Well, the day is finally upon us. I wish all candidates the best of luck and trust that those elected will serve the community in a diligent, honorable and vigilant way - remembering whom they serve and to what purpose.
Polls have been open since 8am and will stay open until 8pm. The ballot boxes at Quinsam Hall will be sealed at 8pm and transported to the Cape Mudge Band Office where all ballots will be counted. All ballots will be counted tonight and the results posted immediately.
I have been told that over 100 mail-in ballots have been received for this election - if accurate, this represents an almost 3-fold increase in off reserve voting over the last election 4 years ago. This is a dramatic increase and represents a new interest and resolve of our off reserve families to be heard and participate in the formation of our governance and leadership. Well done!
Thank you again for all the support - I trust that it will be more than adequate to usher in a new and much needed resolve for the governance of the We Wai Kai Nation.
Yours Truly,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
We Wai Kai Election Wednesday Jan 28th...
...Get out and exercise your right and privilege to Vote. Polling Station locations are only at these locations: Cape Mudge Band Office on Quadra Island and at the Quinsam Reserve in Campbell River. Voting represents your commitment to and participation in the responsible governance of our Community and Nation...not voting is bad-form. Do your part...you'll feel good about it.
I may only blog once or twice more before the Election tomorrow. I have enjoyed this process of communicating with you, and especially the comments, questions and analysis from many of you in the process. I hope that this communication and sharing will continue after the Election regardless of whether I am elected or not.
At the outset I wanted to engage Members about the ideas and opinions they have, and make clear my intentions and objectives if elected. In the final analysis you the people, We Wai Kai Members, will decide the outcome and I will respect and honor that choice. If elected you can be assured that I will act swiftly and responsibly to implement my platform of change, and keep Our people well engaged in discussions and dialogue about what is best for the We Wai Kai Nation.
Below is a quote I came across recently, I think is poignant.
Anonymous...on Making a Difference
Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.
It speaks to the notion that over the fullness of time...the established dogma or knowledge may be faulty for the times. Life and people and community naturally evolve and develop in ways that are not always fully comprehended, or in a manner which keeps us aware of the change. Sometimes the evolution is so subtle that we fail to notice the great changes that have made us who we are today...people very different from our ancestors in so many ways.
I trust that the important values remain, and the old and no-longer relevant ideas and understandings are discarded. I believe that it is this quality that has allowed our Peoples to survive first contact, the ensuing onslaught of disease and oppression, and our modern battles with rights and title, and a resurgence of culture and language (point in case - the modern Potlatch would not have been tolerated 50 years ago...in fact, I am sure those hosting would have been quickly exiled or put to death!).
Sometime change seems absurd. I would concur "that if at first the idea is not absurd then really there is no hope for it." - Einstein. Sometimes change is hard and difficult and feels contrary to everything we believe to be true or understand to be appropriate. The thing about change though is that it is inevitable - it is a force of nature that can not be stopped. The challenge for Our people is to embrace change and guide its impacts and outcomes...the challenge for Our people is to be masters of our own destiny and not slaves to it.
Like the anonymous quote above observes, we can be slaves to the agreed and applied assumptions and knowledge...or we can embrace a spirit and passion that allows us to be free of those chains and embraces something new and different. The outcome may very well mean the difference between success and failure, liberty and oppression, prosperity and doom.
Tomorrow - you decide. Take that responsibility seriously for you and your family, out of respect for our old people and ancestors, and most of all because only you can make a difference in guiding the future of our Nation.
I am running for Chief to facilitate change. Support me tomorrow and vote Lawrence Lewis for Chief.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
I may only blog once or twice more before the Election tomorrow. I have enjoyed this process of communicating with you, and especially the comments, questions and analysis from many of you in the process. I hope that this communication and sharing will continue after the Election regardless of whether I am elected or not.
At the outset I wanted to engage Members about the ideas and opinions they have, and make clear my intentions and objectives if elected. In the final analysis you the people, We Wai Kai Members, will decide the outcome and I will respect and honor that choice. If elected you can be assured that I will act swiftly and responsibly to implement my platform of change, and keep Our people well engaged in discussions and dialogue about what is best for the We Wai Kai Nation.
Below is a quote I came across recently, I think is poignant.
Anonymous...on Making a Difference
Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.
It speaks to the notion that over the fullness of time...the established dogma or knowledge may be faulty for the times. Life and people and community naturally evolve and develop in ways that are not always fully comprehended, or in a manner which keeps us aware of the change. Sometimes the evolution is so subtle that we fail to notice the great changes that have made us who we are today...people very different from our ancestors in so many ways.
I trust that the important values remain, and the old and no-longer relevant ideas and understandings are discarded. I believe that it is this quality that has allowed our Peoples to survive first contact, the ensuing onslaught of disease and oppression, and our modern battles with rights and title, and a resurgence of culture and language (point in case - the modern Potlatch would not have been tolerated 50 years ago...in fact, I am sure those hosting would have been quickly exiled or put to death!).
Sometime change seems absurd. I would concur "that if at first the idea is not absurd then really there is no hope for it." - Einstein. Sometimes change is hard and difficult and feels contrary to everything we believe to be true or understand to be appropriate. The thing about change though is that it is inevitable - it is a force of nature that can not be stopped. The challenge for Our people is to embrace change and guide its impacts and outcomes...the challenge for Our people is to be masters of our own destiny and not slaves to it.
Like the anonymous quote above observes, we can be slaves to the agreed and applied assumptions and knowledge...or we can embrace a spirit and passion that allows us to be free of those chains and embraces something new and different. The outcome may very well mean the difference between success and failure, liberty and oppression, prosperity and doom.
Tomorrow - you decide. Take that responsibility seriously for you and your family, out of respect for our old people and ancestors, and most of all because only you can make a difference in guiding the future of our Nation.
I am running for Chief to facilitate change. Support me tomorrow and vote Lawrence Lewis for Chief.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Figuring Out Treaty Negotiations...Why Is It Taking Sooo Long?!?!
I had the privilege and opportunity to work for the Hamatla Treaty Society (HTS) for a number of years as the Director of Operations. As you may know the HTS has the mandate from these Nation Chiefs & Councils to negotiate a Treaty Framework and Agreement, at the time it was: Komoks, We Wai Kai, We Wai Kum, Tlowitsis and Kwiakah. At the time, and this was over 5 years ago, the HTS was in Stage 4 Negotiations, or an Agreement in Principal. There are 6 stages to the negotiation process.
HTS has been in Stage 4 Negotiations for almost a decade!
Interestingly, while I worked for the HTS I often told the leadership at the time in confidence, that any Treaty negotiated under requisite present framework was a bad deal, and that I would not support it if we ever had to vote on it. Many of the staff deeply involved in the process felt the same way. We did our best at the time, but the process and structures were so deeply flawed that really there was no hope. The present day Treaty process is a shell of what it used to be. Komoks and Tlowtsis have since abandoned their partnership with HTS and negotiate treaty on their own now. The remaining efforts are weak, unfocused and continue to be greatly flawed in process and structure.
To learn more about the Treaty Process with Hamatla follow this link http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/hamatla_treaty/
You will quickly discover, if you visit the link or do any research on the matter, that not a lot has been accomplished...and despite recent suggestions to the contrary not a lot is planned to be accomplished. In fact, there have not been any scheduled meetings of the Negotiation Table since 2007! You have to ask yourself, "What is the problem, and why is this taking so long?"
So what's the deal (or lack thereof)?
2 core and critical problems exist. First and foremost the Provincial government is involved in the process - quite simply they should not be. The province defines their role in the following way...(borrowed from their website):
Russell Samuel Myers Ross makes this important observation in his blog: http://kwakwakawakw.blogspot.com/2009/01/tsilhqotin-chilcotin-landmark-court.html - FOLLOW AND READ THIS IT'S IMPORTANT!
"Aboriginal Title is akin to fee simple private lands, although held collectively. Because Canada is responsible for “Indian” lands, Aboriginal Title falls into their jurisdiction. This means that all provincial government legislation is absolutely void, possessing no jurisdiction on Aboriginal Title lands: the Forestry Act, Mining Act, Licenses, Permits, etc. Moreover, the provincial government cannot extinguish actual or potential Aboriginal Title lands; only the Federal government has the power to do so."
What is being said is simple, and the Supreme Court of Canada is telling the BC Province the same thing - that the Province has no jurisdiction to be at the Table negotiating treaties. Their motivations are contrary to the treaty resolution process, unnecessarily complicate and confuse the process, have no entitlement or jurisdiction to be present, and literally have a mandate that is incompatible with the spirit, purpose and expected outcomes of a Treaty! The Supreme Court of Canada is saying that the Treaty negotiations should be negotiated nation-to-nation...that is between We Wai Kai and Canada only. The present structure will never allow appropriate and fair treaty negotiation outcomes.
The second critical core problem is our own structure designated to negotiate treaties. The HTS has a number of structural and process challenges (this has nothing to do with the staff - many of whom I know and work very hard at their jobs). More specifically these have to do with these considerations:
It's time for change.
Tell me what you think!
I am running for Chief to facilitate change - to do things differently and responsibly and to ensure that Our people and community have the opportunity to thrive in this New World.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
HTS has been in Stage 4 Negotiations for almost a decade!
Interestingly, while I worked for the HTS I often told the leadership at the time in confidence, that any Treaty negotiated under requisite present framework was a bad deal, and that I would not support it if we ever had to vote on it. Many of the staff deeply involved in the process felt the same way. We did our best at the time, but the process and structures were so deeply flawed that really there was no hope. The present day Treaty process is a shell of what it used to be. Komoks and Tlowtsis have since abandoned their partnership with HTS and negotiate treaty on their own now. The remaining efforts are weak, unfocused and continue to be greatly flawed in process and structure.
To learn more about the Treaty Process with Hamatla follow this link http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/hamatla_treaty/
You will quickly discover, if you visit the link or do any research on the matter, that not a lot has been accomplished...and despite recent suggestions to the contrary not a lot is planned to be accomplished. In fact, there have not been any scheduled meetings of the Negotiation Table since 2007! You have to ask yourself, "What is the problem, and why is this taking so long?"
So what's the deal (or lack thereof)?
2 core and critical problems exist. First and foremost the Provincial government is involved in the process - quite simply they should not be. The province defines their role in the following way...(borrowed from their website):
British Columbia must be involved in treaty negotiations because many issues fall under provincial jurisdiction, most importantly Crown land and resources. The report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force (1991) also recommended that to achieve lasting agreements as quickly as possible, the negotiation process must be "made in B.C." British Columbia's role in treaty negotiations is to:
- represent and protect the interests of all British Columbians
- ensure that treaties work in British Columbia
- ensure that treaties are fair and affordable
- ensure that Canada lives up to its legal and constitutional obligations
- ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to be consulted
Russell Samuel Myers Ross makes this important observation in his blog: http://kwakwakawakw.blogspot.com/2009/01/tsilhqotin-chilcotin-landmark-court.html - FOLLOW AND READ THIS IT'S IMPORTANT!
"Aboriginal Title is akin to fee simple private lands, although held collectively. Because Canada is responsible for “Indian” lands, Aboriginal Title falls into their jurisdiction. This means that all provincial government legislation is absolutely void, possessing no jurisdiction on Aboriginal Title lands: the Forestry Act, Mining Act, Licenses, Permits, etc. Moreover, the provincial government cannot extinguish actual or potential Aboriginal Title lands; only the Federal government has the power to do so."
What is being said is simple, and the Supreme Court of Canada is telling the BC Province the same thing - that the Province has no jurisdiction to be at the Table negotiating treaties. Their motivations are contrary to the treaty resolution process, unnecessarily complicate and confuse the process, have no entitlement or jurisdiction to be present, and literally have a mandate that is incompatible with the spirit, purpose and expected outcomes of a Treaty! The Supreme Court of Canada is saying that the Treaty negotiations should be negotiated nation-to-nation...that is between We Wai Kai and Canada only. The present structure will never allow appropriate and fair treaty negotiation outcomes.
The second critical core problem is our own structure designated to negotiate treaties. The HTS has a number of structural and process challenges (this has nothing to do with the staff - many of whom I know and work very hard at their jobs). More specifically these have to do with these considerations:
- Funding Formulas - lock the Treaty Negotiation process in a never ending formula on increasing debt that will be off-set against any negotiated treaty compensation. Soon we will owe so much money to the federal and provincial governments that no money will be left to benefit the We Wai Kai Nation.
- Extinquishment of Aboriginal Title - the fact that this is even being considered is a tremendous dishonour to our ancestors and a shameful act. Enough said!
- Increased Bureaucracy & Dependence - the HTS negotiation process provides a job and regular income to the people negotiating on your behalf. While I agree that everyone should get paid for doing their job. The level of compensation being provided is high and promotes "business" not any outcomes. You hear it so often "Meetings. I am so busy with meetings...meetings...meetings." Well of course they are busy with meetings. That's how they get paid - per meeting, each and everyone of them! Compensation should be tied to a scheduled of outcomes and performance and communication - the present structure is wasteful and clearly ineffective.
- Communication - with all of today's technologies and opportunities to connect with Members and seek valuable feedback and engagement (just like this Blog for example) we still know very little about the process and the impacts it will have on us, our children and generations to come. Much important cultural, historical and heritage information is kept secret and hidden from you...the owners of this knowledge...because Leadership thinks you are incapable of looking after it, respecting it, and understanding it!
It's time for change.
Tell me what you think!
I am running for Chief to facilitate change - to do things differently and responsibly and to ensure that Our people and community have the opportunity to thrive in this New World.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Stepping Up and Forward...
It has been without a doubt a tough week for our community and the Dick Family. I know that our hearts and prayers go out to the family, and that we will all support them through this difficult time as best as each of us can. The Dick Family lost a son, father and husband...and the community lost a leader and good man far to soon. It was an honor and a pleasure knowing Ralph Jr. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched, but never forgotten.
----------------------------------------------------
This blog is about those that step up and forward in our community to facilitate change, success and opportunity in Our community. I hear about these people all the time from Members...the unsung heroes who work at the band office, volunteer on Council or just simply volunteer, and pursue the knowledge of our Culture with passion and poise. These are the real leaders in Our community...I think it is about time that they were acknowledged and celebrated. Don't you?
At the core of why I am running for Chief & Council, my platform so to speak, has always been about this communities greatest assets - its People. Regardless of the 4 priorities I spoke about in my opening blog or the community newsletter that went out last week (Treaty Resolution, New Funding Priorities in Education and Social Programs, Economic Development or Proper Community Consultation) the fundamental aspect has to be about making sure that Our people are informed, involved and celebrated.
When I look at the situation now - I see only a hint of its full potential. Not all members are informed (off reserve members often feel disconnected), involved (in fact some tell me they are intentionally forced away) or celebrated (when was the last time the community celebrated the successes and triumphs of its individual citizens?) The time is now to build a strong social fabric in our community by engaging our Members in new, different and continuous ways to build the "family" that is We Wai Kai.
A community is only as strong as the ties that bind it together. We have the technology (think internet and all the social networking opportunities that are developing), resources and the ability to make this difference. The cost is so minimal, but the outcomes are huge and monumental. It is time to set aside some old ways, to vanquish tired notions of entitlement, and move forward in to this century and redefine our Community as ONE proud and strong people.
Ultimately, we must celebrate the individuals who represent this community, families and aboriginal people. There are many who live their lives with dignity, commitment and respect for each and everyone one of us. We lost one this week unexpectedly - I regret that we had not taken the time to celebrate his life more fully sooner. Our community has many people who represent the idea of what a great Members is. I would suggest that we should do more to recognize and celebrate these Members. I would suggest that we need to do so in a culturally appropriate manner, and that we have a duty to do so.
I commit to you that if elected as Chief that is exactly what we will do!
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
----------------------------------------------------
This blog is about those that step up and forward in our community to facilitate change, success and opportunity in Our community. I hear about these people all the time from Members...the unsung heroes who work at the band office, volunteer on Council or just simply volunteer, and pursue the knowledge of our Culture with passion and poise. These are the real leaders in Our community...I think it is about time that they were acknowledged and celebrated. Don't you?
At the core of why I am running for Chief & Council, my platform so to speak, has always been about this communities greatest assets - its People. Regardless of the 4 priorities I spoke about in my opening blog or the community newsletter that went out last week (Treaty Resolution, New Funding Priorities in Education and Social Programs, Economic Development or Proper Community Consultation) the fundamental aspect has to be about making sure that Our people are informed, involved and celebrated.
When I look at the situation now - I see only a hint of its full potential. Not all members are informed (off reserve members often feel disconnected), involved (in fact some tell me they are intentionally forced away) or celebrated (when was the last time the community celebrated the successes and triumphs of its individual citizens?) The time is now to build a strong social fabric in our community by engaging our Members in new, different and continuous ways to build the "family" that is We Wai Kai.
A community is only as strong as the ties that bind it together. We have the technology (think internet and all the social networking opportunities that are developing), resources and the ability to make this difference. The cost is so minimal, but the outcomes are huge and monumental. It is time to set aside some old ways, to vanquish tired notions of entitlement, and move forward in to this century and redefine our Community as ONE proud and strong people.
Ultimately, we must celebrate the individuals who represent this community, families and aboriginal people. There are many who live their lives with dignity, commitment and respect for each and everyone one of us. We lost one this week unexpectedly - I regret that we had not taken the time to celebrate his life more fully sooner. Our community has many people who represent the idea of what a great Members is. I would suggest that we should do more to recognize and celebrate these Members. I would suggest that we need to do so in a culturally appropriate manner, and that we have a duty to do so.
I commit to you that if elected as Chief that is exactly what we will do!
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Let the We Wai Kai Election Games Begin...
...you gotta love it! Let me dispel a couple of the most recent ones:
Rumour One - My Favorite
"I still secretly work for the Homalco Indian Band, and if elected will plunder all the We Wai Kai Nations resources for the benefit of the Homalco People."
Rumour Two - Second Favorite
"If elected Chief I will fire all Band Staff."
Fact: Technically I never worked for the Homalco Indian Band. I did work for their economic development corporation BIDC for 4 years - a separate entity all together. As of October 31, 2008 I no longer work for BIDC or the Homalco Indian Band. In fact, as indicated in an early blog spoke about being fired from that position with no cause, and the foolishness of Chief's & Council taking such ridiculous approaches to government when elected.
Firing people after being elected in to leadership position is basically STUPID and IRRESPONSIBLE and UNPROFESSIONAL. It does not serve the community or people very well and typically costs the Nation lots of $$$ once the dust settles - not only from settlements for wrongful dismissal court cases, but the huge costs of training new people to fill these vacant positions.
As I have said before - THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET OF ANY ORGANIZATION ARE ITS PEOPLE. This is not less true for Band Government operations. I was the Band Manager of Our nation for over 5 years - if anything I have a tremendous appreciation for the hard work, care and commitment of the people who work to serve Our community.
So...what else have you heard?...the mud is starting to fly.
I won't partake in this kind of childishness, but I will certainly defend my positions and opinions...AND engage any and all in healthy and safe debate about the issues.
Thanks for the many emails and other sentiments of support and questions about why I am running...Keep Them Coming!
Respectfully
Lawrence Lewis for Chief.
Rumour One - My Favorite
"I still secretly work for the Homalco Indian Band, and if elected will plunder all the We Wai Kai Nations resources for the benefit of the Homalco People."
Rumour Two - Second Favorite
"If elected Chief I will fire all Band Staff."
Fact: Technically I never worked for the Homalco Indian Band. I did work for their economic development corporation BIDC for 4 years - a separate entity all together. As of October 31, 2008 I no longer work for BIDC or the Homalco Indian Band. In fact, as indicated in an early blog spoke about being fired from that position with no cause, and the foolishness of Chief's & Council taking such ridiculous approaches to government when elected.
Firing people after being elected in to leadership position is basically STUPID and IRRESPONSIBLE and UNPROFESSIONAL. It does not serve the community or people very well and typically costs the Nation lots of $$$ once the dust settles - not only from settlements for wrongful dismissal court cases, but the huge costs of training new people to fill these vacant positions.
As I have said before - THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET OF ANY ORGANIZATION ARE ITS PEOPLE. This is not less true for Band Government operations. I was the Band Manager of Our nation for over 5 years - if anything I have a tremendous appreciation for the hard work, care and commitment of the people who work to serve Our community.
So...what else have you heard?...the mud is starting to fly.
I won't partake in this kind of childishness, but I will certainly defend my positions and opinions...AND engage any and all in healthy and safe debate about the issues.
Thanks for the many emails and other sentiments of support and questions about why I am running...Keep Them Coming!
Respectfully
Lawrence Lewis for Chief.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"Real" Economic Opportunities - Part 3
Did you know that Tourism is BC's second most important sector and that approximately 15 million people visit the province each year? In fact, the area within this sector with the largest growth potential is adventure tourism...cruise ship related amenities is a very distant second. Tourism and recreation is one of the most quickly developing and lucrative economic opportunities on the planet...and being in BC and an Aboriginal community certainly does not hurt!
While running the Homalco Wildlife Tours for the Homalco Indian Band I increased sales almost 100% each year for 3 consecutive years. We provided land based Grizzly Bear tours at Orford River - the most unique and exciting adventure tour in BC. People from every corner of the world visited our tour - we were even featured on Japanese and Australian TV! In 2008 over 1500 people were booked in advance for our 12 week tour-operations window last fall. When I first took the job the Tour had been operating for 3 years and had less than 150 people booked! In 3 short years we transformed the business, won 2 conservation awards, and were fast becoming the global "go-to-place" for adventure Grizzly Bear Tours!
At the end of the season in 2008 - after a change in Chief & Council me and all my senior staff were fired. No reason was given, in fact the new leadership never even took the time to meet with me or my staff. We were just fired - this is the core problem with modern First Nation communities...a total lack or absence of:
Enough I say. Let's get on with it.
Over the next decade, in particular with 2010, tourism and recreation will be significant opportunities for our community. We are almost there with Tsa Kwa Luten Resort and Camp Ground (both well managed by the way) and there is so much more that can be done. Business in this century is about partnerships and developing business relationships that lead to growth and investment...notice I did not say advertising, but it is marketing. Let me explain.
In year zero (when I started) the advertising budget was over $20K - yikes! For the 2008 season it was less than $4k - yet we had such huge growth year to year? The strategy lies in developing strategic relationships with your clients and competitors - yes competitors. Quite simply we partnered with resorts who were interested in using our services - every time they advertised or marketed their business they also advertised ours. We invited our competitors to assume those parts of our business that we were less efficient at - and over time got rid of those parts of our business totally. Our competitors, now our business partners, did them for us!
Remember - it all has to be pretty strategic and well thought out. We are talking business here...but if done right the benefits and bottom line is huge. In the Homalco instance we actually reduced overall expenses each year, increased revenue and employment and profits! The point is with 2010 and the development of the cruise ship facility in CR - where are these strategic relationships? Who's working on them? Whose telling you about them? No one - because they do not exist.
The other kicker...success draws interest and other opportunities. Homalco Wildlife Tours entered the world stage and soon international resorts and Investors were looking at Homalco. As of October 2008 my team had negotiated an MOU and Joint Venture Partnership Agreement (an behalf of Homalco with the support and direction of the previous Chief & Council) a $100 Million Resort Development initiative at Orford River. I am not sure where that's at now?
Nonetheless, these points have been made:
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
While running the Homalco Wildlife Tours for the Homalco Indian Band I increased sales almost 100% each year for 3 consecutive years. We provided land based Grizzly Bear tours at Orford River - the most unique and exciting adventure tour in BC. People from every corner of the world visited our tour - we were even featured on Japanese and Australian TV! In 2008 over 1500 people were booked in advance for our 12 week tour-operations window last fall. When I first took the job the Tour had been operating for 3 years and had less than 150 people booked! In 3 short years we transformed the business, won 2 conservation awards, and were fast becoming the global "go-to-place" for adventure Grizzly Bear Tours!
At the end of the season in 2008 - after a change in Chief & Council me and all my senior staff were fired. No reason was given, in fact the new leadership never even took the time to meet with me or my staff. We were just fired - this is the core problem with modern First Nation communities...a total lack or absence of:
- Vision and Clarity about the Role of Governance and Leadership.
- Appreciation for the Need for the Separation of Business and Politics.
- Trust and Respect for Previous Leaders and Economic Development.
Enough I say. Let's get on with it.
Over the next decade, in particular with 2010, tourism and recreation will be significant opportunities for our community. We are almost there with Tsa Kwa Luten Resort and Camp Ground (both well managed by the way) and there is so much more that can be done. Business in this century is about partnerships and developing business relationships that lead to growth and investment...notice I did not say advertising, but it is marketing. Let me explain.
In year zero (when I started) the advertising budget was over $20K - yikes! For the 2008 season it was less than $4k - yet we had such huge growth year to year? The strategy lies in developing strategic relationships with your clients and competitors - yes competitors. Quite simply we partnered with resorts who were interested in using our services - every time they advertised or marketed their business they also advertised ours. We invited our competitors to assume those parts of our business that we were less efficient at - and over time got rid of those parts of our business totally. Our competitors, now our business partners, did them for us!
Remember - it all has to be pretty strategic and well thought out. We are talking business here...but if done right the benefits and bottom line is huge. In the Homalco instance we actually reduced overall expenses each year, increased revenue and employment and profits! The point is with 2010 and the development of the cruise ship facility in CR - where are these strategic relationships? Who's working on them? Whose telling you about them? No one - because they do not exist.
The other kicker...success draws interest and other opportunities. Homalco Wildlife Tours entered the world stage and soon international resorts and Investors were looking at Homalco. As of October 2008 my team had negotiated an MOU and Joint Venture Partnership Agreement (an behalf of Homalco with the support and direction of the previous Chief & Council) a $100 Million Resort Development initiative at Orford River. I am not sure where that's at now?
Nonetheless, these points have been made:
- Hire Good Qualified People to do a Job - AND LET THEM DO IT.
- Keep Politics out of Business - OUR RISK LOSING IT ALL.
- Plan, Plan, Plan - NOTHING BEATS A SOLID, SMART, STRATEGIC PLAN.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
Saturday, January 3, 2009
"Real" Economic Opportunities - Part 2
In my last blog I talked about economic opportunities associated with Energy and Plutonic Power, in this Blog I'll discuss economic opportunities associated with Entrepreneurs, or more specifically investing in our People (in particular our Youth).
Obama said in a recent interview that "investing in entreprenurs is a necessary down payment." What he was referring to is that in order for any society, community and government to thrive, generate wealth, and create a strong social fabric (which protects our young and elders, and everyone in-between) we need to invest in our future. The dividends/benefits that early investment in entrepreneurs and young people interested in business will provide to our community cannot be predicted - but what is certain is that this early investment pays huge dividends:
1) Building Human Capital - youth is an important stage of life with long-lasting consequences not just for the individual but their community as well. Investing in our young people (education and young business development) is critical to growth, reduction in poverty and reduction on dependence on government and social institutions (welfare).
2) Community Dividends - our youth are tomorrows labour force, parents, and citizens. Growing up in a community that supports and invests in youth will ensure less "dependency", and more resources for social and cultural priorities which in turn also contributes to the same. This is the exact opposite of the "downward spiral" often experienced in Aboriginal communities!
3) It's a Fast Evolving World - our young people are reaching adulthood in a very different global context than that from their parents. The pace at which technology, trade and the environment are changing is monumental - only they will be best suited to meet the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities in this century. The successful transition of our young people to be the next generation of workers, leaders, business people, parents and good citizens of Our Nation is to prepare them well.
When was the last time our Nation invested in the business idea of one of its Members? Never!
Does any program even exisit to invest in one of our young entrepreneurs? No!
I would submit to you that it is about time that Our Nation moved to a modern, much more pragmatic approach to business, economic development and investment in our People. Over the fullness of time not only will we have a more prosperous and wealthy community (remember how our fathers and grandfathers were successful fishermen - these were the entreperenuers of their time!), we will have a community that has great self-esteem, thriving cultural and social programs and services, and most of all we will have Pride and be Proud.
The old notions of business and opportunities (think forestry and fishing and old world resource extraction) are gone, the new world is global: energy, technology and the environment. Our future rests in our ability to invest in Our young people, and prepare them for the ever changing and fast evolving world.
MACHIAVELLI wrote in the forward to 'The Prince',
'There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this luke warmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favor, and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have actual experience of it.'
Effective leaders know that creating and managing change starts with the human side of the equation. It's not for the weak of heart. It is not for those who embrace simple traditional expectations. Effective leaders reach beyond these expectations while still maintaining the essential elements that make a community strong, in fact protecting and enhancing the very cultural and social fabric that keeps a community together.
I am running for Chief to facilititate change - to do things differently simply for the sake of change - but to ensure that Our people and community have the opportunity to thrive in this New World.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
Obama said in a recent interview that "investing in entreprenurs is a necessary down payment." What he was referring to is that in order for any society, community and government to thrive, generate wealth, and create a strong social fabric (which protects our young and elders, and everyone in-between) we need to invest in our future. The dividends/benefits that early investment in entrepreneurs and young people interested in business will provide to our community cannot be predicted - but what is certain is that this early investment pays huge dividends:
1) Building Human Capital - youth is an important stage of life with long-lasting consequences not just for the individual but their community as well. Investing in our young people (education and young business development) is critical to growth, reduction in poverty and reduction on dependence on government and social institutions (welfare).
2) Community Dividends - our youth are tomorrows labour force, parents, and citizens. Growing up in a community that supports and invests in youth will ensure less "dependency", and more resources for social and cultural priorities which in turn also contributes to the same. This is the exact opposite of the "downward spiral" often experienced in Aboriginal communities!
3) It's a Fast Evolving World - our young people are reaching adulthood in a very different global context than that from their parents. The pace at which technology, trade and the environment are changing is monumental - only they will be best suited to meet the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities in this century. The successful transition of our young people to be the next generation of workers, leaders, business people, parents and good citizens of Our Nation is to prepare them well.
When was the last time our Nation invested in the business idea of one of its Members? Never!
Does any program even exisit to invest in one of our young entrepreneurs? No!
I would submit to you that it is about time that Our Nation moved to a modern, much more pragmatic approach to business, economic development and investment in our People. Over the fullness of time not only will we have a more prosperous and wealthy community (remember how our fathers and grandfathers were successful fishermen - these were the entreperenuers of their time!), we will have a community that has great self-esteem, thriving cultural and social programs and services, and most of all we will have Pride and be Proud.
The old notions of business and opportunities (think forestry and fishing and old world resource extraction) are gone, the new world is global: energy, technology and the environment. Our future rests in our ability to invest in Our young people, and prepare them for the ever changing and fast evolving world.
MACHIAVELLI wrote in the forward to 'The Prince',
'There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this luke warmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favor, and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have actual experience of it.'
Effective leaders know that creating and managing change starts with the human side of the equation. It's not for the weak of heart. It is not for those who embrace simple traditional expectations. Effective leaders reach beyond these expectations while still maintaining the essential elements that make a community strong, in fact protecting and enhancing the very cultural and social fabric that keeps a community together.
I am running for Chief to facilititate change - to do things differently simply for the sake of change - but to ensure that Our people and community have the opportunity to thrive in this New World.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
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