CIRCLE

 

Rotary District  C.I.R.C.L.E. (Community Indigenous Resource Committee for Learning and Education) hosted a presentation on Aboriginal Business in an Evolving Landscape on May 16 at The Glen.  John Lomax opened the evening with traditional drumming, songs and smudging.

 

Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), with over two decades of experience in the natural resource sector, was the presenter of a most impressive and informative broad picture of aboriginal business in Canada.  CCAB has over 550 members and receives no government funding.  The mission is to foster sustainable business relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business.

 

Mr. Gladu noted the shared values of corporate and Aboriginal business – revenue, human resources/employment; security, relationships and contracts, Environment and culture, and a mutual quest for certainty.  Aboriginal income is estimated at $32 billion annually, with a significant increase in the last decade from the resource sector. Business are growing and more profitable over time.  CCAB provides Aboriginal businesses with various tools and resources to help start, sustain and develop.  One of the key components is mentorship and networking.  

 

With 20% of our national GNP in natural resources, the new discoveries in the North offer promise for development in a responsible manner, unlike some of the poor examples in the past.  Challenges to poorly negotiated development initiatives have resulted in successful decisions in 90% of court cases initiated by Indigenous communities.  This calls for reconciliation between the local community leaders and business to bring strong voices to the table for negotiations.  This is particularly relevant to the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario.  Mr. Gladu noted, however, with 633 First Nations in Canada, speaking 33 diverse languages, this is challenging as there is no overall consensus.

 

CCAB is working to change the national conversation with a view to enhancing the dialogue between industry and indigenous communities.  Training indigenous youth with the skills needed in the mining and forestry business will benefit all going forward.  Since this is a rapidly growing part of the demographic make-up youth employment is significant.

 

The evening concluded with a thank-you on behalf of Rotary and all present by Carole Berry, and a call for everyone to look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report at the HIP website, along with many other useful resources.    (www.RotaryHIP.com)