Windspeaker business briefs - July

Environmental protection core to agreement
The Tahltan Nation has signed an impact benefit agreement with Coast Mountain Hydro LP, a subsidiary of AltaGas Income Trust for the Forest Kerr run-of-river hydroelectric project in Tahltan traditional territory in northwest B.C. The agreement comprises environmental protections, cultural resource protections and economic participation for the nation. Annita McPhee, chair of the Tahltan Central Council, said with the agreement comes some economic security. “This agreement establishes ownership, management of our resources and profit sharing while taking into consideration the protection our environment as a renewable energy project. Any land and resource decisions affecting Tahltan traditional territory must respect the environment, the Tahltan way of life and the Tahltan people,” said McPhee.
The Forest Kerr Project will provide business opportunities for members of the Tahltan Nation to participate in the construction, operation and maintenance of the project. Tahltan university graduates will have opportunities to enrol in training programs with AltaGas. The agreement also provides economic benefits to the Tahltan Nation, including shared ownership and royalties.

Aboriginal icon joins green industry
Elijah Harper, the former Manitoba MP who said “No” to the Meech Lake Accord, has said yes to joining Next Alternative, Inc. as a member of its board of directors and vice president of Government Relations. The announcement was made by Robert Ireland, CEO of Next Alternative, Inc., a company endeavoring in the global effort to discover alternative means of energy and working to reduce the demand for fossil fuels.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled for, or proud of, Elijah,” said Ireland. “His belief in what is right and his tireless efforts on behalf of the First Nations people are only equalled by his passion for furthering this meaningful cause.” Harper’s vast knowledge and experience in government relations and green technology will be a valuable asset in furthering the cause of promoting alternative means of energy, Ireland explained.
Harper’s history boasts a long list of accolades and achievements. His work has taken him around the world, including the International Court of Justice at The Hague, the United Nations in New York and reconciliation meetings in Australia and New Zealand. Presently he sits on the board of the National Centre for First Nations Governance where he continues to promote human and Aboriginal rights. Harper will also soon be the recipient of the Order of Manitoba. The induction will take place July 15 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Innu community to export wood pellets
Denis Lebel, minister of State for Canada Economic Development, announced that $2.5 million has been awarded in repayable funding for the start up of Granules LG international Inc., a wood pellet pilot plant in Mashteuiatsh. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will kick in an additional $744,188 to the project. Granules LG will specialize in the manufacture of wood pellets from forest waste, mainly for export. “I am pleased to announce this first-ever direct contribution from the government of Canada to a First Nation for a major renewable energy project in Eastern Canada,” Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl. “In acquiring this wood pellet pilot plant, the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh is clearly showing both its determination to stimulate the local economy and its capacity to forge effective and prosperous partnerships. This investment will help further the region’s economic and social growth by creating numerous jobs, developing new knowledge in the tough and competitive forest industry and generating significant economic spinoffs.”
“The Granules LG international project will translate into the creation of 25 permanent jobs in Mashteuiatsh and another 50 local indirect jobs, as well as the investment of $8.1 million in the community.

Business contribution improves education access
Two companies have joined forces to address the growing demand for services and skilled Aboriginal employees in Ontario’s north. Ornge, a provider of transport medicine services to many Aboriginal communities in the province, and AgustaWestland, a rotocraft maker headquartered in Italy, have announced the Ornge-AgustaWestland Endowment Fund for Aboriginal Learners in the amount of $250,000. The donation was made to Confederation College. It is the largest external donation for financial aid Confederation College has ever received.
“With this award, we will empower Aboriginal students to be future leaders in aviation and paramedical services, sharing our mission to deliver excellent patient care throughout the province,” said Dr. Christopher Mazza, president and CEO of Ornge. “Together with Ornge and Confederation College, we are pleased to be able to open doors to Aboriginal students who may wish to pursue a career in transport medicine but may not have the means,” said Giuseppe Orsi, AgustaWestland CEO. “We intend to close that gap.”
“The Ornge-AgustaWestland Endowment Fund will make a difference in encouraging Aboriginal students to pursue a career as a paramedic or a pilot,” said Patricia Lang, president of Confederation College. “These Aboriginal students will not only enhance their lives as they pursue their chosen career, but also help to address the growing demand for health service providers within the northwest region.” Confederation College intends to pursue matching funding from the Province of Ontario Trust for Student Support, an existing matching dollar program supporting access to higher education. Students will begin applying for the award beginning the fall of 2011 and can access information through the Financial Aid office at Confederation College. It is expected between one and three awards will be presented per year.
Leona Scanlon, member of the board of governors and member of Negahneewin Council, stated “Education funding continues to be a barrier to access for Aboriginal youth. This contribution will go far in enhancing the pathway to education and training.”