National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) takes new direction
From Calgary Sun ... http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2007/07/05/4314396-sun.html
New approach to Native development urged
DAVE DORMER, SUN MEDIA - July 5, 2007
Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie wants to help his people help themselves.
Louie, the newly appointed National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) chairman, met for the first time with Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Jim Prentice in Calgary yesterday, where he encouraged the federal government to focus more on creating economic development for Native people rather than having them rely on existing social programs.
Doing that, he explained, could reverse the troubling trend of poverty and despair he sees plaguing many First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities across Canada and provide them with a positive outlook on the future.
"When it comes to reducing Aboriginal poverty, it's not going to happen in a year or two, but you will see the direction," Louie said during a news conference to announce the new strategy.
"You'll be able to see the programs and the effect they are having."
Mandated by the federal cabinet, the 13 NAEDB members were chosen from First Nation, Inuit and Metis populations from across the country, not so much based on their race, but rather their individual expertise, explained Prentice.
"From everything I hear across the country there's a strong consensus amongst Aboriginal people that the time has come for a whole level of economic development and a whole new approach to economic development on a larger scale than we've seen in the past and in a way that is focused and leveraged," he said.
The NAEDB will serve as an non-political body, advising the federal government on how best to deal with various Aboriginal issues.
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INAC press release ...
National Aboriginal Economic Development Board to Play Strengthened Role in Advising Canada's new Government
CALGARY, AB, July 4 - Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians met for the first time with the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) executive members to discuss how the board can play a stronger role in the Government of Canada's new approach to Aboriginal economic development.
Minister Prentice named the new members and chairperson of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board on April 26, 2007.
"Canada's New Government is working to create a more coherent and practical approach to increasing Aboriginal participation in the economy, capitalizing on a range of economic opportunities," said Minister Prentice. "As an arms-length, private-sector body representing the economic development interests of all Aboriginal people, the NAEDB is well positioned to play a key role as this work unfolds."
Chief Clarence Louie, the board's newly appointed Chairperson, welcomed the commitment made by Minister Prentice. Chief Louie is President and CEO of the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation in British Columbia.
"No other body in Canada has the mandate we have to concentrate exclusively on Aboriginal economic development," said Chief Louie. "This is a critical priority if we want to solve a host of other issues for our people. Economic development is the cornerstone.
While the scope of the new approach is still in development, the board will provide advice on areas such as investment strategies, business creation, access to business capital, Aboriginal involvement in major projects, Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal partnerships, as well as policy development.
Other participants in the meeting were Nellie Cournoyea, former Premier of the Northwest Territories and Dawn Madahbee, Northern Ontario Aboriginal business leader involved in Aboriginal business financing and the tourism sector. Along with Chief Louie and Chief Jim Boucher, Chairman of the Board of the Fort McKay Group of Companies in Alberta, these nationally and internationally recognized individuals now serve as the Executive Committee of the NAEDB.
The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board is mandated by the federal Cabinet and members are appointed by Order-in-Council. The Board acts as a vital link between policy makers, legislators, government departments, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business and community leaders, providing counsel on all matters pertaining to Aboriginal economic development.
For further information: media may contact: Minister's Office: Deirdra McCracken, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice, (819) 997-0002; Media Relations: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, (819) 953-1160; This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca; For more information about the NAEDB, visit www.naedb-cndea.ca