Mr. Speaker, in my statement today I would like to highlight the NWT Aboriginal Business Conference, which will be held next week in Yellowknife, October 14 through 16. As Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment I appreciate how this annual forum can contribute to the development of small businesses.
The theme of this year’s conference is Establishing Economic Cooperation. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the staff of the Denendeh Development Corporation, who organizes this annual event. This year they expect up to 200 participants in attendance at this conference.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Manley A. Begay Jr., who is the director of the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy in the Udall Centre for Studies in Public Policy. Dr. Begay is a senior lecturer and associate social scientist in the American Indian Studies Program at the University of Arizona.
Some of the conference workshops will include renewable resources and tourism; First Nations’ housing; and mining, oil and gas exploration and partnering. Under the human resources and community sustainability presentations speakers will discuss training the community workforce, transferable skills, aboriginal business development and local hiring practices.
Delegates will hear business cooperation success stories as well as participate in business development workshops focusing on starting a business, financing a business and navigating financial statements presented by the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation.
Sharon Venne, chief negotiator for the Akaitcho Dene First Nations, will talk about living and working on Akaitcho land, and discussion points will focus on renewable resources such as fisheries, forestry and tourism. Aboriginal Involvement in Exploration will examine mining processes and community processes.
The conference will also provide guidance to young entrepreneurs and a workshop called Preparing to Participate, as well as opportunities to hear perspectives from young entrepreneurs.
Mr. Speaker, as Members of this 16th Legislative Assembly we have identified the goals and priorities that will guide our work over the next four years. These goals include a strong and independent North built on partnerships and a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Over 200 delegates at this forum will contribute to the building of a diversified, sustainable NWT.
This territory-wide conference is an excellent opportunity for our businesspeople to network, gain new insight on their objectives and discuss with others the opportunities that are available. Here they can recharge their business batteries and learn what our governments and financial institutions can do to help their business to grow.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, Mr. Robert McLeod.
