September 19, 2007, Regina, SK: First Nations University of Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) announced today that the 2008 E-Spirit Awards, a national Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition, will be held at the University of Regina campus from May 12 to 14, 2008.
"First Nations University of Canada, where aboriginal youth work towards building a bright future for themselves in an environment that reflects their cultural heritage, is an ideal setting for E-Spirit," said André St-Pierre, Vice President, Corporate Finance, BDC.
"E-Spirit was developed by BDC in response to the growth in self-employment among Aboriginals, which is more than nine times that of the Canadian average. In fact, the number of Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Canada increased by 30% from 1996 to 2001," he added.
Working in teams at their high schools, the students must complete a 16-week interactive business planning program. They have access to mentors and meet and network with other students both online and during the event in May. The 3-day event is expected to attract 300 Aboriginal youth from across the country.
During the competition, the students present their business idea to an independent panel of experts who judge their business plan and display. Displays can include posters, detailed 3D mock-ups, product samples, business cards, promotional videos and laptop demonstrations. Finally, at a special ceremony, Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies and monetary awards are presented to the top three winners.
"We are very pleased to be hosting the E-Spirit conference through our School of Business and Public Administration," said Charles Pratt, President of the First Nations University of Canada. "We proudly support this national initiative that will encourage and lead our Aboriginal youth to play a prominent role in the business world."
Over the last seven years, close to 3,000 Aboriginal students from high schools across the country have participated in the program. Registration for E-Spirit 2008 takes place from September 24 to October 19, 2007. For more information, or to register online, visit www.bdc.ca/espiritThe E-Spirit program was developed by BDC and has been supported by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Aboriginal Business Canada.About BDCBDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. BDC actively supports the development and growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions. BDC is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2007. About First Nations University of CanadaThe mission of the First Nations University of Canada is to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect, and interpret the history, language, culture, and artistic heritage of First Nations.
First Nations University of Canada was established in 1976 as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) through a federated partnership with the University of Regina. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees within an environment of Indian culture and history combining First Nation-oriented and standard areas of study in all programs.
For more information contact:
Denise Arab Director, Communications BDC (514) 283-3054 denise.arab@bdc.ca
Tina PelletierCommunications OfficerFirst Nations University(306) 790-5950 x 2600
