Alberta Economic Development - Year in Review 2012

Economic development undertaken
The 2012 Alberta Official Statistics indicate that the
gap in employment rates between non-Aboriginals and off-reserve Aboriginals has increased from a five percentage point difference in 2007 to a 9.8 percentage point difference in 2011.†A number of First Nations undertook development or
entered into agreements to help with employment on-reserve. However, the year began with a significant blow to economic independence for First Nations and continued throughout 2012 with severe budget cuts by the federal government.

AFNEC cut off from funding
In February, the Alberta government announced that after months of discussions between Teedrum Inc. company representatives and their partner First Nations, the Alberta First Nation Energy Centre would not be receiving funding under the Bitumen’s Royalty In-Kind program. The government also said the proposal would not be negotiated further nor would the government take into consideration Teedrum Inc. president Ken Horn’s suggestion for a third party to conduct an independent assessment review. The decision shocked both Horn and AFNEC First Nations, who had received support from former Premier Ed Stelmach. The decision prompted a charge of racism from Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam. “The province of Alberta is racist to the First Nation people and it just goes to show that they will never ever sit down at the table at the First Nation level in regard to moving forward,” said Adam.

Alberta bands accepted into nation-wide programs
Also in February, the Tsuu T’ina and Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nations became the only Alberta bands to be accepted under the First Nations Land Management Regime. Members of the FNLMR can opt out of the 34 land-related sections of the Indian Act, allowing them to manage their land, resources and environment under their own land codes. The result is less red tape and no federal government approval necessary. Robert Louie, chair of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, said studies indicate that bands that are part of the FNLMR are “far more successful in the endeavours that they are doing.” More jobs are available, more opportunities and more investments come to the communities, and the need for social assistance is reduced. In another first, Siksika First Nation became the only band in Alberta to qualify for housing dollars under the First Nation Market Housing Fund. Now instead of having to depend solely on funding from the federal government, Siksika has access to $200 million to assist members in their housing needs. Along with providing more opportunity for home ownership, Siksika Councillor Carlon Big Snake expected spin off opportunities to occur with more construction jobs and perhaps even a lumberyard.

Wanska Energy Alliance created
In April, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Onion Lake Energy, owned and operated by Onion Lake Cree Nation, and Driftpile, Sucker Creek, and Ermineskin First Nations, creating Wanska Energy Alliance. The First Nations will work together as strategic partners to explore economic opportunities, including joint gas and oil ventures. Onion Lake Cree, which is the largest oil-producing First Nation in Canada, and Ermineskin First Nation, which also operates its own energy company, bring expertise and already formed partnerships to the alliance, said Sucker Creek Chief Jim Badger. Another advantage, said Rose Laboucan, Chief of Driftpile First Nation, is the ability to be able to bring First Nation knowledge and experience in the oil and gas field to the negotiation table. The partnership is also expected to result in economic development beyond the oil and gas industry.

Tourism park to provide jobs
A partnership between Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the federal government will result in a $4.3 million multi-tourism park on the First Nation and keep the Alexis Nakota Sioux moving forward on its quest for economic independence, said Chief Cameron Alexis. In September, plans for the park, to be owned and operated by Alexis Nakota Sioux, were unveiled. The federal government is covering $3 million of the cost, while the remaining $1.3 million will be picked up by the band. Over 30 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, with six to 10 permanent positions to follow. Money generated by the park, which is expected to hit $150,000 to $200,000 per year within five years, will go into a fund to be administered by Chief and council.

Federal government cuts funding
In September, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada minister John Duncan addressed both the Edmonton and Calgary Chambers of Commerce stating the importance of including the growing Aboriginal population in economic plans. Duncan’s talks came on the heels of the announcement of cuts by his government to Aboriginal organizations, including governing organizations, and the funneling of more money into training programs for Aboriginals. “I think an equal balance is what we look for because in our culture the whole realm of healthiness has to evolve, has to be equal,” said Chief Cameron Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Duncan was also condemned for making cuts without consulting First Nations. Duncan said he was under no obligation to consult and encouraged First Nations organizations to make up the funding short fall by getting support from industry.