The Métis Nation’s conference on Building Wealth for the Métis Nation from March 3-5, 2020, in Vancouver concluded on a high note of optimism that the Métis Nation is moving ahead in the implementation of its economic development strategy. That strategy has centred on a number of key elements: promoting business development through enhanced access to capital and procurement opportunities; growing human capital through education and training to employment; and expanding Métis participation in major economic and resource development projects.
The conference focused on the progress being achieved and challenges remaining in these areas as well as on newer elements of the strategy such as closing the community infrastructure gap in Métis communities and participating in a clean growth economy. Métis Nation National Spokesperson and MMF President David Chartrand provided an overview of the work being undertaken across the homeland and the elements for success in achieving objectives in the various sectors of the economy.
In the area of major projects, the conference heard from the Chair of the Board of the new Canada Energy Regulator (formerly National Energy Board), Cassie Doyle, on how the Métis Nation will gain input into the approval process for these projects. Two Métis Nation members of the advisory boards for the Regulator and the Impact Assessment Agency, Marcie Riel and Kyle Vermette respectively, informed the conference on how Métis rights, claims and interests are being addressed in the approval process.
The conference showcased Métis Nation entrepreneurship. Ron Quintal, President of the Fort McKay Métis Community Association, spoke on how his community in the Alberta oil sands had pursued and achieved success in partnering with industry through impact benefit agreements. A panel of women entrepreneurs – Danielle Erickson of Big Chill Mobile Cooler & Freezer Rental, Laura Mulvena of Freshii & Chicken Chef, Alexis Ibbotson of Canada Backcountry Services, and Karen Erickson and Carla Joseph of Hummingbird Cree-ations-described the opportunities they saw and the challenges they faced in launching their businesses. They also acknowledged the important financial support they received from Métis Nation capital corporations.
A session on making procurement policy work for the Métis Nation looked at a best practice in corporate procurement. Catherine Pennington of Enbridge Pipelines Inc explained how Enbridge is striving to include Métis businesses more extensively in their supply chain. Jeff Provost of Bird Construction explained the challenges of partnering with mainline contractors who do the actual work on the projects. Tara Hartley of Public Services and Procurement Canada explained how her department was trying to facilitate bidding on federal contracts by Indigenous entrepreneurs and shed light on the recent commitment by the Liberal government to award 5% of federal contracts to Indigenous business.
Homeownership is a key to building wealth and equity for Canadians and the Métis Nation capital corporations are engaged in incentivizing Métis to become homeowners. Paul Paradis and Tyler Mckay of Louis Riel Capital Corporation provided an overview of their Métis Nation First Time Home Purchase Program and testimonials from some of the hundreds of Métis families who are taking advantage of their program.
Education and training are essential to success in the economy and the Métis Nation was able to showcase and discuss new directions for their successful institutions. Geordy McCaffrey presented on the 40 years of success of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, the Métis Nation’s pre-eminent education and training institute. The conference also heard from managers of Métis Nation Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Programs which have trained thousands of people for entry into the labour force.
Lack of economic and business infrastructure of Métis communities is a major impediment to economic development. Métis entrepreneur Jeff Klause of Voyageur Internet Inc., an internet service provider, and Matthew Kellison of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada spoke on current initiatives to bring high speed Internet to rural and remote Métis communities.
Dr. Eduardo Vides presented an overview of another component of community infrastructure needed in Métis communities, health hubs, and explained their health and economic benefits. Royal Bank of Canada’s Gabriel Branco presented on RBC’s involvement in providing financing for community infrastructure projects.
Adaptation to climate change and a clean growth economy is an element of increased importance within the Métis Nation Economic Development Strategy. John Coutris, CEO of the Métis Economic Development Fund, explained his equity capital fund’s investment in the clean growth space and two of his investees presented to the conference. Bruce Hardy of Myera Group is a leader in building intelligent and sustainable health solutions. Todd Habitch of HD-Petroleum has developed a revolutionary micro-refinery technology that recycles waste oil into high-grade diesel fuel. The conference also heard from Salil Dhaumya of Green Mountain, an environmentally focused producer of medical cannabis products in which the MMF has a significant equity interest.
Jake Heron, Chief Negotiator for the Northwest Territories Métis Nation and Chair of the Northwest Territories Métis Dene Development Fund outlined a number of economic development initiatives of the Métis Nation north of 60 including a feasibility study into a hydro project as well assuming a co-management role in Wood Buffalo National Park. Will Goodon, Métis Nation representative on Parks Canada Indigenous Conserved and Protected Areas Committee, provided an overview of a number of initiatives currently unfolding which will provide the Métis Nation with environmental and economic benefits.
The conference proved to be a useful tool in advancing the Métis Nation economic development strategy, validating much of what has been attempted and pointing to new opportunity to be explored. Special thanks to Dale Drown who chaired the conference and Craig Gates of MNP who moderated the conference, framed all the sessions with instructive overviews and provided wrap ups and summaries that will be very useful going forward.
For Presentations, visit:
