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FINAL REPORT STRONGER TOGETHER Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference Reflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It Held on November 10-11, 2015 Neoskweskau Sports Complex, Mistissini (Eeyou Istchee) Prepared and submitted by DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

FINAL REPORT STRONGER TOGETHER - gcc.ca · we can work together and be “Stronger Together”. Getting maximum input from attendees meant adapting their roles from mere ... have

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FINAL REPORTSTRONGERTOGETHEREeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference

Reflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve ItHeld on November 10-11, 2015Neoskweskau Sports Complex, Mistissini (Eeyou Istchee)

Prepared and submitted byDEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

G. C. C. E. I

iFinal Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

Kwey!On behalf of the Cree Nation Government, I am honoured to present the final report for the Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Nation Economic Development Conference held in Mistissini this past November.

The paths travelled by Eeyouch and Eenouch over the last decades have been filled with challenges, successes and lessons which have led us to where we are today and continue to inspire us as we look towards the future and reflect on where we need and want to go as a Nation and how economic development can contribute to this vision. As we take time to reflect on economic diversity and well-being, where we are and where we want and need to go, there are essentials we need to consider in our reflections and determine how we can achieve success. These were elements brought up during the Conference and were discussed numerous times throughout the two short days we had. Some of the important points which came out of the conference and which will require more reflection and actions include:

→ The strength of the Eeyou-Eenou Nation comes from our unity, not the Agreements we have. This unity has ensured that we stood together when we faced challenges, as individual communities, groups and as a whole Nation. Our future success will depend on this unity. Yet, as we look at where we are, we realize there is growing diversity in our needs, economic activities and aspirations. So, any reflection must also ask: how do we ensure our unity while also maintaining diversity?

→ Economic development is intrinsic to the development of our Nation and as such, it will only succeed if it is accompanied by education, health, well-being and Eeyou-Eenou culture.

→ Our communities are growing fast. However, the growth of small businesses and diversity of services in our communities is not keeping up with our population growth.

→ The economic activities being carried out on Eeyou-Eenou Istchee need to involve Eeyouch and Eenouch. Furthermore, they need to be carried out in a manner reflective of the many economic activities we had, have, need and want for our future.

→ Economic activity in our communities is largely driven by government services with a minority of employment being related to small and medium businesses, whereas most healthy economies have an opposite situation. This results in a lack of services in our communities which in turn leads to a leakage of economic resources to the benefit of other communities, negatively influencing the growth and diversification of our economies. This must shift so that our small and medium businesses become the largest employers in Eeyou Istchee. Such a shift will not occur by cutting jobs in government sectors but by creating opportunities in the private sector.

Our communities’ human resources are a source of concern for employers in both the private and public sectors. The pool of workers, actual and potential,

ii Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

too often do not meet the needs of employers due to a lack of skills, commit-ment and qualifications.

The Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference was structured to bring together as many socio-economic partners as possible, with representatives convened from sectors such as business, educational, health, financial, social and political fields. This representation allowed a global and holistic reflection on our future to be initiated. The opening of this dialogue and discussion are the first steps towards goals identified by the Eeyou Communities, and involve entities and organizations which we intend to continue working with at the local and regional levels, in a united manner which supports the aspirations of our Eeyouch-Eenouch. This ensures that as many people as possible can and will contribute and benefit from a stronger and more diversified economy and Eeyou Nation. The next steps will involve working with communities, their leaders, members, institutions and especially the business people, to see how we can work together and be “Stronger Together”.

Getting maximum input from attendees meant adapting their roles from mere observers to contributors – to have them think, share and comment so they become active participants. Panelists, guest speakers, and participants were invited with this in mind. We were very fortunate to have the participation of excellent panelists and guest speakers – and even more so to have had such a diversified group of participants. A very special thanks to all the Eeyou-Eenou businesspeople who attended!

This approach, we believe, is a first step in the right direction. We want to measure success by the continued discussions and reflections people took back with them to their communities, businesses, organizations and homes. From these discussions will emerge initiatives built for the present and future of Eeyou Istchee.

Such a Conference would not be possible without the guidance, assistance and participation of a great team. Though I write this introduction, I am only one member of a team that worked hard and dedicatedly before, during and after the Conference. I am very proud of the work achieved by members of the team and their contributions. The Cree Nation Government team was well-supported by the team from by the Cree Nation of Mistissini and the team at the Neowskeskau Complex. Without their incredible assistance and dedication none of this would have been possible. Naming everyone, without forgetting anyone would be hard. So, I will say thank you so much to a wonderful group and I hope to be able to return all the favours one day. And I am sure the Eeyou-Eenou leadership and conference members join me whole-heartedly when I say to you “mista-meegwetch!”

On behalf of the team having organized the Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Nation Economic Development Conference, we hope this report will serve its purpose as a step towards stronger economies throughout Eeyou Istchee, and we look forward to working together with sectors of our Nation for the benefit of all.

Meegwetch.

Andy Baribeau

Director, Department of Commerce and Industry Cree Nation Government

TABLE OF CONTENTSi INTRODUCTORY WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DCI

v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION

1 PARTICIPANTS’ PROFILES

2 CONFERENCE FORMAT

3 SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGES

3 OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE

3 PART I – THE ROADS WE HAVE TRAVELED3 Panel – Historical Perspectives on the Roads Traveled6 Special Guest Speaker – Dr. Philip Awashish, Commissioner,

Cree-Naskapi Commission

7 PART II – A CROSSROADS OF OPPORTUNITIES7 Guest Speaker – Abel Bosum, Negotiator, Cree-Quebec

Relations, GCCEI- CNG8 Panel – Government Perspectives on Where We Are Today11 Panel – Business Perspectives on Where We Are Today

12 PART III – THE PATHS AHEAD OF US12 Guest Speaker –Paul John Murdoch, Secretary, GCCEI-CNG13 Panel – Political Perspectives on the Paths Ahead of Us14 Panel – Business Perspectives on the Paths Ahead of Us15 Special Guest Speaker – Deputy Grand Chief Rodney Mark,

GCCEI-CNG

17 SUMMARY OF THE PARTICIPANTS’ INPUT

17 INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS

19 KEY ISSUES

23 RECOMMENDATIONS

27 CONCLUSION28 A GREEN EFFORT WHICH YIELDED RESULTS

29 APPENDIX 1 – PROGRAM OF THE EVENT

33 APPENDIX 2 – SPEAKERS’ BIOGRAPHIES

39 APPENDIX 3 –PARTICIPANTS’ INPUT (RAW DATA)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe “Stronger Together” Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference” was organized by the Cree Nation Government as an occasion to re-flect on economic development in Eeyou Istchee and to begin discussing where the Eeyou-Eenou Nation wanted to be. The event was held in Mistissini on November 10 and 11, 2015. Two hundred and fifty (250) people from all sectors of Eeyou society attended. A strong emphasis was put towards inviting and including small and medium-sized business owners from the communities to ensure their voices, concerns and solutions were expressed and addressed.

THE GOALS OF THE CONFERENCEFirst and foremost, the Conference was meant to begin a dialogue on what kind of economic development was needed in Eeyou Istchee. The Conference encouraged participants to think and share about where they came from, and where they wanted to go for their future and that of Eeyouch and Eenouch. This was an op-portunity to get a better understanding of our strengths as well as the challenges ahead, to seek ideas for solidifying and building stron-ger economies and how, collectively, all could benefit.

Beginning a dialogue is essential for our future when we consider economic development. Each community is different, has different needs and aspirations. Yet, all make up Eeyou Istchee and this diversity must be encouraged and fostered when it comes to economic develop-ment. The Eeyou-Eenou Nation has long stood united and has become strong because of this, therefore encouraging diversity can only make us stronger. Economic growth, prosperity and diversification must reflect this. The Conference was planned and carried out with this in mind and the organizers did not intend to come up with an action plan and blueprint to be then applied to all communities. Rather, we worked to identify key areas of strength, vision and concern. From there, work could be undertaken at the various levels of our economic spheres to assist and, where warranted, implement mea-sures to work with Eeyouch and Eenouch in the achievement of their visions. As the saying goes, “Think globally, act locally.”

THE OUTCOMES OF THE CONFERENCEThe Conference allowed participants to envi-sion the future by looking at how Eeyouch and Eenouch worked together and contributed to what has become the Eeyou-Eenou Nation. The participants identified the connection with the land and the culture, the vision of the leaders and the overall sense of collectiveness as keys for success in overcoming the challenges that the Eeyouch face. Overall, participants ex-pressed that they saw challenges as opportuni-ties, and supported the idea of fostering part-nerships within the Cree world. With respect to the future, participants saw great value in innovative initiatives, called for more efforts at bridging culture and business, and expressed the desire to extend partnerships with outsiders.

In other words, as a result of working and being strong together, we are now able to see chal-lenges as opportunities. We view the future as an opportunity to grow with new innovative projects that will originate from our communi-ties and enhance our economies, our culture, and our identity as we work with the world around us.

Throughout the Conference, guest speakers, panelists and participants were invited to share their thoughts and concerns. A number of issues came out which will guide the future consider-ations, discussions and actions undertaken as a result of this conference:

→ The primary economic activity in Eeyou Istchee is government-driven. Private businesses and employers represent a small portion of economic activity in comparison to the government sector. In healthy economies, this situation is reversed, with the private sector representing the larger portion of economic activity. Efforts geared towards economic development need to be taken with this in mind.

→ There is a need for a consistent and transparent mechanism to allow all Cree-owned businesses (the definition of which will need to be clarified) to access the development opportunities coming up throughout Eeyou Istchee. This includes

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ensuring “true” Cree companies are given favorable consideration and access to opportunities.

→ Accessing equity remains a major challenge for business development. In this regard, the presence of financial institutions at the event was very welcome, and the organizers look forward to further working with them.

→ The development of small businesses must be encouraged and even nurtured. This requires guidance and support to people wanting to go into business, especially young people. Eeyou-Eenou business people can and are willing to play an important role in helping and guiding new entrepreneurs.

→ Human resources remain a hurdle to business development and diversification. Businesses and other employers in the communities suffer from high turnover. This is often compounded by a lack of qualified and dependable workers.

→ Business opportunities must be better communicated throughout Eeyou Istchee.

→ Business people need to interact among themselves. The idea of a Chamber of Commerce was mentioned. Less formal associations might also be appropriate.

→ The role and the implication of Eeyou-Eenou corporations (also known as “Band corporations” and regionally-owned companies) need to be better defined.

→ Overall, there seems to be a consensus that the approach to economic development should be a “nation-building” one.

We can conclude that further action must be taken at two different levels: local and regional. At the local (Community) level, the identifica-tion and development of economic and business action plans is needed, with support provided by partners involved in all aspects of social and economic development. This includes

e having the Department of Commerce and Industry touring the communities in order to understand the diversity of local needs and realities;

r identifying all key resources and stakeholders;

t compiling socio-economic data with the aim of producing community profiles.

At the regional (Nation) level, priorities need to include establishing a clear and transparent process allowing Eeyou-Eenou businesses to access opportunities in Eeyou Istchee. This process must take into consideration all exist-ing Agreements, including the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the New Relationship Agreement (Paix des Braves) and even agreements concerning the extractive industries (mining, forestry, hydro, etc.).

This report makes a number of recommenda-tions, which are taken from these five core ideas:

1 Raising the Economic and Employment Activity in the Private Sector

2 Supporting Cree-Owned Businesses

3 Developing the Workforce

4 Fostering Connections

5 Tying Economic Development with Nation-Building

INTRODUCTIONIn recent decades, economic activity in Eeyou Istchee has largely been led and defined by non-Eeyou companies and entities. These ac-tivities frequently had detrimental effects on the economic activities of the Eeyouch and Eenouch, drastically altering the lifestyle and economies of Eeyouch and Eenouch, which until then had largely been driven by harvest-ing activities. The Eeyou-Eenou Nation has long fought for the recognition of the collective rights of its people, and the necessity of their consent for the social acceptability of projects in Eeyou Istchee. As a result, Eeyouch are no longer excluded from economic activities in Eeyou Istchee, and have a strong voice and influence on all development activities in the territory. The economic realities of our Nation are now defined and driven by several economic sectors, requiring adaptations, diversification and capacity-building. Despite this diversifica-tion, the Eeyouch-Eenouch maintain their ties and practices related to our land and this must remain at the heart of our decisions.

The Eeyou-Eenou voice is strong precisely because of the diversity of the voices within Eeyou-Eenou society. The Eeyou-Eenou Stronger Together Economic Development Conference was guided by this sense of a strong voice and the benefits to be gained from being open to the perspectives of the different sectors that make up our society.

If the Eeyouch and Eenouch are to be ready to take full advantage of development, and to ensure its appropriate integration into Eeyou society, they first need to reflect collectively on the kind of development they need, and the means to achieve it. The Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference was the start of a dialogue necessary to becom-ing economically stronger, more diversified, and ensuring that all Eeyouch-Eenouch were able to benefit from the prosperity and diversifica-tion of our economies, including the economic activities we have carried out for generations. The Conference allowed us to get a better under-standing our strengths, the opportunities and the challenges ahead, and to build, collectively, a vision for the benefit of everyone and for our future generations.

PARTICIPANTS’ PROFILESEconomic development cannot and must not occur, in the Eeyou-Eenou world, without the inclusion of education, health, social well-being and culture. Communities, companies and orga-nizations were encouraged to send delegations reflecting the diversity of Eeyou-Eenou society: women, youth, elders and representatives from all sectors. A strong emphasis was put on invit-ing and involving business people. Departments from CNG and other Cree organizations also sent representatives. The Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference gathered 250 participants coming from every Cree community (including Washaw Sibi and Moose Factory), as well as other organizations who work within the “Eeyou-Eenou world”.

The Conference organizers were pleased to welcome an important delegation of youth rep-resentatives, as well as representatives from the financial institutions present in Eeyou Istchee. Guest speakers and panel members were wel-comed, and organizers were proud to facilitate such active participation.

Youth delegates. © GCCEI-CNG

2 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

CONFERENCE FORMATThe “Stronger Together” Conference program offered participants the opportunity both to listen to a variety of speakers sharing their experience and vision, and to give their input on how development should take place in Eeyou Istchee. The conference was divided in three parts so that participants could reflect and project their visions for the future:

→ Part I, “The Roads We Have Traveled,” focused on past challenges and successes;

→ Part II, “A Crossroads of Opportunities,” offered different insights on present day accomplishments, opportunities and challenges; and

→ Part III, “The Roads Ahead of Us,” invited participants to project into the future.

This Conference report provides a summary of the contribution made by the speakers and panelists involved in the conference. It also provides a summary and interpretation of the participants’ input, through a participatory activity. Issues having stood out are identified and, as the Conference was meant to be the beginning of a new era of Eeyou participation in the determination and development of our economies, recommendations are made in con-clusion. It is also worth mentioning the event was meant to be as eco-responsible as possible. An overview of the results of this “green” effort is provided at the end of this report.

SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGES

OPENING OF THE CONFERENCEOrganizers are grateful to Mr. Sam Petawabano, from Mistissini, who performed the opening prayer. Chief Richard Shecapio of the Cree Nation of Mistissini opened the Conference by welcoming participants from all over Eeyou Istchee. Setting the tone for the Conference, Chief Shecapio outlined the accomplishments of the Cree Nation by speaking of the struggles, but also the great successes.

Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon-Come delivered the keynote opening address. Dr. Coon-Come spoke about the importance of business for the development of the Eeyou Nation, noting that development touches all sectors of Eeyou society, including hunting and trapping. Cree hunters and trappers were the first, and very successful, business people of Eeyou Istchee. Today, the Cree have signed over seventy agree-ments, with both the private sectors and vari-ous governments. Dr. Coon-Come raised the question as to how these agreements will help the Eenouch-Eeyouch, especially the youth. He suggested that the youth have to be encour-aged to continue their education so they can become the leaders the Cree Nation needs. A strong Eeyou-Eenou Nation depends on how well the Eenouch-Eeyouch continue to work and be strong together.

PART I – THE ROADS WE HAVE TRAVELEDUnderstanding past challenges, experiences and successes allows us to better understand aspects of our present collective socio-economic situation. Organizers were fortunate to have many of the important players of these past events present and happy to share, thus giving participants a unique opportunity to view the past challenges, experiences and successes as extremely relevant today and for the future.

PANEL – HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE ROADS TRAVELEDPanelists:Annie Brien, Elizabeth Brien-Gunner and Laurie Brien-Chakapash, owners and operators of ADELS Restaurant in MistissiniMatthew Happyjack, President of Air CreebecRobert Kanatewat, Commissioner for the Cree-Naskapi Commission

Facilitator: Andy Baribeau

The Masters of Ceremony, Andy Baribeau and Melissa Saganash.© GCCEI-CNG

4 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

The Brien sisters, daughters of the late Charlie Brien Sr., spoke of how their father had started his business, today carried on by them. Charlie Brien Sr. started his first restaurant even before the Grand Council of the Crees existed! In fact, at the first meeting of the Chiefs who were to form the Grand Council of the Crees, he came around to sell them food and coffee. The next day, in the Eeyou-Eenou way of welcoming guests, he invited these visitors as he would have invited other guests, to share a meal with them, cooking steaks for his guests. It is this spirit of entrepreneurship and sharing which still guides the Brien sisters in the operation of ADELS Restaurant. Their restaurant logo, which includes nine tents representing the Cree communities, serves as a reminder of how visi-tors should always be welcomed and greeted with good, warm food. Their father always helped others and always looked for ways to improve things for his family, the business and the community. Today, his legacy con-tinues with the work of his daughters, Laurie, Elizabeth, Annie, Sharon and Denise. Of all the wonderful panelists and speakers heard throughout the Conference, the Brien sisters were among the most appreciated.

Elizabeth Brien-Gunner told the story of how and why her late father started a business:

“My father’s name was Charlie Brien and my mother is Janie Neeposh. Together they had five girls and seven boys. In 1970, my father left to work in the States, my mother was pregnant with Denise, her 10th child. When she was discharged from the hospital, my mother had informed us that my dad invited us to the States where he worked. My aunt Edna arranged our trip. We spent a good two weeks

with our father in the States, when it was time to leave, of course we all cried and our oldest brother took off running because he did not want to leave our father. My father insisted to leave him behind and he would take him back when he returns. That was the hardest on my dad, because all of his 9 children cried. That’s how he made his decision to start a restaurant business in his community. There was a man he was friends with in the States, he told his story about us all crying when we left, he told him, I’d like to start a business in my com-munity. They had a coffee break together and the man encouraged “You can make it happen, a coffee shop!” I remember the people I used to see coming to my dad’s coffee shop, Henry Mianscum, Philip Awashish, & Matthew Coon Come. The shop was not that big, it occupied six people. The business expanded, he then started a restaurant. He called it “The Beaver Restaurant”. I cannot recall where exactly he got the log house from but he extended his little coffee shop with a pool hall. He moved six times because his business kept expanding within a short time. He extended his pool hall into an arcade in the basement so the whole top floor was a restaurant for over twenty people. The day he decided to pass down his business to us, he already had gone to see a lawyer; unfortunately he passed on before everything was completed.”

Laurie Brien-Chakapash explained how they help others, and how others are trying to help their business:

“As the oldest child of Charlie Brien, I was usually the one who worked closely with him. In the year of 1990, that’s when we started hiring others to work for us. We hired high school students, after school hours. My father always encouraged us to pay the bills on time. Many times, when we’d try to have family or something personal, we would always postpone or cancel because our business always come our first priority. My father taught us what we have started; we would have to look after it as long as we can. He encouraged me to stay in the business when I turned 18, he told me that I would still gain experience from our business. He also pointed out that one day we would only press a button and our cheque would be ready. He was right, but unfortunately he was not able to see it. Before his passing, he already spoke of how the restaurant will look like in the future. When we decided to renovate and rename the new restaurant, we were seeking help from others. We asked my aunt Annie N. Iserhoff to help us with the renaming of our new restaurant. She came up with ADELS, mean-ing the first initials of our names, Annie, Denise,

My father always encouraged us to pay the bills on time. Many times, when we’d try to have family or something personal, we would always postpone or cancel because our business always came first and was our first priority.

Laurie Brien-Chakapash

5Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

Elizabeth, Laurie, Sharon. We all agreed to the new name of our newly renovated restaurant. We have been supported by various organizations and have been approved by the Caisse Populaire for a loan of $500.000; we were approved that the loan be paid off in 25 years. It took us six years to pay the whole amount.”

Annie Brien was asked her how she would encourage other women who would want to start a business. This is a summary of how she responded:

“I will not speak of any discouragement for anyone because everyone is meant to have their business. We came a long way. There have been times when I thought I cannot do this job anymore. But when this time would come I would always think of God and pray to him for strength. I’d like to encourage everyone with the prospect of starting a business. Do not give up; look ahead because that will help. Don’t look back at the struggles. My late father would often tell me that when you want to have something you have to work hard for it.”

Matthew Happyjack, President of Air Creebec was asked to share with the audience his experience, how he was taught and how he teaches people.

“When I first started working for Air Creebec, it was in the year of 2010. I first started working in Waswanipi, they gave me a few tasks at first. I worked in the Band Office as the Director of

Finance, Waswanipi Development Corporation and Community Education Administrator under Cree School Board. When I was twenty-three, I was the Manager of our local bank. In Canada, looking at the Airline companies, we are the only Cree Company that owns thirteen (13) Dash-8 airplanes. Every month, I make sure we have staff meetings with the Board of Directors to see what we need to improve on as a company.”

“We have youth that we can teach and train. They should be ready to become leaders. We have several companies that will be looking for individuals who will be taking over their job in the future. We have our band offices, schools, and Cree Human Resources Department that can recruit our people.”

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you will learn from them as you go. Keep trying and look where your weakness is at, and try again. Educate your-self with something you would like to achieve. Work until you get what you want.”

Robert Kanatewat, a negotiator and an original signatory of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, was asked for his advice to the Eeyou-Eenou leaders and the business owners.

Mr. Kanatewat said he was honoured and proud to see what the younger generations now have. Mr. Kanatewat said communities are growing, and there are so many opportunities because of what communities can now support. He wisely

Panel “Historical Perspectives on the Roads We Have Traveled. © GCCEI-CNG

6 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

reminded people: “We are all equal,. men and women, they are equal. You cannot do without the women, you cannot do without the men. We go hand in hand, we work together as a team, and to be

stronger together for the future of our generations.”

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER – DR. PHILIP AWASHISH, COMMISSIONER, CREE-NASKAPI COMMISSIONDr. Philip Awashish, a negotiator and an origi-nal signatory of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, spoke to the audience of the roads traveled by First Nations and the Eeyou-Eenou Nation. This road has led to a point where governance is now the priority and it is essential to achieve self-government. He explained to the audience that the 1970s were an era of denial of rights, where policies of as-similation such as residential schools were still ongoing. This context made it impossible to achieve peace and harmony in the relationship between the Eeyouch and Canada and Quebec.

© GCCEI-CNG

Self-government is a necessary process for sustained economic development and it must be exercised effectively if it is to lead to significant sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Philip Awashish

Despite government efforts to deny rights and force assimilation, the 1970s were also a time of renewal and recovery from poverty and powerlessness for First Nations, including the Eeyouch. It was “a time to achieve and main-tain self-government and self-reliance, a time to rebuild the Eeyou/Eenou Nation, and a time for a critical review and renewal of the Eeyou/Eenou-Canada-Quebec relationship.”

This was the context in which the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) was negotiated. The vision of the Cree negotiators was based on Eeyou-Eenou collective experi-ences, history, and a long-term vision for the Nation and its people. To build the Nation they wanted, the Eeyouch-Eenouch needed to have their rights recognized and protected along with the tools to do so. The Cree negotiators would have never attained this had they not had the support of people, especially the trappers who were instrumental in the struggle to affirm Eeyou-Eenou rights.

After the signing of the JBNQA, a long trail of broken promises started which led to many court cases, until the signing of the Paix des Braves (the New Relationship Agreement with Quebec) and the subsequent agreement with Canada. These new relationship agreements were first meant to address economic development and community development. Responsibilities and funding were transferred to the Eeyou-Eenou Nation. This allowed for the enhancement and solidifying of Eeyou/Eenou governance.

Dr. Awashish’s key message was that economic development is first and foremost a political issue which requires self-government in order to be achieved in the interest of the Eeyou/Eenou people: “Put simply, self-government is a necessary process for sustained economic develop-ment and it must be exercised effectively if it is to lead to significant sustainable economic growth.”

7Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

PART II – A CROSSROADS OF OPPORTUNITIESThe Eeyou-Eenou nation is now at a crossroads. The successes have been many and the Eeyou-Eenou Nation is often recognized around the world for its achievements. The communi-ties continue to grow and become diversified, generating a need for more active role in the development and diversification of economic ac-tivities throughout Eeyou Istchee which would reflect Eeyou-Eenou identity, culture and values. Though we use the word development, this word must be understood in its largest sense to include the prosperity, growth and enrich-ment of all of our economic sectors, no matter how small – and including those which ensure a continuity of our bonds with our land, Eeyou Istchee.

GUEST SPEAKER – ABEL BOSUM, NEGOTIATOR, CREE-QUEBEC RELATIONS, GCCEI- CNG Mr. Abel Bosum has long been involved in the fights for Cree rights, including the recognition of the Ouje-bougoumou Eenouch and the estab-lishment of their community. He has been a driving force in the relations with governments, mindful of the rights and powers of the Eeyou-Eenou Nation who has to take its rightful place in the development of Eeyou Istchee.

Mr. Bosum started off by saying something that was repeated by others later in the conference:

¨It is a good idea, every once in a while, to push the reset button, and get back to thinking about what we are doing, and why we are doing it.”

When he started his career for the Cree Nation in the field of economic development, in the late 1970s, he realized the future of the Cree Nation would eventually contain a world of opportuni-ties in the area of economic development.

Referring to the philosophy of the JBNQA, Mr. Bosum explained that “underlying the JBNQA is the notion of a genuine partnership, an implicit acknowledgement that what happens in Eeyou Istchee will not be the result of a unilateral deci-sion by either government or industry. But more importantly, this is the understanding that this partnership is based on the unique characteristics of the Cree and Inuit, which include our culture, our way of life, and our rights.”

Mr. Bosum touched on his personal journey, which took him back to his people in Oujé-Bougoumou, and how he wanted to make sure there would be solid grounds for economic de-velopment in the community. He got involved in the negotiations of the Paix des Braves (the New Relationship Agreement with Quebec), which focused on unsettled disputes and lack of implementation regarding section 28 (Economic and Social Development) of the JBNQA.

Mr. Bosum went on to say: “the Paix des Braves laid the groundwork for a wide range of part-nerships and joint undertakings between the Cree Nation, businesses, social, cultural and political interests in Québec. In their total-ity, these measures create a new landscape for our Nation and our communities in the area of economic development, and created enormous opportunities.”

The cumulative impact of the different agree-ments created the opportunity for Eeyouch to become a major economic force in Northern Quebec. However, the challenge is to acquire the skills, the education and the knowledge to take jobs and to administer the range of governance institutions in the region. Mr. Bosum thus insisted on the necessity of capacity building.

There is a need to think strategically, and Mr. Bosum raised a few questions: what role should the Eeyouch play in forestry, in mining, or in the energy sector? What opportunities are available in relation to the new carbon markets and the in-creasing need for water resources? He concluded with the observation that the Eeyouch have been very active in reacting to development, but that there is now a need to approach it more actively on a fifty to one hundred years timespan, with a concern for including community businesses, small businesses, and capacity building.

It is a good idea, every once in a while, to push the reset button, and get back to thinking about what we are doing, and why we are doing it.

Abel Bosum

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The Paix des Braves laid the groundwork for a wide range of partnerships and joint undertakings between the Cree Nation, businesses, social, cultural and political interests in Québec. In their totality, these measures create a new landscape for our Nation and our communities in the area of economic development, and created enormous opportunities.

Abel Bosum

PANEL – GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVES ON WHERE WE ARE TODAYPanelists:Bill Namagoose, Director General of the Cree Nation GovernmentKathleen Wootton, Chairperson of the Cree School BoardHenry Mianscum, Director of Capital Works and Services at the Cree Nation Government

Facilitator:

Andy Baribeau

Bill Namagoose highlighted three most impor-tant assets in taking on the challenges facing the Eeyou/Eenou Nation today: unity, culture, and diversity. “Our unity is our greatest asset,” but diversity must also be preserved, since it is that combination of unity and diversity that makes the Eeyouch stronger. He added that it is necessary to pass on the culture and the language along with the power and strength that was received from the hunters and trappers.

Mr. Namagoose made an interesting distinc-tion worth citing in its entirety: “Economic de-velopment and business are not the same thing. Economic development is nation building, it is the responsibility of the governments to promote economic development, but it is not their respon-sibility to be commercial operators. So we have to focus on job creation and housing development and community development, because those are the economic drivers in our communities.”

Mr. Namagoose concluded on the problem that the Eeyouch have an “upside down economy,” where the public servants outnumber the busi-ness and commercial enterprises. He suggested that there won’t be many vacancies and openings

Economic development and business are not the same thing. Economic development is nation building, it is the responsibility of the governments to promote economic development, but it is not their responsibility to be commercial operators. So we have to focus on job creation and housing development and community development, because those are the economic drivers in our communities.

Bill Namagoose

© GCCEI-CNG

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in the public service in the near future, so it is necessary to turn that around, adding “we need the economic development” to reach the objective of having 80% of the jobs created by Eeyou/Eenou businesses.

Kathleen Wootton agreed with Mr. Namagoose, adding that there are many opportunities for the Eeyouch at the Cree School Board (CSB). Many positions can be occupied by Eeyouch and Eenouch – especially as managers, teachers and professionals – as opposed to people who come from outside the communities. The Cree School Board believes in looking within the communities first and foremost to fill its needs.

Ms. Wootton stated that education and eco-nomic development go hand in hand when it comes to nation-building. An example of this being an entrepreneurship program presently being developed by the Cree School Board. The Board also offers a diversity of other programs which have a direct impact on motivation and attendance.

She concluded: “If we want to be a strong nation, a powerful nation, we need to solidify and create a good foundation through our education system, because that is the only way we are going to end up with the professional staff we need in order to build a strong Cree Nation.”

Henry Mianscum also insisted on the impor-tance of education when it comes to building a Cree labour force.

Mr. Mianscum’s strong message was that hous-ing development is an economic catalyst. In a slide reproduced below, he outlined the hous-ing needs in the communities. Since 2009, the Cree Nation Government has transferred more than 67 million dollars to the Communities

Panel “Government Perspectives on Where We Are Today”. © GCCEI-CNG

If we want to be a strong nation, a powerful nation, we need to solidify and create a good foundation through our education system, because that is the only way we are going to end up with the professional staff we need in order to build a strong Cree Nation.

Kathleen Wootton

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for housing projects. The communities are responsible for building the houses. However, too much of the construction of housing projects has been outsourced to outside companies and this must change.

In order for housing development to take place, there is a need for plumbers, electricians, gen-eral trade workers, project managers and inspec-tors. Building this labour force comes with its challenges, which are summarized in the fol-

lowing slide from Mr. Mianscum’s presentation.

Mr. Mianscum pointed out other challenges preventing Cree businesses from taking full advantage of the opportunities ahead. He mentioned the lack of corporate structure, in-adequate financial capacity, lack of expertise, and lack of local/regional support in terms of regulations.

To these challenges, he presented possible solu-tions, included in the slide below. He concluded with the idea that affordable housing and home-ownership programs are key to establishing self-sustaining economies, and that CNG and the Communities must create the opportunities for this to happen.

This panel generated several exchanges with the audience about reducing the outsourcing of con-tracts. Some entrepreneurs voiced their frustra-tion with the fact that Cree entities, more often than not, go public with their call for tenders in a process that ignores local services. They feel Eeyou businesses should be given a priority, and that this would benefit the communities.

The panelists seemed to agree, but they also offered explanations. Some entities like the CSB are public organizations under Quebec law, and thus have to follow specific guidelines when calling for tenders. In other circumstances, contracts are governed by federal law and there is a “value for money” test which is applied. Mr. Mianscum noted that all but one contract given out by CNG in the last year went to Eeyou busi-nesses. Even in the case where a contract was not given to an Eeyou business, it was made sure that Eeyouch were employed. Mr. Namagoose raised the issue of communities restricting their call for tenders to local residents, which limits the ability of qualified Cree businesses from other communities to submit a quotation or a proposal, which in turn can hurt other Eeyou-

Eenou businesses.

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PANEL – BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES ON WHERE WE ARE TODAYPanelists:

Irene Neeposh, founder of Sky Community Development ServicesAnthony MacLeod, operator of two Tim Horton’s franchisesGeorge E. Pachano, owner and operator of Pachano Auto & Repair ServicesJack Blacksmith, President of CreeCoLindy Spencer, owner and operator of Wabannutao Construction

Facilitator: Andy Baribeau

For the third panel, Irene Neeposh was the first to speak and share. Before she founded Sky Community Development Services, she tried to open a motel in Waswanipi, and was faced with many challenges and the project was not moving forward. She decided to abandon this project and returned to school where she got a degree and used this with her experience to embark on her new career. Economic development is the next step for the Eeyou-Eenou people, and she would like to help people take advantage of the numerous opportunities. She noted that the past leaders have put many things in place. However, there is still a mindset which needs to be changed.

“Entrepreneurs are going to strengthen the founda-tion that was set,” said Ms. Neeposh. “However, in order for that to happen, I really believe that there is a mindset that is being spoken of, that needs to be shaken off. The mindset that our organiza-tions owe ‘me’ – where is ‘my’ share, where is ‘my’ handout – there is a dependency syndrome that exists, and this is what is holding us back right now. Once we can shake it off and see what is it that I can do, what is my passion as an individual, how can I be part of developing our economies, of strengthening our youth.” Ms. Neeposh called on everyone to have a role, to improve things, to be competitive, and to compete with the outside.

Anthony MacLeod can be seen as an exam-ple of what Ms. Neeposh is calling for. He decided to go into business after working for Gestion ADC for several years as general man-ager. Along with his sister, Elaine, Anthony

embarked on a very big venture which led to the first opening of a Tim Horton’s restaurant in Eeyou Istchee. They have been able to count on the support of their local Chief and Council, Tim Horton Restaurants, community members and even other municipalities in the region, leading to the opening of a second restaurant in Chibougamau.

Mr. MacLeod urged people to look beyond the stereotypical problems to realize there are mar-kets that are waiting to be tapped in First Nation communities. He was forthright and spoke about how human resources issues constitute a major challenge for small businesses, including competitive salaries, high employee turnover, and employee dedication. These issues are a major obstacle for small business in Eeyou Istchee and need to be addressed. Anthony also talked about the importance of having business people work together to make sure their interests are protected.

George E. Pachano, owner and founder of Pachano Auto Repair and Services in Chisasibi, agreed with both Irene and Anthony. He faced similar problems with his business, a business where all work must be done professionally and quickly. Mr. Pachano’s business depends on em-ployees with experience and dedication, because mistakes are costly and they hurt the reputation of the business. His employees, mainly mechan-ics, need to certified and trained in their trades. He has been fortunate to count on the support of services such as the Cree Human Resources Development (CHRD), whose programs help set up training and integration programs for new employees. However, sometime trainees lose access to programs because of regulations. He pleaded for a greater collective investment into people. Mr. Pachano also discussed the challenges related to the regional organization of car dealerships and how the Crees needed to encourage the establishment of dealerships in the communities.

Jack Blacksmith’s presentation focused on CreeCo, its holdings and its contribution to the economic involvement, advancement and enrichment of Eeyouch-Eenouch. The picture he painted showed the great success achieved collectively through CreeCo. Confirming num-bers presented by Bill Namagoose, Executive Director of the Cree Nation Government, he sent a clear message indicating that thirty percent (30%) of Cree gross domestic product

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(GDP) presently generated by local businesses needs to be increased to seventy percent (70%) so that the Eeyou-Eenou economy reflects the standard of what a good and healthy economy should be. “The local businessman is the one who is going to turn our economy around,” concluded Mr. Blacksmith.

Lindy Spencer is an independent entrepre-neur from Eastmain who has had his problems establishing a successful business but who never gave up. Today, he is a very successful businessperson, active in a variety of sectors and doing his share on improving the Cree economy. In 2014, he provided 1.2 million dollars worth of salary to 52 employees in his community of Eastmain. Supporting his family of eight (8) children. Mr. Spencer admitted facing problems with human resources, such as employees who come and go and who are often unreliable. He also said other people, who tried to put him down, sometimes looked at him with envy but this only motivated him more. He said this attitude needs to change and Eeyouch-Eenouch have to learn to be proud and supportive of those who are succeeding.

Following the presentations by panelists, there was discussion about competition between Cree businesses and community or Cree-owned cor-porations. One audience member explained her difficulties with competing with larger corporations such as the Cree Construction and Development Company, saying there were many others like her in this situation. She added there needs to be a way to support the smaller Cree-owned businesses.

PART III – THE PATHS AHEAD OF USFinally, having discussed the challenges and successes of the past and the realities of today, participants were well prepared to reflect on the future – with its opportunities, its chal-lenges and how the Eeyou Nation could make this future their own. A future in which the Eeyou-Eenou Nation begins to identify where it wants to be and what legacy it wants to leave to future generations.

GUEST SPEAKER – PAUL JOHN MURDOCH, SECRETARY, GCCEI-CNGMr. Murdoch, an Eeyou lawyer from Wemindji currently acting as Corporate Secretary for the Grand Council of the Crees / Cree Nation Government as well as leading his own legal practice, pointed out how the Eeyouch have had to struggle and fight for their rights. These fights have led to the recognition of Eeyou-Eenou rights and, more recently, with the Paix des Braves and the more recent Governance Agreement, the Eeyouch have gone from seeing themselves in a situation of fighting against “them” to becoming “us,” in the sense the Eeyouch will now have to enact their own laws and regulations. This means the Eeyouch will need to become more proactive in the area of economic development. Mr. Murdoch noted how he appreciated the Conference, being the first time the Eeyouch organize an economic development conference for themselves in order to begin planning and not just in reaction to an outside crisis.

When it comes to seizing new economic develop-ment opportunities, Mr. Murdoch is confident because many Cree businesses are already thriv-ing and the Eeyouch have the entrepreneurial spirit which is needed. However, there is still a need to decide together, amongst Eeyouch, how we will define and encourage Cree-owned businesses.

The local businessman is the one who is going to turn our economy around.

Jack Blacksmith

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PANEL – POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE PATHS AHEAD OF USPanelists:Chief Pauline Trapper-Hester, Cree Nation of Washaw SibiInterim Youth Grand Chief Alexander Moses, CNYCDonald Nicholls, Director, Dept. of Justice, CNG

Facilitator:

Melissa Saganash

As first speaker, Chief Pauline Trapper-Hester shared the story of the Washaw Sibi people with the audience. Starting from a few families whose territories were around LaSarre, they created in association in 1996 and today it is a community of about 500 people. Their primary goal is to work on a comprehensive planning initiative. Chief Trapper-Hester is passionate about the youth, in whom she sees great poten-tial. She stressed the importance of education in moving forward with direction, a direction which must also maintain a connection with the people and the Elders remain.

In a similar line of thought, Donald Nicholls came up with the idea of a Cree summer camp where kids could learn about many differ-ent things, giving them additional tools to succeed in the future. Mr. Nicholls talked about the willingness and need to break new trails, and to create room for innovation. He reminded the audience how every individual is valuable. Though the Justice Department deals with people going through the justice system, we must empower people and this is what the Department’s programs try to achieve. Economic Development is an important part in this empowerment because it not only helps individuals but can also be used to grow and support social and cultural development.

Youth Chief Alexander Moses talked about the dynamism of the youth and how it is nat-urally compatible with the economic devel-opment the Eeyouch-Eenouch wish for their future. Whether using social media to sell and market their creations, or through local events, the youth are already very active in our local economies. We must use this spirit of entrepreneurship to help them learn and

overcome obstacles. One obstacle is the dif-ficulties of raising equity to open or expand business, especially for young people with no credit history. Youth Chief Moses praised the new entrepreneurship program put in place in Mistissini by the CSB, with hopes that it be expanded to other communities. He talked about the CNYC’s project of organizing a Youth Entrepreneurship Symposium. The youth, he said in closing, have a “we can do it” mentality, adding that they are ready to lead the direction of the Eeyou-Eenou Nation.

Following the panel members’ exchanges, mem-bers of the audience shared their thoughts. One person stressed the importance of improving the financial literacy among the Eeyouch, sug-gesting we start teaching how money works to the young children in the schools. Another touched on the importance of faith in oneself when it comes to starting a business - doing business can help stay away from destructive behaviours. Another participant wished to add that for economic development to bring social and cultural development, it has to start with the local businesses. She then addressed a question to the panel members on how to make economic development sustainable when there are big corporations competing with local businesses on the territory. Panel members agreed on this point. Youth Chief Alex Moses encouraged others to buy local. Donald Nicholls emphasized the importance of investing in our own people - saying this is where you get the greatest return. “Our people are the greatest

asset,” he said.

Panel “Political Perspectives on the Paths Ahead of Us”. GCCEI-CNG

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PANEL – BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES ON THE PATHS AHEAD OF USPanelists:Elijah Awashish, Owner and operator of Pimii Plus in MistissiniChief Kenneth Cheezo, Cree Nation of EastmainRobin McGinley, Executive Director, Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association, Eeyou Istchee Tourism

Facilitator: Andy Baribeau

Though he is now Eastmain’s political leader, Chief Kenneth Cheezo started off as an en-trepreneur. Starting with a retail business in the year 2000, his business expanded and diversified, leading him into trucking, then construction. Mr. Cheezo has always involved his family and has ensured his family was at the center of his plans. Though his business interests kept him very busy, it is something he loves and “when you do something you love, you do not focus on the stress it generates.”

This is why people should go after what they dream of doing, according to Chief Cheezo. His advice to entrepreneurs looking to start a business would be to contact, for example, their local Economic Development Officer about their project. There is no age to start a business, whether you are young or any age.

Explaining what his priorities have been as Chief, he explained how he invited different agencies to come to Eastmain for training and coaching purposes. His Council has also fo-cused on housing and restructuring to deal with the growth of their population. Chief Cheezo expressed how better communication should be established between the local and regional levels of government. He suggested bringing in an expert in economy to build capacity at all levels.

Elijah Awashish has been involved in different kinds of business for many years. He traces his interest in business to his creative and artistic side. He explained how, even as a young child, he was more interested in building the roads and houses than he was in playing with cars and Lego blocks.

At one time, Mr. Awashish ran several busi-nesses in parallel, including an outfitting camp and another dealing with cellular phones in the community. He appreciates doing what he wants, and assumes responsibility for his mistakes. He says entrepreneurs need to have the will to get back up when things get rough and things don’t always go the way you want. As with life, there are going to be hurdles, and there will always be solutions.

Mr. Awashish’s advice to people wanting to go into business is to be fully committed, to be prepared and to jump in. It is important to believe in yourself, in your project and to work hard. It is equally important to know when to seek help or advice, and to go for it. There are many people and services around that can help, people must not be afraid to turn to them for assistance.

The next panelist, Ms. Robin McGinley, talked about the strong potential for business devel-opment in the tourism industry. She noted the cultural advantages found in the tourism industry: the possibility of involving the Youth and the Elders, of ensuring the transmission of knowledge and of providing jobs on the land. She added there is more than outfitting which can be done in the tourism sector. Eeyouch have to stand together to find these solutions and benefit from them.

Access for tourists to Eeyou Istchee is a chal-lenge which needs to be tackled, along with product development and marketing. These are the three orientations found in COTA’s strategic plan.

Ms. McGinley concluded by saying that tour-ism is full of exciting careers and business opportunities for the youth and their families. She invited more youth to study in the field of tourism in order to take advantage of the underexploited economic activities related to tourism.

During the exchanges with the audience, some-one raised the issue of buying local, especially at the grocery stores. This ties with the health issues, which were raised by another person, such as food insecurity coupled with a high incidence of diabetes. This impacts on the economy and our ability to be as productive as we can be. A Conference participant declared that profit should never take precedence over the health of the land, and that there needs to

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Exchanges between panelists and the audience. © GCCEI-CNG

You should not be getting a contract because you are Cree. You should be getting the contract because you are the best person to be given that contract.

Comment from a participant

be a balance between economic development and protection of the land. This person would like to hear more discussions about environ-mental sustainability. Ms. McGinley shared how COTA was also very concerned about these matters and added “going green” might be more expensive at the outset, but the end result makes it more profitable in the long run.

Discussions turned to the tendering process, and concern was expressed about ensuring Cree businesses were given contracts. A member of the panel responded “You should not be getting a contract because you are Cree. You should be get-ting the contract because you are the best person to be given that contract.”

The support given to Washaw Sibi and MoCreebec was addressed. While they seek to join the other communities under one gov-ernment, the audience member added “Let’s all stand together as one Nation and not forget about the ones who are presently building their commu-

nity. Let’s bring them into the fold as one Nation.”

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER – DEPUTY GRAND CHIEF RODNEY MARK, GCCEI-CNGDeputy Grand Chief Mark shared his enthusi-asm with everyone about how Eeyou society is thriving. He mentioned the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou as a symbol of this. While explaining the reasons for this success, he surmised “I don’t think we have achieved a lot of stuff because we are smarter, we are better, we are brilliant. I think we achieved them because we do it together. We find a common ground of where we want to go. And that to me is unique to us Cree people.”

Deputy Grand Chief Mark added how support from the community can help individuals achieve success because it facilitates the ex-pression of their creative energy. His wish is to see Eeyouch-Eenouch continue working in this direction, with a focus on building a healthy business environment which encourages and fosters innovation. Closing his address, he left participants with these words: “The next 40 years, looking forward, moving forward, the pages are empty. The poetry of our lives is in motion. So let’s be the poets of hope for the next generation.”

SUMMARY OF THE PARTICIPANTS’ INPUTThe Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference was designed to be a participatory event. People were invited to contribute through active listening and group discussions. The active listening approach was inspired by the storytelling methods of participative leadership.

For each of the three parts of the conference, every table of participants was given one ques-tion to reflect upon while listening to the speak-ers and panelists. There were five different categories of questions, so participants worked on different themes.

For Part I of the Conference, “The Roads We Have Traveled,” the questions were as follows:

→ Who were the partners or the allies in creating change?

→ What were the challenges to be overcome?

→ What were the opportunities?

→ What contributed to success?

→ What are the important events that happened?

For Part II of the Conference, “A Crossroads of Opportunities,” the questions were:

→ Who are the partners for change and success?

→ What are the challenges to overcome?

→ What are the opportunities?

→ What are the keys to success?

→ What are the events happening today?

For Part III of the Conference, “The Paths Ahead of Us,” the questions asked to participants were:

→ What role should our partners play?

→ What challenges lie ahead?

→ What opportunities lie ahead?

→ What do we need to succeed?

→ What would we like to see happen?

At the end of each of themes of the Conference, participants discussed amongst themselves

at each table what they had heard in relation to their questions. They were then asked to write the main ideas on “post-it notes” and to place these notes on a timeline wall poster. This allowed us, along with the panels and guest speeches, to build a collective narrative of development in three main areas, namely in Eeyou Istchee, in our communities, and with our non-Cree neighbors.

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTSThis section is aimed at interpreting the results of the participatory component of the confer-ence. The complete, unprocessed list of ideas from the timeline is annexed to this report. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, group discussions were limited. However, we are confident the proposed approach still allowed for collecting the participants’ input, whether this be through collective discussions or the result of their personal reflections.

Timeline with participants’ ideas. © GCCEI-CNG

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The PastThe James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement and the original hydro projects are the principal events which marked the recent history of the Eeyou-Eenou Nation and shaped today’s reality. Given the importance and the impacts of these events, they were extensively covered in the first part of the Conference. It is not so much these two events which were discussed but rather the outcomes for the Eeyouch-Eenouch, namely a strong and unified Nation. A major chal-lenge at the time was overcoming the distances separating the different partners and hinder-ing communication, understanding and unity. From a number of notes, one can understand how these challenges were overcome thanks to a vibrant relationship with the land which defined who the Eeyou-Eenou Nation was. In short, staying connected to Cree culture was key to overcoming the challenges.

Success in overcoming the challenges was also due to a variety of attitudes that characterized the leaders of the time: courage, determination, adaptation, perseverance, family and commu-nity support, organization. Equally important was the involvement of everyone from Chiefs to community members, including the youth, elders, entrepreneurs, Cree entities and even certain dedicated teachers and lawyers. One note read: “vision + collectiveness” as the founda-tion of past success.

The PresentParticipants did not identify any significant event in the present. This may in part be be-cause participants have yet to determine how measurable the impacts of new agreements have been or may be.

For this part of the conference, participants iden-tified a great number of challenges, opportuni-ties and keys to success. What is most striking about the results of this part of the conference is the number of ideas that are simultaneously challenges, opportunities and/or keys to success. Current issues include:

→ finding a balance between traditional economy and resource-based development (which connects with sustainable development, protection of the land, meeting the needs of the market, etc.);

→ Nation-building (which connects with policy-making, financial capacity, Cree Development Corporation, etc.);

→ housing (which connects with buying local, keeping the money cycling within the communities, capacity building, etc.); and

→ Education.

Participants designated every segment of Cree society as partners. One post-it read: “Crees need partnership among themselves first.”

The FutureFor the future, participants did not name major events though they identified a good number of initiatives which could be undertaken. These included: a leadership camp, a Cree Research Institute, a Cree Chamber of Commerce, a water bottling plant, a cooperative for marketing wild mushrooms, private housing, entrepreneurship courses and other business programs, among others. One note suggests that Eeyouch take leadership in recycling and reusing, instead of mining development.

The keys for a successful future stand out more boldly than the other results. People mentioned sustainability, guidance, support, imagination, youth engagement, faith, and more. Integrating business with the traditional economy was also noted. The idea of planning with vision came out on a few occasions. The challenge of policymak-ing was also mentioned on several occasions. Finally, in addition to the idea of partnering among Eeyouch, participants suggested reach-ing out to other communities, Cree or non-Cree.

KEY ISSUESAs mentioned earlier in this report, the objec-tive of the conference was, first and foremost, to begin a dialogue on what kind of economic de-velopment was needed in Eeyou Istchee. It was also an opportunity to gain insight into issues and projects which could affect Communities and Eeyouch-Eenouch. The organizers do not intend to come up with an exhaustive action plan and blueprint, which would then be ap-plied to all communities. Rather, this dialogue was meant to identify key areas of strength, vision and concern. From there, work could be undertaken at the various levels of our eco-nomic spheres to assist, and where warranted, implement measures to work with and ben-efit Eeyouch and Eenouch in the achievement of their visions. Throughout the Conference, panelists and attendees were invited to share their thoughts to help us open up the dialogue. From this, we now present some of the main issues, which came out of the “Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenouc Economic Development Conference”.

The Conference encouraged participants to think about where the Eeyou-Nation has come from and where we need go. It provided an op-portunity to get a better understanding of the variety of challenges ahead, to seek ideas for long-term and sustainable economic activity, and to work together towards these visions. We use the word “visions” throughout the text because it is important to realize that just as there are many economies in Eeyou Istchee, there are also many visions of how to grow and prosper through economic development. Having an acceptance of different visions in no way diminishes the value and importance of working together and being stronger together.

The participation in activities throughout the Conference highlighted the connection Eeyouch-Eenouch still have with the land and their identity and culture. This was evident throughout the Conference, whether it be in the expression of the leaders’ visions or how the Eeyouch and Eenouch worked together collec-tively to fight for their rights and build what is now known as the Eeyou-Eenou Nation. Today, this collectiveness means that challenges are also regarded as opportunities. Looking to the future, participants welcomed and gave value to new ideas and innovations, calling for more efforts at bridging culture and business, and

expressing the desire to extend partnerships with outsiders.

From the many contributions made by the guest speakers, panelists and participants, we have gathered a sample of issues which stand out or which were recurrent:

→ There is a need for a consistent and transparent mechanism to allow all Cree-owned businesses (the definition of which will need to be clarified) to access the development opportunities coming up throughout Eeyou Istchee. The definition of a Cree-owned business also needs to be clarified in order to be able to favour true Cree businesses.

→ Accessing equity remains a major challenge for business development. In this regard, the presence of financial institutions at the event was very welcome, and the organizers look forward to pursuing to work with them.

→ There is consensus that the development of small businesses must be nurtured, and that this will require offering guidance and support to people wanting to go into business, especially the young ones.

→ Human resources remain a major hurdle to business development. Businesses in the communities suffer from a high turnover and a lack of qualified, dedicated and dependable workers. Capacity-building is key.

→ In general, business opportunities must be communicated better throughout the Nation, and economic development should be pursued in order to turn the economy around, from a public service dominated one to a business driven one.

→ Business people need to have more forums and opportunities to interact among themselves. The idea of a Chamber of Commerce came out a few times, although something less formal might be appropriate.

→ The role and the implication of Community-owned (“Band corporations”) need to be better defined in order to maximize their contribution and avoid

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The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development

The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is a wide, interfaculty initiative from Harvard University, in partnership with the University of Arizona. It was founded by Stephen Cornell and Joseph E. Kalt in 1987. At the heart of the project is a systematic, comparative study of social and economic development on American Indian reservations. The Project looked at what works, where and why. Research shows that indigenous sovereignty, institutions, culture and leadership matter a great deal in successful economic development.

In a paper published in 1998,* Cornell and Kalt have summarized their findings into two different approaches to economic development. The first approach is called “jobs and income approach.” This is when a planner or some sort of development officer goes off and writes a grant proposal, or looks for some investors, or else comes up with some business ideas, “and everyone hopes that somehow the problem will be solved.” Basically, this approach does not work. It is generally reactive, it emphasizes solely starting businesses and short-term pay-offs, and development responds primarily to an economic problem where the solution is money.

The other approach is a nation-building one. It is more ambitious and comprehensive. “The solution is to build a nation in which both businesses and human beings can flourish.” It puts in place an environment in which people want to invest, either money or themselves. “A nation-building approach to development doesn’t say ‘let’s start a business.’ Instead, it says ‘let’s build an environment that encourages investors to invest, that helps businesses to last, and that allows investments to flourish and pay off.’ A nation-building approach requires new ways of thinking about and pursuing economic development.” Development is first and foremost a political problem, where attention is focused on laying a sound institutional foundation, strategic thinking, and informed action.

Cornell and Kalt also point out that the nation-building approach produces different outcomes, namely a more sustainable future for the nation. It is not a guarantee of economic success, but it vastly improves the chances that economic development will take root and be sustainable, and will produce prosperity. This requires, however, an effective governing capability.

In other words, for sovereignty to have practical effects, nations must develop effective governing institutions of their own. The Harvard Project research indicates that such institutions need the following:

conflicts, including hurting existing local businesses.

→ Overall, there seems to be a consensus that the approach to Economic Development should be a “Nation-building” one.

This last point, on Economic Development and Nation-building, was explored by Harvard University. We have taken the liberty to in-clude the conclusion of the Harvard Project as we find it to be very pertinent to the discussions of the conference.

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→ Stable institutions and policies; stability is key when attracting investors.

→ Fair and effective dispute resolution; among the 67 tribes examined, those with genuinely independent judicial systems economically outperform those that don’t.

→ Separation of politics from business management; tribally-owned businesses that are formally insulated from political interference are four times as likely to be profitable as those directly controlled by the council.

→ A competent bureaucracy; this allows tribes to be in the driver’s seat of natural resources development.

→ A cultural “match”; a match between the governing institutions and the prevailing ideas in the community about how authority should be organized and exercised.

Cornell and Kalt then identify four building blocks of Development: de facto sovereignty, effective institutions, strategic direction, and decisions/action. These blocks must be put in place one by one, sequentially. And when it comes to giving direction and making decisions, the authors identify the issues that should be at the basis of the development strategy:

→ What kind of society are we trying to build?

→ What do we hope to change in our society?

→ What do we hope to preserve or protect? What are we willing to give up?

→ What are our development priorities?

→ What are our development concerns?

→ What assets do we have to work with?

→ What constraints do we have to face?

*Cornell, S.E. and Kalt, J.P. (1998). Sovereignty and Nation-Building: The Development Challenge in Indian Country Today. Harvard University: Malcom Wiener Center for Social Policy, Harvard Project of American Indian Economic Development.More can be found at hpaied.org.

RECOMMENDATIONSThough this report is not meant to outline an action plan, the issues raised do warrant recommendations from Conference organizers regarding further actions to be taken at two different levels, the Regional and the Local. For the Communities, the development of action and strategic plans needs to be outlined and, in some cases, implemented. This step would require support, not intervention from supporting partners. This includes:

1 having the Department of Commerce and Industry, along with other partners, tour the communities in order to understand the diversity of local needs and realities;

2 identifying key resources and stakeholders;

3 compiling socio-economic data with the aim of producing community profiles.

At the Regional level, the priority should include laying the groundwork and developing a clear and transparent process allowing all Eeyou-Eenou Communities and entrepreneurs access to business opportunities in Eeyou Istchee which arise in Eeyou Istchee. This process must take into consider-ation all existing Agreements, including the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the New Relationship Agreement (Paix des Braves), and the several agreements over the extraction of natural resources.

Action at these two levels must be coherent, and special attention should be given to the specific issues which stood out from the Conference. The Conference organizers thus wish to make a number of recommendations in

relation to each of the issues identified.

1. Raising Economic and Employment Activity through the Private Sector

As both Mr. Bill Namagoose and Mr. Jack Blacksmith pointed out, in the healthiest economies the public sector generates up to 20-30% of employment while the private sector generates 70-80%. In the Cree world, as in many First Nations, this proportion is inversed. The quick explanation, and justifiably so, is that there are not enough businesses in Eeyou/Eenou communities. This results in too many financial resources exiting the communities rather than circulating first and foremost in the communities, generating more services, local wealth and employment.

Recommendations:1.1 Work with communities in order to identify economic

opportunities for comparable communities, including infrastructure needs.

1.2 Work with Cree organizations in order to identify service needs and growth opportunities.

1.3 Put in place a mechanism through which business opportunities are better communicated throughout the Nation.

1.4 Initiate dialogue with financial institutions and lending partners to identify measures to better help new and existing businesses.

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Local crafts were sold at the conference – this is also economic development! © GCCEI-CNG

2. Supporting Cree-Owned BusinessesMany voices expressed concern about tendering processes and having access, as Eeyou-Eenou businesses, to these opportunities. Many expressed the need to ensure that Cree-owned business had access to a fair share of upcoming business opportunities.

Recommendations:2.1 Develop clear and transparent mechanisms to allow all

Cree-owned businesses to know about, and have access to, economic opportunities coming up throughout Eeyou Istchee.

2.2 Adopt a clear definition and criteria for the recognition of Cree-owned businesses.

2.3 Promote and support the development of programs which offer guidance and support for people wanting to go into business, especially youth.

3. Developing the WorkforceHuman resources remain a major hurdle to business development. Businesses in the communities suffer from a high turnover and a lack of qualified, dedicated and dependable workers. This in turn has a direct impact on the development of new services in the Communities.

Recommendations:3.1 Continue investing in capacity-building and enhance or vary

these programs to better support local businesses.

3.2 Set up a taskforce charged with developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the development of the workforce.

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4. Fostering Connections and Partnerships within Eeyou Istchee

Business people in Eeyou Istchee need to be able to establish exchanges amongst themselves and to be able to help find solutions, do peer support and develop new ideas to better serve Eeyou Istchee.

Recommendations:4.1 Support local business people if they are interested in forming

business associations.

4.2 Develop peer support programs for new business people.

4.3 Encourage a greater participation of Eeyou-Eenou business people in community and regional events.

4.4 Define the roles of the Community-owned (“Band corporations”) and Regionally-owned (“Cree Nation companies”) in regards to local Eeyou-Eenou-owned businesses.

5. Tying Economic Development with Nation-BuildingNation-building cannot happen without a strong and unified vision of how economic development will be supported in order to help the achievement of the Nation-building. This includes ensuring economic development is defined to include components related to education, health, culture, language and environment. Likewise, reflections on the matters just named must also take into consideration how economic development can be used to achieve and strengthen them.

CONCLUSIONThe Eeyou-Eenou Nation is presently at an important point in its existence. It must look at how it can achieve true self-governance through self-reliability and economic growth, all the while ensuring it enriches and protects is terri-tory, its language, its culture and its identity. The past decades have allowed us to achieve the recognition of our rights and our rightful place in Eeyou Istchee. Yet, though our successes have been many, we have many areas to improve when it comes to economic development as our Communities grow and our needs are diversified.

Eeyou Istchee has seen an increase in resource development, which has brought in some benefits to our Communities. Yet, these benefits are shadowed by other impacts and even more so by the lack of economic diversification in the services we have access to. This points particularly to one important factor: the Eeyou-Eenou Nation is made up of many different economies, and whatever economic activity we allow to happen must be done in a way that enhances and strengthens our other economies. These other economies are often smaller economies in scale, and include the hunters and trappers, tour-ism, cooperatives, involving more women in business, and other newer or alternative economies. All economic sectors must be considered as parts of the whole. It is this approach which will guarantee that economic develop-ment is seen as and becomes a driving factor in Nation-building.

The Stronger Together Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development Conference was a step in engaging us towards this Nation-building. The organizers felt that it was important, at first, “to press the reset button” as Abel Bosum said, and to insist on the fact that “unity is our greatest asset” as was highlighted by Bill Namagoose.

I don’t think we have achieved a lot of stuff because we are smarter, we are better, we are brilliant. I think we achieved them because we do it together. We find a common ground of where we want to go. And that to me is unique to us Cree people.

Deputy Grand Chief Rodney Mark

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A GREEN EFFORT WHICH YIELDED RESULTSAn eco-responsible (or “green”) event is an event that is executed in an en-vironmentally and socially responsible manner. This involves taking into account and striving to reduce water and energy usage, waste and greenhouse gas production and limit negative impacts on biodiversity.

Green actions taken:

→ Sorting bins for waste;

→ Water jugs and glasses (no individual plastic bottles);

→ Recyclable name-tags;

→ Minimal use of paper;

→ Tablecloths made of fabric;

→ Biodegradable dishes.

Estimation of the ecological footprint of the event (in terms of waste and CO2 emissions):

→ Of the 259 participants, 232 travelled by car, 9 by foot and 18 by plane. This amounts for a total of approximately 26 tons of CO2.

→ In terms of waste, the Conference generated 169 pounds of compost (51% of total waste), 64 pounds of recyclable materials (20%) and 95 pounds of garbage (29%).

The green actions allowed for a reduction of wastes by 233 pounds, or 71%. The number of trees necessary for filtering 26 tons of CO2 was estimated at 128. There is, however, room for improvement, especially when it comes to catering. The Conference qualified for a category 2 event, thus requiring a compensation exceeding by 75% the estimated number of trees needed to absorb the greenhouse gas emissions. Different compensation measures, which include educational approaches, are presently being considered.

Our partners in organizing this green event were the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) and FaunENord. COTA is an association cre-ated under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), which is committed to transforming Eeyou Itschee Baie-James vast potential into a viable economic reality.

FaunENord is a Chibougamau based, non-profit organization, whose mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of Eeyou Istchee-Baie James by developing, managing, and offering consulting services on strategic proj-ects related to comprehensive land use planning. FaunENord has worked with Cree clients at several occasions on different projects.

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APPENDIX 1 – PROGRAM OF THE EVENT

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APPENDIX 2 – SPEAKERS’ BIOGRAPHIESDr. Philip AwashishSince 1970, Dr. Philip Awashish has been actively pro-moting the recognition and protection of Aboriginal peoples’ rights, cultures, governance and traditional laws in Canada and abroad. He was central to chang-ing Canada’s national policy on Aboriginal rights as a chief negotiator and a signatory of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). He negotiated and implemented a series of highly innovative and successful legal agreements, and socio-economic programs. Among these he developed the Income Security Program for Aboriginal hunters; he negoti-ated the terms and provisions of the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act, which replaces the Indian Act for the Cree and Naskapi, and was involved in its implementation; he was part of Canada’s negotiating team of the Migratory Birds Convention with the United States.

During the implementation and renegotiations of the JBNQA, Dr. Awashish was the longest serving elected regional Cree official as the Executive Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) and Vice-Chairman of the Cree Regional Authority. He was also Chief and Councillor of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. And in 1997 he was appointed by the Government of Canada as a Commissioner of the independent Cree-Naskapi Commission. In addi-tion, he presently sits as a member of numerous committees and boards created by the JBNQA and its related agreements.

Dr. Awashish has played a decisive role over the recent decades in gaining recognition of the ways of life of the Aboriginal peoples of northern Canada, and in developing new Indigenous and joint government policies and programs. He is also an accomplished author, whose articles on Aboriginal ways of life and land-claims agreements offer incisive analyses and constructive critiques of relations between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society.

In 2009, McMaster University honoured his contri-butions and achievements with the awarding of an Honourary Doctorate of Laws. The James Bay Crees have honoured him by referring to him as an Elder, thereby recognizing, acknowledging and calling on

him for wise advice and leadership.

Elijah AwashishMr. Awashish is most often associated with private entrepreneurial success in a variety of businesses in Mistissini over the past two decades. He has built his reputation while raising a family in Eeyou Istchee with the support of his wife Victoria who also plays an active role in the Pimii Plus enterprise, which he owns and operates since 2004. His ability to communicate in the Cree, English and French has been a definite asset in his networking and business associations. He is a strong believer in community based projects and that resources are available and can be developed within the community.

Before starting Pimii Plus Esso, Mr. Awashish was Co-Owner and Administrator of Cree Sports & Outdoors between 2001 and 2004 and he administered the first Telebec Mobility franchise in Eeyou Istchee. He also acted, between 1998 and 2014, as President, Co-Owner and Operator of Osprey Excursions, recognized as one of the best outfitting operations in Quebec.

As a business person, Mr. Awashish often mentors other business people and help them, especially when they are starting. His efforts as a business person have been recognized several times over the last few years. In 2010, he was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the 3rd Annual Gala hosted by Eeyou Economic Group CFDCI Inc. His current occupations are focused on insuring the update and smooth operations of Pimii Plus while remaining open to future developments.

Jack BlacksmithJack R. Blacksmith is from Waswanipi. He was re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Compensation and President of the Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company Inc. (CreeCo Inc.) in December 2014.

Mr. Blacksmith has served the Board of Compensation and CreeCo for over twenty years, which includes thir-teen years as Chairman/President and has many years of work experience in economic development through-out various local, regional and national organizations.

He is also the Chairman to CreeCo’s subsidiaries; Air Creebec, Cree Construction & Development Company (CCDC), Gestion ADC, Eeyou Eenou Realty Property (EERP), & Valpiro. Creeco is also in partnership with Quality Inn & Suites-Val-d’Or, Creeco Dumas and Eeyou Power.

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He is married to his wife Hattie for 30 years now, and they have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

Abel BosumAbel Bosum began working for the Grand Council of the Crees in 1978 where he occupied numerous roles in the area of economic development. From 1984 to 1998, Abel Bosum occupied the key leadership role of the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation. He coor-dinated and supervised legal and historical research, supervised and conducted successful negotiations leading to major agreements with both Québec and Canada related to the establishment of a permanent village. He then led the community in the construc-tion of a unique new village, which is noted for its culturally-based architecture, a locally developed and self-sufficient housing program and a village-wide alternative energy system. Oujé-Bougoumou has received significant national and international recognition for its community development achieve-ments including awards from the United Nations and invitations to participate in the World Expo in 2000.

Since 1999 Abel Bosum has served the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) as Negotiator for Cree-Québec relations. In that capacity he represented the Cree Nation in negotiations which put the relation-ship between the Cree Nation and the Province of Québec on a new footing and laid the foundation for the long-term development of the Cree communities. This historic New Relationship Agreement between the Cree Nation and the Government of Québec (“Paix des Braves”), signed in 2002, has established a new standard for the resolution of conflicts between aboriginal nations and governments.

Building on the foundation laid by the “Paix des Braves,” the Cree Nation undertook equally ground-breaking negotiations with Québec in the area of governance. Abel Bosum led the negotiations aimed at providing a much more significant role for the Cree Nation in the governance of the entire northern region of Québec. The Cree-Québec Governance Agreement will result in greater jurisdiction of the Cree Nation over its traditional territory.

Abel has also led major negotiations leading to agree-ments in the area of health and social services. In 1998, Abel Bosum was honored as a recipient of Canada’s National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the category of Community Development. Abel also serves as a Councillor to the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation. Abel Bosum and his wife Sophie have four children. When the opportunity presents itself, Abel’s greatest joy is to take his family to their cabin on the Oujé-Bougoumou traditional territory.

Laurie Brien-Chakapash, Elizabeth Brien-Gunner and Annie BrienDaughters of the late Charlie Brien Sr, founder of the restaurant which would become ADELS, Laurie, Elizabeth and Annie are three of the sisters who now own and operate ADELS Restaurant in Mistissini. Having grown up in the business with their family, they learned the keys to running a business success-fully and responsibly. Also, true to the values taught to them by their parents, the sisters have continued their involvement in the community through helping families in need, encouraging youth and supporting other businesses in the community.

Today, ADELS is one of the longest running and family-owned businesses in all of Eeyou Istchee, even pre-dating the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee.

Chief Kenneth CheezoChief Kenneth Cheezo is currently serving his first mandate as Chief of the Cree Nation of Eastmain. Prior to his political service, he was a successful businessperson, owning a number of businesses in the community of Eastmain, starting his first busi-ness as a teenager. He is a proud father and family man, with his children studying to follow their father in business.

Grand Chief Dr. Matthew Coon-ComeMatthew Coon Come is an indigenous leader and advocate for the aboriginal, treaty and other human rights of indigenous peoples in Canada and inter-nationally. His election in July 2013 to the office of Grand Chief of the James Bay Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee is his fifth re-election to that position.

Matthew was first elected as Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees in 1987 and served for four terms of office. Matthew was former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in Canada from 2000 to 2003.

He has become known throughout Canada for his efforts to end the federal policy of extinguishment of aboriginal peoples’ human right of self-determination; for leading the successful Cree international fight against the Great Whale Hydroelectric megaproject in Quebec; in asserting the Cree right of self-deter-mination in the context of the possible separation of Quebec from Canada. Under his leadership, the Grand Council of the Crees stayed at the center of

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every major political issue that concerns aboriginal peoples in Canada.

In recognition of his leadership in marshalling local, national and international environmental, human rights and tribal communities to create a strong coalition to stop a massive hydro-electric project on his people’s land, Matthew Coon Come was awarded the Goldman prize in 1994. In 1998, Trent University granted him the degree of «Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa» in further recognition of the significance of his work, and in 2000, the University of Toronto also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws. He also received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1995.

Most recently, Matthew oversaw the conclusion of a landmark agreement with Quebec dealing with the governance of the entire James Bay region of Quebec. This Agreement, signed on July 24, 2012, substantially increases the scope of Cree jurisdiction over their traditional lands and resources, while at the same time, establishes a new regional government in partnership with the non-indigenous municipali-ties in the region.

Born in 1956 on his parents’ hunting territory of the Cree community of Mistissini, Matthew was soon recognized by the elders as a natural leader. He was asked to be coordinator for all the inland Cree communities for the negotiations with Canada that enabled the James Bay Crees to achieve the first ever aboriginal self-government legislation in Canada, the Cree-Naskapi Act.

Matthew studied political science, economics, native studies and law at Trent and McGill Universities, and also undertook theological studies in the United States following his tenure as National Chief in 2003. He married Maryann Matoush in 1976, and together they have three daughters and two sons.

Matthew HappyjackMatthew Happyjack became President of Air Creebec Inc. in January of 2010. He oversees the strategic di-rection of the Waskaganish-based, Air Creebec. With more than 350 employees across Quebec and Ontario, Air Creebec operates regular scheduled flights, charter and freight services to 16 destinations in Quebec and Ontario. Under his leadership, Air Creebec has grown in fleet size, revenues and profitability.

Matthew is a graduate from University du Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscaminque, where he received his MBA and certificate in Accounting. He also holds a cer-tificate in Community Management and Community Development from Concordia University.

Matthew brings a wealth of experience in senior man-agement from previous employment within the Cree Nation. His experiences include; General Manager of a Caisse Populaire Desjardins, Senior Manager of a Local Education Institution, Treasurer of a local Band Council and notably chairperson and vie-chairperson of the Board of Compensation.

Following his Cree heritage, Matthew enjoys the outdoors activities such as jogging, hunting and fish-ing and when his work schedule permits, he spends time in the bush. A dedicated family man, Matthew is married to Anna Saganash and they have seven children and eight grandchildren.

Robert KanatewatMr. Robert Kanatewat is a name closely associated with the events leading up to James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. As Chief of Fort George Band (later became the Chisasibi Band) for ten years, he was instrumental in the early efforts in Quebec along with Chief Max Gros-Louis and Chief Billy Diamond in asserting Indian rights to land and Indian control of education. His work inspired many efforts of this kind in other parts of Canada and has been honoured with several awards for his work as a Native leader.

Mr. Kanatewat was the principal plaintiff in the James Bay court case (Kanatewat et al.) which forced the governments to the negotiating table and resulted in the execution of the JBNQA. He was directly in-volved in negotiating the Agreement and has worked since then on the implementation of the Agreement including the drafting of the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act – self-government legislation for the Cree and Naskapi First Nations. Chief Robert Kanatewat is a signatory of the JBNQA.

Mr. Kanatewat was one of the owners of Kepa Transport and has served as its President until the successful company was sold in 1990. He remained as the Director General of Kepa Transport under the new ownership until 1998. In February of 1986, he was appointed by the Federal Cabinet to the Cree-Naskapi Commission created by the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act. Mr. Kanatewat has presently served as Commissioner of the Cree-Naskapi Commission for seven terms. As a businessman, Mr. Kanatewat is the part owner of Googoom’s Kitchen – a restaurant in Chisasibi, and is a partner in Kiskimaastakin – an outfitting operation.

The personal interests of Mr. Kanatewat are to work with the elders and youth in the Cree communities but he is particularly interested in all youth issues and activities. Mr. Kanatewat and his wife have

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six children and are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren.

Anthony MacLeodAnthony MacLeod was born and raised in Mistissini, where he presently lives. He studied accounting, and worked for Gestion ADC for several years as General Manager before deciding to go into business with his sister, Elaine. Together, they opened the first Tim Horton’s franchise in Eeyou Istchee and they now own and operate two franchises with the opening of a second one in Chibougamau.

Deputy Grand Chief Rodney MarkRodney Mark, from the Cree Nation of Wemindji, was elected as Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) / Vice-Chair of the Cree Nation Government, on July 25, 2013. Prior to this position, Mr. Mark has been Chief of the Cree Nation of Wemindji for over ten years, after serving as Deputy Chief. His other positions in Wemindji were Social Development Coordinator, Employment Officer and Youth Chief. He was elected as Chairman of the Police Commission April 2015. He attended Heritage College and Carlton University.

One important mandate under his leadership is Protected Areas and Conservation. This file is valued by Mr. Mark as he was instrumental in the creation of the Paakumshumwaau-Maatuuskaau biodiversity reserve which located within his community territory. He is now spearheading other local and regional pro-tected areas proposals with other Cree Communities within Eeyou Istchee for the Cree Nation Government.

Robin McGinleyRobin McGinley is a member of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. She has been working in tourism and outdoor education since she was a teenager; first as a ski instructor in Gatineau, then in Colorado while attending University, and also as an Outward Bound instructor in Colorado and northern Ontario. After completing university, she returned to Mistissini in 1996 to work on community economic development files such as tourism. In the spring of 2000, after graduating with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary, she again returned home and was fortunate to be given the task of starting the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) with the input, support and par-ticipation of the Cree leadership, communities and entrepreneurs. In 2006, COTA negotiated with the provincial government to create the 22nd Regional Tourism Association in Quebec for Eeyou Istchee. She

is proud to be able to work with the Cree communi-ties and regional non-native partners to develop a world-class sustainable tourism destination in Eeyou Istchee Baie James.

Henry MianscumHenry Mianscum is the Director of Capital Works and Services at the Cree Nation Government. Mr. Mianscum has long been involved in the political and administrative development of the Cree Nation, especially Mistissini, his home community. He has served several mandates as Chief of the Cree Nation of Mistissini, was instrumental in many agreements signed by the Cree Nation and recently served as Director of the Cree Human Resources Development (CHRD) before taking on his role as Director of Capital Works for the Cree Nation Government.

Alexander MosesAlexandre Moses is from Waskaganish and now lives in Waswanipi. His involvement with the youth began as an after school gym monitor at the local youth center. He was recently appointed Interim Youth Grand Chief of the Cree Nation Youth Council. Prior to this, he was the Special Projects Coordinator and then Youth Coordinator at Waswanipi First Nation. He studied administration.

Paul John MurdochPaul John Murdoch, an Eeyou from Wemindji, is the Corporate Secretary at the Grand Council of the Crees – Cree Nation Government. Mr. Murdoch is the first Eeyou to have been received at the Québec Bar Association as a lawyer. He established his own legal firm and has been active in many crucial files for First Nations across the country.

As a licensed pilot, he purchased his own plane so that he could quickly travel to meet and work with First Nations and Eeyou-Eenou communities need-ing his help.

Bill NamagooseBill Namagoose was appointed Executive Director of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) in 1988 and was recently also appointed Director General of the Cree Nation Government. He is a member of the Cree Board of Compensation and Chairman of the James Bay Cree-Naskapi Pension Plan. He is also the Chairman of the First Nations Bank.

Bill grew-up among elders in the community of Waskaganish on the east coast of James Bay Quebec and he speaks Cree and English. As Director

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of Operations and later Chief of the community, he saw to the construction of the community sanitary infrastructure and water system, the upgrading and modernization of the electrical system, and the con-struction of a large part of the houses in the commu-nity. In 1981 the Government of Quebec presented him an award for his work in environmental protection. He is one of the Crees from the second generation of graduates after the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975.

In the early 1990’s Bill played an important role in defense of Cree rights when the second wave of James Bay Hydro Projects after La Grande 1975 was announced by Premier Bourassa. The project was composed of the Great Whale River and NBR Projects to be built on traditional Cree lands. His work to pro-mote energy efficiency and the scaling down of hydro projects as alternatives was key to the success of the campaign. At the community level, Bill advocates for increasing Cree local and regional government control and also applauds efforts to secure greater Cree involvement in sustainable development, as owners, investors, managers and workers.

As Federal Negotiator for the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), he coordinates all aspects of the negotiations concerning Cree rights, from strategy development to dealing with political issues. He works with the Directors of Operations and Treasurers of the Cree communities and promotes sound financial and operations management as well as capacity building. He works out of the Cree Embassy office in Ottawa and lives there with his wife Jeannie Tenasco.

Irene NeeposhIrene Neeposh is the owner and founder of SKY Community Development Services, that offers guidance and support to developing businesses and projects. Ms. Neeposh studied in Market Research and Business marketing, and she has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University, where she focused on economic development for First Nations. Ms. Neeposh believes that work, ethics and endeavour bring the best from people. She has earned an Entrepreneur of the year award for hospi-tality development, a Woman and Leadership Award, an Employee of the Year award for Teamwork, and a Youth Leadership award.

Donald NichollsDonald Nicholls is a member of the Cree Nation of Mistissini. He has a degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, a common law degree from University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and a civil

law degree from McGill University Faculty of Law. After law school, Mr. Nicholls became a successful entrepreneur forming a local partnership of Cree youth and building a mini-mall project. He was a graduate of the inaugural class of the Masters of Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona. In Arizona, he worked with tribal court systems, actions in the OAS, United Nations and other international bodies, and traditional knowl-edge systems. Donald Nicholls was engaged by the University of Arizona as a Coordinator of outreach initiatives and projects, as well as the first Vine Deloria Jr. Senior Research Fellow. Mr. Nicholls developed courses in both the clinical programs and in the law school on international mechanisms and comparative Indigenous law. He worked on rights based actions and projects in Latin America, North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He is also an alumni of Harvard Business School. Mr. Nicholls was a member of the 2004 Governor General’s Leadership Conference, and has chaired national and international boards for the Government of Canada. Upon his return to Canada, Donald worked in the executive office of the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees. He was also ap-pointed as an inaugural member of the Cree-Quebec Judicial Advisory Committee, and is presently the Director of Department of Justice for the Cree Nation Government. Mr. Nicholls also sits on a number of national and regional boards as a Director. He was recipient of the Canadian Centre for Conflict Resolution’s Award of Merit for the innovative work he has engaged in the area of conflict resolution and mediation.

George E. PachanoMr. Pachano owns and operate Pachano Auto & Repair Services in Chisasibi. He previously held vari-ous positions at the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, and at the Cree Construction and Development Company. He also served as the Capital Projects Manager for the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, and sat on the Board of a number of organizations including Wiichiituun Development Corporation, Chisasibi Business and Development Group, CheeBee Construction, Air Wemindji and Beesuum Petroleum (Petronor).

Lindy SpencerLindy Spencer is from Chisasibi, but has lived in Eastmain for the past 18 years. He has eight children. He is a very dynamic business person. He first started a video store in Eastmain at age 24, then started a catering service and a depanneur before going into

38 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

construction. He now has 52 people on his payroll, and contributes 1.2 million dollars in salaries in the community of Eastmain. Mr. Spencer is also taking a piloting course.

Pauline Trapper-HesterPauline Trapper-Hester is a Cree woman, a mother, a grandmother, and currently serves as the Chief of the Cree Nation of Washaw Sibi. She is married with six grown children, and five grandchildren whom she loves dearly. Pauline’s journey of achievements has been greatly supported by her spouse and children. It is on this journey that Pauline got elected by her community members in July 2011, which allows her to serve a term of four years. Pauline was re-elected in July 2015, which extends to another four-year term. She is passionate about this mandate as she has held this vision of a new community in her heart for many years. This vision is progressively becoming in view on the horizon.

Prior to the election, she was working in Waskaganish under the direction of late Gerti Murdoch for seven years. Pauline was inspired by Gerti’s leadership and guidance, and was a mentor for her. Pauline believed that she would be able to follow in her footsteps. She was then hired as the Director of the Post-Secondary Student Services within the Cree School Board from 2007 to 2011, a period of four years.

Pauline always believes that she and her community members will create and develop their own Cree com-munity. In moving forward with this vision, Pauline knew that she would need to build plans in her pursuit towards higher learning; therefore, she applied for a university education. In the year of 2003, she at-tended Lakehead University studying in a BA General Arts program, and then transferred to the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) with BA in Administration, from which she graduated in the year of 2007. This milestone in Pauline’s life was the beginning of moving forward and believing in herself to achieve the visions of her heart. She wishes to express to all of you that “Believing in yourself is the most essential step to take in making a difference and moving forward towards your own visions.” Pauline, still today, continues to ponder continuing her higher learning and is planning towards a Master’s Degree in the area of Leadership and business and/or politics. She anticipates to “pass down” all her knowledge to the next generation(s) in her future community, as well as to Cree Nation.

Kathleen J. WoottonMs. Wootton resides in Mistissini. She has two children and two grandsons. She is the Chairperson of the Cree School Board since 2011, and has been re-elected twice since then. She previously repre-sented the Cree community of Mistissini as the School Commissioner for the CSB.

Ms. Wootton served two terms as the Deputy Chief for the Cree Nation of Mistissini. During her tenure, she worked on numerous files including the Albanel-Temiscamie-Otish Park Project, Education and Height of the Land files.

Ms. Wootton has two degrees from McGill University: a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Later Childhood Education, and a Master of Arts, majoring in Educational Leadership. Ms. Wootton also attended graduate school at Simon Fraser University. She at-tended three residential schools, and then completed high school in Montreal.

Ms. Wootton’s work experience in education includes teaching, coordinating, training, and advising at dif-ferent schools and in different programs. Her pas-sion has always been Cree and Aboriginal Education. She firmly believes that the Cree Nation can develop an education system that incorporates Cree values, principles, traditional practices and culture, and still

meet the educational needs of the Cree Nation today.

39Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

APPENDIX 3 – PARTICIPANTS’ INPUT (RAW DATA)(Some comments judged to be offensive to specific individuals or organizations may have been omitted or modified.)

40 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

PAST – LAND R Communication R Education II R Original partners for starting Air Creebec

should be mentioned – Owners of former Austin Airways believed in the Crees to have an Airline

R Elders’ wisdom R Need to research and explore

opportunities R Cree culture R Courage R Accountability R Recruiting Cree Pilots and Managers (Succession Plan)

R Access R Determination R Fur trade industry and trappers control-

ling the Cree territory R Motivation R Legal environment challenge R Language loss R Stay strong, together as one Cree Nation R Sharing information, knowledge and ex-

perience / because of competition, people don’t want to do this

R Access infrastructure R JBNQA, expansions (air creebec,

communities…) R Land-based resources – people used

the land – Agreement – Cree leaders mobilized together to form a political organization

R Crees were actively using the land and could therefore demonstrate impact

– Common vision to create a regional government

R Start of Air Creebec – creating employ-ment – transportation throughout Cree Nation – expansion towards Ontario flights

R Elders allowing to adapt R Understanding R Resources on the land – Fur trade R Crees R Communication R Governments R Perseverance R Strength R Never give up! R If there were more people living on the

land I would call it success! But proud of those who have successful businesses

R Missing business plans R Education – working together –

Experiences – knowledge R Signing of JBNQA – start small and ex-

pand as community grows – gaining of experience in different areas

R Negotiations for jbnqa R Natural Resources – Social Economy R Banks – good workers – customers – good

name

41Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

PAST – COMMUNITIES R Young leaders of the 70s R Our buildings our economy of today, thank you

R Community members – Crees in communi-ties – Entities

R To succeed: local entrepreneurs need tech-nical, professional skills, e.g. accounting and funding for start up costs

R Going to school and working, switching shifts between siblings – learning busi-ness skills

R Communities were separated, great distance – funding sources – limited education

R Unity (lack of total unity within overall Cree Nation)

R Chiefs, leadership, community, business-men, entrepreneurs, family, elders, youth, everyone

R Maybe finding training and keeping a Cree employee (retention)

R Adels, father’s friend in the States (Charlie) for giving him direction and en-couragement. Also Charlie passing on his discussions to his family.

R You R Volume, size of community, limits to at-

tain resources R Elders, communities, leadership, youth,

businesses R Community support – shopping at home and supporting local businesses

R Sharing: working together as one nation. On for all Crees and people that live in Cree land

R Participate in building the communities – participate in large infrastructure (Hydro, etc.( - Creeco created to be the partici-pants – owned by all crees

R Adversities R Family support – start small – Go in bling faith – Identity needs

R Creating jobs in communities (Paul Gull) R In the past: Communities were young and they had huge opportunities in the development of the land for hunting and trapping, and then eventually for natural resources – During: united the Cree people JBNQA

R Community (ies) R Knowledge of Elders, Trappers, Hunters,

Fishermen

R Education R Money R The opportunities were the Chiefs had to

get together to negotiate the N.J.B.A. R Employment for the Crees… R Working together R Good accountant – CHRD – Dev. Corp. R Lack of expertise Pros (Cree) R Creation of CHRD R You! R Funding sources R Presence R Food sales – transportation – Politician R Vision + collectiveness (collective effort) R Motivation + dedication + never let any-

thing stand in your objective R Employment Hudson Bay Comp. R A balanced understanding of own cultural values and present day realities

R Organization R Vote for me if you want success R Lawyers, teachers, community members, youth

R Gave people opportunities to have jobs, young people and families to establish relationship with community

R Confidence

42 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

PAST – NEIGHBORS R Relationships – come together as a

community R I love you R Fur trade R Canoe brigade to New York to protest the

damming of Great Whale River R Together Encouragement R Communication – Connection between Cree communities

R Our clients – our customer – Cree leadership

R Family support – “we learn by our mis-takes” – “we are all equal, men and wom-en, u ??? all hand in hand”

R Funding R Never give up R Control R Language and culture bias R Cree and Inuit relations – Cree and

Naskapi relations – Trappers – HBC R Elders – Young leader back in the 70s R Non native profs who believed the Cree

Nation vision R The peaceful protest that forced HQ and Quebec and Canada to listen to the Cree

= JBNQA R The start of relationship between Natives + non-Natives gaining respect for each other

R Inequality (different treatment to offers)

PRESENT – LAND R Tourism R Partnerships (Eeyou Istchee) R Respect (written in Cree) R Education R Patience R Protection of the land to protect Eeyou

michim, nippi, eeyouch people R Boxing match Jack vs Grand Chief winner

gets CDC at next AGA R Believing in yourself R Greater political pressure on HQ to help Cree businesses benefit from HQ activity in the territory

R Lots of opportunities in educational and health profession

R Family support R Our present education system, bring

home the children to be educated in our communities. Community/commercial development

R Sacrifices – Eeyou Istchee R Entrepreneurs Eeyouch R Hard work R Real estate in Eeyou Istchee R Create a good foundation in Education and business

R Passion R Chamber of commerce – Cree entre-

preneurs only, no boring government speakers

R Teamwork R Commitment R Financial capacity R Ho to get certified + licensed trades R Tax issues R Commitment R Young community provides many oppor-

tunities for great future. Financial and economic education will serve the actual youth to create/build a stronger Cree Nation.

R Sustainable development R Challenge will be on how to accommodate

the needs of market that is thought out. – In the developing of a vision to go after

R We must learn to run our own companies (100% Cree)

R Encourage and assist our Youth to run their own businesses

43Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Promoting higher education – teach-ing of signed agreements, implementa-tions process needs to be clear to future generations

R Opportunity to dictate what our future should look like – to have a strong hold on our children’s future – continue protecting our land, language and culture

R Move Washaw Sibi to the heart of Eeyou Istchee

R What are the keys to success? Economic and community development – Education – Housing development – nation building

R Will need to create a balance between our traditional economy and our involvement in development of Natural Resources, with Eeyou Istchee. Most important part-ners: Hunters

R Greenhouses R Go green at all events! R Better communication R Tourism vs Mining and Resource

development R Not enough of doing things our way!

PRESENT – COMMUNITY R Persistence R Development R Ban Poutine sales across Cree Nation R Crossroads of opportunities. Overcome

challenges. 1. CSB be more supportive to post secondary students rather than discouragement 2. Psychological + emo-tional support

R Determination R Employment R Higher education requirements – profes-

sionals – degrees R To own your own business in our commu-

nities – for everyone (Cree) to be heard (every age) – opportunity for your dreams to become true

R We need to hear young people and their vision of the future, also hunters. – Development is non native concept; ours is sustainment and preservation.

R What are the opportunities? To invest in our own people

R Outstanding issues not resolved among Cree-Inuit. Whapmagoostui on Economic development

R Partners – Crees need to build a serious partnership among themselves first

R Resources (shared expertise) R Perseverance R Buy local campaign – keep the money

cycling – minimize leakage R Equity R We have been seeing restaurants and

stores as way to make money… but what about well being of people? 28% diabetes: we need more healthy food choices!

R Traditional cultural activities – Hunting/fishing – Entrepreneurial-ship – Economic development

R Outsourcing has to stop R Challenges – Need to fill jobs with proper

education – how to ensure students are supported in their education. Some smart + dedicated. Students get lost in the cracks when CSB pulls out the spon-sorship: graduates be encouraged to get certification

R Computer science jobs – healt profession-als – teaching – management + strategy

– lawyers/advisors – program development – counseling/psychologists R Language

44 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Confidence – Education – Risk management

R Seek sustainable business opportunities that will provide long term jobs to Crees

R Administration – Education – Health Services – Tourism – Forestry – Construction – Mining – Energy

R Youth R Diversity R Create our own mining company in con-

struction to build these mines and also a company to operate

R Conferences = too much repetition – Encourage more Youth involvement

R Many events taking place, a lot of great ideas being developed but implementation of these great ideas not being done. We are building buildings but what we really need is programs or pramming in order to capture the essence of acquiring real skills for our youth + people

R Economies of scale – Cree purchasing power

R Opportunities: to work-help-each other communities

R Current education levels + student atten-dance at school (perhaps attitudes toward school in general is a factor)

R Strong cooperation, unity, creates great opportunities. Such as cooperation. Definition of cooperative: people working together to reach the same goal. Goal: maintain our specificities while perform-ing for our heirs

R Focus R (our neighbors) Community members R Invest in women – grants – funds – lots of

talent – knowledge R Construction – trusses – flooring – win-

dows + doors – painters – plasterers R Get into manufacturing for housing prod-

ucts and other building R Community – Entities R Priority – Cree Nation govt must develop

opportunities to create jobs for Cree people

R Youth Women Elders’ involvement R Unity R Fear – Self-confidence – moving forward R Youth do not understand how they will

benefit from agreements; knowledge sharing is needed

R Basic elements: housing, food, water R Opportunities: with the implementation of

our own programs + services R CSB Education R Opportunities in health field – Youth need

training / education in Health field R Too many “like” products R Capacity building R Positive people R Dedication R Sub trades – carpenter – plumbing – electrician R There is a need for Cree professionals to

continue the nation building process R Code of conduct – respect

45Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R No Jobs – Saturated locally of regional jobs by baby boomers and not ready to retire – mentor youth

R Not enough use of local resources. There are Cree experts and professional in com-munities yet we continue to outsource

R Fighting for forestry – fighting for mining – fighting for land – rights on territory R Competence R Full control of running mines – achieve

high educational level R Need skill Cree workers – training R Eeyou Economic Group CFDC inc. –

Development leader R Respect + perseverance – community R Banned water bottles in Wemindji R LOL infighting R Endurance (communities) R CHB adapted a N???tion policy in 2012

to be a model for other organizations of

Eeyou Istchee

46 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

PRESENT – NEIGHBORS R Invest in Youth and Education R Lawyers + consultants controlling our

economic opportunities – Mining, forestry, energy

R Since housing is a major catalysis for local economy, create Cree nation wide of community wide overall services to achieve the goal (200 units/year) and to do it ourselves (ex. Concrete, etc.)

R Hard work R Coming together on policies that work for

our people R We need to continue to develop teamwork – building on our strengths R Partners: outside people who are serious about doing business with the Crees aim-ing for success

R Partnership to communities Cree/Naskapi R Having a strategic plan that we can all agree on!

R Government being too involved in imple-mentation – should focus on bringing opportunities – think of the whole + not individual interests – break free of the consultants, use only when necessary

R Patience R Partnership/collaboration to Inuit and Cree

R Reliability R Finance R Access to resources R Political interference in business

development R Flexibility R Policies that don’t reflect cultural values R Each other R Hydro-Quebec R Contractors R Minimize the Cree leakage. Find Cree

ways to pay points what you buy in communities

R Exports and trades

47Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

FUTURE – LAND R Before you start business – study your

project – get help – there may be already too many in that field

R Capacity: find a niche based on strengths – Food security in the North

R Some traplines are empty – need to fill it again

R Regional Construction Confer. – Cree Youth Leadership Camp: Chiefs, CNG de-partment heads, Political leadership to be contributors as well as other Cree entities: CSB – CBH, etc.

R Need to collectively plan ahead: Cree way of life in our interpretation of economic development

R Local government – Be a capacity build-ing partners – Continuous professional development

R Start manufacturing factories using our natural resources

R Cree should have their own economic ter-ritory (Eeyou Istchee), any exclusive right to sell in territory should be the “Cree” in Eeyou Istchee.

R Sustainability – Guidance and sup-port – Vision and Imagination in the Cree economy

R What would we like to see happen? – Be more receptive to youth especially to College and Univ. grads – Prioritize small business over large corporations in communities

R Follow-up on recommendations of confer-ence 1) Identify components of JBNQA or subsequent agreements to be introduced as part of school curriculum

R Establish certified general contractors R Eco-tourism – support available from lo-

cal Cree small business R New institutions: “Cree Research Institute”

to take full ownership of information and knowledge by/for Crees (Think tank for Cree)

R Faith – Eeyou R Integrating tradition + business R Product development + ownership R Education: CSB provide training on timely

manner R Training R Youth engagement R Need to provide coaching, mentoring

programs for youth – need to teach our

people about finances – how to manage money, saving, investing, dividends.

R Partnership between local businesses R Regional business Chambers of commerce R It’s to dream R An agreement with tallymen and game

wardens to give all meat that is not kept by white to give to the cree in the area

R Big game programs, hunting program R To become team players R Running our own business with 100% Cree employment – Our Cree government becoming Indian Affairs and trying to take authority from local Cree governments

R Instead of mining thus creating more pol-lution, the Cree Nation could be at the forefront of recycling and reusing. Be the leader!!!

R Vision

48 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Engagement, Identity: teach youth in homes + schools

R Opportunities: The Cree need to explore and research new opportunities in natural resources development and other areas

R Many opportunities are available in Eeyou Istchee – people can train in various ar-eas: tourism, mining, services – the sky is the limit

R Banks: access to loans R Know when and where to get help when

need it R Collaborate R Roles of land keepers. Tallymen R Connecting Youth + Elders… passing the

torch R New Institutions: “Eeyou-Eenou Economic Council”; Cree Chamber of commerce of Eeyou Estchee”

R Money R J.P. R Address environmental concern of de-velopment projects: land, animal, Eeyou people, because major impact of health and wealth

R Bush programs for at risk Youth R Take a leap of faith… take risks! R Improvement of cultural identity; genuine

pride in ones race R Water bottling Plant, the oil of the future – rail road R Working together R Opportunities to be more on the land,

learning our culture and more by tourism R Need a comprehensive Cree Nation

Economic Policy to know where the bal-ance between Environmental conservation and development is. Environmental sus-tainability need to be an asset and should be the main component of all business in Eeyou Istchee. We all have the respon-sibility to ensure that our society is built on environmentally sustainable business. Thank you

R Becoming accountable and a sense of ownership on loans and grants – view of loans and grants for business develop-ment are seen as free money

R Establish our own laws and implement them in favour of Cree or Cree first on contracts on Eeyou Istchee (Cree land)

R What role should our partners play? Eeyou Istchee Tourism

FUTURE – COMMUNITIES R Invest in and for Eeyoud/Eenoud R Policy from outside the communities R Developing our people in new roles R Get the young educated R Cree-Cree partnerships R People have to know what help is avail-able, funding, etc.

R Find a real economy for the Cree Nation. Right now we are a depending Cree na-tion, we got to switch around

R The Crees have the tools (financial, human resources and experience) to plan, orga-nize and implement initiatives for ED

R Competition: remote area; costs R The Cree need to plan well about future

ED ventures to develop the opportunities for job creation for their people

R Budgeting workshops R Technology summit R The by-laws that local contractor are

more disqualified for contracts R Networking: staying connected is possible

through technology R Capacity building R Discipline – start at home R Massive number of Cree teenagers in the

manpower horizon in 5-10 years, but not with necessary skills

R Larger economic development depart-ments – quarterly reporting

R Communication is key R Need dedicated young workers (lackadai-

sical work ethic) R Youth entrepreneurial programs R Proper financial accounting system R Organized R Privatizing housing and apartment build-

ing to alleviate reliance on local bands to provide housing

R Entrepreneurship courses R Education R Summer leadership camps R Outreach programs for low income families

R Legal governance change for entrepreneurs

R Cree Youth business assistance/support for ED

R Don’t steal from your business, make proper owner’s withdrawals (payroll)

49Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Our Youth – social issues R Unity within our major entities R Pursuing our endeavours R Our own justice system R Breaking down barriers – youth too com-fortable at home when they should be pushed to get higher education and/or trades – technology and wireless enter-tainment/networking are all tough com-petition for parents and our leaders in getting through

R Ban Styrofoam cups and plates plastic containers (water bottle / pop and other sweet drink)

R Trust Youth – Encourage and guide Youth without taking down to them – the best guidance is by example

R Challenges: trying to work together: we would be stronger to get work in the Eeyou territory

R Challenges: working together as one; be-ing able to ask for help, not leave it silent; listening to others when they talk, taking advice from others

R Ability to vision + set goals; Ability + will to be self-critical + self-evaluate; Determination + tolerance for small fail-ures + learning experiences along the way

R Better relationship between entities CNYC – CNG R Trust ourselves! (believe in us) R We need accountability for our actions. Transparent leadership

R Business centers in each community R Youth Economic Summit (regional) R Address Health concern while developing

businesses: ¼ population has diabetes, ¼ in food insecurity, ¼ low income families.

R Support Women’s shelters R Economic policies that favour Cree

businesses R Partners: commitment R Retain and update with new technology

those who have graduated in ????? cours-es and business oriented programs

R Create mentorship to our next generation R Eliminate the need for consultants – in-

crease value per dollar R Adopt health policies in Eeyou Nation (embark on a journey to a healthy Eeyou Nation)

R We need to find healthy affordable foods in our entities and businesses

R Increase price of unhealthy foods (to encourage healthier food choices)

R Money $$$$$ R Youth focus programs on social issues

related alcohol, drugs, bullying, vandalism R New opportunities in marijuana industry R Apprenticeship programs R Stop raising minimum wage by the dollar R Entrepreneurial spirit: binging business

people together to share, learn and work together

R More stories about Cree entrepreneurs and how they did it – available grants/loans for Cree start-ups – Training/coaching/mentoring for young Cree entrepreneurs

R To succeed: -Create entrepreneurship program – mentoring + utilizing our own youth – Continue connecting with entities/organization

50 Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Cree regional Chamber of Commerce – Sharing our Cree expertise to build trust

R Develop different products - too many construction companies

R Summaries of meetings available to all members on our websites

R Passion – Unity – Commitment – Faith R Privatization on Education R Develop a proper economy (upside down

economy?) R Obtain credentials R Well planned sports, camps and programs.

If you are healthy and have a clean slate of mind, you will be able to make better choices

R Find our values + morals before moving forward

R Connect all entities to address all issues that need to be addressed in the commu-nities and in Cree Nation

R Passion! R Use reusable dishes in all our events! R Develop businesses that bring wealth and

health to Eeyou people R Create Young Parents business program R Finding feasible projects R To succeed: to streamline process for ac-

cessing programs + networks (all Cree) to avoid duplication of projects

R Obtaining accreditation and keeping up standards as economy evolves

R Shipping from Chisasibi (part services) Tourism Car dealership

R Work more on quality R Identity R Manufacturing – trusses, prefab panels –

prefab houses R Separate politics and business R I see many opportunities in food indus-

tries… How about creating businesses that could provide healthy foods form Eeyou Istchee to local stores… Labrador tea, blueberries, dried fish, wild mushrooms!

R Policy on ED – Business Association – Implement ED issues prepared by Creeco + EEG

R Drafting policies

R Ban plastic bags

FUTURE – NEIGHBORS R Create partnership in non-native commu-

nities to stop racism R Good structure R Eeyou-Eenou Commercial Fishery – Aquaculture – Food Security – Cree Security Force, Military (Semi)

R Customer service R Access to other markets. Limited market

in Eeyou Istchee R Outside competitors and resistance – will-

ingness to commit 100% to succeeding – local support always an issue R JV = for a stronger economic future – net-

working with other businesses R Economy Policy R Less reliance on government funding R Seek advice R More involvement in federal and provin-

cial governments

51Final Report | Stronger Together | Eeyou-Eenou Economic Development ConferenceReflecting on the Kind of Development We Need, and How We Can Achieve It

R Support for Washaw Sibi in development of their community

R To surround yourself with successful people (H.R.)

R Staying competitive in the global economy

R Unity R Relations with other FN and Non-native

neighbors R Transparency R Progress R Societies R To success: To establish a better

communication!! R Wild mushrooms and teas are very popu-

lar in Qc… How about starting a coopera-tive of women/men who could pick them and package them to sell throughout Qc!

FUTURE – EXTRAS R Regional entities must work together – Partnerships R Employment R Trust R Commitment R Honesty R Need Equity – Need a grant – Need a

mentor R Preserving our traditional economy vs Cree participation in a modern economy

R Community Corp’s vs Individual local businesses

R Fast growing Nation – what are we today to meet growth

R In community Direction ED R Economic Policy R Health Food stores R Learning Institutions in the Eeyou Istchee R Create Wealth in the community + in the

region R Regional Cree business network R Partners: Transparency R Partners: Believe in each other as

partners R Partners: Responsible of carrying R Partners: Helper R Partners: Practice integrity R Partners: Teach R Partners: Lead by example R Partners: Same vision