The Summit began with a reception on Oct. 21st featuring a number of guest speakers. The Honorable Rob Norris, Minister Of Advanced Education was on hand as well as George Lafond, Treaty Commissioner. The evening wrapped up with guest speaker Reggie Leach who was a player with the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team and a member of team Canada in the ‘70s.
The daylong event on the 22nd began with a Pipe Ceremony followed by breakfast and several panel discussions throughout the day. Chamber board member, Wendy Plandowski co-chaired the event with Milton Tootoosis and moderated one of the panel discussions. Honorary Summit Chair, Hon. Bill McKnight brought welcoming remarks. Pat Tenney moderated two of the panel discussions and board member, Mike Strilchuk, GM at Foremost, was a member of the panel discussing Challenges and Opportunities as it relates to Labour Shortages. Ward Read, CEO at Lloydminster Economic Development did a great job of summing up the teachings of the day and Cosette Green with Alberta Works, with her vast knowledge of the labour market in Lloydminster, was on hand to discuss with delegates how Alberta Works can assist. Onion Lake Cree Nation provided singers and dancers for a short display and everyone participated in a Round Dance. 150 people registered for the day and the feedback has been very positive. The Management & Administration of the I-Summit was handled by the Chamber with Kevin Tootoosis working out of the Chamber office as the event coordinator. Funding was received by both Alberta and Saskatchewan governments as well as from several major sponsors. The second Indigenous Economic Summit will be in the planning stages in the near future.
Simply put, the main objective was to build partnerships and relationships for a better tomorrow. We will all profit from human resources and supplier diversity. Together we can work to meet the demands of the regional industry with a diverse workforce when we align training plans with the skills needs of the region. The aim was to pinpoint solutions and learn from best practices and research of past partnerships with Aboriginal communities and industries. We also tried to identify leaders for a new economic summit council that is focused on developing long-term sustainable business partnerships and wealth generation within our communities.
Keynote Address
Dawn Madahbee, National Aboriginal Economic Development Board
The National Economic Development Board believes that Aboriginal people across Canada can improve their socio-economic outcomes if they are given the right tools and opportunities. From mining projects in the North, to oil development in the West and power projects in the East, Aboriginal people can participate in natural resource projects as workers, subcontractors and owners. Innovative partnerships with the private sector and with non-Aboriginal governments including partnerships with municipalities to develop urban reserves, can also contribute to foster economic development opportunities that will benefit Aboriginal people.
Labour Market Challenges and Opportunities
This panel discussion that followed included community leaders who have faced challenges in their operations regarding labour shortages. Mike Strilchuk, GM at Foremost Industries; Rob Saunders, CEO of Banner Business Services & Sylvia Carter, Manager of Onion Lake Enterprises Inc. discussed the opportunities available to them as well as the successes they have encountered by including Aboriginal employees in their workforce.
Keynote – Luncheon
Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Whitecap Dakota First Nation is an example of a First Nation that has stepped out of its comfort zone and decided to take responsibility and action for its future. Chief Bear has been instrumental in providing a vision and leadership. Part of the strategy included strategic partnerships for win-win strategies with multiple partners in the regional economy.
More Pictures from the event