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.