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AFN press release ...

Partnerships for Prosperity: National Chief Phil Fontaine Signs Memorandums of Understanding at National Aboriginal Economic Development Symposium in Saskatoon

OTTAWA, Jan. 24 - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine signed Memorandums of Understanding with Bell Canada and Siemens Canada at the AFN's Corporate Challenge Dinner last night in Saskatoon.

"In order to close the gap in poverty, First Nations must build partnerships for prosperity with corporate Canada," said National Chief Fontaine. "These Memorandums of Understanding with Bell Canada and Siemens Canada are a significant signal that two of the world's largest companies recognize the potential economic benefits of working closely with First Nations.

"The First Nations population is growing at a rate twice as fast as the rest of Canada," noted the National Chief. "Half of our population of 750,000 is 23 years of age or younger. We must take the initiatives now to create opportunities for this generation, and for our children, in order to break the cycle of poverty and despair that seems to grow worse each day."

The National Chief has challenged corporate Canada to establish, enhance, and increase their activities with First Nations governments and business in order to fully realize employment and economic growth potentials. "I know some of original partners like Adobe, Grand River Enterprises, SIXTech Information Management, Encana and Enbridge join with me in welcoming the latest partners to our corporate table."

"We are very pleased to be working with National Chief Fontaine and the Assembly of First Nations on initiating new projects and partnerships," said Gary Cameron, Vice President Professional Services, Bell ICT Solutions. "In particular, we believe that the ability of First Nations, government and the private sector to harness information technology will ultimately create significant and sustainable economic development opportunities for First Nations."

Added Frank Suraci, Aboriginal Relations Manager for Siemens Canada: "We are very excited to be working closely in partnership with First Nations communities and the AFN. We want to help realize the unlimited potentials of a growing First Nations' population in developing socio-economic programs and technology infrastructure that will enhance wellness, economic development and community growth."

Ken Hill, CEO of SIXTech stated: "Bringing our partner Adobe, one of the world's largest software companies to the AFN's corporate table a year ago was a real accomplishment and I am thrilled to see so many other corporations now accepting the National Chief's challenge. These companies can all make a positive difference in First Nations communities and I look forward to contributing to the success of the National Chief's vision."

"We look forward to many more companies - large and small - accepting our Corporate Challenge," commented the National Chief. "I look forward to reporting upon significant progress in the months and years and to come."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: ON-SITE: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, Cell: (613) 298-6382 or npine@afn.ca;. Bryan Hendry, AFN, A/Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229 or Cell: (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca.

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Federal government press release ...

Canada's new Government Signs Agreement with Siemens to Increase Aboriginal Employment and Economic Opportunities

SASKATOON (January 24, 2007) – Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Frank Suraci, Director of the Aboriginal Sector at Siemens Canada Limited, on behalf of President and CEO Guenther Scholz, today signed an agreement to work together on the development of a partnership for Aboriginal employment.

"Canada's New Government is proud to sign an Aboriginal Workplace Partnership agreement with Siemens Canada, which will recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees," said Parliamentary Secretary Bruinooge. "By partnering with Siemens, we will be providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to enter careers in business, science and the skilled trades."

The parties agree to work together to generate opportunities that can provide mutual benefits for Aboriginal people, the Government of Canada and Siemens Canada. They will focus on identifying and working to eliminate barriers in the workplace that limit Aboriginal employment opportunities, and supporting career and business development projects for Aboriginal youth.

"Our strategy considers not only the technologies required for clean water, health care, telehealth and wireless connectivity, but also requires Siemens to build local capacities to maintain and operate these systems," said Mr. Scholz. "We are committed to developing infrastructure that fosters employment, economic development and community growth."

Today's signing took place at the National Symposium on Aboriginal Economic Development, hosted by the Province of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is also a member of the Saskatchewan Government Working Group that organized the event, whose theme is "Excellence in Action: Best Practices in First Nation, Métis and Inuit Economic Development."

The Government of Canada, through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI), promotes employment partnership agreements throughout the country. AWPI is part of the federal government's commitment to help Aboriginal people build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities by increasing their participation in the labour market.

Siemens is one of the largest and most diversified companies in the world, providing innovations in areas such as automation and control, power, transportation, medical, information and communications, and lighting. In Canada, Siemens is headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., with more than 7,500 employees located in 76 offices and seven major manufacturing facilities.

For more information, please contact:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations at (819) 953-1160

Backgrounder - Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative