Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. hosting first-ever First Nations economic development event in Membertou, NS, from September 15 to 17

Press Release –

Ulnooweg Development Group Inc. hosting first-ever First Nations economic development event in Membertou, NS, from September 15 to 17

September 15, 2014 – Membertou, NS – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased to support the first-ever Lands & Economic Readiness Summit in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, September 15 to 17, 2014.

Contributing to the Lands & Economic Readiness Summit is just one example of how the Government of Canada is moving forward on economic development issues that are important to all First Nations and Aboriginal communities across Atlantic Canada. By helping communities become equipped to participate in an economic opportunity, the Government can help increase the participation of Aboriginal people in Canada’s economy overall and improve the prosperity of Aboriginal communities and individuals.

Over 150 attendees from across Atlantic Canada will be talking about creating economic development opportunities for First Nations in Atlantic Canada during this summit. The two and a half day conference includes plenary sessions, keynote speakers, workshops, roundtables and presentations. Its mission is to increase awareness and forge new linkages between First Nations’ and Aboriginal organizations’ personnel, providing them with a range of information that will better position them to create and implement lands and economic development plans in First Nations communities. The development of these plans is important for First Nations to pursue and seize economic opportunities and ultimately gain greater control over their land and resources.

Quick facts

• Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is contributing up to $90,514 through its Community Opportunity Readiness Program(CORP) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing $74,130 through its Business Development Program.
• There are presently 94 First Nations operating under, or developing, their own land codes for operation under the First Nations Land Management Regime.

Quotes

“Our Government’s top priority is creating jobs, growth and economic opportunities for all Canadians and I am pleased that we are investing in developing capacity in First Nations and Aboriginal communities across Atlantic Canada. We remain committed to working with our Aboriginal partners to ensure they get the same access to opportunities as all Canadians. The Lands & Economic Readiness Summit provides such an opportunity to Aboriginal people responsible for lands management and economic development.”

– Hon. Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

“Our Government is pleased to support organizations like the Ulnooweg Development Group to help Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities in Atlantic Canada take concrete steps that lead to greater participation in our economy. Our investment in the Lands & Economic Readiness Summit will help Aboriginal leaders and organizations identify and pursue new business and economic development opportunities within their communities, creating jobs, growth and wealth, and contributing to their long-term economic prosperity.”

– Hon. Rob Moore,
Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“Ulnooweg is honoured to be the host organization for the Atlantic Lands and economic Readiness Summit. This summit is designed to create learning opportunities to increase skills and capacity of delegates that support economic growth in Atlantic First Nation communities through land management and economic development. This wonderful learning opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Canada, Industry sponsors, panelists and planning committee members.”

– Christopher Googoo,
General Manager
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

Associated links

• Lands and Economic Readiness Summit
• Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
• Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) – Program Guidelines
• Business Development Program (ACOA)

Contacts

Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241

Matthew Tapper
Business Development Manager
Ulnooweg Development Group
902-893-7379
mtapper@ulnooweg.ca