During the 24th Annual CANDO Conference in New Brunswick, Tłı̨chǫ Government sent 14 delegates during October 22-25, 2017.

 

The Senior Community Director and the four Community Directors plus five Community Services staff including the three Economic Development Officers attended the CANDO Conference along with four Tłı̨chǫ craftspersons and artists; Lucy Ann (Takazo) Arrowmaker (Gameti), Evelyn Flunkie (Whati), Patti Magrum (Wekweeti) and James Wedzin (Behchoko).  The artisans sold community members arts & crafts, as well as their own.

 

The Community Directors and the Community Services staff, attended the Pre-Conference CANDO Accredited training course called, Introduction to Community Economic Development on October 22, 2017.  This course was presented by, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and discussed, the concepts and philosophies of Community Economic Development.

 

Monday, October 23, 2017, provided several speakers and presenters including the opening Keynote Speaker, Mr. Hone Mihaka, the owner of Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys, in New Zealand.  Hone talked about how important it is, to incorporate one’s heritage, culture and traditional values, into any business venture.  Hone and his family, operate a successful, Indigenous, eco-cultural tourism business, in New Zealand.

 

There were several breakout sessions and presentations ranging from Co-operative Business Development in Indigenous Communities to Successfully Delivering Infrastructure Projects in First Nation Communities.  Tłı̨chǫ Government delegates attended most of these presentations.  

One of the highlights of the Conference was the Community Tour to St. Mary’s First Nation reserve, in the centre of Fredericton, NB.  

 

St. Mary’s First Nation, has successfully built up a strong local economy for their members and for the community, by investing in a Smoke Shop, Gas station, mini mall (which includes a full service grocery store and pharmacy) plus their 1400 seat Entertainment Centre that generates $6-$10 million in revenue, annually.  This provides the St. Mary’s First Nation members, housing, electricity, youth and recreation.  A true community economic development, success!

 

Also, the Economic Developer of the Year Award Presentations were held and the CANDO Annual General Meeting.  

 

The Tłı̨chǫ Government’s delegation enjoyed the 24th Annual CANDO Conference in Fredericton, NB and learned many new things and met many new people. 

 

CANDO’s 25th Annual Conference and AGM will be held at the Enoch First Nation in Edmonton, AB.

 

“WE CANDO IT!”

 

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