January 31, 2005 Moncton, New Brunswick The federal government has launched a new training program designed to help Aboriginal communities find and develop their own economic opportunities. Approximately 30 members of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network are participating in a three- year training program for their certification as either professional economic development officers or technicians. This program will involve training in 16 competency areas including impact analysis and assessment, marketing, community based research methods, and contemporary Aboriginal development approaches and issues. The goal of the training program is to have an Aboriginal certified economic development officer working in every First Nations community in Atlantic Canada. The training program is co-ordinated by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs and has been developed according to criteria from the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. Funding for the training program is being provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). "This project is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Atlantic Canada's Aboriginal communities," said the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA. "Since 1987, ACOA has provided close to $40 million in funding under various programs for programs and initiatives to help create economic opportunities for First Nation communities while celebrating our First Nations' heritage and culture in the region." "We are working in partnership with the Aboriginal people to build upon their strengths," stated the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. "No one knows what will work for their communities better than they do, and this training is key to helping them realize their goals." "This certification training will enable Aboriginal economic developers to pursue a greater number of local economic opportunities," stated John Paul, Executive Director of the Atlantic Policy Congress. "It will help them provide a more effective service to their communities. Improved knowledge and competency will also ensure they become more focussed on their communities' goals and objectives, thereby improving their impact." The Government of Canada will provide a total of $974,629 for this initiative over three years. ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $558,083 to the training through its Business Development Program and INAC is contributing $449,966. FOR BROADCAST USE: A new training program has begun for the professional certification of Aboriginal economic development officers in Atlantic Canada. The three-year training program is part of a long-term plan to help strengthen economies of Aboriginal communities in the region. The program's goal is to have a professionally certified economic development officer in every First Nations community, who will find and develop new economic opportunities. The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs is co- ordinating the training program, and funding is being provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. -30- For more information, contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 9941-7241 Marisa Piccini Senior Communications Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (506) 851-6403 John Paul Executive Director Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs (902) 435-8021 E-mail: john.paul@apcfnc.ca Patricia Ellis Communications Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (902) 661-6232 BACKGROUNDER Participants in the new Aboriginal economic development training program include representatives from the following First Nations: NEW BRUNSWICK Elsipogtog (Big Cove) First Nation Buctouche First Nation Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) First Nation Eel Ground First Nation Eel River Bar First Nation Fort Folly First Nation Indian Island First Nation Kingsclear First Nation Madawaska Maliseet First Nation Oromocto First Nation Pabineau First Nation Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation (Red Bank) Saint Mary's First Nation Maliseet Nation at Tobique Woodstock First Nation NOVA SCOTIA Indian Brook First Nation (Shubenacadie) Chapel Island First Nation Eskasoni First Nation Millbrook First Nation Wagmatcook First Nation Waycobah First Nation Paq'tnkek First Nation (Afton) Bear River First Nation Glooscap First Nation (Horton) Acadia First Nation (Milton Office) Membertou Band: Pictou Landing First Nation PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Abegweit First Nation Lennox Island First Nation NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR Miawpukek First Nation (Conne River) QUEBEC Gesgapegiag (Maria) First Nation Listuguj First Nation
