Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Conference & Tradeshow The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board Monday October 24, 2011

2 The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) was established in 1990 and members are appointed by Order-in-Council to provide strategic policy and program advice to the federal government on Aboriginal economic development. The Board brings together First Nations, Inuit and Métis business and community leaders from all regions of Canada to advise the federal government on ways to help increase the economic participation of Aboriginal men and women in the Canadian economy The NAEDB believes that Aboriginal Canadians and their businesses play an important role in creating a stronger economy, better jobs, and a prosperous future for all Canadians The NAEDB

3 NAEDB - The Benchmarking Series The development of this report series has been a long-standing priority of the NAEDB. Discussions around the development of this study began in The NAEDB believed that there was a fundamental need for a report which would measure the progress of Aboriginal socio-economic development relative to the broader Canadian population. The overall objective of the report would be to provide credible data information on Aboriginal economic development in Canada to help inform the federal’s government’s Aboriginal policy agenda, and to measure and benchmark Canadian Aboriginal economic progress into the future.

4 NAEDB - The Benchmarking Series (cont’d) The Benchmarking Series is considered to be an important contribution of the NAEDB towards measuring economic development outcomes with respect to the implementation of the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development. Part I of the series establishes key indicators measuring economic development of Aboriginal People while Part II elaborates the indicators to include education, resources, infrastructure and social development. We anticipate this information will allow us to strategically target the NAEDB’s future recommendations to the Government on policy and program development around Aboriginal economic development.

5 Methodology The benchmarking series is being prepared by Bell Browne Molnar & Delicate Consulting (BBMD) with the direction of the NAEDB: Phase 1: Document Review Review of relevant information, performance frameworks, indicator databases, data sources and performance reports. Initial database of 1420 indicators: 412 Economic Development, 600 Education, 160 Infrastructure, 138 Resources, 110 Social Development.

6 Methodology- cont’d Phase 2: Consultations with Stakeholders Workplan was presented to key stakeholders on proposed indicators including: - National Aboriginal Organizations - Subject Matter Experts in Economic Development and Statistical Analysis - All relevant AANDC stakeholders - All relevant government departments and agencies

7 Methodology (cont’d) Phase 2: Writing Report All key publically available national data sources (census, labour force survey, etc.) were analyzed Given the scope of data against many of the proposed indicators, the project team engaged with and reviewed documents and data from over 100 other organizations, including NAO’s, pertinent F/P/T departments and agencies, NGOs, private sector organizations and associations and some academic literature AANDC provided program data related to education, infrastructure and social development Resource data across all three Aboriginal heritage groups, particularly related to endowment and opportunities was largely unavailable.

8 Key Findings Although economic development outcomes have improved, as measured by income, labour force participation and employment, significant gaps still exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Outcomes for on-reserve population are significant lower than most other Aboriginal populations. Off-reserve First Nations and Métis not only have smaller gaps compared with the non-Aboriginal population, but they also show substantial progress, falling more than 10 percent between 1996 and Significant data gaps exist for key socio-economic indicators.

9 Key Findings (cont’d) First Nations with control over lands and resources have better outcomes (although data is weak and causation is unknown). First Nations participating in FNLM have higher median and average earnings and outperform other First Nations in income and earnings. In 2003, First Nations and Inuit were accessing only one tenth of one percent of the Canadian market capital, despite comprising 2.5 percent of the Canadian population. GDP estimate of reserves grew 7% from 2000 to 2005, compared to Canadian GDP growth of 13%.

10 Next Steps The report has highlighted the need to address the significant data gaps that exist which are needed to support Aboriginal economic development program and policy initiatives, particularly in Inuit and Métis communities. The NAEDB is working with AANDC to identify our next steps in addressing this issue. It is anticipated that the final National Benchmarking Report Series, Part I: Aboriginal Economic Development will be released in December 2011 and Part II in March 2012.

11 Secretariat Questions? For more information, please contact the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board at or by at or visit our website at: NAEDB-CNDEA.COM