October 1, 2004 Fredericton, New Brunswick Saint Mary's First Nation will host the 11th Annual National Conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) from October 5 to 8, 2004, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The conference, titled 'Gathering our Resources', is also being hosted by the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network (AAEDN) and has been supported by the Government of Canada and numerous other partners. This conference is an opportunity to come together, share experiences and explore new ideas which are essential to strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy, said the Honourable Andy Scott, MP for Fredericton and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. AWe have a unique opportunity to foster a promising era for Aboriginal peoples, and I'm pleased that Saint Mary's First Nation is hosting this conference which will facilitate this dialogue. As many as 350 people working in aboriginal community economic development from across Canada are expected to take part in this four-day event. Starting at 9:00 on October 5, the conference will provide concrete information and practical tools related to Aboriginal community economic development. It will feature interactive workshops in which some of the most knowledgeable and talented speakers in the field will discuss with delegates the eye- opening world of tourism, the exciting business of entrepreneurship, the fascinating new developments in research and the dynamics of natural resource development. Trade show events, pre-and post-conference community tours and various venues for networking opportunities will also figure on the program. "People active in the economic development field across Canada are working hard in their communities to create growth and a strong economic base to provide opportunities for their members. The CANDO Conference is an ideal place for them to showcase some of their work, share their experiences and learn from each other. It is also a chance for delegates to experience the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet cultures first hand", said Tracy Menge and Lynn Poole- Hughes, Conference Co-Chairs. "Support from the federal government for the CANDO Annual National Conference and AGM has been instrumental in contributing to the success of the event," said CANDO Executive Director, Ross Mayer. The Conference is made possible through the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Industry Canada/Aboriginal Business Canada; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; and Natural Resources Canada. For the latest updates and information regarding the upcoming conference and to view the complete program schedule, visit the CANDO Web site at www.edo.ca. The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a unique tripartite forum implemented by Aboriginal communities and the federal and provincial governments to identify and encourage undertakings designed to stimulate economic development in Aboriginal communities within New Brunswick. For more information on this initiative, contact Lynn Poole-Hughes, JEDI Manager at ACOA. 506-452-3763 or 1- 800-561-4030. The Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network (AAEDN) was endorsed by the Atlantic First Nation Chiefs in June of 2001 to serve as a network of First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers who are involved in Aboriginal economic development. Its mandate is to develop and implement an Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy, increase capacity building for EDO's and advocacy in the area of Aboriginal Economic Development. For more information on this network, contact Tracy Menge, Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation Manager, 902-379-2800. - 30 - Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (902) 888-4150 Nadya Ladouceur Communications Officer ACOA NB (506) 451-2677
