Chief Louis wants to destroy the status quo
Inland port for Prince George on BC's agenda
Taking care of business: Osoyoos Indian Band makes advances
Strengthening Quebec's First Nations
Chief Louis wants to destroy the status quo
By Malcolm McColl
Chief Clarence Louie is CEO of a busy corporation owned by Osoyoos Indian Band that has a growing concern of businesses in southern BC. The amazing thing is that these Okanagan folk started from what seemed like next-to-nothing. The chief's incredible vision and energy turned a desert into a destination resort, and it happened in the blink of an eye, or one generation.
Chief Clarence Louie
Chief Louie accepted an invitation to speak in Edmonton at the CIBA 2006 Economic Development Conference and Tradeshow that was held October 25th. To those who are unfamiliar with Chief Louie, it may have come as a surprise the way he pulled no punches, "Do you call yourself a marcher on the Red Road? The answer is simply that you better be a worker or have a job. It's a working road, not a road where you sit on your butt. Do you call yourself a warrior? Get off welfare and pay your child support. Stand on your own two feet."
The Chief has taken a polemic position regarding First Nation problems, and his points are made to destroy the status quo. "I don't spend my time in meetings where people are talking about their inter personal philosphies, you know, where they talk about how my heart soars like an eagle. I was invited to a 'healing' conference to be a speaker. Can you imagine me speaking to a meeting of the 'misery' industry?"
No, the room of about 300-plus First Nation folk and mixed company at Edmonton's Mayfield Inn could hardly imagine that, a scant 10 minutes into his remarks; but nor were they terribly amused. Nobody was laughing.
The Chief said, "If you are going to talk about 'circles' in today's world you better add another quadrant and put a dollar sign in there."
He said that in running a business he constantly receives requests for so-called 'support', and wonders what drives the quest for support, and prevents people from simply asking for money, "Most Natives don't talk about the reality of money enough since that is what they want and money is not a bad word.
"Few of our people are making money." He said, "Most are spending underfunded government grants. I love the artists, the entertainers, and crafts people of our communities. These people I support, for they work hard." He pointed out that Osoyoos has a world class Native art gallery, "I always dig in my wallet to support them."
The chief has spent years in the business world, and said, "Get advice. All business people have advisors. We have advisors, and we sometimes take their advice and sometimes not. We search for the best decisions because we have social, cultural, and environmental responsibilities. Money is not about being a fat cat with the most toys. Money from business is for cultural, social, and recreational funding for our members."
Chief Louie has high regard for youth. "We fund all our youth at Osoyoos for recreational activities. I love sports as a way to develop character in the youth." These sports and recreational-oriented activities offer wider learning opportunities, and the chance to go on the road. "Sports and recreation allows them to get out and experience other First Nation cultures, and develop competition skills."
The other thing Osoyoos does is provide funding for Elders, "We subsidize Elders programs, and we love our Elders. We know how how hard they have worked. At Osoyoos we showcase our heritage and culture. Our golf course has Okanagan language signs, as do our other properties. Let me just say that when you are on one of our sites you know you're on First Nation property, in First Nation territory."
Returning to speaking philosophically about First Nation affairs outside of Osoyoos, he said, "We should have learned by now not to depend on federal funding. Leadership has to change its mind-set, and things that should have happened long ago will not happen overnight, just because they ought to. The leadership in a First Nation community has to develop a business climate before launching into some economic or business affair. Business runs at a different pace that has nothing to do with Band Office hours. Business is not Monday to Friday."
He said the mind-set has to change from one of spending money to one of making money. "I love bookkeepers and finance people. I love First Nation people who become accountants and bookkeepers. You have to develop financial courage, to learn that the buck has to stop somewhere. Too many Native organizations end up in deficit. Business people constantly have to confront difficult financial issues, and should be avid readers to keep up with current events, especially business news and stories that feature business successes or opportunities."
He said, "We're still learning at Osoyoos. Our education sessions are found in meetings with business people. We operate in a business climate with business principles. Our offices tell the story. Business people and investors can walk into any Band office and tell immediately if the place is ready to do business."
Chief Louie, for all his business wiles, retains a keen awareness of the struggle that First Nations people undergo. He wants awareness of that to spread as well, and to do this, Osoyoos Indian Band invited American Indian Movement leader Russell Means to speak at a recent AGM. But what did Russell Means say? Chief Louie said, “He told that audience, ‘The sad fact is that most Native people are not ready for business.’ ”
Things are different at Osoyoos and a few other First Nations, although precious few. Chief Louie said, "For all First Nations our socio-economic development is inextricably tied to the economy of our traditional territories. We should not be excluded in any way from these economics. At Osoyoos we are involved in agriculture, construction, retailing, wineries, RV parks, golf, and tourism in the greater Osoyoos Indian Band Territory, with Mount Baldy Ski Resort."
The Chief said, "INAC [Indian and Northern Affairs Canada] spends over $8 billion every year to pay for social programs, and 96 percent of the money goes directly into underfunded social service and welfare oriented programs, with only four percent of the total earmarked for economic development. They have focused on making welfare dependency a priority for Native people for the past 100 years. The difference in these percentages should be the exact opposite."
Chief Louie said, "People will not necessarily agree with me on this one, but I withhold my support for the Kelowna Accord because it is more of the 'same old, same old' social spending just like the past one hundred years. That formula has not worked. Economic development is last on the list of priorities. What province or state makes the economy the last priority?
“With Indian Affairs, economic development programs are the last to be considered. It is up to First Nations to make the economic development of their communities the number one issue. Vote in councils that concentrate on economic development." Economics is the engine that will drive community development forward. In the absence of economic power, political power is virtually non-existent.
Inland port for Prince George on BC's agenda
Getting an inland port established in Prince George is on the provincial government's agenda, Premier Gordon Campbell said in a speech to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention on October 27th .
``We will work with Prince George to establish a magnificent state-of-the art inland port that moves air, sea and land cargo through to Asia and the North American markets in record time.''
Campbell made the reference while announcing a ``Pacific leadership agenda,'' a broad-based strategy that includes building a new relationship for First Nations and closing the gaps in health, housing, education and economic opportunities.
Part of that agenda includes improving competitiveness and taking advantage of B.C.'s position as Canada's Pacific province to cash in on the rapid economic growth of Asia, led by China.
``The world won't wait for us. We can't wait for Canada. It's time for us to lead,'' Campbell said. ``We will work with the communities in the northwest who have established a truly integrated port for millions of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) that will be developed through public-private partnership in the years ahead.''
Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley said he found Campbell's comments encouraging.
``It sends out a very strong message that he agrees with everything that we're trying to do as we promote Prince George, the work we've done with Prince Rupert on containerization, knowing that sometime in the near future, Prince George will benefit as well,'' he said.
Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad said the province's role amounts to setting the environment that encourages investment in such a facility.
``We're looking at inland container studies and trying to lay the groundwork so that it makes it easier for people to make investment decisions,'' he said.
also said the government will work with Kamloops and Ashcroft to develop a southern interior inland port, which would handle cargo passing through the Port of Vancouver.
Taking care of business
By Dene Skylar
The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) is part of the Okanagan Nation of south central British Columbia. Since being elected Chief of OIB in 1985, Clarence Louie has worked hard to improve his people’s standard of living by emphasizing economic development. Chief Louie and the OIB have accomplished significant success by adhering to a constant socio-economic development message.
Chief Clarence Louie speaking at the Sahtu Oil, Gas and Mineral Symposuum in Norman Wells, NT.
Chief Louie states, “Socio-economic development is the foundation of First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer government programs that are often under funded. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory.”
The Osoyoos Indian Band provides a solid example that business success can happen if a First Nation implements its socio-economic development vision in a professional way. There are many stories across Canada where First Nations are mismanaging their socio-economic af-fairs and becoming administrators of their own poverty due to lack of vision, leadership, planning and professionalism. Osoyoos Indian Band is not in this category!
Today the OIB is engaged in a diverse array of businesses that provide employment opportunities for their people as well as other Canadians. They own and operate an 18 hole world-class desert golf course complete with a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a fully stocked CPGA pro shop, and extensive club house facilities. They offer clinics and lessons by professionally trained CPGA staff. Beautiful Native sculptures and artwork adorn the facilities and grounds celebrating the success. OIB’s Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Aboriginal winery also provides employment opportunities while stimulating other economic activities. Nk’Mip was awarded BC Tourism’s “Outside the Box Award” for combining wine, culture and Native artwork to create an exciting experience for visitors. Festivals, tour venues and cultural events add to the winery’s success. If you own a winery, owning and operating a vineyard makes practical sense. OIB has over 240 acres of prime vinifera under cultivation at their Nk’Mip Vineyards where some of the finest grapes are grown to add to the wide variety of wines produced by Nk’Mip Cellars. OIB also owns and operates the Nk’Mip Desert & Heritage Centre which according to OIB, “promotes respect and understanding of the living culture of the Okanagan People and the conservation of Canada’s only desert.” Rounding out the list of businesses operated by Osoyoos Indian Band are ventures in construction, a gas & convenience store, a resort campground & RV park, OIB Holdings Corporation (Lands Leases), Oliver Ready-Mix Ltd, and Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has done impressive work. So how does a First Nation pull itself up out of the extinguishment, colonization, assimilation, residential school, reserve and Indian Act discriminatory practices that has created a “poor victim me” attitude for some First Nations? I caught up to Chief Louie in Norman Wells, NT, recently. Here are some things he said to an attentive audience that have helped the Osoyoos Indian Band achieve their success…
“We have to learn business manners. I can’t stand seeing people who work in Band Offices who only work lazy Band Office hours… In the real entrepreneurial world you get up early and work late. Indian Time! Get rid of it. You can’t run a business on Indian Time. Indian Time is a worn-out excuse. Even bingo players show up early and stay late… Once in business, you don’t hire based on race, hire based on experience, knowledge and performance. Sure we have Native preference but we don’t hand over a million dollar business to inexperienced people. Hire a Board of Advisors, not based on race. Our advisors are picked based on experience. You have to have an outside look in. Our business advisors argue with business manners… They never personalize things. They stick to issues and the numbers. Sure they argue, but when a vote is held, they shake hands and no one ever leaves the meeting mad… Don’t depend on grant money… Get rid of the Indian Crab Syndrome of back-stabbing, jealousy, gossip… corporations have a big responsibility and if the Indian Crab Syndrome is not dropped you will lose. Go to school on other people’s experiences. I’m still a student. The sad fact is most Natives that collect a cheque have stopped learning. On our team, personal development and learning is important. Have passion for your work. I don’t like being around people who just collect a cheque! Communicate with your people verbally and on paper. Unless you do a Feasibility Study you shouldn’t be doing anything in business.”
Chief Louie is also well aware of the historical experience that catapulted Aboriginal people to number one in Canada on almost every serious social indicator: alcoholism; suicide rates; incarceration rates; disease rates, mortality rates; education drop out rates, etc. But there is hope and it comes from leadership that uses traditional Aboriginal ancestral values and actions combined with a modern perspective. Chief Louie told the attentive audience, “If you are messed up go get counseling or treatment, but never send your people to treatment and let them come home and expect to live on social assistance. Be there for them. Go to their graduation. Encourage and support them. When I see our people go to treatment I think how many will go back to community and get a job or go to school.”
Chief Louie then shifted to a significant problem in society. “One of the biggest problems we have is drugs and alcohol… We fire people in our businesses. You can’t run a business if people are not at work. Simple rule for success at work: Rule 1 Show up on time. Rule 2, follow Rule 1.”
Chief Louie spoke passionately to a super attentive audience and had so much to say that it would fill a good book.
Chief Louie thanked the host organization and left a few words of advice for the oil, gas, mineral industry and imported government of the north, “Everybody will put up their hand to support economic development… it is a Motherhood Statement but you better say you support Aboriginal people in this region being involved in socio-economic development. Talk and words don’t pay bills. Help Aboriginal people get involved in economic development of their traditional territory and respect the environment.”
Chief Clarence Louie was honored with a standing ovation after his presentation. Larry Tourangeau, Chairperson of the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated thanked Chief Louie by saying, “You talked the talk, you walked the walk – you opened our eyes!”
Chief Louie and the Osoyoos Indian Band are definitely opening eyes – but more importantly they are engaging in a ‘taking care of business attitude,’ that works.
“It worked for our ancestors why not for us?” one leader told me later and continued, “If OIB can do it, so can any leader with a vision, plan, ethics, and determination to take control of their destiny. We need a good Business Plan!” Keep up the good work OIB.
Strengthening Quebec's First Nations
In the context of the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians, is pleased to announce, on behalf of the Government of Canada, a contribution of $116,480 to the First Nations of Quebec to address their desired commitments with respect to the economy, employment and income security.
Concretely, the Government of Canada's contribution will be used as follows
• Funding of $66,480 (including $33,480 from Canada Economic Development and $33,000 from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) to survey opportunities for partnership in the forest sector
• Funding of $50,000 to survey needs with a view to creating a structure to represent the interests of Aboriginal entrepreneurs (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)
In addition, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is announcing its intention to take part in discussions and analyses to assess the possibility of setting up an economic investment fund for the First Nations, in co-operation with all partners concerned.
During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has given over $10 million to 92 projects and organizations promoting the economic development of the First Nations of Quebec, creating more than 160 jobs.
"Canada's New Government recognizes that economic development is key to improving the standard of living and quality of life for Aboriginal people and all Canadians," stated Minister Prentice. "We are committed to work with provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leased to improve opportunities that will deliver results."
10,000 possibilities:
creating 10,000 jobs and 10,000 housing units
The Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Mr. Ghislain Picard, unveiled his priorities on October 24, the eve of the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum, which was held on October 25, 26 and 27, 2006 in the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh (Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean). "I am embarking on the Mission 10,000 possibilities, along with all participants of the Forum, so that the commitments which will be taken, enable us to achieve at least three key priorities, which are job creations, basic training and housing constructions", stated Chief Picard.
Some 250 participants coming from the First Nations, the governments of Quebec and Canada, as well as from the civil society of Quebec, were in attendance to discuss several issues and action proposals aiming at the concrete and sustainable improvement of social and economic conditions of Quebec's First Nations. These discussions evolved around four main themes: economy and employment; health and social services, culture and education; infrastructures and community development.
"When you have a proper training, a job and decent housing conditions, everything is possible", affirmed Regional Chief, Ghislain Picard, who wanted this Forum to be instrumental in securing concrete commitments which would enable the creation of 10,000 new jobs over a five year period, as well as encouraging the return to school of 10,000 drop-outs within the next ten years, and the construction of 10,000 new housing units for First Nations members.
"If this Forum does not allow us to engage into the Mission 10,000 possibilities, it will be a failure, stated Chief Picard. This is a mission which calls upon everybody's goodwill, as much the First Nations, the governments, as the leaders of the civil society in Quebec."
Political commitments
Furthermore, Ghislain Picard reiterates his appeal to the government representatives so that concrete political commitments are taken at the Forum. "The time of idle talk is over. The time has come for governments to act and commit formally to renewing their political relations with the First Nations. For lack of addressing the political problems, it will then become impossible to fight efficiently against the various plagues which affect our peoples."
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organization representing the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.