Economic PartnershipsEconomic Partnerships Resolutions Nos. 7/2009, 8/2009 and 9/2009 were provisionally passed by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Executive Committee in September 2009. The resolutions emphasized a concern over limited opportunity to provide input into the Federal Framework on Aboriginal Economic Development (FFAED); non-support of pan-Aboriginal processes; the need for greater attention to trade cooperation amongst Indigenous Peoples; and the need for coordination with economic organizations whose focus includes policy and technical outcomes impacting First Nations economies. As such, in brief summary, the above resolutions call for:
The AFN has met with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to provide information on the status of the resolutions above, a work plan to support the technical elements of the resolutions, and to advocate for First Nation economic policy processes. Reflecting this ongoing issue, in the previous fiscal year, the Chiefs-in-Assembly passed Resolution No. 15/2008 which called for First Nations’ input into the new federal economic framework. The resolution called for a role for the Chiefs Committee on Economic Development (CCED) in ensuring that a new federal strategy meets recommendations and thematic advice presented in the First Nation Economic Blue Print, and that a new framework include First Nations control over economic programs, services and incentives, regionally and locally. The AFN has met with INAC to advance these recommendations, discuss a process for engagement with federal officials, and to promote an engagement process which includes consideration and support for political and technical discussions with federal counterparts. Key Issues and Activities Since July, a message relating to the critical need for economic development, education and skills training has been delivered by National Chief Atleo at the Council of the Federation meeting in August, 2009, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Council on Aboriginal Business (CCAB) annual dinner in Vancouver, the Foundations Economic Conference in Whitehorse, the Osoyoos Business Conference Centre grand opening, the October 29, 2009, meeting of provincial and territorial Aboriginal ministers, and the November 2, 2009, Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee. The CCED and Economic Partnerships Secretariat have continued to promote the strategic themes identified in the CCED’s First Nation Economic Blue Print. The blue print is designed to support the increased participation of First Nations in the economy. The academic research table, a component of the First Nation Economic Blue Print, was launched during the December 2008 Special Chiefs Assembly as the Make First Nation Poverty History Advisory Committee. The committee authored the State of the First Nation Economy and Struggle to Make Poverty History paper for the March 9-11, 2009, AFN Inter-Nation Trade and Economic Summit. The committee met on July 20, 2009, prior to the AGA in Calgary, in order to explore a five-year research agenda. The committee has drafted a proposal on the health outcomes and economic factors that has been submitted to the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Additionally, as part of the First Nation Economic Blue Print stream, the Secretariat has continued to maintain initiatives related to the AFN Academic Research Table and Corporate Relations Strategy. This process is intended to encourage Canada’s corporate community to work with First Nations to increase direct partnerships, investments, procurement and employment (PIPE). To date, eight corporations and organizations have signed on to the AFN Corporate Challenge. The Mining Association of Canada is the newest member of the Corporate Challenge. Several other corporations have signaled their interest to join the initiative. Results have included more than 425 First Nation people finding construction-related work in major resource development areas; investments in training; partnership development; procurement uptake by First Nations businesses; increased communication with member companies on improving business relationships with First Nations; and investments into socially responsible ventures by Corporate Canada. The AFN is exploring a possible next phase to the Corporate Challenge given that the two-year incubation period has now been completed. Options will be presented to the CCED during their next meeting. The Secretariat coordinated a fourth successful and sold-out trade show during the 30th Annual General Assembly in Calgary, which included over 130 tradeshow and craft exhibitors, and proved to be a great opportunity for networking among First Nations businesses, First Nation representatives, economic sectors and government.
Human Resource Development There is ongoing activity pertaining to Human Resources and Labour Force Development policy planning and work initiated and led by First Nation human resources technicians from across the country. In the past six months, a key focus of much of this work has been centered on determining the content of the federal response to First Nation - Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement (AHRDAs) recommendations. Past Resolution No. 11/2007 supported the continuation of work toward a final action plan by the technicians and establishing a joint technical and political process with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). The First Nation Technical Working Group on Human Resources Development (TWG) completed its national action plan. The thematic areas of the plan, in conjunction with an overview of the TWG’s work were presented to Chiefs-in-Assembly. Resolution No. 11/2007 continued to guide the technical work of First Nation AHRDAs from 2007 through to 2009. In September 2009, Minister Diane Finley, HRSDC, announced the new strategy to replace the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS), namely the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). ASETS is announced as a $1.6 billion, five-year strategy set to begin on April 1, 2010 (ending in 2015). The core funding levels remain unchanged compared to previous strategies.
The First Nation AHRDAs held a national caucus meeting in Edmonton, October 6-7, 2009, the first national caucus since May 2008. A number of concerns were expressed in regard to the transition from AHRDS to the ASETS. One pressing operational concern is the fact that every AHRDA must submit a five-year strategic business plan template. HRSDC had announced that a draft template would be available by the end of October, but this had not happened as of mid-November. Other concerns included the lack of resources to prepare strategic plans, the need for involvement in template and accountability design, and lack of adequate notice/expected timeframes to submit completed plans. Governance and policy concerns included the lack of opportunity for First Nation leaders to be invited to negotiate agreements, and the creation of federal programs separately from First Nation AHRDA structures. The federal government is participating in a joint working group with First Nation technicians. Senior officials, at the Director General level, have attended meetings and have facilitated other departmental participation at the request of the AFN and technicians. The last TWG meeting was held November 2-3, 2009, in Toronto. The Chiefs Committee on Human Resources Development (CCHRD) met on November 3-4, 2009. Due to quorum issues the last meeting was held approximately a year and a half earlier, and was held jointly with other committees in March 2008. The CCHRD held its first day of meetings in conjunction with the TWG to obtain a fulsome update. The Chair and members of the CCHRD indicated their interest in taking their AHRDA concerns to the AFN Executive Committee and the December 2009 SCA in the form of a resolution. The AFN, as part of its work to support this portfolio area, has continued to reach out to sector councils; shared research conducted on First Nation Employment Parity; and worked with the corporate community. Connectivity With regard to Connectivity, the Chiefs-in-Assembly mandated the AFN, through Resolution No. 16/2008, to seek support for initiatives for the continued development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) services at the community and regional levels until a comprehensive framework is in place. The AFN has continued to promote the need for a strategy on the First Nations E-Community. The AFN is planning for a technical meeting this fiscal year to bring together First Nation ICT specialists and federal officials responsible for broadband, infrastructure and connectivity initiatives. In addition, this meeting will follow up on the March 2009 technical meeting on a draft terms of reference for a national committee, defining broad band requirements, sustainability, and communications planning. The results from the meeting will be presented to the CCED and other Chiefs Committees for consideration. The AFN has continued to communicate the need for greater attention to community connectivity requirements. So far, three national conferences have highlighted this important policy area through the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers and the Aboriginal Policy Research Conference, as well as a panel at the Inter-Nation Trade and Economic Summit in Toronto. Anticipated Outcomes by March 31, 2010
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