Variety of economic ventures provide success for Treaty 7 Nations

A wealth of diverse business opportunities in a number of different economic sectors is providing revenue and training for Treaty 7 members.

Economic development officers and business administrators from the Piikani, Siksika, Kainai, and Stoney Nakoda Nations (Wesley, Bearspaw and Chiniki), profiled their business ventures at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 15. The event was the implementation phase of the Chamber’s Aboriginal Workforce Initiative, a three-part research and action plan begun in 2008 to strengthen business connections with Aboriginal people.

The presenting Nations had many successful partnerships and resource development opportunities in common: oil and gas, transmission lines, land development, wind, agriculture and ranching, tourism and local business development. All the Nations shared the same vision of establishing a sound economic base to ensure quality of life for their members. For some, the traditional model of Chief and Council has shifted to a separation of the political and business administration arms.

Piikani Resource Development has taken a lead role in managing all projects and employment opportunities with its major partners, said Kirby Smith, resource development manager. Current partnerships include the Oldman River Hydro Partnership, AltaLink, EOG Resources, and Sequoia Energy. Many of these partnerships have provided training and employment opportunities for Piikani members. PRD also supports entrepreneurship with a grant equity program for small businesses.

“A significant difference with most of these entities and businesses is the incorporation of Blackfoot protocol into business practice,” said Smith.

Siksika Resource Development is the economic arm of the Nation. It was established in 1997 and oversees multiple business ventures. Land holdings off reserve, energy, resources, rock products and irrigation are the major business enterprises of the Siksika Nation. Other industries include gas, coal, wind and bio-diesel and local business ventures such as Canada Post, BMO, a business and conference centre, agricultural opportunities and the development of 344 cottage lots. Councillor Reynold Medicine Traveller, said the Siksika Nation is developing a framework for self-government and has a long term economic development master plan in place.

The Blood Tribe identified five key business areas: agriculture, small business, resource development, tourism and recreation and development of reserve lands. Key to evaluating projects, said Rob Crow, “is if they create jobs, produce profit, are owned and managed by tribe members, don’t damage the land and follow the protocol of the Kainai.”

Greg Varricchio, CEO of Stoney Tribal Administration, stressed the importance of “getting organized internally,” with a focus on “financial, social and environmental sustainability and transparency.” The Stoney Nation presents excellent opportunities to partner in its strategic initiatives, including Nakoda Contracting, Nakoda Oil and Gas and Nakoda Ranch Agricultural and resort development.

As for exploring these opportunities, Ben Brunnen, director of policy and research and chief economist of the Chamber, echoed the “sage advice” offered earlier in the day by lawyer, Brian McGuigan, “to build relations, build trust, expect to commit and develop good will, negotiate in good faith, take time to understand and respect business partners’ value and increase success.”