1. 1 First Nations Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire Presented By: Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association and Ministry Of Economic Development and Trade Economic Development Officers’ Information Session, Thunder Bay, Ontario February 9, 2011

2. 2 Purpose  To introduce you to the First Nations Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire including:  how this questionnaire has been developed by First Nations for First Nations;  the benefits of the questionnaire; and,  next steps.  To introduce you to the Working Group responsible for this initiative.  To ask for your assistance in pilot testing the questionnaire.

3. 3  Background  Purpose of the Questionnaire  Design of the Questionnaire  What Makes this Questionnaire Special?  Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire Working Group  Objectives of the Pilot Testing  Plan For Pilot Testing  Discussion Content

4. 4  First Nations communities approached MEDT to request assistance in developing a system to identify their community’s strengths, challenges and economic growth potential.  In response, MEDT developed a working relationship with interested First Nations communities and Aboriginal organizations to develop a measurement system. MEDT committed to:  Conduct comprehensive research on how to assess community capacity, for social and economic development, and related concepts;  Seek input from Trent University to produce a draft questionnaire to address key sections and categories specific to First Nations communities; and,  Work with First Nations and Aboriginal partners to develop a communications strategy to receive feedback on the questionnaire.  Feedback was received from the Chiefs of Ontario, the Union of Ontario Indians, several First Nations communities, Economic Development Officers (EDOs), other Aboriginal organizations, Trent University, Ontario ministries, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the private sector.  The project was presented at two CANDO conferences and MEDT integrated feedback received from EDOs across Canada.  After the second conference, Algoma University ’ s Community and Economic Development Program joined MEDT to further develop the questionnaire.  Following the Ontario First Nations Economic Forum (OFNEF), January 2010, MEDT confirmed the need for the questionnaire and struck a working group to refine the questionnaire and design an implementation plan to pilot test it. Background

5. 5 Purpose Of Using The Questionnaire  First step in beginning a comprehensive community planning process.  Answering the questions promotes community engagement and full participation from elders to youth.  Results will indicate the community’s economic development readiness or tell the community where it needs to focus its attention to prepare for economic development readiness.  Answers will identify whether current community processes are aligned with the community’s goals.  Answers will provide the framework for a community profile in order to market the community for economic development opportunities, investment projects, partnering, job growth and other business development activities.  Answers will assist Band Councils to make fiscal decisions and to plan for short and long term sustainable economic, social and infrastructure development.  Answers will give EDOs the information about the community that can be used when completing funding proposals etc. (See Appendix)  EDOs will have information that may help in assisting entrepreneurship and business development in the community.  Communities will be able to assess their growth over time by comparing questionnaire results annually.

6. 6  The questionnaire is divided into three sections:  community, infrastructure and economic development.  Each section is divided into categories:  Plans and process, civic capacity, communications, social vitality, social capacity, facilities and services, land use planning and a variety of economic development sub-sections.  Communities only answer as many questions as fit their needs.  The goal of the questionnaire is to be as complete as possible.  Questions left unanswered will help identify specific categories needing improvement and areas to target for future growth. Design Of The Questionnaire

7. 7  The questionnaire was a grass roots initiative created with First Nations for First Nations.  The questionnaire is flexible. Each community will decide who will answer the questions, for example, Chief and Band Council, community members, EDOs, etc. Ideally, a combination of people from across all aspects of the community will have an opportunity to participate.  The questionnaire takes into consideration other significant factors in a First Nations community that contribute to economic growth, for example, culture, education, leadership, governance, natural resources, infrastructure, housing and more.  The results of the questionnaire will represent a holistic picture of a First Nation community’s strengths and opportunities which it can then use to assess itself over time to promote economic progress.  Knowing the communities strengths and opportunities for economic growth will permit discussions and potential partnerships with neighbouring municipalities.  Youth and youth councils will have an opportunity to participate in the economic growth of their community with a clear vision and direction for their community. What Makes This Questionnaire Special?

8. 8 Background  The Working Group is co-chaired by OFNEDA and MEDT.  Working group members include: OFNEDA, Chiefs of Ontario (COO), MEDT, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).  Two meetings have taken place in December, 2010 and January 2011. A work plan and timeline were developed. Timeline Winter 2011: Refine questionnaire Present at the Economic Development Information Session and confirm pilot test locations Spring 2011: Pilot test and analyse the questionnaire Summer 2011: Finalize the questionnaire and post on appropriate websites. Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire Working Group

9. 9 Objectives  To ensure the Community Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire will meet the needs of Ontario First Nations.  By piloting the questionnaire, determine which categories are relevant to the future economic development of each First Nation.  To ensure the Community Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire meets the needs of First Nations throughout the province by taking a grass roots approach with feedback from the pilot communities.  To have a final and comprehensive Community Economic Development Readiness Questionnaire available for First Nations communities in print and online format that can be used to further community planning and long term economic development. Objectives of the Pilot Testing

10. 10 The goal is to invite up to four First Nations communities across the province to administer the questionnaire in their communities with the support of Chief and Council. Process:  A working group member(s) will present the questionnaire to Chief and Band Council with the EDO to garner support for the pilot test.  The Band Manager will decide how the questionnaire will be administered.  A working group member(s) will provide on-going consultative support during the administering of the questionnaire to the proponent.  The proponents will provide an analysis of the results to the Chief and community.  When the pilot has been completed, the proponents will conduct an analysis of the process and provide a feed back report to the Working Group on the utility of the questionnaire. (Note: The answers to questions remain the confidential property of the First Nation.)  The Working Group will revise and finalize the questionnaire based on the feed back received from the communities’ experience. Plan For Pilot Testing

11. 11 DISCUSSION COMMENTS? QUESTIONS?

12. 12 Appendix Potential Funding Programs The Community Economic Opportunities Program. FedNor HRSDC Other? * Contact your INAC project officer to ensure compliance with regional and program guidelines.