Moose Deer Point First Nation receives partnership recognition

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The Moose Deer Point First Nation serves as a role model for First Nation communities looking for creative ways to boost local economies.

Recently the Ontario government paid tribute to their ground-breaking initiative with Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. and the Schad Foundation to develop Niigon Technologies. The company operates a precision injection molding facility on reserve.

In presenting the third annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award to this joint venture, the government praised the "world-class" operation for its efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Niigon Technologies is wholly owned by Moose Deer Point First Nation, which provided land, human resources and $2 million in funding for the business. Technical resources and engineering services came from Husky and a contribution of $5 million was donated by the Schad Foundation.

Nine Aboriginal employees will benefit from learning opportunities and training as a result of the partnership. It is expected that other contract services will materialize because of Niigon Technologies in the community. The First Nation intends to invest profits into social, environmental, infrastructure and wellness projects.

Husky Injection Molding Systems will use the Niigon enterprise as a demonstration site showcasing manufacturing and automation techniques.

The Aboriginal partnership awards were established "to support innovative and effective approaches to economic development in First Nations communities," said David Young, attorney general and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, under the direction of John Kim Bell, joined forces with the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat to launch the awards three years ago. Last year's winner was the Six Nations Natural Gas partnership with Union Gas.

Economic development officers across the province are watching the growth of the partnership concept with interest. With Native unemployment hovering at 90 per cent in remote areas and outstripping Canada's national average of 7.5 per cent, many look to corporate partnerships for answers.

Helen Bobiwash, a member of the provincial partnerships advisory committee, sees potential in the movement. She points out that partnerships allow First Nations to take advantage of business opportunities even when they don't have the experience at the outset. For example, Batchewana Band Industries in the Sault Ste. Marie area have created employment and enjoyed success with Advanced Thermo Dynamics.

In addition, participants in the Great Circle Trail tourism initiative have opened up many doors for joint ventures. Newer tourist operators in the Manitoulin-North Shore area are able to learn from the more experienced entrepreneurs in the field.

Bobiwash, director of Ursine Management in the Massey area, believes profiling winners of the partnership awards helps to dispel preconceived notions about First Nations business savvy. Some mainstream companies buy into the myth that Aboriginal organizations take too long to act on opportunities, she said.

It is true, she acknowledges, that First Nations do carry out in-depth consultations in their communities before making decisions. "But corporate Canada doesn't always do deals fast either," she said. "They go up the chain of command for input too. We all take our time to decide if a project is the best investment for us. We both need time to evaluate opportunities and not rush into things."

"But the more word gets out about the successful partnerships that are happening, the better it is for everyone. The awards and the profiles demonstrate that it is working and it is possible to do [partnerships] well."

In her view, First Nations need to focus on upgrading business management skills before embarking on major partnerships. She advises Aboriginal business people to hone their negotiating skills in preparation for joint enterprises.

She cautions that partnershps necessitate a tremendous amount of preliminary work.

To be eligible for the annual recognition award, the project has to involve links between an Aboriginal business, community or organization and either a non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal business, community or organization. The partnerships must be based in Ontario and be at least two years old. The overall result must be increased employment of First Nations people.