The NIEDB Identifies Economic Development as a Foundational Element to Achieve Reconciliation in their 2016-2019 Strategic Plan - The National Indigenous Economic Development Board

Ottawa, ON – During their last quarterly meeting held in February, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) formally adopted their 2016-2019 Strategic Plan setting out a broad forward agenda for their work.

Through advice and recommendations to the Government of Canada, the Board’s work will aim to engage urban, rural and remote Indigenous communities alike in developing policy recommendations that respond to the circumstances of the wide variety of Indigenous communities across Canada – a one-size fits all approach will not work as Indigenous peoples move forward. With a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government, one that starts with the recognition of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, the Board will work to measure the changing economic landscape for Indigenous peoples and to track progress and indicate key areas for improvement and focus.

The Board’s vision is a vibrant Indigenous economy, where Indigenous peoples are economically self-sufficient and have achieved economic parity with Canadian society. The Board is fully committed to this objective and calls on all Canadians to work with Indigenous peoples to make Indigenous economic success a reality.

“It is in the interest of all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are full participants in the economy and are able to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s economic prosperity” – said Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB .

The 2016-2019 Strategic Plan focuses on five key priorities over the next three years:

Enhancing Indigenous Community Readiness for Economic Opportunities
Access to Capital: Building Stable Revenues
Building the Economic Potential of Our Lands and Minimizing Environmental Impacts
Supporting Indigenous Businesses
Promoting the Importance of Indigenous Economic Development

“There are still significant barriers to Indigenous economic development that must be addressed. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis will achieve comparable outcomes in education and income and have access to jobs and skills training on the same level enjoyed by other Canadians when these barriers are removed.” – Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the NIEDB .

The NIEDB

Established in 1990, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a Governor in Council appointed board mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the federal government on issues related to Indigenous economic development. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada, the Board helps governments to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada.