ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

“The Economic Development department provides information, advocacy and technical expertise to empower Anishinabek Nation communities and entrepreneurs for economic self-governance, sustainability, wealth creation and financial independence.”

ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT

In June 2006, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly passed resolution #2006/20, which called for the creation of an Anishinabek Nation Economic Strategy.  The development of an Anishinabek Nation-wide strategy was described as a means to capitalize on two key opportunities: the Chiefs expressed desire to see economic development as a priority; and a federal and provincial environment supportive of the development of a regional-based strategic frameworks that would facilitate economic opportunities and partnerships.  As a result the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly directed that an Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Strategy be developed to support the Anishinabek Nation, community and individual participation in local, regional, national and international economies to generate revenue, support the creation and expansion of businesses, and to create jobs.

In order to carry out the mandate from the Chiefs in Assembly to develop a Nation-wide strategy, the Union of Ontario Indians enlisted the support of a group of experts to work on this directive and develop the Nation’s economic strategy.

The Recommendations:

1.    Utilize the First Nation Progression Model as developed by the Membertou First Nation as a guide in preparing for economic development.

Step-One – Building local capacity in financial and quality management

2.    First Nations within the Anishinabek Nation need to make economic development a priority.

3.    Build on existing First Nation economic foundations and successes.

4.    Develop a communication strategy to consistently promote the Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint both internally within the Anishinabek Nation and externally.

5.    Seek ISO Certification to demonstrate good governance.

6.    Establish and report on Community Economic Scorecard.

7.    Foster a successful business environment amongst all Anishinabek people.

8.    Establish an Anishinabek Nation Economic Secretariat.

9.    Develop an Economic Institutional Capacity throughout the Anishinabek Nation.

10.    The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs Council on the Economy will be mandated to develop positions and undertake lobbying efforts to stimulate the Anishinabek economy.

Step Two – Preparing for Economic Development

11.     Develop and implement an Economic Development Strategy in each Anishinabek First Nation community.

12.     Develop and implement Anishinabek Human Resource Strategy.

13.     Develop and implement Land Use Plans to foster new development.

14.     Utilize Anishinabek traditional territorial lands for economic purposes.

15.     Develop and implement Anishinabek tax policies.

16.     Carry out feasibility and market studies prior to investment.

17.     Develop and utilize tools to access capital.

18.     Develop Investment Policies.

19.     Plan to participate in the regional, Anishinabek Nation and global economy.

Step Three – Pursuing Economic Development

20.     First Nations should seek out business opportunities throughout the Anishinabek Nation territory.

21.     Take advantage of the Federal (and now Provincial) Aboriginal Procurement Strategy.

How can I learn more about the Anishinabek Nation’s Economic Blueprint?

Click on the link below to download a PDF version of the Economic Blueprint:

Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint

How can I help implement the Economic Blueprint in my own community?

The first step is to read and learn more about the specifics within the Economic Blueprint by reading through the strategy in full.  From there, community members are encouraged to approach their leadership and ask how the Blueprint is being implemented within their own community and how community members can participate in their community’s developing economy.