Elsipogtog First Nation Economic Development Through Tourism Lynn

Elsipogtog First Nation: Economic Development Through Tourism Lynn Francis Elsipogtog Economic Development

Profile • Elsipogtog is located in NB, 8 Km southwest of Rexton, on the north side of the Richibucto River. (better known as Sigenigtog) • EFN has a land base of 4, 600 acres • Population stats: 3290 (728 O. R. )

On the Map

Our Vision – Involve community in our decision making. – Provide long term jobs through sound economic programs. – Improve living conditions through Community involvement and business development with strong corporate partnerships. – Build a sound employment platform to help gain greater prosperity.

Economic Development Projects • In 2008 EFN purchase a seafood processing plant; Mcgraw Seafood, the plant has remained feasible due to the Band’s snow crab allocation, innovate approaches used and the Board’s close involvement with the operations. • The plant employs about 115 people.

Before and After Photos

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (CONT. ) • The revenues generated from Mc. Graw Seafood Inc. allowed the Band to invest in other business opportunities. • In 2014 upon completion of a business plan and feasibility study; EFN started the construction of a $10 million dollar commercial development centre.

Site Plan

Project Management Team – Chief and two members of Council – Band Manager – Director of Economic Development – Lands Officer – Employment and Training Officer – Economic Development Officer – Sector export in the grocery retail industry – Sector expert in the pharmacy industry

River of Fire Market Inc. & Elsipogtog Pharmasave – A full scale grocery store owned and operated by the band. – The First Pharmasave Drug store owned and operated by EFN - approx. 3, 600 square feet. – A future rental property - approx. 2, 550 square feet – The facilities employ 43 people from the community and surrounding areas. – The combined facilities projected sales for the first 12 months of operation is estimated at approximately $ 4, 000.

Before Construction

After Construction

Other Economic Development Initiatives

Elsipogtog Co-op • Elsipogtog Co-op was first proposed to the Chief and Council in November 2015. • An expert in the forming of Cooperatives was hired to help guide the process, a grassroots approach was used to develop the co-op. • The objective of the Co-op is to encourage the viability and growth of Elsipogtog First Nation and respond to the collective needs of its people. • After one year the following businesses were formed as a result of this collaboration with EED and other partners. • Sewing Group • Furniture manufacturing Group • Community Garden • Basket Making

Sewing Group • The main activity for this group is to make quilts for the community, most of the quilts are used for fund raising activities. • The group partnered with a company to make Ventopedic boots, heal and ankle protectors. • Future plans include developing an on-line catalogue and getting into procurement.

Furniture Manufacturing • Mission • To deliver a high-quality, unique First Nations branded rustic wood products and value added creations. Meeting customer product expectations on time and within budget while also building worker skills and expertise, providing recognition for good work and providing stable employment with incentives based on business results.

Community Garden • The community garden employed 8 youth • They were mentored by 3 elders. • They were taught various aspects in agricultural farming. • Products they grew were donated to the community foodbank and sold at the community market.

Community Garden

Basket Making • One of the values in our EED Strategy is to enrich our culture through the transference of traditional skills through apprenticeship. • 6 Community Members participated in the course • In the midst of these activities a tourism product was developed.

Development Through Partnership • We formed a partnership with Roads To Sea Inc. , Anna Marie Weir was brought in as an expert in the tourism sector to help with planning, development, and management for the start-up of the tourism business.