Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame welcomes three business leaders
Cape Breton find dates back 4500 years
Full negotiations on Made-in-Nova Scotia process launched
Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame welcomes three business leaders
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has welcomed three Aboriginal business leaders into its Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame (ABHF) at the 9th Annual Circle for 2015 National Gala Dinner in Toronto on February 13th, 2007. Chief Victor Buffalo, Harry Cook, and Garfield Flowers established milestones which future generations of Aboriginal entrepreneurs will advance.
This issue focusses on Chief Victor S. Buffalo. The April and May editions will feature Harry Cook and Garfield Flowers.
Elijah Harper (left) stopped by to offer his congratulations
to Chief Victor Buffalo (right).
Following is an condensed version of the CCAB video tribute to Chief Victor Buffalo, which was presented prior to the appointment of Chief Buffalo to the ABHF. Full version is at www.ccab.com.
Chief Victor S. Buffalo was born in 1941. Victor was the first of eight children born to Edgar and Helen Buffalo. At age seven, he was forced to attend the same Catholic boarding school that both his parents had attended. Although five miles from home, it just as well could have been five thousand miles. In school, Victor found comfort in this studies and athletics. He was a goalie at the Senior A level. He also joined the Cadet Corp, developing a sense of discipline that served him well in later years. At age 23, he qualified as a Chemical Technologist. In 1966, he married Rema. They had four children, two girls and two boys. Rema and Victor celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this past November.
After several years spent working as a Chemical Technologist, Victor and Rema returned to Hobbema, where Victor began employment as a Lands Administrator. Hobbema had changed drastically. There were now roads, homes had water and electricity. Samson Cree Nation began to build and develop infrastructure and buildings. As Samson was in growth phase, some of the inhibiting factors to economic development for First Nations were becoming apparent and Samson decided to start their own financial institution to look after their money. Victor was put in charge of the project and in 1981 Peace Hills Trust opened its doors.
After 25 years, more than 70% of its 180 employees are Aboriginal, with many Native board of directors over the years. Peace Hills Trust currently has eight branches, with expansion plans to the North, British Columbia and Ontario. Peace Hills Trust boasts over $400 million in assets.
Victor has been the face of Peace Hills Trust for over 25 years. Peace Hills Trust has funded Aboriginal business development projects throughout Canada, such as St. Eugene Mission Casino & Resort (BC); the Assiniboine Mushroom Farm (MAN); the Mikisew Cree Convenience Store & Gas Bar (AB); as well as providing lines of credit to farm and ranch ventures throughout the prairies, to either start operations or make expansions.
Victor was elected Chief of Samson Cree Nation in 1981. Since that time, he has served the Nation twice as a councillor and three times as Chief. Victor has stated many times that “Education is the key to economic development.” Victor was instrumental in the development of the Samson Education Trust Fund (SETF) in 1983. The purpose of the fund is to help students financially in their pursuit of post secondary education.
Chief Buffalo as he began his remarks.
Samson Cree Nation has three schools: a primary, middle and secondary school. Victor hopes one day to add a library. The Nation proudly hosts the Maskwacis Cultural College.
In 2005, after 16 years of litigation, Samson finally won their suit against the Government of Canada, and gained control of their capital in the amount of $340 million, becoming the first Native Nation in Canada to gain control of their own resource revenue. All of the capital has been placed in the Kisoniyaminaw (Cree for “our money”) Heritage Trust Fund for the benefit of all present and future generations.
Despite some bitter childhood memories, Victor returned to the church twenty years ago, a place where he found faith and tremendous support. It is this faith and support that has served him well in his life and in his work. In the future, Victor plans to study religion and philosophy.
The vision of Chief Victor Buffalo has shown young people how to meet the challenges of the new generation, and his career has established a benchmark, where generations of Aboriginal entrepreneurs will advance.
The CCAB is Canada’s leading organization dedicated to promoting the full participation of Aboriginal communities in Canada’s economy. CCAB’s mission is to connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they require to achieve personal and business success.
Samson Cree Nation is a part of the four bands of Hobbema, AB, which is in the Treaty No. 6 territory located an hour southeast of Edmonton.
Cape Breton find dates back 4500 years
By Clifford Paul
Armed with a series of maps, a compass, and a handy GPS device, Mi’kmaq archaeologist Roger Lewis attempts to recreate a 4500-year old story deep in heart of the Cape Breton highlands. Using investigative techniques, combined with contour maps, Lewis is recreating a scene as to how a Mi’kmaq arrowhead made it’s way to one of the Wreck Cove spillways.
The story of how the arrowhead was found is much simpler. Five years ago, a Mi’kmaq moose hunter from the Annapolis Valley turned on to a side road next to a brook, he looked down, and right next to his boot was the arrowhead.
This artifact, a projectile point dated by it's tapered design, is believed to have been made by Mi'kmaq hands some 4500-years ago. It was found in the Cape Breton highlands of Nova Scotia.
“Five thousand years ago, this little brook was a raging river,” Lewis noted, spreading his maps across the tailgate of his silver Ford Ranger pickup. “Our ancestors are like every other people. They took the easiest route inland from the coast, and that was by water – coming into the Wreck Cove spillway through Indian Brook (a strong flowing brook that empties into the Atlantic Ocean).”
One of our ancestors must have taken a shot at a big game animal, leaving evidence upon the land – only to be discovered some 4500-years later. This ancient hunter must have been traveling with a family group from the Atlantic coast and up Indian Brook which takes them into the northern interior of Unama’ki.
Mi'kmaq archaeologist Roger Lewis (center) investigates watercourses on a topographical map – tracing the 4500 year old steps of his ancestors. John MacIntyre (left) and Mi'kmaq Elder Lawrence Wells of Membertou First Nation, join the expedition.
Nova Scotia archaeologists witness this event as something that happened during the Archaic Period (some 9000-2500 years ago). The arrowhead is officially referenced as a “contracting stem projectile point” noted by the handiwork of its tapered design – a product of the technology used during the Maritime Archaic Period (5000-3500 years ago). From the Mi’kmaq perspective, this period is referred as “Mu Awsami Sagiwe’k” – literally translated “not so recent people.”
It is made of domestic rhyolite quarried from Ingonish Island. “This material has a distribution from Ingonish through Cape Breton, Antigonish and Pictou,” Lewis noted. Artifacts made from this very same rhyolite can be found in those areas. Perhaps this distribution coincides with ancient migration routes for caribou.
At the time, the territory was experiencing great climatic change. Sea levels rose dramatically – consequently submerging much of the Mi’kmaq ancestral past in terms of artifactual evidence. The region became covered by mixed forests and temperatures were gradually increasing. Food varied according to season, with the Mi’kmaq matching their migrations to that of the natural resources available at the time. Fish and sea mammals were in abundance along the Atlantic coast. River systems provided transportation and access to fish and animals such as caribou, moose, deer, and beaver to name a few.
“When I come across the artifacts of my ancestors, I am totally humbled by the ingenuity of our people that lived before us,” Lewis added. “The fact they were able survive a harsh environment and the technology used for that survival. It amazes me.”
“Thank you my ancient brother man,” Lewis concluded, citing the poetry of Nora Bromley’s Ancient Brother Man, 1973. “I grasp within my hand a perfect tool, so long ago chipped carefully from stone… I touch with care its edges keen and fine. For where you once placed your thumb there now is mine!”
Roger Lewis, from Indianbrook First Nation, is the Mi’kmaq Archaeological Researcher for Kwilmuk Maw-klusuaqn, Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative and is responsible for the archaeological component of KMK’s research activities. Roger has been conducting reconnaissance and assessment of pre-contact and historical archaeological sites found in Nova Scotia and will document Mi’kmaq cultural activities in support of negotiations.
Roger earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from Saint Mary’s University. His graduate thesis work at Newfoundland’s Memorial University focused on pre-contact stone fish weirs. The broader scope of his research examines the impact of that technology on settlement, subsistence, and mobility patterns of Mi’kmaq pre-contact populations.
Ancient Brother Man
As man today, I greet you
ancient brother man and
Point with gratitude to these
artifacts you made in eons past.
The signature of man’s slow rise on each and every tool,
each point, and each axe.
We can sense the human impact still.
Who smoked this pipe?
Who played this flute?
Who used this hoe?
Who threw this spear?
And was it made for deer or foe?
As man today, I kneel upon a
mountain circled flat to feel ancient ashes yellow
and see a kinship gift
for which you have left for me.
I grasp within my hand a perfect tool, so long ago
chipped carefully from stone and now but for the
timing of our fates
it might have been my own.
I touch with care its edges
keen and fine.
Where once you placed your thumb there
now is mine!
By Nora Bromley, 1973
Full negotiations on Made-in-Nova Scotia process launched
The Honourable Jim Prentice Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Michael G. Baker, Q.C., Nova Scotia’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Mi’kmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy took part in a important signing ceremony on February 23rd.
A Framework Agreement under the Made-in-Nova Scotia negotiation process was signed. This process is designed to address the treaty and Aboriginal rights and title of the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia.
The parties will now begin negotiations under the directions and principles set out in the Framework Agreement.
“Canada’s New Government is committed to moving negotiations forward,“ said Minister Prentice. “This agreement provides a solid foundation that empowers communities to take control of their own affairs and participate more fully in the Canadian economy.”
"This historic signing of the Framework Agreement is a vital part of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs dream to bring our people to a better life – now, and for future generations," said Chief Terrence Paul, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair.
"We will finally be able to achieve what our ancestors set out to do for our people – to protect a way of life that would allow us to provide for ourselves and our families. It is time to make things right. And this negotia-tion process will help us achieve that,” said Chief Lawrence Paul Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair.
“[This] signing is a landmark in relations between the Nova Scotia government and the Mi’kmaq and bodes well for the future,” said Minister Baker. “It is significant that we have reached this point in a spirit of goodwill and co-operation. We now have an opportunity to build upon our common learning and our shared interest in building a strong Nova Scotia – culturally and economically.”
The parties began the process in January, 2001, when they released a joint statement asserting their willingness to work together to resolve outstanding Aboriginal issues. In June, 2002, they signed an Umbrella Agreement which reaffirmed their commitment by agreeing to develop a Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement sets out the process and the subjects to be discussed in full negotiations that fall broadly under the categories of land, resources and governance.
Nova Scotia Chronology
1725-1779
Peace and Friendship treaties are signed with Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations and the British Crown on the East Coast.
July 2, 1997
Tripartite Forum Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia and Canada. The forum's mandate is to discuss, investigate and negotiate measures that will assist in the resolution of issues of mutual concern between the parties.
October 1, 1998
A Treaty Commemorative Statement is signed acknowledging and re-affirming the longstanding treaty relationship between the Crown and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. The Statement is signed by the Grand Chief of the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.
September 17, 1999
The Supreme Court of Canada in the Donald Marshall case confirmed the existence of Mi'kmaq and Maliseet rights as outlined in the Treaties of 1760-1761 (the Marshall decision) and confirmed the rights of the Mi'kmaq to hunt, fish and gather in order to earn a moderate livelihood. The Supreme Court did not define how these rights were to be implemented, but instead encouraged the Parties to negotiate a resolution in a fair and equitable manner.
There are 34 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet groups in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé region of Quebec who are potentially affected by the Marshall decision.
November 17, 1999
The Supreme Court of Canada issues a second Marshall ruling on a motion for rehearing.
January 10, 2001
The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia and Canada release a joint statement affirming their commitment to work together to resolve outstanding issues and begin a negotiation process to consider issues of Aboriginal and treaty rights.
February 9, 2001
The Federal Ministers of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Fisheries and Oceans jointly announce the launch of Canada's long-term strategy to address the Marshall decision, including a mandate to enter into a broad tripartite negotiation process to consider issues of Aboriginal rights, title and treaty rights to land, resources and self-government.
June 7, 2002
The 13 Mi'kmaq Chiefs of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and Canada sign an Umbrella Agreement reaffirming the longstanding relationship and commitment to work together in good faith to resolve issues of mutual concern. Signing the Umbrella Agreement opens the way for parties to start discussions on a Framework Agreement.
November 10, 2003
Beginning of Framework Agreement discussion.
February 2007
Framework Agreement is signed by Mi’kmaq Chiefs of Nova Scotia, Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. Negotiations commence toward a Memorandum of Understanding.