apeca .gc .ca

Rod ClarkService Canada633 Queen Street Fredericton, NBE3B 1C3506-452-4298rod .clark@servicecanada .gc .ca

Diane HawkinsGovernment of New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and LabourChestnut ComplexP . O . Box 6000Fredericton, NBE3B 5H1506-453-8707diane .hawkins@gnb .ca

JEDI Board of Directors 2013-2014

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JEDI PartnersThe North Shore Micmac District Council, the MAWIW Tribal Council, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council and the Saint John River Tribal Council assist JEDI by providing guidance, establishing relationships and assisting with JEDI projects .

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) support JEDI with core operational funding as well as providing financial and/or in-kind assistance to projects or clients on request .

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) provides financial support for the New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology (NBAICT) and New Brunswick Aboriginal Mining, Energy and Trades (NBAMET) training-to-employment projects .

The Department of Post-Secondary, Education, Training and Labour (DPETL) provides financial support to a variety of initiatives such as supporting the staff positions of the Project Coordinator, the Communications Manager, the Administrator/Registrar, the Provincial Aboriginal Employment Coordinator and the Aboriginal Adult Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator . DPETL also provides additional support to JEDIs projects such as providing Workplace Essential Skills assessments and training .

The New Brunswick Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat provides assistance to JEDI by building partnership con-nections and providing financial and/or in-kind assistance to projects or clients on request .

The First Nations Business Liaison Group and the New Brunswick Business Council help JEDI by establishing relationships across New Brunswick and assisting with JEDI projects .

JEDI also routinely receives sponsorship of events such as the JEDI Plenary via the generous contributions of many public and private sector organizations .

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin visited the October board meeting of the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) held at St. Marys First Nation. From left to right are JEDI President Alex Dedam, New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology students Ian Daly, Corrina Merasty-Gallant, and the Right Honourable Paul Martin.

9JEDI PRO

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JEDI Programs OverviewHonoring traditional values, we strive for full Aboriginal participation in the New Brunswick economy .

Since 1995, JEDI has worked closely with the Aboriginal community and many stakeholders to champion economic development through four directions:

Supporting Community Economic Development Supporting the Development of Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Supporting Aboriginal Workforce Development Supporting Partnerships Between Aboriginal Communities and the Public and Private Sectors

JEDI continues to support Aboriginal Economic Development in the province of New Brunswick through various initiatives and projects . In this section we will highlight these directions and provide examples of the ways in which JEDI provides continued support for Aboriginal economic and workforce development .

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) held an open house during the February JEDI Plenary in Fredericton. New Brunswick Premier David Alward, right, looks on while New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology (NBAICT) student Ashley Nash demonstrates a project she completed while studying in her JEDI organized program.

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Supporting Community Economic Development

JEDI completed an active year in the area of Community Economic Development . Focuses included coor-dinating the Aboriginal Economic Development Officers Committee, facilitating economic development partnerships, supporting community economic development projects, engaging communities and provid-ing key information .

Aboriginal Economic Development Officers CommitteeThe Aboriginal Economic Development Officers Committee met several times during the year . Presentations to the group included a talk from Irving Shipbuilding on opportunities on the companys multi-billion dollar shipbuilding contract as well as a variety of presentations from various levels of government on priority pro-gramming exploring topics ranging from community economic development support to apprenticeship . The group also merged with the Aboriginal Employment Training Officers Committee to allow for greater collaboration .

Economic Development PartnershipsJEDI helped a number of economic development partnerships take place such as Balance Means Business, the national I Do Business initiative, the national Aboriginal Affairs Working Group effort to promote Aboriginal economic development success stories and capacity development workshops by Ulnooweg .

Engaging Communities and Providing Key InformationA JEDI Plenary took place in April, October and February . The locations of the events were Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton . The April Plenary focused on encouraging community economic development and featured a presentation by Tewanee Joseph, Aboriginal co-organizer of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics . The October Plenary focused on workforce development and featured a presentation by retired RBC Executive Vice-President Charles Coffey . The February Plenary focused on entrepreneurship and featured a variety of panel discussions about Aboriginal innovation . This event also included a presentation by Aboriginal entrepreneur Kendall Netmaker .

Supporting Community Economic Development ProjectsJEDI assisted a number of communities with economic development projects . Highlights include continued support of the Grey Rock Power Centre, support of wind energy projects in Eastern New Brunswick and assistance for activities in Fredericton-area communities .

Nathan Paul of St. Marys Retail Sales speaks during the February JEDI Plenary in Fredericton. Mr. Paul took part in a panel where he talked about how his community-owned business has brought innovation into their day-to-day operations.

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Community Economic Development Success Story

The New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy is a unique partnership between the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), the North Shore Micmac District Council, the MAWIW Tribal Council, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, the Saint John River Valley Tribal Council, the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Aerospace and Defence Association and the New Brunswick Building Trades Council .

Launched in early 2014, the project seeks to establish a comprehensive strategy and database of skilled Aboriginal workers and businesses that will become a blueprint for ensuring maximum Aboriginal partici-pation in the planned National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy activity for Atlantic Canada starting in 2015 . It has the support of Irving Shipbuilding .

On October 19, 2011, the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Secretariat announced that Atlantic Canada-based Irving Shipbuilding was selected to build combat vessels and Seaspan Marine Corporation in BC, was selected to build non-combat vessels under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy .

The strategy valued the combined projects at over $36 billion and each project has an expected lifespan of 20 30 years . It is expected that $29 .3 billion of this budget will be spent on the East coast over the duration of this project . This means that there is an opportunity for high school students to graduate and move into careers that will last for over 20 years in this industry . In fact, there are children who are not even born yet who may work on the shipbuilding project .

Working closely with its partners, JEDI constructed a successful proposal for a project that would map out a plan for Aboriginal participation from New Brunswick in the shipbuilding opportunities . The project became the New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy which undertook a compre-hensive dialogue process with Aboriginal communities and other key stakeholders to gain feedback on how Aboriginal people in New Brunswick would like to take part in shipbuilding activity . This has included organizing two JEDI Plenaries, eight community dialogue sessions as well as an online portal . The final strategy will include a work plan and budget for suggested activities to pursue . In addition, the project has resulted in the establishment of a database that will help communicate with individuals and businesses interested in shipbuilding so that they can receive the support they need .

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy offers many opportunities for community economic development and JEDI will continue to work with partners to ensure Aboriginal people in New Brunswick benefit .

Stephen Lund, Vice President of Industrial Benefits and Community Relations for Irving Shipbuilding Inc., speaks at the New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy JEDI Plenary in Miramichi.

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Supporting Entrepreneurship and Business Development

JEDI undertook an ambitious agenda this past year of investing in Aboriginal entrepreneurs and small businesses financially as well as with capacity building resources . This included activities through the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF) and via a financial partnership with the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Strategic Partnerships Initiative .

JEDI economic development staff successfully secured funding via the AANDC Strategic Partnerships Initiative for the launch of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy project . The initiative seeks to work with partners to develop a strategy and database that will create a blueprint for Aboriginal participation in the planned National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy activity in Atlantic Canada .

JEDI has provided direct support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and commercial ventures through the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF) projects totalling approximately $40,000 . The planning support funding has leveraged investments through universal programming to these Aboriginal business communities . This follows two years of increased activity .

JEDI has been assisting three Aboriginal communities with projects in energy, gaming, and major tourism . JEDI Aboriginal community economic development assistance has helped a number of projects come to life this year such as the Grey Rock Power Centre in Madawaska, the Riverside Entertainment Centre in Miramichi, and strategic support to the Metepenagiag Heritage Park

JEDI has taken inventory of 112 Aboriginal businesses in New Brunswick . Sixty-nine of those businesses have been included in a business distribution list that acts as an important communications tool to solicit feedback on business needs and to advise those businesses about important programs and events . JEDI continues to add businesses to that list and will merge this list with an upcoming business database that will be created via the New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy project .

JEDI partnered with LearnSphere to offer advanced workshops to Aboriginal businesses in Elsipogtog, Woodstock, and St . Marys . These workshops focused on an introduction to Financial Management as well as Marketing & Promotion . Thirty-seven business owners and managers participated . In addition, a partnership was secured that will connect Aboriginal communities and businesses with the new LearnSphere Online Training Tool, to be rolled out in the 2014-2015 fiscal year .

JEDI met with 20 Aboriginal businesses to assist with business opportunities . JEDI referred 10 business/entre-preneurs for development assistance to other agencies .

Brad MacMillan, founder of THE POUND in Eel Ground First Nation, is one of the many JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund clients. Mr. MacMillans business has been experiencing significant growth and recognition.

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Entrepreneurship and Business Development Success Story

Roche (Rocky) Sappier did not initially intend to start a business in 2011. However, after earning a business diploma from the New Brunswick Community College in Woodstock and several months of unsuccessful job searching, he real-ized that hed have to create his own job. Now Rocky is building his business, Aboriginal Millennium Health Products, based on the healing properties of honey.

Native people have a lot of chronic diseases but there is no one who is looking into why they do, he said. 34% of all Canadian Aboriginals are diabetic. Honey has over 180 minerals, enzymes and nutrients that people need for better health.

Rocky first discovered the benefits of raw honey back in 2006 when he was working out West in the oil fields. The hours of work were long and the duties were rigorous. To cope with the difficulties of oil patch work, Rocky and his co-workers took a variety of energy drinks, caffeine, salt and pain pills. The positive effects of these products were short-lived and Rockys health began to deteriorate within the first month.

On the oil rig he met a Metis elder from Saskatchewan, Doug Miller. Doug was 72 or 73 years of age but looked like a man of 40. As their friendship grew, they discussed matters of fam-ily, spirituality and health. When Doug learned of Rockys health issues, he gave him some capsules filled with raw honey to take three times/day. Within weeks, Rockys strength and stamina improved and he had energy to spare.

When Rocky returned to New Brunswick he wanted to continue taking raw honey so he went to a local apiary. The beekeeper/apiarist

eventually became his partner and with the help of his partner, family, and Aboriginal medicinal knowledge, he developed a line of honey-based products which included health & wellness beverages, natural products, and products with medical applications.

People will always need help and it is up to us to figure out how to give it. My products are made to heal people, Rocky said.

Rocky is dedicated to his new venture because he wants to create products that will help people be healthier and live longer. For Rocky, honey is a medicine not just a sweetener.

Its a journey into uncharted territory and I love it, he said.

Like many entrepreneurs, Rocky saw his business start to take shape after he tapped into support from a number of sources like the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF). Rocky partnered with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) to pay for the incorporation of his busi-ness. He also received help from the University of New Brunswick and from Karina LeBlanc, the Executive Director at the Pond-Deshpande Centre. The Pond-Deshpande Centre assists NB entrepreneurs and helps them turn ideas into businesses. Karina has helped Rocky make new business connections and encouraged him to apply for funding.

Laura OBlenis, CEO of Stilletto Consulting was also a big and ongoing help, Rocky said. She has good contacts, knows her stuff and her heart is in the right place. She has become very invaluable to me, like my right arm.

Rocky also acknowledges the support he received from the Saint Marys Band office.

Saint Marys has developed their system around the needs of the people, he said. If anyone at Saint Marys has an idea, there is a support system there. They will support you and help you make it happen.

Rocky thanks his family and everyone else who has helped him along the way.

There is no such thing as a self-made man, he said. Behind him is a family.

Rocky is currently navigating the processes involved in starting a business such as funding pitches, continued research, working with production facilities, and looking for business partners in the hopes of getting his first product on store shelves by late summer or early fall 2014.

Rockys advice to other Aboriginal entrepreneurs is that you have to be willing to keep trying when the going gets tough.

No matter what, keep going and let your per-sonal vision and ideal guide you to the end, said Rocky. Dont let anything deter you. And above all, believe in yourself, your product, and what you are doing. If you dont have persistence, you dont have anything going for you. Find like-minded people to help you succeed. You can be successful in spite of the odds against you.

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Supporting Workforce DevelopmentDuring the 2013-2014 fiscal year, JEDI achieved significant results in Aboriginal workforce development . JEDI accomplished these results through the New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology (NBAICT) Project, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Mining, Energy and Trades (NBAMET) Project, the Provincial Aboriginal Employment Coordinator (PAEC) and the Aboriginal Adult Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator (AALAC) partnership with the Government of New Brunswick .

NBAICT concluded the pilot portion of the project with the graduation of 16 new Aboriginal Mobile Application Development specialists in April . These graduates received state-of-the-art and industry-rec-ognized training via a partnership between JEDI and the Collge communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) . JEDI is now assisting these graduates with employment and links to the ICT industry . JEDI is also launching a province-wide digital literacy training program and planning for the next phase of the initiative .

NBAMET has provided clients with industry-driven training for careers as crane operators, heavy equipment operators and truck drivers . The program has served 327 clients, trained 104 clients and helped 90 clients secure employment . NBAMET has also worked with JEDIs Aboriginal Adult Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator (AALAC) to assist many individuals with apprenticeship opportunities .

JEDI has been active in Aboriginal adult learning and apprenticeship during the past year via a partner-ship with the Government of New Brunswick . During this year, JEDI has helped 200 learners go through the Workplace Essential Skills Training, GED and Digital Literacy . The Aboriginal Adult Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator has also assisted 20 Aboriginal tradespeople get certified and registered 5 new people in the Apprenticeship program .

Finally, the Provincial Aboriginal Employment Coordinator (PAEC) position has communicated numerous employment opportunities to Aboriginal communities and job seekers . The position has also assisted with the organization of the October 2013 JEDI Plenary on Aboriginal recruitment and the establishment of the inaugural Provincial Aboriginal Job Fair .

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) completed the pilot phase of its New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology (NBAICT) Project this past year. Pictured is the graduating class of the projects Aboriginal Mobile Application Development Program taken during graduation ceremonies in Fredericton.

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Workforce Development Success Story

James Denny has always been interested in creating computer applications and how programs were created so when the chance to study Mobile Application Development (MAD) came along, he jumped at the opportunity.

JEDI, in conjunction with the Collge Communautaire de Nouveau-Brunswick, created a 57 week accredited Aboriginal Mobile Application Development program where students learned how to program in the latest technology for both the Apple and Android platforms. The cutting-edge curriculum was created based on industry needs and also includes a cultural component designed specifically for Aboriginal students.

The students in JEDIs MAD program come from several First Nation com-munities around New Brunswick. James is from Eel Ground First Nation and has been studying the MAD program in Miramichi for more than a year now. He is a mature student and has really enjoyed being back in the classroom doing something new and exciting.

What I like best about the world of ICT is that there are so many opportunities out there that exist for people with coding skills, said James.

What I like best about the world of ICT is that there are so many opportu-nities out there that exist for people with coding skills, said James. I truly enjoy that I have a skill that, for the most part, is completely alien to the general public. This program has prepared me to find employment in the ICT field by giving me the basic understanding and framework of computer programming.

As graduation nears, JEDI has worked with the students to help them find careers in the IT field. In addition to providing potential employers contact information to the students, JEDI has also brought in a variety of employers who spoke to the students and explained the skillsets needed to work for their companies and what the work environment would be like.

Although, there are many IT companies in NB, James and one of his class-mates have different plans for the future. They have already started sketch-ing out the business plan for their own company, KEJU Development, a mobile app/website development company. Their plans are to expand on a Mobile App project that they started while in school and to keep producing more applications for the IOS and Android markets through the App store and Google Play.

In addition, James and his business partner want to build websites for entrepreneurs who have never had an online presence before. They also want to hire or provide internships to new programmers so that these programmers can gain the confidence and experience they need to ac-celerate their careers.

JEDI wishes James the best of luck in his new career. When asked if he had any advice for future IT students, James had this to say, Make sure that you are fully invested in your studies. The concepts and course data are not as easy as you might think and if you are ill-prepared you will find it more challenging. Learn the languages, do the assignments and practice. But above all, keep your learning alive and challenge yourself each and every day.

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Buffalo Sabres Head Coach Ted Nolan spoke during the JEDI Honouring Partnerships Luncheon at the 2013 KITF Golf Tournament in Fredericton. The event was one of a number of new partnership gatherings JEDI launched during the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

The mission of the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is to work with partners to foster Aboriginal economic and workforce development in New Brunswick. JEDI carries out its mission every day by working closely with partners such as the 15 Aboriginal communi-ties in New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, the North Shore Micmac District Council, the MAWIW Tribal Council, the Saint John River Valley Tribal Council, the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick as well as a variety of other public sector and private sector partners.

Aboriginal Internship ProgramJEDI undertook a new Aboriginal Internship Program (AIP) partnership in 2013-2014 with ArtsNB. As part of the agreement, ArtsNB hired two Aboriginal Outreach Officers to help improve Aboriginal access to existing ArtsNB programs and lead to dedicated programs for First Nations artists as well as partnership development for First Nations communities and organizations.

JEDI/Brun-Way BursaryJEDI also awarded another JEDI/Brun-Way Bursary. Candida Paul of Esgenoopetitj, and Gail Caplin of Eel River Bar, were the two lucky recipients of the funds.

Candida and Gail are both currently enrolled in the Aquaculture Technician and Business Management Program taking place at the Eel Ground Fisheries Resource Center. The 40-week course covers fin fish studies, shellfish studies, hatchery protocol, hatchery design and maintenance, small vessel operating proficiency and first aid.

KITF Golf Tournament A new initiative this past year, the October KITF Golf Tournament featured a JEDI-organized luncheon featuring Ted Nolan as a keynote speaker. Held in Fredericton, the sold out event had a goal of raising awareness of Aboriginal issues, securing new partnerships and assisting Fredericton Aboriginal communities with promotion. Sponsored by CCNB and St. Marys Retail Sales, the event resulted in many new partnerships such as the collaboration on the February 2014 Innovation-focused JEDI Plenary and the partnership with LearnSphere focused on e-learning.

JEDI PlenariesJEDI Plenaries received sponsorship this year from a variety of exist-ing and new partners such as RBC, the Operators Union, the City of Moncton, Cushman and Wakefield, the Grey Rock Power Centre, the Pond-Deshpande Centre, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, CCNB, NBCC and St. Marys Retail Sales. The Plenaries have also added a trade show component to assist with maximum exposure of event partners and Aboriginal entrepreneurs.

Supporting Partnerships

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Partnerships Success StoryJEDI Calithumpian Students

For the past two summers, JEDI has provided funding to the not-for-profit Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre (FrOST) program. FrOST encompasses two divisions the Calithumpians who do theatre-in-the-park, drama camps and haunted hikes and the Fencibles who do walking tours and heritage activities.

This past summer, the JEDI funding subsidized the training and employment of two Aboriginal students, Rudi Aker and Kyle Ennis. Most student employment programs run 6-8 weeks, but with JEDIs funding, Rudi and Kyle were able to work a full 12 weeks with FrOST.

FrOST is a three month program that runs every summer from June to August. It is a great summer job for young people who are interested in a creative and unique experience. This was Rudis third sum-mer and Kyles first summer in FrOSTs Fredericton Fencibles division which provides the signature Heritage Interpretation programming in the Historic Garrison District (HGD) in partnership with the City of Fredericton.

Heritage interpreters are people who try to help others understand the significance of various aspects of our culture including the geography and heritage, shared Peter Pacey, Founder and Producer of FrOST. The work is about sharing a sense of the history and culture of Fredericton, the Saint John River Valley and New Brunswick.

The positions are advertised yearly in local schools, universities and in the media. The application process consists of a preliminary audition and interview and then there is a callback where applicants get a chance to show off their creativity and writing skills. Theatre experience isnt mandatory but FrOST is looking for people who are a good fit; those with enthusiasm, adaptability and good people skills.

The training includes tours of the city of Fredericton and then lots of directed research and learning ses-sions on the history of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and the role of the military in the HGD. In addition to the tour training, Peter said that elders are brought in from Native communities to talk about the history of the Aboriginal people and how the area developed before and after the Europeans arrived. Peter wants the Aboriginal students to be able to tell their own story and the story of their people. It helps them see the relevance of their culture in the big picture of the development of the community.

The best part of the job was meeting all kinds of different people from different places, shared Rudi. It was great hearing their stories and their perspective on our stories.

The job itself consists of doing tours of downtown Fredericton, the guard houses, and doing some theatre pieces and childrens activities. All of the tour guides are given the flexibility to share information that is the most relevant to them. The key is for each tour guide to be themselves and enthusiastic about the information that they are sharing, this makes the tours more interesting for all involved. For example, while doing the tour by the river, Kyle liked to talk about the founding of Saint Marys and share stories about the significance of the river and how its Maliseet name means bountiful river.

Its very important that the story is told in the first person, said Peter. Every student is encouraged to express their peoples role in the development of Fredericton and share that. It raises their sense of pride in themselves while they are still being true to the history. This is especially true for young Aboriginal kids. Its important for them to connect

with their own history and to connect with their own sense of pride. Its good for them to connect to their heritage and realize how their community contributed to the growth.

The best part of the job was meeting all kinds of dif-ferent people from different places, shared Rudi. It was great hearing their stories and their perspective on our stories.

I think this job has really helped me grow into myself as a person, continued Rudi. When I first started I wasnt nearly as outgoing as I am now, this job has really helped bring me out of my shell, its a once in a lifetime job. Its a great place to work and meet new people and come into your own. It was a fabulous experience and Im so grateful I got to work there not only last summer but the previous two summers as well.

Kyle had the same feelings about the position. The best part of the job was meeting all of the tourists who were from so many different places. People visited from all over the world, he said. I think it is a good program especially for younger people. The job is really good to develop confidence, be outgoing and meet new people. Kyle said that he used to be nervous to work in customer service but now he is not nervous at all.

Its about accentuating what the young people can bring to the table and shows them that their contri-butions are significant, said Peter. These jobs really affect the student hires. It helps them discover what they want to do in life and lets them find themselves and the ambition they might have.

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The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) workforce activities are industry-driven and achieve success by working closely with partners.

Training-to-employment initiativesJEDI training-to-employment initiatives work on a collaboration between Aboriginal communities, other Aboriginal partner organiza-tions, government and the private sector to achieve a goal. JEDI and its partners identify an employment area of need and construct a program designed to meet that challenge. Partners influence the design of the training and its delivery. The result is new careers for Aboriginal people and talented new staff for employers that are trained in skills the employers want.

The New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology Project (NBAICT) is a good example of this. NBAICT has trained Aboriginal people in:

Orientation to ICT Careers 3G Smartphone Repair Network/Desktop Support Mobile Application Development

Students of the project benefit from industry-led instruction, network-ing opportunities with potential employers, summer employment with ICT companies and assistance finding employment upon graduation. The project boasts dozens of partners in the ICT industry, Aboriginal communities and organizations as well as various levels of government.

The New Brunswick Aboriginal Mining, Energy and Trades Project (NBAMET) is another example. NBAMET has trained 104 clients and helped 90 clients secure employment in a variety of fields. Aboriginal partners along with partners from industry, government and educational institutions have worked with JEDI to identify employment needs and craft tailored solutions. The result has been a high success rate in finding employment for clients.

Adult Learning, Apprenticeship and Employment CoordinationWorkplace Essential Skills (WES) programming has been recognized as an important tool for preparing people for careers. JEDI has worked with its partners to weave WES instruction into all of its training programs. In addition, JEDI has used partnerships to help hundreds of Aboriginal people achieve skills upgrading and secure opportunities in apprenticeship. Any Aboriginal partner, individual or industry partner in New Brunswick may approach JEDI with a need. JEDI collaborates with partners to provide a customized solution.

Job-ready clients then work with JEDIs employment coordination services to secure a career from a variety of employment opportunities supplied to JEDI by industry partners.

JEDI Workforce Development Focus

Ian Daly, left, accepts his Mobile Application Development Program Diploma from Michel Doucet of the Collge Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick during the graduation ceremony for the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) Mobile Application Development Program in April 2014. The Collge Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick delivered the training on behalf of JEDI.

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Financial StatementsJOINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE INC.

Statement of OperationsYear Ended March 31, 2014

REVENUE ESDC - NBAICT 1,996,284ESDC- NBAMET 1,030,076DPETL Projects 331,675Other Funding 348,547ACOA 290,845AANDC 282,806AAS 105,000Interest Income 615 4,385,848 EXPENSES ESDC - NBAICT 1,996,284ESDC - NBAMET 1,030,076DPETL Projects 331,675Salaries & Wages 350,360Project Costs 401,723Conference Expenses 67,987Rental 43,397Travel 21,345Office 32,449Miscellaneous 18,157Professional Fees 17,600Telephone 17,364Accounting fees 8,187Advertising and promotion 7,602Training 5,066Repairs and maintenance 4,255Insurance 2,245Interest and bank charges 1,181Utilities 164

4,357,117 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES FROM OPERATIONS 28,731 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) Deferred contributions related to property and equipment -288,752Amortization of deferred contributions related to property and equipment 28,875Amortiziation of property and equipment -28,875

-288,752

DEFICIENCY OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES -260,021

150 Cliffe Street Fredericton, NB E3A 0A1

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