First Nations work together for betterment of whole

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Because economic development is crucial for small reserves as well as for towns, several communities in the Manitoulin-LaCloche area have chosen to co-operate for mutual benefit. Instead of working in isolation, a diverse group of individuals meets in the spring and fall to share progress and tips on economic initiatives.

The Manitoulin-LaCloche Economic Partners group includes First Nation economic development officers and representatives from small municipalities. Delegates from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, FedNor and the Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture are also invited. Funding sources, on-going projects and future plans are outlined in the free ranging discussions.

Ojibways of Sucker Creek Chief Patrick Madahbee and band EDO Kathy Bebamash participated in the December roundtable in Gore Bay. The First Nation located near Little Current recently started construction on a 27-lot housing development.

Madahbee stressed the need to keep the lines of communication open between First Nations and non-Native organizations. "It is important to get Aboriginal groups involved in economic development decisions in the region," he told the assembly. "Sucker Creek is open to do business; we're open to do business with anyone. This isn't new policy; in the past we have looked as far away as Trinidad and Tobago. We look for opportunities wherever they are," he said.

"We are embarking on a 20-year economic development strategy," he said. "It is too short a time frame to do five-year plans. Encouragement of small business development has to be a major thrust."

In addition, he stressed the need to implement an education strategy encompassing students from day care age through to adult re-training programs.

He said Sucker Creek has taken steps to expand its ecotourism attractions. The band is promoting the peace and serenity of two nearby islands in the North Channel of Lake Huron. Endaa-aang provides housekeeping cabins, lakeside camping experiences as well as a chance to sleep in a teepee.

Riding stables, arts and craft outlets and annual powwows also draw visitors.

The subdivision under construction is the band's biggest project to date. "We are working on seven homes right now," Patrick Madahbee said. "There are 27 lots there with the ability to expand two more times in the future. A new water treatment plant will go in this spring. Our present water system is outdated so we are revamping it in conjunction with the subdivision. And of course we are looking at options to upgrade our landfill site."

Madahbee emphasized the importance of hiring local people. "We try to keep business on the island. We have the capacity and the people in the area to do the job. We have to fight vigorously to maintain local content in local projects. It is unconscionable to take business elsewhere when we have the equipment and the manpower here."

He pointed out, however, that government projects require an outside tendering process. Large projects usually go to off-island bidders.

"Sucker Creek uses local contractors for the subdivision project and we tried to keep it local. But it's a struggle because of the ceilings and the tendering process," he said. "Outside firms bring in their own equipment and their own men. They are in and out quickly and they don't leave anything here. They take a big chunk of money out of our community and don't give anything back. Sometimes they even bring their own lunch and gas. Every project should include local content or they don't get the deal."

The proposed wind farm project slated for the McLean's Mountain area near Sucker Creek is a case in point. A consortium of off-island businesses plans to test the feasibility of developing wind power on Manitoulin. Pending the outcome of public consultation and environmental assessment, one tower will be erected with the possibility of 20 more in future.

Madahbee said only five jobs will be created on the island. Since the propellrs and equipment won't be manufactured on Manitoulin, the Sucker Creek band has abandoned the idea. "Wind energy is no longer a high priority with our community," he said. "If it looked viable we'd have a business plan prepared."

Sucker Creek is also looking at the advantages of becoming a member of a recently formed Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association, as the band established one of the first fish farms in the area several years ago. Madahbee tentatively supports the idea of joining the lobby group. The next meeting of the Manitoulin-LaCloche economic partners will take place in April.