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Ex-PM joins former national chief for Toronto talk Former PM devotes time and money to aboriginal priorities Aboriginal education initiative introduced Martin pledges financial assistance to aid students at ‘‘special’’ Oskayak Aboriginal education key to future Martin dreams of change for aboriginal youth Bank encourages employees to get behind community causes First Nation's school a first: Former PM Martin introduces program Opasquia Times: Paul Martin at OCN BDC announces winners of the 2011 E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition Martin seeks native cash; Ex-PM calls on Ottawa to reconsider residence for aboriginal students Can't lose talent, former PM says Former PM's organization provides expertise to LU Aboriginal students win award for business Former PM’s charity to assist with commerce training for aboriginal high school students Ex-PM: Schools must meet aboriginal needs... Entrepeneurship Program at Scott Former PM's new project aimed at keeping First Nations students in schools Small start, big dreams: creating young aboriginal entrepreneurs Former prime minister Paul Martin launches business training program at Scott Collegiate Bad smile aside, Paul Martin is now shining Paul Martin heads aboriginal business program Ex-PM Keen to Pay |
NEWS Ex-PM joins former national chief for Toronto talk TORONTO — Aboriginal children live in poverty that is shameful in a country as rich as Canada, and it's costing them their future, says the former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. "It's a stain on Canada's international reputation," Phil Fontaine told several hundred people gathered at Ryerson University on Tuesday. Fontaine joined former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin in a lecture hall where they discussed indigenous governance. Both former leaders agreed education is key to improving life for First Nations communities. Martin said the federal government underfunds aboriginal elementary and high school education 20 to 40 per cent when compared to provincial funding for non-aboriginal education. Most students on reserves attend schools that Toronto parents wouldn't send their children to, he said. "Schools that have no science, that have no labs, teachers who can't deal with special cases, schools in certain cases built on toxic dumps," said Martin. Aboriginal poverty is "an enormous drag" on Canada's ability to create the kind of society it purports to have, said Fontaine. High suicide rates and the disproportionate number of aboriginals incarcerated are some of the outcomes of poverty, said Fontaine. He said 27,000-30,000 aboriginal children are in state care -- three times the number of students in residential schools at the height of the residential school experience in the 1940s. "This is largely the consequence of poverty," he said. "It has nothing to do with the lack of parental love or a willingness on the part of family or communities to look after their children," he said. "They're just too poor." Sixty First Nations communities have no schools. Roughly the same number have schools in a terrible state of disrepair, he said. "We are depriving First Nations children of the opportunity to get a decent, quality education," said Fontaine. According to a report published in 2006 by the advocacy group Campaign 2000, one in four First Nations children live in poverty. The high school dropout rate for aboriginal students on reserves is 60 per cent, compared to 9.5 per cent for non-aboriginal Canadians, according to the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative. Only seven per cent of First Nations people have obtained a university degree, compared to 23 per cent of non-aboriginal Canadians. The federal government can't afford to underfund aboriginal education in a global economy, Martin told The Canadian Press earlier in an interview. Canada's 34 million residents are competing with juggernauts like China and India, whose populations top one billion, he noted. But a spokeswoman for Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan said in an email aboriginal education is a priority. "Our government is committed to ensuring Aboriginal Peoples have access to the same educational opportunities as other Canadians," said Michele-Jamali Paquette. The Harper government has reached six agreements with provinces and First Nations since it took office, she said. "Paul Martin had the chance to help improve the lives of Aboriginal Canadians when he and his Liberal party were in office for 13 years," she said. Martin said he remains disappointed the Harper government killed the Kelowna Accord his government signed with the provinces, territories and aboriginal leaders in 2005. Lawyer Darrell Doxtdator of the Six Nations said he wasn't impressed by the speeches. He was one of a handful in the audience allowed to ask a question before the crowd was hustled out so the next class could take their seats. The former political adviser to Six Nations elected chief David General said it's time Canadians told their politicians to get moving. Afterward, he said First Nations people are frustrated after years of unresolved land claims and funding shortfalls. "Good governance requires good people and good money," he said. "Unfortunately we have the people but the money we're provided is grossly inadequate and as long as it's given short shrift, problems will continue," he said.
Interview with Steve Paikin Mr. Martin's one on one interview with Steve Paikin: And the discussion that followed:
Former PM devotes time and money to aboriginal priorities Paul Martin is the first recipient of the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations for his long history of involvement in native issues Read more>> If you think the answer's predictable - a retired big shot does whatever he wants - you're no doubt right. But how former prime minister Paul Martin chooses to spend his time in retirement has nothing to do with fishing poles or rocking chairs. For the last five years Martin, now 73, has been investing massive amounts of both his energy and his wealth - estimated at $225 million back when he was still prime minister - into his twin passions for aboriginal education and entrepreneurship. Then, as time permits, the legendary former finance minister who slew Canada's chronic deficit, trots the globe. He works on issues as diverse as saving rich countries from their spendthrift ways and saving the Congo Basin rainforest from people so poor they'll risk long-term sustainability to meet life-and-death shortterm needs. I caught up with him at his hotel when he was in Vancouver for Thursday's annual meeting and gala of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Martin was the star of the show, selected as the first recipient of what is to be the annual Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations. As an author of the much-heralded but now-defunct Kelowna Accord - a series of federal-provincial agreements that sought to improve education, employment and living conditions for aboriginal people - and with a long history of interest and involvement in native issues, Martin is being honoured for lifelong activities. But two of his retirement projects - a $50 million capital fund to support aboriginal entrepreneurship, and the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative - are being singled out. He sees those two interests - education and entrepreneurship - as closely linked. And when he speaks of education, his focus is elementary and high school. "If you look at what Canada's universities and colleges have done over the course of the last two decades, you see tremendous progress has been made. Similar progress has not been made in terms of early learning - elementary school or high school. "And if you don't graduate from high school, you don't get to go to college, to university, or you don't get a trade - you don't get to be an apprentice." So his education initiative has four components: . A promising practices website where aboriginal teachers can develop and share classroom techniques and resources. . A mentoring program with Canadian chartered accountants to expose aboriginal students to career possibilities they might otherwise never consider. . A model school program, now in the pilot phase, to develop ways to turn around under-performing schools and, in time, extend the method to others. . An aboriginal entrepreneurship program based on the idea that teaching kids at risk of dropping out about business gives them skills whose value they can see, unlike teaching them algebra, which may not. The program is being run in several schools across Canada, including in Prince Rupert and at Britannia Secondary in Vancouver. "I've funded this," Martin said. "Now, as it takes off, we want to bring the business community in." Several companies - mining firms like Vancouver-based Teck and Goldcorp and others - have already bought into the entrepreneurship fund, which operates on basic business principles of investing in enterprises with good prospects and credible business plans. Martin concedes that some aboriginal communities in Canada are much more ready and able to move on opportunities than others, but he notes these kinds of differences exist everywhere and among every group. And the techniques his initiatives are stressing will work for those bands that are home to individual entrepreneurs as well as those that prefer to focus on communitarian enterprises - a kind of band-owned version of Crown corporations. But no matter how enterprises are organized, "You've got to make it possible for the go-getters to go as far as they can and set an example for the others to follow." This concept of role models is already proving its worth, he says. Business successes in scores of bands across Canada - in Osoyoos, or Kelowna, or many more - are setting the bar for other communities to aspire to. "I think we're about to make a major breakthrough," he said. "There's more understanding among Canadians of the need, and there's a far, far greater number of aboriginal leaders who recognize what has to happen. "What's really important, there's the confidence that progress is going to be made. That confidence will make all the difference."
Aboriginal education initiative introduced The dignitaries arrived at 8:30am and were greeted by Chief Michael Constant as well as two members of the Opaskwayak Educational Authority (OEA). With the Right Honourable Paul Martin were several senior representatives of Initiative partner Scotiabank. Ron Constant, principal of Oscar Lathlin Collegiate, guided them on a tour of the school. After the tour, the dignitaries gathered with students and teachers in the gymnasium. After a prayer to bless the day and food to come, Chief Constant took the podium. “I welcome our former Prime Minister to our traditional territory,” he said before speaking about the Initiative. He underlined its importance as an opportunity. It would give OCN youth “the tools you need to move forward as young people.” On behalf of the OEA, Chair Gerrald Lathlin also spoke a few words: “We were very excited to be selected and we thank you, Mr. Martin, and your team.” “A program like this couldn’t come at a better time,” he continued. “It’ll give our students the tools needed to succeed in the business world.” He continued to explain that students selected for the Initiative would have mentoring every step of the way. The Right Honourable Paul Martin spoke next. “When they described how beautiful this school was,” he began, “I must say I had no idea. This is one of the most beautiful schools I have ever been in.” The MAEI includes teaching and mentorship for those in grades 11 and 12. Select students in grade 11 learn how to prepare a business plan. As part of the program, grade 12 students will receive $500 in start-up capital to implement their plan and manage a micro-business. The Initiative encourages youth to stay in school and work within their community for the betterment of the whole. Mr. Martin explains that the workbook used by the teaching course was written by indigenous peoples for indigenous people. “The future of this country depends on you,” he declared to the assembled students, “and that makes me feel very good about this country.” George Marlatte, Scotiabank Senior Vice President for the Prairie Region, was brief. He reiterated the program’s benefits, thanked Mr. Martin and Principal Constant, and stated that Scotiabank was pleased to partner with MAEI and OCN. “The youth of this community are vibrant and have tremendous potential,” he continued. “We are proud to be supporting that potential.” After these speeches came a question-answer period. In response to one question, the Right Honourable Paul Martin told a story of working with Aboriginal youths when he was younger, “There was one thing that struck me. They did not share the same hope for the future as [others].” “This is a beautiful school,” he gestured to the gymnasium. “You’re not going to find schools like this on reserves across the country, and that is wrong.” When asked about the decision to include OCN in the program, he noted that most MAEI schools were part of the provincial educational system. The first MAEI school was a reserve school, but it wasn’t on reserve land. “When you’re doing a first, you want to be in a place where the students can act, where they can understand,” he continued. “You’ve got to have a community where they want to make it work.” MAEI only goes to communities with the drive for positive change. “We want to work with them,” explained Lucie Santoro, the program’s Administration Director in a later interview. The dignitaries met with teachers and students after the Q&A. Then they toured with OCN business partners such as the Kikiwak Inn and Atawewan Mart. At 11:30am, they returned to Oscar Lathlin for a feast of locally prepared duck soup and bannock. “I want to say thank you, Principal Constant,” said the Right Honourable Paul Martin in parting. “This has been a wonderful, wonderful morning.” “The future depends on you.”
Martin pledges financial assistance to aid students at ‘‘special’’ Oskaya Perhaps not unexpectedly when a former prime minister is in the house, it tends to gather a crowd. It was no coincidence that this school (part of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools) was chosen as the latest recipient of a $75,000 contribution via the Martin Aboriginal Initiative that was established by Martin and his family after he left political life in 2006. As a longtime champion of working toward betterment of opportunities for First Nations and Métis youth, Martin was joined by corporate heavyweights RBC Royal Bank, who have been an integral part of the initiative by having committed $300,000 from the RBC Foundation to six schools across Canada, the most recent being Oskayak. With partners like RBC, part of Martin’s two-pronged initiative includes the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, which is a $50 million private-sector investment fund with participation from 21 of Canada’s leading companies and international foundations. The Fund invests in diverse industries and regions, with its mission to promote entrepreneurial values among Aboriginal people. Meanwhile, the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative is a charitable organization that has initiated various education projects designed to provide Aboriginal Canadians with the opportunities they need to succeed. This includes the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program designed to encourage Aboriginal youth to stay in School. Martin exhorted the students in the crowd to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the program underscoring that whatever career path they might choose, the overriding importance is to gain an understanding of how the economy works. ‘‘That is what this is all about– it enables you to see beyond the walls of your school or your province or country. I hope you allow this program to flourish; but it’s up to you to take advantage of it.’’ ‘‘We came here because this is a special school,’’ Martin said. ‘‘The world today is undergoing a fundamental change and you will have every opportunity to participate in the future so I encourage you to embrace it.’’
Aboriginal education key to future
Former prime minister Paul Martin wants to change that. After leaving politics in 2006, Martin founded the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative to support projects which improve aboriginal education at the elementary and secondary level. “In too many parts of the country aboriginal students are sent to schools that other Canadians would refuse to send their kids to. There is no labs, no vocational programs,” Martin said. “It is not only reprehensible ... it is also dumb. Dumb as a bag of hammers.” On-reserve schools are funded by the federal government, he said. Across Canada on-reserve schools receive an average of 30 per cent less funding per student than provincially-funded schools. With Canada’s aging population the country needs a new generation of skilled professionals to replace the waves of baby-boomers headed for retirement, he said. “Forty-three per cent of aboriginal students off reserve don’t graduate (high school). Sixty per cent on reserve don’t graduate,” he said. “We cannot afford to let one talent fall by the wayside, but that is what we are doing by the thousands of thousands.” Poverty is an epidemic among Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis populations, he said. During the discussions leading to the proposed Kelowna Accord, aboriginal leaders identified education as their top priority to break the cycle of poverty. “I co-chair the Congo Basin Forest Fund. You all know what’s been happening in the Congo. I’ve been in some places that are God-awful,” Martin said. “(But) there are reserves, particularly in the north, that are every bit as bad as any place I’ve been in Africa.” The solution to aboriginal poverty in Canada cannot be legislated or imposed from outside, he said. Any solutions will come from partnership and recognition that aboriginal communities don’t function the same as non-aboriginal communities in Canada. “People build up their values over centuries,” Martin said. “Why are we prepared to accept that the Japanese and Koreans look at things differently, but not that the people who’ve been here before the majority of our ancestors even knew (North America) existed do?” The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative currently operates four programs across Canada. The first, the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneur Project, offers entrepreneurship training for aboriginal students in a culturally-sensitive way, he said. The course motivates students to see the value of education. “We have two schools in British Columbia. Charles Hays (Secondary) School in Prince Rupert... (and) Britannia (Secondary) School in Vancouver,” Martin said. “There are at least 27 schools in B.C. with majority aboriginal populations. We should be in every one. But to do that we’re going to need help.” The Initiative also sponsors the aboriginal accounting mentorship program which partners students with accounting firms to mentor and encourage interest in accounting. The Promising Practices website is a clearing house for best practices in aboriginal education. The initiative is also working with two band-operated schools in Ontario to focus on improving student success. “Together we do have the power to make change,” Martin said. “The next generation of aboriginal youth can be the generation which starts businesses, creates employment... creates the great music and paints the great paintings,” he said. “All it takes is our will to work together.”
Martin dreams of change for aboriginal youth Most of the other young men he came to know during the summer were First Nations, Métis or Inuit. He learned they were not as excited about their future prospects as he was. He tried to keep in touch, and while some made out OK, others fell into substance abuse and two committed suicide. At a keynote address to the B.C. Natural Resource Forum on Wednesday in Prince George, Martin said 50 years later, the prospects of aboriginal youth have improved, but not enough. “I believe as strong as I can we hold it within our capacity to ensure that the next generation of aboriginal Canadians is the generation of real and positive change,” Martin told an audience of 300 or so at the Civic Centre. “[It would be] the generation that stays in school, the generation that’s given the tools to succeed, the generation that breaks the cycle of poverty, that generation that builds the great companies, the generation that makes discoveries in science, the generation that writes the great music and paints the great paintings,” he said to a standing ovation. Martin pointed to the statistics. The high-school drop-out rate for aboriginal students on-reserve is 60 per cent, and 43 per cent off-reserve. That compares to 9.5 per cent of non-aboriginal Canadians who drop out of high school. Without that high school education, the employment prospects for aboriginal youth are dim, he said. Only seven per cent of First Nations attain university degrees. That number is nine per cent for Métis and four per cent for Inuit. That compares to 23 per cent of non-aboriginal Canadians. Martin argued not only is there a moral imperative to correct this inequity, it makes business sense. He pointed to the fact that First Nations youth are the largest potential source for new entrants in the work force to replace baby boomers. Not to improve the education of aboriginals is dumb, he said, “dumber than a bag of hammers.” It’s why Martin now heads up the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, that has spearheaded a number of programs, as well as joining with his son David Martin to create the $50-million Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Fund. The capital fund helps support aboriginal businesses, while the education initiative is meant to improve the state of schools, promote mentoring and best practices, particularly for remote schools. It also includes an aboriginal-geared business program that has been implemented in seven schools including at Charles Hays in Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. Each student is mentored by established business people, including aboriginal business owners. The program is designed to improve students’ proficiency in business mathematics, English, accounting, marketing, and information and communications technology. Martin said he would like to see the business program implemented in all schools with a high proportion of aboriginal students.
Bank encourages employees to get behind community causes That success in recruiting local talent is exciting to Kaz Flinn, vicepresident of social responsibility for the bank. As it does business across Canada and around the globe, Scotiabank seeks to reach out to local communities through the causes that matter to its workforce, Flinn said. Employees participating in two matching donation programs logged 325,000 volunteer hours in one year, Flinn said. The bank wants to help strengthen communities because its employees are part of those communities and because strong communities are good for business, adds senior regional vice-president George Marlatte. "Because we're good corporate citizens, we're part of a community. We absolutely believe that if our communities thrive, we'll thrive," he said. When the Opaskwayak branch opened in 1975 it was the first full service, stand-alone, chartered bank on a reserve in Canada, Flinn says with a touch of pride. The community of 3,500, which lies adjacent to The Pas, Man., was and still is a thriving business community, described by its chief as the economic driver for the region. Just as employees at all Scotiabank branches are encouraged to support the causes that are important to them, staff from the Opaskwayak branch will mentor high school students participating in an Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program. A $280,000 donation to support the program, offered in partnership with the First Nation and former prime minister Paul Martin's Aboriginal Education Initiative, will introduce Grade 11 and 12 students to banking, business and economics, thereby opening a world of possibilities for their futures, Flinn said. The bank hopes some of those teens will one day become Scotiabank employees too. Bank employees who volunteer for 50 hours for any organization are eligible to receive a $1,000 donation for that cause. "What are employees passionate about? It's different in different communities, but it always brings the corporation and grassroots together, Flinn said. That strategy does more than put dollars into helping organizations - it promotes involvement, Marlatte said. "Involvement solves as many problems as money," Marlatte said. "We do better in communities that are better communities."
For aboriginal kids from reserves in northern Ontario, a high school diploma is a ticket to a better future. But a shocking number of these students have ended up dead before graduation. the fifth estate's Gillian Findlay presents an extremely up-close and personal look inside the native secondary education program in Thunder Bay, Ont., where seven students have tragically died in the past ten years. Five of the victims died apparent alcohol related deaths -- their bodies were pulled from local rivers amid swirling suspicions and rumours about what pushed them over the edge. Another two teens suffered troubling and unexpected deaths that have left lingering questions. Filmed by a local crew with close connections to the community, with unprecedented access, the fifth estate takes viewers inside the school halls, the homes where the kids are billeted, the mall where they hang out, and onto the dark streets where their dedicated teachers and mentors run nightly patrols in a desperate bid to try and get them all home safe. Click here for link to video (video only available in Canada)
First Nation's school a first: Former PM Martin introduces program Some of Manitoba's sharpest young business people will soon be graduates of Oscar Lathlin Collegiate on Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Who's to argue when that prediction is being made by former prime minister Paul Martin, a guy who knows finance and business? Martin was on the First Nation near The Pas Friday to introduce the latest Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, an entrepreneurial education plan for aboriginal students that's already in nine schools across Canada and soon will be in several more. But OCN is unique, Martin said. "The one at OCN is the first on a reserve itself," he said. Partnering with Scotiabank, the initiative supplies high schools with business textbooks based on aboriginal values, traditions and role models and trains teachers to deliver the programs, Martin said. The textbooks cover Grades 11 and 12 marketing, math, language, and organization. "They're the first ones that have been developed for indigenous students by indigenous teachers," Martin said. "The teachers are trained at the Asper school (the University of Manitoba's I.H. Asper School of Business) here in Winnipeg. We've developed a course." Martin started the program in Thunder Bay several years ago, with students from First Nations across Northwestern Ontario attending a school there. "Our pride and joy in many ways is Children of the Earth High School" in Winnipeg School Division, he said. "The first school was overcrowded; that's a very good sign. I wish every reserve had to build a new school because of overcrowding," Martin said. "So many reserve schools, because of underfunding, are a disgrace." Martin said colleges and universities have achieved impressive "catch-up" in aboriginal education in the last 20 years but not kindergarten to Grade 12 schools. "I've decided to concentrate on elementary schools and high schools," he said. The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative will soon expand to three more schools in Alberta and one in Nova Scotia, Martin said. "We'd like to do two more in Manitoba," he said. The schools will be identified by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the provincial department of education, Martin said. The provincial ministry has placed aboriginal education ahead of federal/provincial jurisdiction battles, he said. "We've had tremendous co-operation from the ministry of education. Manitobans can be very proud of what they've done and the attitude they've taken." Aboriginal education will be turned around by the type of partnerships he's forged with Scotiabank, aboriginal leaders and the province, Martin said.
Opasquia Times: Paul Martin at OCN The dignitaries arrived at 8:30am and were greeted by Chief Michael Constant as well as two members of the Opaskwayak Educational Authority (OEA). With the Right Honourable Paul Martin were several senior representatives of Scotiabank who has partnered with MAEI to fund the initiative as part of its Bright Future community giving program. Ron Constant, Principal of Oscar Lathlin Collegiate, guided them on a tour of the school. “I welcome our former Prime Minister to our traditional territory,” he said before speaking about the Initiative. He underlined its importance as an opportunity. It would give OCN youth “the tools you need to move forward as young people.” On behalf of the OEA, Chair Gerrald Lathlin also spoke a few words: “We were very excited to be selected and we thank you, Mr. Martin, and your team.” “A program like this couldn’t come at a better time,” he continued. “It’ll give out students the tools needed to succeed in the business world.” He continued to explain that students selected for the Initiative would have mentoring every step of the way. The MAEI includes teaching and mentorship for those in grades 11 and 12. Select students in grade 11 learn how to prepare a business plan. As part of the program,in grade 12, students will receive $500 start-up capital to implement their plan and manage a micro-business. The Initiative encourages youth to stay in school and work within their community for the betterment of the whole. Mr. Martin explains that the workbook used by the teaching course was written by indigenous peoples for indigenous people. “The future of this country depends on you,” he declared to the assembled students, “and that makes me feel very good about this country.” George Marlatte, Scotiabank Senior Vice President for the Prairie Region reiterated the program’s benefits, thanked Mr. Martin and Principal Constant stating that Scotiabnk was pleased to be partnering with MAEI and the Opaswayak Cree Nation. “The youth of this community are vibrant and have tremendous potential. We are proud to be supporting that potential.” After these speeches came a question-answer period. In response to one question, the Right Honourable Paul Martin told a story of working with Aboriginal youths when he was younger, “There was one thing that struck me. They did not share the same hope for the future as [others].” “This is a beautiful school,” he gestured to the gymnasium. “You’re not going to find schools like this on reserves across the country, and that is wrong.” When asked about the decision to include OCN in the debate, he noted that most MAEI schools were part of the provincial educational system. The first MAEI school was a reserve school, but it wasn’t on reserve land. “When you’re doing a first, you want to be in a place where the students can act, where they can understand,” he continued. “You’ve got to have a community where they want to make it work.” MAEI only goes to communities with the drive for positive change. “We want to work with them,” explained Lucie Santoro, the program’s Administration Director in a later interview. The dignitaries met with teachers and students after the Q&A. Then they toured with OCN business partners such as the Kikiwak Inn and Atawewan Mart. At 11:30am, they returned to Oscar Lathlin for a feast of locally prepared duck soup and bannock. “I want to say thank you, Principal Constant,” said the Right Honourable Paul Martin in parting. “This has been a wonderful, wonderful morning.”
CCAB honours Paul Martin Scotiabank, Higgins Executive Search, Diavak Diamond Mines and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation were recognized at the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gala and certified at the PAR Gold level for their leadership in aboriginal relations, presented by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB.) The Right Honourable Paul Martin, who was also the keynote speaker, received the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations.
BDC announces winners of the 2011 E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition
Honourable Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas welcomes Atlantic Canada finalists to the 11th edition of the E-Spirit Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). This year's event involved 79 teams, 37 schools and 201 Aboriginal students throughout Canada (CNW Group/ Business Development Bank of Canada) The winners of the eleventh annual E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition were revealed last night in Moncton during a special awards gala ceremony. Organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the event attracted more than 200 Aboriginal students from across the country and was hosted by the University of Moncton. Aimed at Aboriginal students in grades 10 to 12, E-Spirit is an Internet-based business plan competition that features 16 weeks of interactive business planning resources, including online mentorship. E-Spirit also enables participants to meet and network with other students online and in person during the trade show, presentation rounds and gala awards. This year’s event involved 79 teams, 37 schools and 201 Aboriginal students throughout Canada. An independent panel of experts judged group presentations and business displays that included laptop demonstrations, product samples, promotional videos, posters and 3D mock-ups. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s E-spirit competition winners for their hard work, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Strengthening Aboriginal entrepreneurship is a priority for our Government. We are proud to support events through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development that help Aboriginal youth develop the skills they need to pursue successful careers in business.” “BDC is proud to contribute to the emergence of a new generation of young Aboriginal entrepreneurs,” said Wilson Neapew, National Director, Aboriginal Banking Unit at BDC. “The E-Spirit youth business plan competition provides the participants with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity. Every year we are impressed by the quality of the projects submitted and we are happy to see the students presenting business ideas that respond to the needs of their local communities.” - The Honourable Duncan E-Spirit 2011 winners The Silver Award was presented to Salmon Arm Secondary – Jackson Campus in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. The winning students, Jennifer Fenkhuber, Xavier Gerlib, Dale Tomma and Dani Valgardson, were coached by Meredith Rusk. Their business, “Kinnikinnick Tea House”, plans to offer a variety of indigenous teas and foods to the local and tourist population. With the support of family, friends and community, “Kinnikinnick Tea House” is looking to build a place “a cup away from an ordinary day”, where customers feel welcome to relax after a long day. The Bronze Award was presented to R.B. Russell High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Students awarded are Anthony Beardy, Seth Harper, Cheyanne Fontaine, Justice Nepinak, Dylan Mason, Danielle Fawcett and Douglas Vance. The team was coached by Cora Bell. The team’s business concept, “Anishinabe Welding Company”, brings forward an Aboriginal inner-city business that creates and sells 3-D signs from recycled wood and sheet metal. The students will produce unique signs through a process that includes elements of original design, plasma cutting, welding and woodworking. A welding company at heart, “Anishinabe Welding” plans to develop a competitive advantage by creating and mounting customized signs for their clients “The E-Spirit business plan competition introduces First Nations youth to the benefits of entrepreneurship by encouraging them to work together,” said Gwen Bear, E-Spirit Elder. “This program, created and organized by BDC, leads the students to develop business plans that reflect the values and traditions of their local communities. During the past three days, our E-Spirit participants had the opportunity to present strong business ideas that show their commitment to their ancestors’ heritage and values.” Cash prizes were awarded to the three winning schools in the amount of $2,500 for Gold, $1,500 for Silver, and $750 for Bronze. Twelve Special Achievement awards were also presented, as follows: Most original product or service Most original name Most innovative marketing Best logo Environmental awareness Best video Best team spirit Best tradeshow display Best presentation Best Use of Technology Cultural Expression E-Spirit ambassador The following schools attended the 2011 E-Spirit Business Plan Competition: Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Québec Saskatchewan About E-Spirit The number of Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Canada has grown to over 27,000, representing a 30% increase from 1996 to 2001. This growth in self-employment is more than nine times the Canadian average. With this increased activity comes the need for a greater variety of consulting and financial services. BDC Aboriginal Banking consists of Aboriginal people who are aware of the specific needs of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and play a leading role in the development and delivery of BDC’s customized, long-term, and flexible solutions. About BDC
Martin seeks native cash; Ex-PM calls on Ottawa to reconsider residence for aboriginal students The lack of funding for proper schools for First Nations children is "immoral discrimination" that flies in the face of Canadian values, says former prime minister Paul Martin. A proposed student residence for northern native children forced to move hundreds of kilometres from home should be backed by the federal government, Martin said in an interview with the Star. Since 2000, seven First Nations children who have relocated to Thunder Bay to go to school have been found dead in local rivers. "You should not take out a 14-year-old kid, from a community of 300 people, and then plunk them down in a boarding house in Thunder Bay, where they are all by themselves," Martin said from Montreal. Six of the seven students went to Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, a First Nations-run school funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). In an effort to provide better care for these kids, the school wants to build a residence that can house at least 125 students. But so far the government has turned them down, said Martin. "It makes absolutely no sense. They are condemning those kids," he said. Martin retired from public life in 2006 and then immediately began the Martin Aboriginal Initiative devoted to improving entrepreneurship and education among First Nations people. He will receive an honorary degree for his public service from the University of Toronto on June 3. All Canadians should be concerned that the per capita funding for a First Nations child going to elementary or high school is anywhere from 20 to 40 per cent lower (depending on the province) than what non-native kids get on a per capita basis, he said. "That is simply immoral discrimination . . . ," he said. "We should immediately cease the underfunding." Martin tried to eliminate the woeful discrepancies in education underfunding with the Kelowna Accord, a $5 billion plan to improve the lives of First Nations people signed in late 2005. But just days after it was signed, the Liberal minority government fell. Prime Minister Stephen Harper scrapped the deal after he was elected. Premier Dalton McGuinty said if the federal government were to provide equal funding and turn over responsibility to the province, he'd "jump at the chance" to work with First Nations people to improve the schools. Thunder Bay's DFC high school has a student body of nearly 100 kids and a residence is sorely needed, said Jennifer Manitowabi, executive director of the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, the group that runs the school. She put together a proposal for a residence and gave it to INAC, who told her this is an off-reserve initiative and they wouldn't get involved. Since then, INAC has asked them for an improved proposal. The first phase of the residence would be for 125 students and it would be built adjacent to the school, she said. "I understand it takes time to find dollars and to build buildings," she said. "But the kids can't wait five years. They are dying today."
Model school in Kettle Point Can't lose talent, former PM says The youngest and fastest growing portion of Canada's aging population is aboriginal. However, this important demographic has one of the highest secondary school dropout rates in the country -- around 40% for those living off reserve and 60% for those on. "We are an aging population on the one hand and we're facing tremendous competition from economies of India and China ... it's pretty clear we can't afford to lose a single talent," said former Prime Minister Paul Martin. "We can not waste the talent of any more young Canadians -- First Nations, Metis or anyone. But that's what we are in the process of doing." Martin was in Sudbury to sign a partnership agreement between his Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, Laurentian University and Sudbury's two English school boards, launching a first-of-its-kind pilot project aimed at encouraging First Nation and Metis youth to attain more education. The project will enable aboriginal youth to earn high school and university credits at the same time. While colleges have dual credit programs, Laurentian is the only Ontario university approved by the province to do so. Spread over three years, it will allow 60 students from the Rainbow District and the Sudbury Catholic District school boards to take courses at Laurentian in three streams -- native human services, commerce and environmental studies. "What's happening here at Laurentian is unique," said Martin. "Ours is a high school program. The president of this university was very actively involved in aboriginal education when he was at the Ministry of Education at Queen's Park. Because of his insight, he suggested there was an opportunity to take our program and provide young students with a dual credit ... This vision comes from Laurentian University." The pilot project is a good fit for Laurentian. which has a student body that is 11% aboriginal and has a tri-cultural mandate, said president Dominic Giroux. Former PM's organization provides expertise to LU Former Prime Minister Paul Martin was in Sudbury April 27 to speak about his charitable organization's involvement in a pilot program that will allow aboriginal high school students to take courses at Laurentian University. The first group of students, who come from schools administered by the Rainbow District School Board and Sudbury Catholic District School Board, started taking classes this semester in native human service. A second group of students will start taking commerce classes in September, and another will start taking environmental science classes in 2011. The three-year pilot project, involving up to 60 aboriginal students, is mostly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Laurentian is the first university in the province to provide this type of program. Martin's organization, the Martin Aboriginal Initiative, will be involved in the commerce portion of pilot project. The organization will share expertise and train staff at the university on how to provide education surrounding aboriginal youth entrepreneurship. The students taking commerce classes at Laurentian will be given entrepreneurial experience and the opportunity for business ownership. “This is exactly the kind of networking and sharing of learning we're looking for,” Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University president, said. When speaking to reporters, Martin wouldn't say exactly how much his organization would be spending to boost the Laurentian University program, although he said it spends $700,000 to $800,000 a year across the country. The Martin Aboriginal Initiative was established by the Martin family in 2006. Its activities are currently focused in two areas: The Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Fund and the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative. “I've got to tell you that the youngest and fastest growing part of our population are aboriginal Canadians,” Martin said. “The high school dropout rate (for aboriginal students) off reserve is 40 per cent. The high school dropout rate on reserve is 60 per cent. We are an aging population. When I look in the mirror, that becomes pretty clear....It's pretty clear that we cannot afford to lose a single talent.” Aboriginal students win award for business Former PM’s charity to assist with commerce training for aboriginal high school students Sixteen-year-old Vanessa Lewis is involved in a Laurentian University program, which she said is helping her to simultaneously get in touch with her cultural heritage and prepare for her future. Lewis was one of those on hand at the university April 27 as former Prime Minister Paul Martin announced his charitable organization, the Martin Aboriginal Initiative, will support Laurentian’s dual credit program. “I don’t have to tell you that the youngest and fastest growing part of our population are aboriginal Canadians,” Martin said. “The high school dropout rate (for aboriginal students) off reserve is 40 per cent. The high school dropout rate on reserve is 60 per cent. We are an aging population....It’s pretty clear that we cannot afford to lose a single talent.” Although the dual credit program is currently restricted to Native Human Services courses, a second group of students will start taking commerce classes in September, and another will start taking environmental science classes in 2011. Dual credit programs are currently offered at colleges in Ontario, but this is the first time a university will offer dual credits. “The high school dropout rate on reserve is 60 per cent. We are an aging population .... It’s pretty clear that we cannot afford to lose a single talent.” “Just being on campus opens a lot of aboriginal students’ eyes in terms of what happens here on campus. (They learn) that university is not, in fact, as intimidating as they might have thought.” Ex-PM: Schools must meet aboriginal needs; Paul Martin's education initiative aims to keep students in classes, offer business opportunities Entrepreneurship Program at Scott The Martin Aboriginal Initiative was established by the Martin Family in 2006. Its activities are currently focused in two areas: The Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship (CAPE) Fund and the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI). MAEI’s guiding vision is that Canada’s First Nations, According to Scott teacher Jori Cachene, the youth in North Central Regina do not have a lot of exposure to business. This project provides the opportunity to see that their lives have possibilities, even in business. They could have their own businesses, be their own bosses, make their own money, and not have to rely on other people or work at minimum wage jobs for the rest of their lives. “It can be a scary thing going into business when you don’t know anything about it, so they’re lucky they’re learning it now.”– Jori Cachene, Program Teacher “Whether or not they actually go out and start their own businesses, they come out of it with a really good understanding of the way that businesses function and how to present oneself in business situations… and maybe it will just help them get jobs or be in a company and work their way up the ladder a little bit quicker.” The program is based on an American program known as the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). The teaching strategies focus on the experiential learning model, which is essentially experiencing something and learning about it by having hands-on interaction with it. “We don’t give them information, then have them spit it back to us. We give them information and then they interact with that information, and in this interaction it sort of gets solidified in their minds,” said Cachene. As an example, the students learned about what it takes to be entrepreneurs versus employees, and the different skill sets for each. They were then asked to brainstorm their own skills to determine if they were more like entrepreneurs or employees. They also looked at their skills to decide what kinds of businesses Cachene said she and her teaching partner, Chris Beingessner, have a casualness in the way they do things which makes the students feel more comfortable. “Business is a tough sell for some of them because it’s not always exciting and fun... The real life things that we do in class make it easier and more fun for them.” Cachene said they incorporate a lot of group work, class discussion, hands-on activities and presentations. “They get into stuff that is creative and we do a lot of creative things.” The class holds regular invention contests, which are always exciting for the students. “We have them inventing stuff once a month to keep them fresh. Always looking – that’s the thing we’re trying to teach them. You always have to be aware of what’s going on and where there’s a need when you’re an entrepreneur.” The program also includes a mentor aspect where members of the business community will visit the class once a month. They will be paired with one or two students, and the students will bounce their business ideas off of the mentors who will give feedback based on their business experience or from the perspective of potential customers. Mentors will also work with the students to develop their business plans. The Regina Chamber would like to thank our business members for volunteering their time for this program. We expect this will be a very positive experience for the mentors, too. “I’m hoping that some of their businesses will start up at the end of the two semesters – that they’ll actually put time and effort and money into those businesses,” said Cachene. “Even if they’re going to University, I think that the business ideas that some of them have are small enough that they could do it on the side. So they’re doing classes and running their own business. I think that’s a possibility for sure.” Even if their businesses don’t work out, the students will benefit from basic business skills like how to make a business call, how to write a resume, what to wear to an interview, and how to speak to a potential employer. “It can be a scary thing going into business when you don’t know anything about it, so they’re lucky they’re learning it now,” stated Cachene. The ChamberLink talked to two Grade 11 students who are very enthusiastic about the program. Rebecca Pratt said, “I like anything business related. They always have new activities, or we’re always going somewhere with the whole class to go do something business people might do. Upcoming we’re going to be dressing up with the clothes we were given and going to the bank and making bank accounts for our businesses. So that’s going to be cool.” “The teaching is really good. The teachers are just awesome,” said Mike Polsom. “I think it’s really good to give you kind of a taste of what business is all about… I think every school should have an entrepreneurship program,” added Pratt. As for plans after graduation, Pratt shared, “I would actually like to own my own business. I want to get into a kind of partnership with bead making, and still go to University and take Fine Arts.” Polsom, on the other hand, said, “I would love to own my own business, but I don’t think I will because I’m going right into the army after high school.” “I just love the fact that we’re all so close and we’re getting this experience together,” Rebecca concluded. The semester will wrap-up with a Dragon’s Den Business Competition on June 17-18 where the students will present their completed business plans to a panel of guest judges. Clothing Drive Please keep an eye and ear out in the next few months for the students – you may even see them in your suits or dresses! Young Entrepreneurs Former PM's new project aimed at keeping First Nations students in schools REXTON - The idea is to keep kids in school by expanding the boundaries of the traditional classroom, and it is being propelled by a former prime minister. Paul Martin, Canada's 21st prime minister, was at Bonar Law Memorial High School yesterday to announce a new entrepreneurial mentorship program for First Nations students. The school is home to many Mi'kmaq students, many of whom live in nearby Elsipogtog, the largest reserve in New Brunswick and the second largest in Atlantic Canada. While the newly signed partnership between the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative and the New Brunswick government is targeted at encouraging First Nations students to stay in school and enter the business world, Martin explained that it will have important ripple effects on Canada's economy. Indeed, Martin said just as Aboriginal peoples helped European settlers overcome the unforgiving climate of a strange new land, he said Canadians must also turn to its First Nations to help solve a looming human resources crisis. "This is saying to Canada's Aboriginal peoples, just as 300, 400 years ago we needed you to survive, we're saying that again," said Martin, who noted that the pilot project is a first in Atlantic Canada. Martin said Canada must provide the educational resources it took away from First Nations communities through devastating policies and the disgraceful residential schools fiasco. "We owe it to the young people of this country, the young members of the First Nations to provide them with the education that their society had provided and we took away," he said. "We also owe it to ourselves because we will not build a strong country if we turn our back on the youngest, fastest growing segment of our population." Martin said that Canada is one generation away from lacking a million skilled workers to sustain a growing economy. "If we are not prepared to reach out to the youngest and fastest growing segment of our population we will not be able to compete," he said. "We are a nation of 33 million people, and we're competing with India and China. We cannot afford to waste one bit of talent." Martin told the students and community leaders present about how Premier Shawn Graham demanded, over a spaghetti dinner at his home, that New Brunswick be the first Atlantic province to host the mentorship program. Yesterday, after he signed on to support the program on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick, Graham was enthused by the potential of the program and the students who will benefit. "This program will give First Nations youth the best opportunity to learn," he said. Martin recounted an example of how the program changed a young man's life in Thunder Bay -- the first of five Canadian cities in which it is currently implemented. He said he remembers meeting a student who could barely pronounce more than two words in public. He said the student had likely only signed up for the program under the influence of peer pressure. When Martin returned to Thunder Bay six months later, he said the student was almost unrecognizable. Martin watched as the former introvert gave a compelling presentation about his business idea, and demonstrated through his business plan how it would make money. "You begin to see some incredibly emotional things," said Martin. "It is the recognition that the world out there is full of possibilities." Martin said one of the strengths of the program is that in addition to the advice and tools that students will receive from mentors, they will also have the chance to turn their business plans into reality. "They will actually be given a certain amount of money to go out and start a business," said Martin, who hopes to see the pilot project expand throughout Canada. In addition to the new programs in Rexton and Sudbury this year, programs will continue in Thunder Bay, Prince Rupert, Edmonton, Regina, and Winnipeg. The program will focus on improving students' competencies in math, English, business, accounting, marketing, information technologies, communications, and leadership through classroom learning, simulations, contests, conferences, mentorship, and visits to businesses. At Dennis Franklin Cromarty First Nation High School in Thunder Bay, the program's success rate grew from 15 per cent in its first year to 75 per cent last year. Lawrence Keoughan, the superintendent of District 16, said he has reason to believe the new mentorship program will help reduce drop out rates and motivate students. "Schools and their programs have to be relevant, they have to engage students," he said. "We are very hopeful that with this program we will be able to engage students in a way we haven't been able to do in the past." The program at Bonar Law Memorial High School will be administered by Heather Little. Elsipogtog Chief Jesse Simon said the program will be a vital step in diversifying his community's economy and contributing more to the province's economy. "We can only survive on federal funding for so long," said Simon. "I'm hoping that with programs like this my people will be able to become bigger players in the Kent County economy." Small start, big dreams: creating young aboriginal entrepreneurs
Former prime minister Paul Martin launches business training program at Scott Collegiate Former prime minister Paul Martin is betting $70,000 that 22 aboriginal students at Scott Collegiate can beat the odds, graduate from high school and succeed in business.
Bad smile aside, Paul Martin is now shining Everything might be different, if only he knew how to smile.
Paul Martin heads aboriginal business program
Cromarty Entrepreneur Program A former prime minister helped launch a major new initiative Thursday to guide aboriginal students into the business community. Paul Martin was in Thunder Bay to usher in the new program which among other things, aims to combat the high levels of aboriginal student drop-out rates. If the student business initiative is successful here it could also serve as a blueprint for a Canada-wide effort. As the former prime minister looked on Thursday afternoon, the 15 students taking part in the entrepreneur pilot program he sponsors were introduced at Denis Franklin Cromarty High School. It’s the first of what Paul Martin hopes will be many business successes from the aboriginal community. The students will be taking part starting January in a new business-based curriculum at the school learning how to be successful entrepreneurs. Through the program they will make partnerships with the business community laying the groundwork for their future. Martin says he chose the Northwest to test his new personally-funded program because of the high aboriginal population. If this new initiative proves itself, there are plans to expand it across the country, building on the Thunder Bay model. Martin hopes that in the long run they are able to lower the high dropout rates plaguing the aboriginal population with this program and in turn improve the overall quality of life for many of the country's First Nation's people. So the task falls on the shoulders of these 15 students to do all they can to be a success and be the role models the former Prime Minister hopes and believes they can be. Martin declined to speculate about a specific high school in Winnipeg. Carlana Lindeman, Northwestern Ontario regional for Ontario's Ministry of Education, said that Martin's program is a two-credit course that falls under senior business studies in Ontario's high school curriculum. "The value-added that Mr. Martin is bringing in, the kids can access funding to start a business," Lindeman said. "Members of the business community are mentoring students one-on-one" as well, she added. She was not aware how much Martin pays for the Thunder Bay program, but said that it includes field trips to businesses, job placements, and frequent guest speakers. "The Grade 11 course is teaching kids what entrepreneurship is all about, and developing a business plan," Lindeman said. "Grade 12, they implement a business plan." One Thunder Bay student is selling her own jewellery. A young man takes orders to design art for the office or home. A third student is selling a range of dog biscuits that she developed. The pilot project started with 15 Grade 11 students, Lindeman said. "What Paul Martin is looking at is a very interesting idea. I'm certainly aware of his commitment to aboriginal youth, and the work he's doing, including Thunder Bay. We would be more than willing to listen to his ideas, and work co- operatively with him in order to find ways to better serve our Aboriginal students and the economy here in Winnipeg," Barr said. Martin also said that he wants to establish a centre of best practices that pulls together ideas from around the world that have been proven to help young aboriginal people get the best possible education. THUNDER BAY — Every class has its character. But only rarely does he embody both meanings of the word. Jimmy Kakepetum is sitting at his Grade 12 graduation lunch. He is 19 and already a large man, yet filled with so much boyish energy his jackhammer right leg is making the cutlery dance on the opposite side of the table. He is wearing his dark graduation suit – tie tied by Google – and his graduation cap is the striped Gatsby-style hat that hasn't left his head in months. He runs his finger over the brim of the water glass until the room is ringing and teacher Judy Flett is forced to rise from her table, come over and remove the glass. He listens to master of ceremonies Pat Lang, president of Thunder Bay's Confederation College, praise Flett to the skies for her remarkable success in teaching business entrepreneurship to aboriginal youth – “She's so passionate … she's so committed” – and Jimmy cannot resist jumping in with a loudly whispered: “She's so stressed.” Sometimes when you are the class character, you are funny when you don't even intend it. Lang is thanking the special guests this afternoon – former Prime Minister Paul Martin; Chief Joshua Frogg of Wawakapewin First Nation; Charles Fox, former grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation; various elders – and spins around, asking whether she has forgotten any elders just as Jimmy happens to raise his hand to ask a waiter for tea. An accidental crack – but he'll take it. It takes some work to get through the joker to find the businessman. But Jimmy Kakepetum is happy to hand over his card. He has a license duly granted by the government. He has a business bank account and receives his monthly statements at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. He has a business plan, a mission statement and even a PowerPoint presentation, which he has just given in a crowded lecture hall. The comic, entitled How to Save a Life, shows Cody standing on a shore speaking to the sky. He talks to Luke about their past together – the forest fire they almost started, the stupid way Stan (Luke) would lick the outside of a cold can of pop – and then Cody gets serious. “I missed you at my graduation,” he says. He tells Luke of his new life – college coming next – and vows to return soon for more talk with “my brother.” “I promise you, Luke,” the comic ends. “I'll live for the both of us.” The trilingual comic is intended for children of the North. Jimmy believes, absolutely, that “if I had been there, I wouldn't have let him do that. “There's more things to live for,” he says. “I have a new perspective since I got here. I want to show kids that there is more to life than drinking and smoking. “There's so much more.” More than words On Wednesday afternoon, they had gathered in the cafeteria of their high school and watched Prime Minister Stephen Harper deliver the national apology to those who had been put through the residential school system. There were tears shed, both in gratitude and in memory. Some left the room, unable to listen through it all. Some, such as former grand chief Charles Fox, stayed in his own home, uncertain as to how he would react. Fox had been born at Bearskin Lake, deep in the north woods. At 9 he had been sent off to a residential school and did not return home until he was 20. He was what some residential schools would consider a victory: his language erased completely, his habits now white, his interest in returning to the aboriginal life non-existent. He did, thinking it would be a two-week vacation. But his father took him far back in the bush to a summer camp, and when Charles said it was time for him to leave, his father just smiled and wished him luck. He stayed, rediscovered his language and discovered native politics. Several times, he says, he tried to return to that residential school. Only once did he make it through the front door and then everything began to spin so wildly he had to leave. He and his family, he says, are slowly, but successfully, working their way through those demons. “I want to thank the people of Canada for that apology,” Fox told the graduates at lunch. “Do not hold yourself back,” he said. “You can fly … you can reach for the sky!” Jimmy Kakepetum, leg still jack hammering, could not resist. “First Indian prime minister?” he hissed. It was impossible to say how this crack went over. As all around him, the graduates were already grinning.
Paul Martin's toughest critics might say he had some wonky ideas while in office – universal daycare, the Kelowna accord, handing the opposition that gift in the Gomery sponsorship inquiry – but even friends and families had to puzzle over this one. The once-successful businessman was no longer prime minister in January of 2006 and could have retired to his millions or taken seats on his choice of boards – yet he would have none of it. Instead, he decided he would devote his late 60s and 70s to helping Africa and Canada's aboriginals. To him, the problems were similar. “The difference is,” he says, “Africa gets coverage.” He talked with Sean Conway, a former Ontario education minister, who put him in touch with Carlana Lindeman, a Saskatchewan-born educator with a particular interest in aboriginal education. Lindeman was intrigued and agreed to travel to New York to see the program's results first-hand, and then to Los Angeles to take the teaching course herself. She chose Cromarty High in Thunder Bay, a rather rundown former public high school that is financed by Indian Affairs and teaches students who come mostly from isolated fly-in communities. Judy Flett was already there, and seemed perfect for the job. Flett is a Cree from Tataskweyak (formerly known as Split Lake), a single mother and, it turned out, an accidental prototype. She, too, had come from an isolated fly-in village, but she had persisted with her studies until she graduated from college in photography. She ran her own business for 11 years before heading for Thunder Bay's Lakehead University and a teaching career. While Flett took the New York course and rewrote the curriculum to fit Northwestern Ontario, Lindeman lined up mentors and bankers who could offer advice as well as actual experience to the students. She says it was easy: “Mr. Martin's name opened the doors.” There were skeptics. The first class had 15 students, and the organizers were told they would be lucky if three completed the two-year course – yet nine students marched up to receive their certificates from Martin on Thursday. “That's just a fantastic retention,” Flett says. Encouraged, Martin is now funding five more pilot projects in the four western provinces and in Nunavut. And Lindeman, who was to retire this summer, is now the full-time program director. “We must find out the defects by trying it out in different parts of the country,” Martin says. “We'll make mistakes, we know that. But once we get it done, we'll have the chance to turn it into a national program.” Participants in this pilot program gathered Thursday so that, first, the Grade 11s could make presentations on the small businesses the young men and women were going to be setting up, ranging from a sports shop to custom paddle manufacturing to designer clothing. In the afternoon, the Grade 12s – “The Originals” – put on a display in the cafeteria, each with his or her own booth. Michael Goodman had a small arcade shop set up and invited Martin to play a little guitar until a warning came up and essentially said the computer was going to crash if this went on much longer. Nicole Kanate had her custom dog food products. Coreen Kakegamic had a photography studio. Devon Meekis had his portable recording studio. Dustin Cutfeet and Jimmy Kakepetum both had comic books. And Chelsea McKay already had customers lining up at her Blue Butterfly jewellery kiosk. “She's busier than she can keep up with,” Flett says. McKay, who comes from Sachigo Lake, is typical of the students. When she arrived, she could not even look a stranger in the eyes; the day she graduated, she stood and, in a strong confident voice, thanked the former prime minister for making this all possible. “When we started,” she says, “everyone was so quiet. We barely talked. At the end, we can't stop. We're like one big family – and Judy is our mother.” But do not think of McKay as a child. She is 19 and hands out a small card with each purchase stating that $2 of every sale will be donated to the program “for future student-run businesses.” ``Why?`` she is asked. She shrugs and offers her own jewel of a smile. “It changed my life.”
The program, which starts in February 2009, will be taught through the Aboriginal Department at Hays and already has 18 students signed up. "Those 18 students are going to get an awesome opportunity," said Charles Hays principal Sandy Jones. Students in the program will be charged with starting their own business. There will be work incorporated throughout to improve their abilities in math, English, accounting, marketing and leadership. They will also be provided with mentorship from members of the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to working with youth and leaders in the Aboriginal community." Charles Hays will be the second school in Canada to participate in this program. Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay, Ont. was the first school to use this model. The pilot program recently came to a successful conclusion with the graduation of the first group of Grade 12s. "If you look at the stats, it's not that good for Aboriginal students. "I think, as a district, we're doing pretty good but this will certainly be an advantage for some of our students." "We're looking for students who aren't as connected as we'd like with school and get them involved," said Jones. So far, the program has received plenty of applicants. "There is a trickle-down effect from having this kind of program. You can see it in the school." |
