News Release

For immediate release 
June 5, 2003

FIRST NATION YOUTH BUSINESS SUMMIT 

ESKASONI, N.S. -- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding for the First Nation Youth Business Summit to be held in Sydney and Eskasoni on June 6 and 7, 2003. The Summit is co-hosted by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and Eskasoni First Nation.

A capacity crowd of 150 young leaders from the 13 First Nation communities in Nova Scotia will gather to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option. The Summit will include a trade show, workshops, interactive sessions, a discussion on career trends and numerous presentations by well-known Canadians such as Susan Aglukark, Tom Jackson and John Kim-Bell.

The keynote address on Friday evening will be delivered by John Kim-Bell, a world-renowned conductor, director and producer, who has been instrumental in the establishment of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. Currently in its 18th year, the Foundation has awarded $14 million in scholarships to Aboriginal youth pursuing education development in business, science, health, medicine and the performing and visual arts. 

“Small business is the engine that drives the economy, especially here in Atlantic Canada, ” says Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne.“ Those attending this Summit will be better equipped to evaluate their personal preparedness to meet the challenges of starting and growing a business. They will have an opportunity to learn first-hand the experiences of other First Nation leaders.”

“Career First (Summit) will allow First Nation youth to explore opportunities offered in entrepreneurship,“ says Tracy Menge, manager of the Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation. “The event can realistically result in our youth seeking out business ownership as a career option, thus creating additional wealth in each of their individual First Nation communities.”

The Summit’s official opening ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2003 at the Delta Sydney. A copy of the Summit itinerary for Friday and Saturday is attached.

The total estimated cost of the project is $165,000. ECBC will provide a non-repayable contribution of $86,100. Funding for the project is being provided under the Young Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (YEDI), Aspiring Entrepreneurs element.

The YEDI objective is to create jobs and wealth in Atlantic Canada by enabling more young entrepreneurs to successfully launch and grow a business. It provides opportunities to develop the attitudes and business skills needed to identify business opportunities. 

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan 
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne 
Minister of State 
Tel: (613) 941-7241

John Coady
Office of Mark Eyking, MP
Sydney-Victoria
Tel: (902) 567-6275

Mary Ann MacCormick
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7269

Tracy Menge, Manager
Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation
Tel: (902) 379-2422 or 379-2800