Wise Practices in Indigenous Community Development Symposium, September 2012

The Wise Practices in Indigenous Community Development Symposium at The Banff Centre in September 2012 presented stories of successful Aboriginal community development. Participants learned first-hand from community members who engaged their people, developed sustainable enterprises, and who shared in the pride that comes from positive endeavours. The two-day symposium brought together Indigenous community leaders from Alberta, throughout Canada, and beyond. The symposium included keynote speakers, panel presentations, and special events that examined the wise practices of a variety of Indigenous communities, and explored how such knowledge can be applied by Indigenous leaders to develop their own communities.

The symposium was the culmination of a two-and-a-half year research project focused on wise practices in four Alberta Aboriginal communities. With generous support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund and Nexen Inc., Indigenous Leadership and Management at The Banff Centre engaged in this research initiative to provide rural Alberta communities and leaders with learning, skill development, and tools for a business approach to successful self-governance and sustainable community development.

The "Best Practices in Rural Alberta Project" builds on the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, and is the first project in Canada to provide tools for a systematic approach to understanding the critical success factors among best practices in Alberta's rural Aboriginal communities. We are pleased to share knowledge from this symposium, and other applied research projects, as a resource to help other Indigenous communities create their own success stories. The next success story could be yours.

Wise Practices Symposium Presentations - September 2012

A wide-ranging group of researchers, practitioners, and speakers presented stories of wisdom, hope, dreams, hard work, and success in a variety of sectors of Indigenous communities around the world. Here are some of their inspiring stories.

Case Studies were presented for the following groups:

Mikisew Group of Companies

Mikisew Group of Companies, based in Fort Chipewyan consists of nine companies: Mikisew Energy Services, Mikisew Industrial Supplies Ltd., Mikisew Sport Fishing, Super 8 Fort McMurray, Fort Petroleum Limited Partnership, Mikisew Fleet Maintenance, M2 Limited, Wave Transportation & Logistics, and Mikisew Property Development. The entire First Nation benefits from the Mikisew Group of Companies, with profits shared by all Mikisew members. Beyond profit sharing, their companies support their community as a whole. Mikisew Group provides assistance to programs and services within their First Nation, from sport and wellness and education, to the celebration of their culture, history and First Nation pride.

Alberta Indian Investment Corporation

Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC) is a First Nation-owned investment company, which provides a range of services to First Nation businesses, including the provision of business loans and business development assistance. AIIC aims to be the lending institution that ensures existing and potential First Nation entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need. Aside from investing in First Nations businesses, AIIC also owns a hotel and restaurant in Edmonton.

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is a world-renowned cultural, educational and entertainment centre built for the promotion and preservation of the Siksika Nation Peoples' language, culture and traditions. Located 100 km east of Calgary on the Siksika Nation, Blackfoot Crossing is the site of the signing of Treaty No. 7 in 1877, and is a designated National Heritage Site.

Métis Crossing

Métis Crossing is a cultural village near Smoky Lake, Alberta set on the site where Methodist Minister George McDougall established a mission in 1862. When a Hudson's Bay Company trading post was constructed there, many English-speaking Métis from Manitoba arrived, farming began, and the fur trade thrived. Over the years, this Métis settlement became a permanent river lot community. Métis Crossing is open from May long weekend to Labour Day, and hosts a variety of cultural events and activities.

Other Symposium Groups

The 5th Community

A fifth Aboriginal community is also involved in the wise practices research project. Representatives from Sucker Creek First Nation are exploring the potential impact of what has been learned, in order to apply the best practices back in their community. This community has not been a subject of the research, but has taken part in the learning journey as an observer, much like the youth cohort.

The Youth Cohort

A group of 15 Indigenous youth from across Alberta have taken part in the wise practices research project as a learning journey. Assisting with research where possible, the youth have also brought 'gifts' of knowledge and inspiration back to their respective communities. The youth were split into four groups, each assigned to one of the four specific research project sites. "This was a chance to listen to other growing First Nations community businesses, and learn how they have become successful," said youth cohort member Janisha Wildman, a member of the Stoney Nakoda and Samson Cree First Nations in Alberta.