Collaboration at Its BEST Mattagami First Nation

 

COLLABORATION AT ITS BEST: MATTAGAMI FIRST NATION

Collaboration at its BEST: Mattagami First Nation

It’s Time for Change (ITFC) is pleased to share and shine a light on one of its own partners, Mattagami First Nation. Recently, Mattagami First Nation’s commitment to partnership and collaboration has resulted in the announcement by I AM Gold’s decision to proceed with the construction of the Côté Gold Project.

The Côté Gold Project is anticipated to generate 1,000 jobs; 450 of which plan to be hired during construction,  $5 billion in wages, and more than $10 billion in GDP in years to come.

First Nations partners, Mattagami First Nation and Flying Post First Nation have a great deal to look forward to, but also future employees, partnerships, and coordinating efforts are still needed to ensure this works for everyone.

The economic growth opportunities, jobs, and procurement possibilities can drive economic development and growth, which can contribute greatly to the social and economic well-being of their respective communities. Mattagami First Nation Chief Chad Boissoneau said the project created new opportunities for his community:

“Our community is celebrating this announcement. This is the culmination of years of diligent work on both sides,” Boissoneau stated, “Côté Gold will have a significant positive impact for future generations. There are considerable business development, education, and training opportunities for our community – we are pleased we can move forward..”

Collaboration and partnership are behind the wheel helping drive Canada’s economy, but what do you think?

“Since signing the IBA (impact benefit agreement) in 2019 we have been eagerly awaiting a project decision and are extremely pleased it has arrived,” stated Flying Post First Nation, Chief Murray Ray.

Indigenous Businesses in Canada are more Vulnerable in Crisis

Indigenous Businesses in Canada are more Vulnerable in Crisis. Three years later...

Canada’s response has brought many issues to the forefront that have plagued our nation for decades. Recent financial support to Indigenous businesses in Canada highlights this fact alone, but let’s make one thing very clear:

Indigenous businesses in Canada are more vulnerable in crisis, compared to those of us born into privilege, austerity, and security from all levels of the Canadian economy, but you know this and so does It’s Time for Change (ITFC).

We didn’t need a pandemic to realize that fostering a robust Indigenous business sector, capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities, is for each and every one of our best interests. Canada has an unlimited amount of resources available to not only rebuild our economy post-pandemic but can evolve past nation-wide discrepancies.

The importance of Indigenous business communities and the engagement thereof is not new; in fact, the Globe & Mail (an article from 3 years ago!) made this exact same argument. Related to greater resources to support Indigenous business owners, the survey found that:

“73% of Canadians want the private sector to step up to help Indigenous entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level; 81% agree that corporations should include Indigenous businesses in their supplier networks whenever possible.”

So what are we waiting for Canada? The time is now to pave the way for new and emerging ideas to build sustainable opportunities that every Canadian will feel the positive impact of!

Let’s make this a priority, folks!

Canada’s private sector needs to prioritize Indigenous entrepreneurs. Our experience is that everyone benefits when business strategies are based on inclusiveness.

Many corporations are already engaged in supporting Indigenous businesses as a matter of policy. These initiatives are impressive and impactful. But broader efforts are needed. The fact that a large majority of Canadians want Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed also sends an important message of hope and fuels our optimism.

How do we make this happen?

Three years after the Globe and Mail article we are still trying to find a pathway to inclusion and engagement.  Programs like the one announced on June 11th to help Main Street businesses in Southern Ontario should not be restricted to a specific region.  Indigenous businesses will benefit from initiatives like this even more due to their remoteness.

ITFC provides functional tools that will help all businesses build a brighter and more sustainable future with the assistance of our platform.

We have waited long enough, let’s make the next three years count!

It's Time For Change.

Indigenous Communities in Canada

 What is the meaning of indigenous peoples?

This is a word used to describe the native peoples of Canada. Canadian constitution defined them as the “Indigenous Communities” of Canada. North America from at least 14000 years ago. As the report published by the government of Canada in 2016 around 4.9% of the population is the inhabitants of Canada.

Indigenous Communities of Canada

Aboriginal Canadians(indigenous peoples) comprise mainly in three groups named First Nations(also known as Indians), Metis, and Inuit according to the constitution of Canada. These groups are distinct according to their unique history, culture, language, and beliefs. These peoples are found in all 14 provinces of Canada.

First Nations(Indians):

First Nations are the most populated group among all three. These peoples are numbered 977,235 in the 2016 census. There are more than 630 communities in the First Nations. Speaks 50 plus languages.

British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are the main geographical locations or provinces where First Nation are found.

Metis:

The term Métis alludes to a group of societies and ethnic characters that came about because of relationships among Aboriginal and European individuals in what is presently Canada.

Metis is the 2nd group according to the numbers of people. The population of metises are 587,545 calculated in 2016. Metis are recognized as Canada's aboriginal peoples under section 35 constitutions act of 1982. Metis, 40% of the population lives in Ontario and Alberta.

Inuit:

Inuit means ”The Peoples'' in the Inuit language of Inuktitut. Inuit are the 3rd group of indigenous people of Canada. The population of the Inuits is calculated to be 65,025 in 2016. These are mostly lived in the arctic region.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunatsiavut, southern Labrador, Nunavut, and Nunavik are the main regions where Inuit live.