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UNLOCKINGABORIGINALPOTENTIAL

Expert Insights onCommunity Capacity Building

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Table of Contents

• About ................................................................. 3

• Meet The Experts .............................................. 4

• Q&A ................................................................. 10

• Contact ............................................................ 20

• Unlocking Potential Series .............................. 21

NOTE: This e-Book features an introduction to some of the industry leaders from the top pension plans, fixed income investment firms, issuers and trader and highlights the topics they will be discussing at the upcoming

Canadian Fixed Income Exchange.


http://www.insightinfo.com/canadian-fixed-income-exchange/



ABOUT:There are so many factors that give Bands an upright advantage to jumpstart sustainable development in both their communities and their region at large. With an abundance of natural resources and growing population, much can be done to build a strong and environmentally friendly economy.

Insofar, many Aboriginal leaders have found effective ways to balance their interests between economic development and environmental stewardship in order to achieve sustainable self-reliance for their communities. These leaders have optimized their community’s potential and have created means for investing in their community’s future.

The experts featured in this E-BOOK provide their insights into the opportunities and challenges that are presented to Bands that are trying to develop and build an environmentally sustainable economy. These experts will be sharing their visions, ideas, and opinions as speakers at the COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING forum on April 27th and 28th in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE: This e-Book features an introduction to some of the industry leaders from the top pension plans,

fixed income investment firms, issuers and trader and highlights the topics they will be discussing at the upcoming Canadian Fixed Income Exchange.


http://www.insightinfo.com/canadian-fixed-income-exchange/



Scott Frazer Managing Director Coxswain Row Capital Corporation

Mr. Frazer has over thirty-five years of experience in treasury management, pension fund management, fixed income research, debt capital markets, asset finance, and project and structured finance; and operating experience in business development, strategic alliances, and energy project development. Mr. Frazer is a founding member and Managing Director of Cedarvale Energy. Cedarvale was formed in 2009 for the purpose of developing renewable energy projects in partnership with First Nations communities. Cedarvale successfully developed a 38MWDC FIT Program utility-scale solar project located in northwestern Ontario for Rainy River First Nations. The solar project became fully operation in February of 2015. Mr. Frazer is also a founding member and a director of Coxswain Row Capital Corporation, a licensed exempt market dealer focused on the financing of energy and mining projects. Most recently, Coxswain Row Capital completed a $174 million project financing for the Rainy River First Nations solar project. Coxswain Row Capital is also currently acting as financial advisor to Henvey Inlet First Nation on its 300MW FIT Program wind project. Prior to Cedarvale Energy and Coxswain Row Capital, Mr. Frazer was co-head of RBC Dominion Securities Structured Finance group where he was instrumental in the creation of Canada’s securitization market, including the NHA Mortgage-Backed Securities program which has grown in size to over $400 billion outstanding.

MEET THE EXPERTS:

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Sandra GogalPartner Miller Thomson LLP

Sandra is nationally recognized for her expertise in Aboriginal and Environmental law. She has extensive experience advising mining, energy, oil, gas and engineering companies, lenders and investors, as well as provincial and government agencies on aboriginal and related project matters. Sandra has 20 years’ experience in advising clients on resource development across Canada, including matter relating to aboriginal rights and consultation, environmental assessments, regulatory and permitting, government relations and negotiations. In addition to advising clients in private practice, Sandra has acted both in house and for governments on major hydroelectric projects in Labrador and throughout Ontario. She has negotiated several successful commercial arrangements, impact and benefit agreements and partnerships between industry and First Nations. Sandra is published in the area of aboriginal and environmental law, has spoken at many National and International forums on aboriginal law in Canada and is recognized by her peers in The Best Lawyers in Canada since 2008 for aboriginal and environmental law and was recognized in the 2012 Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of aboriginal law. She is the Past Chair for the Canadian Bar Association Aboriginal Law section and Co- Chair for Miller Thomson’s Aboriginal Law specialty Group.

MEET THE EXPERTS:






Warren Lewis Empowerment Consultant Bodewadmi Consulting

Hello, my name is Warren Lewis and I am First Nations from the Wikemikong Unceeded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island and I am the owner of Bodewadmi Consulting. I am a freethinker who understands that reality is guided by perception and we can create whatever we want; I am an idealist who believes in the power of people to create meaningful and positive change; I am a thought leader who believes in the value of empowerment and greater understanding for all as a means of creating the life we want; and I am a change agent who wants to enable people, organizations, and communities to become great. I am an Empowerment Consultant who delivers The Power of TED*, Taking Flight with DISC & APPEAR Training Workshops and I can’t wait to work with your organization!

MEET THE EXPERTS:






Jim RansomDirector, Department of TehotiiennawakonMohawk Council of Akwesasne

James Ransom is currently the Director of the Department of Tehotiiennawakon for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. He oversees Economic Development, Environment, Emergency Measures and the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena. Jim has been working for the Akwesasne community for the past 37 years in various capacities. He has worked on environmental issues in the Akwesasne community since 1978. He was Tribal Chief for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for seven years. He served as President and a member of the Tribe’s Education Committee for eighteen years. He has been a member of the Board for the Onake Corporation for 25 years. Jim is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Clarkson University, his alma mater. He is also a member of the New York State Parks Commission. Jim has been married to his wife Karla for 30 years and they have two adult children, Beynan and Kyrie.

MEET THE EXPERTS:






Mark Sevestre PresidentNational Aboriginal Trust Officers Association

Mark Sevestre has been the General Manager of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Community Trust since 1999. Prior to joining the MNCFN Community Trust, Mark has served as a Branch/Financial Services Manager with the Bank of Montreal opening a branch within the Onyota’aka (Oneida) First Nation near London, Ontario. Graduating from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in 1991, Mark worked as an Intergovernmental Affairs Officer with the Department of Indian Affairs. After leaving INAC, Mark served as the External Delivery Officer of the Aboriginal Business Canada program on behalf of the Off Reserve Aboriginal population in Nova Scotia for the Mikmakik Development Corporation. In 2006, Mark became one of three founding members of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association. Mark is currently serving as NATOA President as well as Chair of the Education Committee for NATOA. Mark is Mohawk and resides in the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.

MEET THE EXPERTS:






Kennedy A. Bear Robe AssociateMiller Thomson LLP

Kennedy joined Miller Thomson’s Corporate/Commercial and Indigenous law groups (Vancouver office) as an Associate in September 2013 after articling at a premier Vancouver Aboriginal litigation boutique. Kennedy advises First Nations throughout British Columbia and Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Territory in Alberta on consultation related matters including participation in environmental assessments, and the negotiating and drafting of impact benefit agreements and accommodation agreements opposite resource companies and the Crown. Kennedy also advises First Nations’ economic development corporations and businesses on the operational side of such agreements, including providing advice on procurement processes, business structures, and business and asset acquisitions. He has had the good fortune to assist First Nations in various economic development initiatives on- and off-reserve land. Kennedy has had the opportunity to work closely with First Nations on governance issues, including drafting bylaws, policies and land management regimes. Kennedy is currently representing clients in environmental assessment processes and is also representing First Nations in regulatory hearing and judicial reviews.

Kennedy is Siksikaitsitapi, member of the Siksika Nation. He holds membership to the Kiitokiiks sacred society and assumed leadership of Ohkanatsomiihtaks sacred society in summer 2015. He is passionate in assisting First Nation governments advance rights-based negotiations, First Nation businesses economic and community goals and the advancement of Indigenous legal orders through the common law. When not practising law, Kennedy enjoys hunting, spending time in the mountains cross-country skiing and riding his American Quarter Horse.

MEET THE EXPERTS:






Q-1:What do you consider to be the #1 greatest deterrent faced by Aboriginal Communities trying to achieve sustainable economic development?

What is a solution to this deterrent?

Sandra Gogal & Kennedy Bear RobeOne of the greatest changes over the last few years in workplace culture is growing recognition of the need to respect and accommodate diversity. This requires attitudinal changes as well as policy changes.

One deterrent faced by Aboriginal communities’ trying to achieve sustainable economic development is setting priorities. Aboriginal communities’ offices are often inundated with numerous capital infrastructure proposals and potential business opportunities. Unfortunately, there is a risk of missed opportunities due to a lack of capacity to effectively follow-up and engage on the economically viable and prosperous opportunities. As such, we advise our clients on ways to increase capacity and external support in order to assist in ensuring that there are no missed opportunities.

Scott FrazerI believe the #1 greatest deterrent faced by Aboriginal communities trying to achieve sustainable economic development is a wide-spread general belief that individual communities cannot achieve economic self-sufficiency due to an inability to finance such projects, and possibly an inability to find the “right person” within the community to lead the project. In reality, though, most large financial institutions are actively seeking out solid Aboriginal projects, such as renewable energy projects. Furthermore, in my experience, most, if not all Aboriginal communities have “undiscovered people” with the right skill sets (consensus builders, unwavering determination, team player, unfailing judgement, etc.) to lead such projects.

Warren LewisThe fear of change from the community itself is often times a deterrent for sustainable economic development. With that being said this fear is not completely unjustified as we have to ensure that outside sources of potential revenue do not take advantage of our communities and its members by gaining large profits from our land and resources and not giving the community and its members their fair share of the profits generated from our land and resources. The fear is from the potential to lose of control and decision making powers when dealing with any outside economic development opportunities that takes place within the community. We have to give the community members all of the facts and be completely transparent with all opportunities and we must make sure that we maintain control and decision making powers when dealing with any outside economic development opportunities that take place within the community. We must always ensure that any outside economic development opportunities treat our land and natural resources with respect and that our communities and its members are given the appropriate share of the revenues.

Q&A






Q-1:What do you consider to be the #1 greatest deterrent faced by Aboriginal Communities trying to achieve sustainable economic development?

What is a solution to this deterrent?

Jim RansomThe findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) capture what I believe is the #1 deterrent faced by Aboriginal Communities. That is the overall lack of a respectful relationship between many Aboriginal Communities and the rest of Canada (as represented by the federal government, the provinces, and the private sector). Addressing what the TRC calls the “cultural genocide” that has occurred in the past is no easy task. It will take a commitment amongst interested parties and time to make a paradigm shift to a more respectful relationship.

Mark SevestreGovernment solutions to symptoms of problems in Indigenous communities and the one size fits all based thinking. After too many years of government programs designed to “help”, many communities are developing cultural or tradition based solutions to drive sustainable economic development. From exercising long standing Aboriginal and Treaty Rights to forging progressive partnerships with industry, Indigenous communities and leaders are working to provide sustainable benefits for future generations.

Q&A






Q-2:What do you consider to be an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal communities to grow their economy in a sustainable way?

Sandra Gogal & Kennedy Bear RobeAny economic growth that is advanced or supported by an Aboriginal community is exciting. It is also encouraging as participating in economic development initiatives is a clear demonstration of Aboriginal communities being able to freely determine and pursue economic development initiatives. In our opinion, this is a positive form of free, prior and informed consent. Additionally, in light of both the federal and provincial governments committing to diversifying its economies, we have advised our clients on many innovative regional and national projects that prove to be exciting.

Scott Frazer Governments around the world are finally realizing that significant action needs to occur in order to eliminate the great waste of electrical energy that occurs with centralized generation models (30% to 35% of electric power generated is lost through heat emanating through transmission and distribution lines and switches). As new technology permits (for example, renewable energy technologies), the centralized generation model will evolve to a distributed generation model. This represents a significant economic development opportunity for Aboriginal communities looking for long term steady income provided by renewable energy projects. Mining projects, particularly in the Ring of Fire area, represent long term economic development opportunities.

Warren LewisI would like to see Aboriginal communities use renewable resources such as geothermal, solar, and wind energy to grow their economies in a clean and sustainable way. I would like to see geothermal in all homes to provide lasting and sustainable energy to our people’s homes and eliminate the need for external power sources. I would also like to see solar as a means of sustainable energy for the community and a means of generating ongoing revenue through solar panel fields being created to harness the maximum amount of energy. I would also like to see wind as a means of sustainable energy for the community and as another means of generating ongoing revenue but I would like to see the wind turbines in the more remote areas of communities to avoid any potential ill effects from the wind turbines being too close to our community members. I would also like to see greenhouses as another means of generating ongoing revenue through the sale of high quality fruits and vegetables and as a way to provide affordable and sustainable food for our community members.

Q&A






Q-2:What do you consider to be an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal communities to grow their economy in a sustainable way?

Jim RansomRenewable energy technologies, particularly micro-grid technologies, represent the future for meeting energy needs. They are also technologies that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal communities and represent a much needed solution to meet the energy needs for remote Aboriginal communities in particular.

Mark SevestreTraditional and Culturally based opportunities both grow economic development in a sustainable way, but also allows the members of the communities practice traditions and customs that may have gotten lost. Eco-tourism, goods and services as well as commercial access to fisheries or resource harvesting provide great opportunities for communities.

Q&A






Q-3:Why do you believe engagement and collaboration are important?

Sandra Gogal & Kennedy Bear RobeSome of the badges of meaningful consultation and accommodation include effective engagement and a sincere commitment to working collaboratively. There is a clear message from Canada’s highest court, the Supreme Court of Canada, that pursuing negotiated outcomes is the preferred path forward towards reconciliation. This makes sense as parties can reach “win-win” scenarios, as opposed to going to court and having a clear “winner and loser”. Advancing sustainable economic growth in a collaborative manner between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal governments and entities will lead to a unified, strong and prosperous economy.

Scott FrazerEngagement and collaboration (nation-to-nation, nation-to-government, and nation-to-industry) are critical steps to successful long term economic development initiatives. More often than not, proper engagement and collaboration makes the difference between successful projects and projects that do not move forward.

Warren LewisEngagement and collaboration are important because when people are engaged they are also invested in the process and when people collaborate they are capable of accomplishing amazing things. Engagement has to start with the community members themselves to gain investment for the change you are trying to make. Collaboration also has to start with the community members to have the best chance of creating sustainable change within the community itself. We need to get organizations within the community collaborating to facilitate meaningful partnerships that contribute to more efficient services. We need to get the leadership collaborating with the organizations to move initiatives forward in a timely manner for the benefit of the community and its members. We need to get our community engaged and working well first and foremost before we can start thinking about any external collaborations. We also need start collaborating with other nations and organizations to make our people stronger by being more collectively engaged and more united as a peoples to create the significant changes that will benefit all of our peoples. While I applaud and appreciate all of the advancements the current government has made with regard to Aboriginal issues I also recognize that we are still owed and are still waiting for a lot from the government I still maintain that our people should start moving forward on our own as a means of empowering ourselves and our peoples.

Q&A






Q-3:Why do you believe engagement and collaboration are important?

Jim RansomPrinciple centered relationships built around common interests can best lead to effective partnerships and collaborative efforts occurring. Engagement at many levels is important to that process. Aboriginal leaders must engage their communities in meaningful ways. The federal and provincial governments must engage with Aboriginal communities in meaningful ways. Private interests must engage with Aboriginal communities in meaningful ways. This is how respectful relationships are developed. Once accomplished, it opens the doors to solve issues and problems that were previously unsolvable.

Mark SevestreFor too long Indigenous engagement have been viewed by corporate interests as barriers to development and the impact of exclusion for Indigenous communities has push us to the margins of society. Exercising our existing rights to ensure the corporate entities must consult in a meaningful manner and develop partnerships where it becomes a Win/Win outcome for all involved.

Q&A






Q-4:How can Aboriginal communities invest in their future?

Sandra Gogal & Kennedy Bear RobeThe saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day” bears to mind. Aboriginal communities can invest in their future by setting pragmatic priorities and increasing capacity. Meaning, incremental steps towards sustainable economic development should be considered. It can be easy for Leaders and executives of Aboriginal communities to become side-tracked on important projects as these individuals are often tasked with a demanding job. Therefore, advancing identified priorities and increasing both internal and external capacity can lead to tangible results for the community. Each success gained can be built upon and Aboriginal communities’ offices can increase its own capacity. As business lawyers with an expertise in Aboriginal law, we advise our clients, both Indigenous and Industry, on methods of collaborative engagement with a view of delivering tangible outcomes and benefits.

Scott FrazerFor Aboriginal communities to meaningfully invest in their future, communities must develop economic goals and formulate an execution plan to achieve those goals. In addition, communities must seek out the right individuals to manage the projects (consensus builders, unwavering determination, team player, unfailing judgement, etc.). It is also important for communities to develop a trust agreement that properly facilitates spending on worthy economic development projects. Many communities have signed trust agreements written by government lawyers; however, these agreements were not designed to facilitate spending on worthy economic development projects.

Warren LewisWe must invest in our community members first and ensure that our people have safe housing, clean drinking water, and affordable food so our basic needs are met before any other sustainable change can happen. We need to invest in fixing our people’s homes to ensure that they are safe for our families and children. We need to invest in facilities to provide safe clean drinking water for our people. We need to invest in greenhouses and community gardens to grow our own fresh fruits and vegetables to be able to give our people affordable and healthy food close to home. We need to invest in our own education system by developing new and innovative ways to educate our future generations with our traditional knowledge, real life skills, and how to maintain creativity and empowerment throughout their educational career. We have to invest in our community members and create an equilibrium where we all contribute to the community in a meaningful and positive way moving forward. We must invest in our peoples and we must empower our peoples.

Q&A






Q-4:How can Aboriginal communities invest in their future?

Jim RansomAboriginal communities need to be more assertive in being part of solutions to the challenges they face. They need to rely on their Traditional Teachings to guide them. They need to educate potential partners about who they are, what they are about (their culture), how they make decisions, and have an open mind in analyzing opportunities. They also need to increase their knowledge and understanding of how external governments work and how external interests think and operate. Ultimately, they need to find practical ways to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The opportunity to do so is now.

Mark SevestreInflow of revenues from various sources, whether it be investment income, trust revenue or business profits, many communities are finding themselves in the position to take care of members. Health, Social, business and other community interests are being addressed in a positive fashion with funding derived from our own dealings. Prudent decisions and retaining the appropriate professional input of those who are clearly providing a fiduciary based obligation to the community are keys to moving our communities forward to where we want and need to go.

Q&A






Q-5:Why are you excited to be a part of the faculty for the Community Capacity Building Forum?

Sandra Gogal & Kennedy Bear RobeThis forum is a unique opportunity for practitioners in the area to get together to share experiences. By sharing experiences, including lessons learned, delegates will be able to develop better and more effective ways to move the yardstick forward to developing sustainable economies. Challenges and barriers are always present but are often only discussed in the absence of innovative solutions. This forum provides that visionary forum.

Scott FrazerI am excited to be a part of the faculty for the Community Capacity Building Forum because it presents a unique opportunity for me to verbalize my observations, made over the years, with respect to how communities can build support for and successfully complete significant and sustainable economic development projects.

Warren LewisI am excited to be a part of the Community Capacity Building Forum because it is an opportunity to introduce some new and innovative ideas about how we can empower our people and move our people forward in a good way. I want to empower and inspire the leaders and decision makers in attendance to go back to their communities and start making meaningful and sustainable changes that will benefit their communities and its members. I want to share my views about how investing and empowering people will benefit the whole community and its members. I also want to share my ideas about how building better relationships is also a source of empowerment that will benefit the whole community and its members. I want to share my ideas about how we are all connected and that when we start thinking about our communities and our peoples as a whole then we are capable of creating great change. I am excited that I will have the opportunity to share my ideas with all of the leaders and decision makers that will be in attendance and my hope is that my ideas will resonate with the leaders and decision makers and that they will adopt these ideas for future capacity building and empowerment within their communities.

Q&A






Q-5:Why are you excited to be a part of the faculty for the Community Capacity Building Forum?

Jim RansomThere is a saying that knowledge is power. I like to add that knowledge is powerful only if it is shared. This forum provides an opportunity for sharing of knowledge, for helping Aboriginal Communities to realize their potentials. This sharing is done by listening and learning from the presentations that will be made. It will also be achieved through the networking opportunities that will be available at the Forum. I look forward to being part of that discussion and those activities.

Mark SevestreI am pleased to be invited to speak at the Community Capacity Building Forum because our communities need to embrace the opportunities that face us. Any opportunity to explain to stakeholders in our sector about the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association and how Indigenous Trusts can play a role in the development of a community is a key in helping the understanding and creation of traditional or cultural solutions.

Q&A





Apr 27-28, 2016 Toronto, ON

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ABOUT:Interested in meeting with the experts from this E-BOOK in person? Join us at the Community Capacity Building forum to discuss how to leverage your community’s resources to build a strong and environmentally-friendly economy with established Aboriginal Leaders.

April 27 – 28, 2016 St. Andrew’s Club and Conference Centre | Toronto, ON

And much more...

Conference highlights include:

• Engagement and Empowerment: Aboriginal Capacity for Resource Management

• Governance Models for First Nations Wealth Management

• The Entrepreneurial Spirit – Creativity and Private Business

• Financing Aboriginal Ownership of Infrastructure and Natural Resource Projects

• Building a Self-Sufficient and Sustainable Economic Future

Tel: 1-888-777-1707 | Fax: 1-866-777-1292 | Email: [email protected]

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Visit www.unlockingaboriginalpotential.com for detailed agenda and registration details.

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Community Capacity Building is the first installment of the Unlocking Potential (UP) Series of events that provide solutions to help Canada’s Aboriginal communities. From land rights to capacity building to economic expansion to environmental stewardship, the programs within

Unlocking Potential Series will tackle the greatest challenges that Aboriginal Communities face.

Other UP Series events include:


http://www.unlockingaboriginalpotential.com/north-of-60/

http://www.unlockingaboriginalpotential.com/aboriginal-oil-gas-forum/


http://www.unlockingaboriginalpotential.com/north-of-60/

http://www.unlockingaboriginalpotential.com/aboriginal-oil-gas-forum/


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