1. Band-wide economic development (Seabird Island Band, British Columbia)

Located in Agassiz, Brigish Columiba, Seabird Island Band is 1,820 hectares of land bordered by the channels of the Fraser River. With a population of about 750 people, the  Band operates a restaurant, gas bar, and convenience store. It also has a hazelnut orchard, a sheep farm, a cottonwood plantation and leasing of cultivated land, as well as the Seabird Island Community School. According to a Seabird Island Band member: “Having the VA available as required enabled the Band to pursue matters in a timely  manner that we were able to succeed at many situations.” ... (more)

2. Building strong financial institutions (Wasaya Group Inc., Ontario)

In 2005, Wasaya Group Inc. of Thunder Bay, representing a partnership of 10 First Nation communities, set out to examine the potential for an Aboriginal credit union in Northern Ontario. Access to basic financial services, particularly for remote communities, is a challenge.  “This credit union initiative is bigger than Wasaya, it is a good opportunity for First Nations and other Aboriginal organizations.” … (more)

3. Growing tourism business (Grand River Canoe Company, Labrador)

In an effort to sustain the tradition of canoe building in Labrador, Joe Goudie began building hand crafted wood and canvas canoes in 1996. In 1997, he opened his own shop, the Grand River Canoe Company.  To expand his store to include storage space and to increase his business productivity, Mr. Goudie got in contact with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO).... (more)