Press Release
September 25, 2008
From the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)
Working together towards a strong economic future for Kahnawa:ke
Montreal – The Awimel Consulting Firm is just one business helped by CESO as part of a long-term partnership which began in 2005 and is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, individuals, small businesses, and others in the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawa:ke.
The Mohawk Nation of Kahnawa:ke is located on the outskirts of Montreal. The largest First Nations community in Quebec, 7,000 of its 9,000 members live on the reserve. Through its Volunteer Advisers (VAs), CESO has been providing mentoring and consultancy services to local entrepreneurs, community organizations and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawa:ke in such areas as urban planning, social services, cost analyses, water and sewer operations, job process evaluations, communication process and financial reviews, and land zoning.
CESO is a not-for-profit organization that helps to build proud independent communities. Since 1969, CESO Aboriginal Services has provided advisory services to Aboriginal communities across Canada. Services are defined by, and delivered at the request of individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations. CESO’s client needs are met through multiple approaches including mentoring, advising, training and workshops. CESO Aboriginal Services has successfully linked Aboriginal individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations with professional Volunteer Advisers in over 25,000 projects.
The Awimel Consulting Firm required assistance in developing project management skills and strategies to successfully complete the 100th anniversary memorial, commemorating the Quebec Bridge Disaster. CESO recruited VA Thomas Kramer for the task, and over a 14-month period, he provided assistance with direction and strategic planning. By the end of the assignment, VA Kramer had helped with the creation of management tools which allowed the Firm to implement a long-term plan and move towards its objectives.
The Quebec Native Women Inc. (QNW), mandated to represent Aboriginal women from the First Nations in Quebec and Aboriginal women living in urban areas, were the hosts of the Fifth Continental Meeting of the Indigenous Women of the Americas held in July 2007. Early in 2007, QNW contacted CESO for help to raise funds for the Meeting attendees. This time, VA Jean-Louis Castonguay was called upon by CESO to transfer his skills to the client. He introduced new operational procedures for fundraising for the event which helped QNW to raise enough money to cover the attendees’ travel and accommodation costs.
Step-by-Step Child and Family Centre received CESO assistance from 2005-2007. The Centre needed help to improve its salary scales. It also needed a review of its job descriptions and an equitable remunerations policy reflective of the diversity and complexity of existing jobs. VA Jules Bélanger helped the Centre develop a new remuneration policy and reinforced the Centre’s knowledge of human resources management practices. He also informed the board of directors of new ideas important for the success of the organization. As a result, the Centre was able to improve the quality of its products and services, increase the number of services it provides and improve their operating efficiency. Step-by-Step is now better positioned in the job market.
CESO worked for 15 months with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawa:ke in the area of management development and training related to economic development. CESO and its volunteers have definitely made an impact in the community and Michael Ahrihrhon Delisle Jr., Grand Chief of Kahnawa:ke said, “CESO has contributed positively toward our community of Kahnawa:ke. Above and beyond what CESO has contributed to our community, they have played an integral role with building strong economies and communities throughout Canada.”
Do you have a business in need of advice and services? Does your community require assistance in financial management, business development and governance? Could you benefit from a temporary or ongoing mentorship? If so, CESO Volunteer Advisers can provide you with the help needed to achieve your goals.
For more information on how to access CESO’s services or how to join as a Volunteer Advisers contact your local CESO office or visit: www.ceso-saco.com.
For more information, contact:
Joanna Dupras
CESO Quebec office Regional Manager
1-800-561-0687 ext. 104
Josie Marchese
CESO Communications Manager
1-800-268-9052 ext. 253
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