Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada April 27, 11:00 a.m. Dalhousie University John G. Paul, Executive Director

First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada Today is a good day here in Halifax to highlight the importance of education to our people, and the significant economic contributions we make to the Atlantic economy. The vision of our Chiefs to recognize the critical importance of these two key elements says a lot about our future and our way forward. Our expanding population of youth must be unleashed into the broader Atlantic economy in order for that economy to continue to grow and expand. We, with our many business people, will continue to find innovative ways to grow and to make our home here in Atlantic Canada stronger and more prosperous. Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 2

First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada It is a defining time for Atlantic Canada’s Indigenous communities and we are proud of our contribution to the region’s economy. Our communities across the region have creative determination and are committed to fully leveraging our economic potential. Our population is growing – not declining – and we are young. We are only going to continue to grow and prosper, with much of that growth and prosperity occurring in rural Atlantic regions. Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 3

First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada We want to do more. We want to partner with the provinces as we move forward, including with One Nova Scotia’s Action plan entitled “We Choose Now”. Our message for everyone today is this: We want to engage with you. We want to engage with all levels of government, and the private sector - everyone in this room and beyond this room - to generate employment, training, and education opportunities to the maximum in order to fill gaps and workforce shortages. Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 4

First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada Change and growth can only come through collective action and innovation; and with all of us, together, looking seven generations into the future so we all contribute to a green economy and a very good future for everyone. Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 5

First Ever Study on Economic Impact of Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada I wish to formally acknowledge the financial contributions of INAC, ACOA, and the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs who help fund our work through the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program. I want to thank Group ATN for their hard work in completing this research. Finally, I want to thank Dalhousie University for hosting this event and for being such a strong collaborative partner on many of our initiatives through the years. Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 6

Questions John G. Paul Executive Director Contact # Fax # Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) 7