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Aboriginal Business Info-Guide

Last Verified: 2007-10-03

This Info-Guide is designed to direct you to government programs, services and regulations for Aboriginal entrepreneurs. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does focus on information relevant to Aboriginal people in Newfoundland and Labrador.  This guide should be used in conjunction with our Business Start-Up Info-Guide.

For more information, contact the listed organizations directly, or contact the:

Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre
90 O'Leary Avenue
P.O. Box 8687
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador  A1B 3T1
Telephone: 709-772-6022
Fax: 709-772-6090
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 (in the Atlantic region only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: info@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/nl
Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Aboriginal People in Newfoundland and Labrador
Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs (LLA)
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
Other Organizations Offering Business Financing and Support
Other Key Web Sites
   - Financial Assistance
   - Information Services
   - Management Services
   - Taxation
   - Regulations
   - Friendship Centres


Aboriginal People in Newfoundland and Labrador

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There are four groups of Aboriginal people in this province: the Innu; the Inuit; the Metis; and the Mi'kmaq. They are represented primarily by the following Aboriginal organziations:

Innu Nation
The Innu Nation is the governing body of the Innu of Labrador. It represents the collective rights and interests of approximately 1,700 Innu people in two communities, Sheshatshiu and Davis Inlet (Utshimassit) under the direction of an elected Board of Directors. Legally, the Innu Nation is a federally incorporated not-for-profit corporation, first incorporated as the Naskapi-Montagnais Innu Association (NMIA) in 1977.

The Innu Nation's primary objective is to represent the Innu of Labrador in land rights (or comprehensive claims) and self-government negotiations.

Labrador Inuit Association (LIA)
LIA is controlled by the Inuit of Labrador and represents their collective political interests including finalization of a land claim agreement. LIA manages its subsidiaries and represents collective Labrador Inuit political interests.

On the LIA Web site, you will find the Labrador Inuit Business Directory.  This directory is derived from the national Inuit Business Directory developed by the Pan Arctic Inuit Logistics Corporation (PAIL). Contact information on Inuit-owned businesses is provided, as well as information on the products and services that are provided to customers by these businesses, and links to company web sites.  

Labrador Metis Nation
With 5,000 members, the Labrador Métis Nation is Labrador's largest Aboriginal organization. They are primarily the descendents of Inuit women and British men, although they also have Innu, Mi'Kmaq, and Cree blood. For these reasons, they call themselves Métis.

Federation of Newfoundland Indians
The Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) was established in 1972 to promote the social, cultural, economic and educational well being of the Mi’Kmaq people of Newfoundland. The FNI currently represent approximately 4500 Mi’Kmaqs located in nine bands, primarily in the central and western regions of the province. The band councils are as follows:

  • Corner Brook Indian Band
  • Elmastogoeg Indian Band
  • Flat Bay Indian Band
  • St. George’s Indian Band
  • Port au Port East Indian Band
  • Indian Head First Nations
  • Sple'tk
  • Glenwood Mi’Kmaq 1st Nation
  • Gander Bay Indian Band.

Miawpukek First Nation  (Council of Conne River MicMacs)
The Miawpukek Band Reserve has an on reserve population of approximately 700 people. The reserve is located on the South East Shore of Newfoundland. The Reserve covers an area of some 14 square miles. It lies 560 km from the Capital city of St. John's and 180 km from the nearest services center, Grand Falls.

The Miawpukek Band was not recognized as an official Indian Act Band until 1984 but since being recognized, the Council has taken on the mandate of turning the community into an economically self-sufficient community guided by traditional native values.

Benoit First Nation
The Benoit First Nation is a Mi'kmaq community that traces its history back to the Chego/Shegone family, to Francois Benoit and Anne L'Official, who are the ancestors to most of the Benoit family of Mi'kmaq in Taqamkuk. Mi'kmaq have always had a prominent presence in St. George's Bay (Baie St-George) and on the Port au Port Peninsula. The Benoit First Nation ancestors came from around the Bras d'Or lakes area in Nova Scotia.

Benoit First Nation recognizes the Taqamkuk District leader traditional Saqamaw Misel Joe, as chief of all Taqamkukewa'q (Newfoundland Mi'kmaq).

zARCHIVE - Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)

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The Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN) uses information and Internet technologies, where possible, to provide a range of business products and services.  The ABSN builds on the structure of existing Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network, which provides free-of-charge access to government information on business programs, services and regulations.

The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network currently has over 35 Network Sites, 8 of which are ABSN Sites (see list below).  At each of these ABSN Sites, you can access a computer, a collection of key business books, and assistance from staff involved in local business and community economic development initiatives.

For more information, contact the  ABSN Site  nearest you.

Nain   (Nunatsiavut Business Centre: 709-922-2842)
Partners:

  • Town Council of Nain
  • Inukshuk Development Corporation
  • Labrador Inuit Development Corporation

Makkovik   (Inukshuk Office Building: 709-923-2161)
Partners:

  • Inukshuk Development Corporation

Rigolet   (Town Council Building: 709-947-3382)
Partners:

  • Town Council of Rigolet
  • Inukshuk Development Corporation

Sheshatshiu   (Band Council Office: 709-497-8522)
Partners:

  • Sheshatshiu Innu Band Council
  • Innu Business Development Centre
  • Innu Development Limited Partnership

Cartwright   (Development Association Office Building: 709-938-7330)
Partners:

  • Southern Star Employment Assistance Services
  • Labrador Metis Nation
  • Eagle River Development Association
  • Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation

Hopedale   (Town Council Building: 709-933-3490)
Partner:

  • Town Council of Hopedale
  • Inukshuk Development Corporation

Conne River Reserve (Band Council Office - 709-882-2470)
Partners:

  • Miawpukek Mi'Kamawey Mawi'omi (Council of Conne River MicMacs)

Happy Valley-Goose Bay    (169 Hamilton River Road: 709-896-5035)
Partners:

  • Métis Business Centre

Canada/Newfoundland & Labrador Business Service Centre

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Below is a sampling of some of the titles on Aboriginal issues that are available for loan from the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre. Visit our web site to search our  Library catalog online, or for information on our free  Books By Mail Service .  Or contact our Centre to speak with a Business Information Officer.

Aboriginal art and culture
Author:  Bingham, Jane
Call number:  E 78 B56 2005

The 2005 annotated Indian Act and Aboriginal constitutional provisions
Call number:  K 447 I52 2004

Siksika Arts Cooperative : native arts & crafts
Call number:  E 78 S54 2004

Not strangers in these parts : urban Aboriginal people
Call number:  E 78 N672 2003

Aboriginal conditions : research as a foundation for public policy
Call number:  E 78 A362 2003

U.S. market report : a guide for Canadian exporters of Aboriginal arts and crafts
Call number:  E 78 C365 2003

Journey to success : Aboriginal women's business planning guide
Author:  Indian and Northern Affairs
Call number:  E 78 C364 2003

Who are Canada's Aboriginal peoples : recognition, definition and jurisdiction
Call number:  E 78 W56 2002

Aboriginal arts & crafts and tourism : a sectorial analysis
Author:  Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada
Call number:  E 78 A36 2002

Remembering the years of my life : journeys of a Labrador Inuit hunter
Author:  Maggo, Paulus
Call number:  E 78 M333 1999

The people of Sheshatshit : in the land of the Innu
Author:       Mailhot, Jose.
Call number:  E 78 M34 1997

Full circle : Canada's first nations
Author:       Steckley, John L.
Call number:  E 78 S73 2001

Aboriginal peoples of Canada : a short introduction
Author:       Magocsi, Paul Robert.
Call number:  E 78 M33 2002

Aboriginal women in business & politics
Call number:  E 78 A361 2000

Creating value through corporate-Aboriginal economic relationships
Author:       Loizides, Stelios
Call number:  E 78 L64 2001

Aboriginal entrepreneurship and business development
Author:       Anderson, Robert Brent
Call number:  E 78 A62 2002

Facilitating aboriginal entrepreneurship : a review of best practices, notable practices and next practices
Author:       McBride, John
Call number:  E 78 M32 2001

Population indienne inscrite selon le sexe et la réidence : 2001
Call number:  REF E 78 .C3 R431 2002

The spirit lives : aboriginal entrepreneurs in Canada
Call number:  VIDEO # 555 BJSV

Aboriginal entrepreneurs
Call number:  VIDEO # 590 BJZS

The Centre also has the following reference books and magazines (not available for loan):

Aboriginal business and community directory : 2006
Call number:  REF E 78 A36 2005

Taxation and financing of Aboriginal business in Canada
Call number:  REF E 78 B76 2003 v.1-2

Consolidated native law : statutes, regulations and treaties : 2005
Call number:  REF E 78 C66 2005

Basic departmental data : 2000
Call number:  REF HA 741 C36 2001

Registered Indian population by sex and residence : 2001
Call number:  REF E 78 .C3 R43 2002

Aboriginal Times Magazine
http://aboriginaltimes.com/

Inuktitut Magazine

Windspeaker - Canada's National Aboriginal News Source

Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

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This is the Provincial Government department responsible for coordinating government's activities related to Labrador Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs, including developing policy and programs, managing federal-provincial agreements, negotiating land claims, public information, and all matters of significant public interest in Labrador.

The principal tasks of the Department in the field of Aboriginal Affairs are:

  • policy development for Aboriginal issues;
  • negotiating land claims treaties and self-government agreements;
  • implementing and managing land claims agreements once achieved; and
  • providing public information and education in matters related to land claims.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

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This is the Federal Government department that has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners.  The Department's primary role is to support First Nations and Inuit in developing healthy, sustainable communities and in achieving their economic and social aspirations. Some specific initiatives of the Department are described below:

Aboriginal Business Canada
Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing.  ABC provides eligible majority-owned Aboriginal enterprises with:

  • financial assistance;
  • business information and resource materials; and
  • referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)
The government launched the PSAB to help Aboriginal firms do more contracting with all the federal departments and agencies.

Aboriginal businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador should register their firms with  Business Access Canada.

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) : AWPI Employer Toolkit
The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative was designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The toolkit has been designed to help employers increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to Aboriginal employment.

First Nations and Inuit Youth Work Experience Program
The key activities associated with this program are:

  • mentored work experience;
  • career planning and counselling activities, including a needs assessment for each participant;
  • life and work skills development for the participant.

First Nations and Inuit Student Summer Employment Opportunities Program
The objectives of this program are to:

  • support skills acquisition through the provision of wage subsidies for short term work experience;
  • assist First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students to prepare for future entry into the labour market by facilitating access to summer employment; and
  • support First Nations and Inuit students to earn wages for post-secondary financing.

Community Economic Development Program
Financial support is intended for community economic development planning and capacity development initiatives, development of proposals and leveraging financial resources, and carrying out economic development activities.

Community Economic Opportunities Program
This program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.

First Nations Forestry Program
Program designed to assist First Nations to build capacity and assume control of the management of their forest resources, to establish partnerships with provinces and industry, and to actively participate in off-reserve forestry and other economic development opportunities.

Indian and Inuit Art Centre Acquisition Program
Canadian First Nations and Métis artists have access to the Indian Art Centre Art Acquisition Program where artists can submit their works of art for sale to the Indian Art Acquisition Jury who will select works for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Indian Art Collection.

Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide
This guide reflects input from Aboriginal women across the country, individual entrepreneurs and representatives of Aboriginal women's organizations. Their ideas and advice have been included into this practical and easy-to-use tool for Aboriginal women who are thinking of going into business.

This guide is also available in Inuktitut (in PDF* format).

Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

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Ulnooweg Development Group is part of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association. It provides loans to status Indian entrepreneurs and assists in the development of native people living both on and off reserve in Atlantic Canada.

Ulnooweg Loan
Loans of up to $250,000 for any business need, including expansion, acquisition and refinancing.

Aboriginal Business Development Loan
Loans of up to $125,000 for any business need, excluding refinancing.

ABC Aboriginal Youth Business Loan
Loans up to $15,000, for Aboriginal business owners aged 35 or younger. Loans are designated for anything except refinancing.

Atlantic Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Awards
These annual awards celebrate the accomplishments of Aborignal entrepreneurs in the following categories:

  • Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Business of the Year (for each province)
  • Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Band Enterprise of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement
  • Economic Development Officer of the Year.

Ms. Dana Squire
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
58 Lemarchant Road
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador  A1C 6K1
Telephone: 709-726-3750 or 709-726-3752
Fax: 726-3742
Web site: http://www.ulnooweg.ca

Other Organizations Offering Business Financing and Support

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There are a number of departments, agencies and organizations involved in promoting entrepreneurship and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Their programs and services are available to all entrepreneurs who qualify, including Aboriginal entrepreneurs. For specific information, contact the departments, agencies and organizations listed below.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Business Development Program

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business

Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF)
 Start-up Financing for Youth
Expansion Financing for Youth
Mentors for Young Entrepreneurs
Succession Financing for Youth

Community Business Development Corporations
(including Metro Business Opportunities Corporation - MBOC))

Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE)
Wage subsidy programs

Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (DITRD)
 Commercialization Program
Craft Industry Development Program
Innovation Enhancement Program
Small Business and Market Development Program
Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund

Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC)
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program (ASEP)

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
Aboriginal Cultural Industries - Market Reports and Services

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
 Entreprise and Entrepreneurship Gateway
Genesis Centre

Metro Business Opportunities Corporation (MBOC)
(see above: Community Business Development Corporations )

National Research Council
NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE)
Women in Business Initiative

Y Employment & Enterprise Services
Assistance with business plan development

Banks and Credit Unions
All major banks and credit unions offer small business loans and have a wealth of business information available on their Web sites. Listed below are links to the major financial institutions operating in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Other Key Web Sites

Financial Assistance

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Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada
 Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) (ACAAF)
Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI)

Canada Council for the Arts
 Canada Council for the Arts - Grants

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Aboriginal Housing Programs and Services
Housing Programs and Financial Assistance

Canadian Heritage
Various programs

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
 CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS)
Indigenous Peoples Partnership Program

Canadian Television Fund

Environment Canada
EcoAction Community Funding Program

Infrastructure Canada
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
First Nations Forestry Program

Peace Hills Trust Company
Business and personal banking services

Telefilm Canada
Alternative Distribution Networks Program
Canada Feature Film Fund
Canada New Media Fund
Canada Showcase - A Program of Grants for Canadian Festivals
ARCHIVED - Canadian Television Fund (CTF)

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Information Services

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Aboriginal Youth Business Council

AYBC is a volunteer run, non-profit, youth-driven council of First Nation, Metis, & Inuit entrepreneurs. This web site helps Aboriginal youth find the information they need to reach their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Assembly of First Nations

Presents the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation, Land Claims, Environment, and a whole array of issues that are of common concern which arise from time to time.

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) -  Aboriginal Resource Guide

This user-friendly tool is designed to help Aboriginal people search for information they require to develop or enhance administrative and financial skills in order to increase their capacity to use the services of financial institutions successfully.

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Connects Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they require to achieve personal and business success.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

Provides information about Aboriginal peoples across Canada who live in a non-reserve setting whether urban, rural or wilderness.

Government of Canada
Aboriginal Canada Portal

The Aboriginal Canada Portal has information on the following topics:

  • Aboriginal Organizations
  • Economic Development and Business
  • Claims and Treaties
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Environment and Natural Resources
  • Health and Social Services
  • Housing and Infrastructure
  • Justice and Policing
  • Language, Heritage and Culture
  • Policy, Research and Statistics.

Metis National Council

Source of information for Métis on national and international developments and initiatives.

Pan Arctic Inuit Logistics (PAIL)

Pan Arctic Inuit Logistics Corporation (PAIL), in a 50/50 joint venture with ATCO Frontec Corp. of Calgary, operates and maintains the Canadian portion of the North Warning System on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND). As of December 1, 2001 the PAIL/ATCO Frontec joint venture has performed these operations through a jointly-owned company, Nasittuq Corporation.

PAIL is 100% owned and controlled by the Inuit in the four Inuit land claims settlement regions of Canada, acting through their respective "heritage organizations". PAIL's seven shareholders are:

  • Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC);
  • Nunasi Corporation;
  • Makivik Corporation;
  • Labrador Inuit Development Corporation (LIDC);
  • Qikiqtaaluk Corporation;
  • Sakku Investments Corporation; and
  • Kitikmeot Corporation.

Statistics Canada -  Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2001

Statistics Canada maintains files from 1991 that provide a social and economic profile of aboriginal people.

Management Services

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CESO Aboriginal Services

The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)  has volunteer advisers for Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit businesses, communities and organizations.

Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers -  CANDO

Supports Aboriginal economic development officers (EDOs) through networking, information, publications, support services and special initiatives or projects.

Taxation

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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) -  Aboriginal Peoples

This site contains information for status Indians and northern residents.

Indian Taxation Advisory Board (ITAB)

Provides advice and assistance to members of First Nations considering real property taxation.

Regulations

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Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)

The CBA has a document entitled  Understanding the Regulatory Environment for On-Reserve Lending .

Friendship Centres

Labrador Friendship Centre

St. John's Native Friendship Centre Assn.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.



Last Modified: 2008-02-06

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