"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