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Canadian Rural Partnership
January 23-24, 2001
Chapleau, Ontario
ANNEX B — COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS' PRESENTATIONS
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Presentation 3 — Brunswick House First Nation
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Representatives: | Thomas Saunders, Elder
Isabelle Woods, Economic Development Officer
Evelyn Wolfe, Education Councillor |
| Date: | Wednesday, January 24, 2001 |
The representatives of the Brunswick House First Nation began by saying that they have a young and growing population (45–50% of the total population is between 19 and 29 years of age), and hence youth issues are their primary concern.
The representatives said that the Brunswick House First Nation is plagued by high levels of drug and alcohol abuse, crime, high school student dropout rates and unemployment. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of resources (they are able to afford only one part-time counselor and no full time staff). Brunswick House First Nation had applied for the Aboriginal Head Start Program but was not successful. The representatives said that there are many young parents in the community but no day care facilities. Without day care, many young parents are unable to work because they have no one to care for their children. In addition, there is a serious lack of public transportation facilities, making it difficult for young people to get to work.
The representatives said that they are concerned about the lack of skills and resultant apathy among youth. Many young people want training in trades such as construction, heavy equipment operation and plumbing, but under the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) criteria this type of training does not qualify as post-secondary. The lack of funding for training means no jobs; without jobs, the young people leave to go to large cities, and those who stay often become dependent on alcohol or drugs.
This lack of future opportunities within the First Nation community also plays a large role in the high school dropout issue. If education does not provide them with the necessary skills to obtain employment, the youth have no reason to stay in school.
Training in construction skills would not only provide jobs, but would also help address the severe shortage of adequate and affordable housing for this First Nation, the representative said.
They also wanted the federal government to find a way to fund a recreation centre. This would give the young people a safe place to socialize.
The representatives said that Brunswick House First Nation would like to set up an Economic Development Corporation but the community members lack the specialized skills needed to develop strategic plans and educational programs. The First Nation asked the federal government to help them train leaders — people who can coordinate long-term strategic economic development efforts.
The representatives also indicated that Brunswick House First Nation is interested in developing mining and tourism opportunities. Ms. Woods, specifically, expressed an interest in developing and building an interpretive centre. She said that a multi-million dollar water treatment plant (funded primarily by INAC) was launched in the community but workers lacked the specialized skills needed to maintain or repair equipment and ensure that water safety testing protocols and standards are met.
Economic Development Officer, Chapleau Regional Development, Marty Peterson asked if the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) could provide a support person to help develop strategic plans. The Rural Team members responded by saying that at this time the human resources are unavailable from any of the government agencies, departments or ministries. However, they did offer the following suggestions as to how this and other issues could be addressed:
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Johnny Yesno said that funding for development of a strategic plan may be available through MNDM.
- Ray Hemmerling suggested that perhaps FedNor could provide funding to hire a consultant to carry out planning work under the Youth Internship Program. Another option, he suggested, could be to seek assistance from an existing Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) in the region. He suggested Brian Phillips as the person to contact to find out what FedNor can do regarding the planning issue.
- Scott Flamand indicated that funding for development of an economic development strategy may also be available through CMHC.
- Ron Cantin indicated that the Ontario Trillium Foundation may be able to provide assistance for pre-school and primary school students to encourage a desire to learn and stay in school.
Representatives of the Brunswick House First Nation indicated that in May 1999, a fire destroyed a great deal of forest and had a significant negative impact on housing. The fire also resulted in a loss of wildlife in the area. Forest and lands management people and conservation officers are needed to address these issues, they said.
Rod Smith mentioned that, under the CFS First Nations Forestry Program, help may be available for proposals aimed at building community capacity. Bob Leonard added that INAC's Resource Access Negotiation Program may also be helpful, and Ray Hemmerling mentioned that FedNor has an Aboriginal Forestry Development Officer (Gerry Lesage) in Sault Ste. Marie who may provide guidance in this area.
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