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Made on Haida Gwaii
Part 3 of the “Made on Haida Gwaii” Series
Building a Business, Designing a Lifestyle
April 19, 2012 Featured Interview with: Norah Holloway
Age: 24
Location: Victoria BC
Philosophy: A home is a representation of the lives that people live.
“It’s a whole different world when you become a business owner,” says entrepreneur Norah Holloway, founder of Norah Holloway Interiors. Launched in 2009, the growth of Norah’s design venture is among her greatest accomplishments.
Bringing function and beauty together, Norah offers expertise during each stage of the interior design process. Norah enjoys the opportunities she has had, including providing proposals to landmark projects and working with amazing clients. Also impressive, Norah can draft an entire house plan in under eight hours! Always moving forward, her most recent projects include blogging about design trends and remodeling a Montessori daycare.
Coming into business ownership has been a transformational experience for Norah- both professionally and personally. Developing a new sense of confidence, “I’ve learned how to carry myself differently,” she says.
Reconnecting to the her Haida heritage, Norah first moved to Haida Gwaii in grade five, “I moved around a lot,” says Norah “but the islands felt like home- it was a nice small community and I made a lot of connections to the islands.” Returning to the islands exposed her to “unlimited forms of native art and culture,” she says. Haida Gwaii is where Norah discovered her roots in design.
From a young age Norah realized her interest and talent for design, “When I was younger I was constantly re-arranging furniture and choosing paint colours- I wanted to do it professionally,” she says. Nurturing her talent, Norah enrolled in the two-year Interior Design Program at Vancouver Island University. Regarded as a highly competitive program, Norah was identified as one of the top applicants. A total of 80 entrants applied.
“Not until I was in the field did things make sense,” she says. Straight out of college Norah started working for a design and drafting firm. Although learning a lot, she was unsatisfied, “I wasn’t doing the type of work that I wanted to,” says Norah.
Forced to re-examine her worth, Norah set out to start her own firm. “It’s important to know your personal worth,” says Norah “this is part of the reason why I became an entrepreneur.”
Launching her business has not been without it’s challenges, “at the start there was no one who I could ask business questions to,” she says, “there’s often a cost behind getting support, there are hurdles that go along with the first phase of launching.”
Now beyond the start-up phase, Norah continues to strengthen her clientele and the presence of her brand. Interfacing with clients is her favorite part of the job, “I love giving clients options on how to make the most of their home,” says Norah.
Hardwired for growth and personal evolution, Norah envisions growing her venture to include an on-staff design team and a side company, which offers construction services. Clearly enjoying her journey Norah is confident with where she’s going, “there are endless possibilities of where you can put your talent- interior design is a very in-depth industry,” she says.
Twitter: @NH_Interiors
Website: www.norahhollowayinteriors.com
Part 2 of the “Made on Haida Gwaii” Series
Passion to Politics, Supporting Sustainable Leadership
April 1, 2012: Featured Interview with Evan Putterill
Age: 25
Location: Sandspit
Philosophy: Above all, I believe the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the other way around
April 29, 2010, Victoria BC- Among the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Hereditary Chiefs and dignitaries of the Haida Nation, Evan Putterill gives a statement at the provincial legislature. Marking the introduction of historical decision-making legislation,this event celebrated the Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act
Environmental issues played a central role in Evan Putterill’s upbringing. While growing up in Sandspit, Evan’s family was involved in the political dialogue surrounding the creation of Gwaii Haanas- a controversial issue for Sandspit residents at the time.
Passionate about the environment and motivated to do the right thing, Evan ran for political office and was successfully elected to the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District in 2009. With a focus on long-term sustainability and co-operation, “I ran in order to prevent a return to the old, unsustainable and divisive way of doing things that Sandspit experienced for many years,” says Evan.
Fully immersed in island and regional politics, Evan is the Misty Isles Economic Development chair, Moresby Island Management Committee chair, Sandspit Harbour Society director, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board trustee, Northwest Regional Hospital Board director, Regional District’s B.C Ferries representative and the local government representative on the Haida-Provincial-Federal Reconciliation Table. Despite a robust list of political engagements, politics isn’t Evan’s full time job- he also works at the Sandspit Airport.
Reminiscing about his time at Queen Charlotte Secondary School, “I was on student council- even their president for a year and always interested in politics- but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do” says Evan. Finding Mr. Puls’ high school geography class to be inspirational, Evan enrolled in Camousen College, obtaining an Associate Degree in Geography, “it made sense, the study of the people, environment and how they interact with one another.” Later Evan attended the University of Victoria, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and minor in Public Administration.
While his education and experience has offered many opportunities for off island employment, Evan is committed to working on island and continuing with local community development, “it is very rewarding getting things done for your community.”
Since being elected Evan has learned many lessons, including that “most things don’t happen quickly in politics- they come together slowly.” Although fortunate to learn from his colleagues, Evan doesn’t aspire to be like any particular politician, “I want to be myself,” he concludes.
An advocate for collaboration and envisioning the long-term, Evan’s motivation to serve the public is refreshing. He talks passionately about the need for political processes to become more cooperative and inclusive, “I’m of the view that the fractured nature of political institutions on island is structurally incompatible with meaningful and cooperative governance that brings together all communities.” Echoing the informal conversations that have been taking place Evan notes, “People are coming to realize that we need to break free from the silos which inform our politics and develop a more organic regional government on island.”
Cautiously optimistic, Evan acknowledges the need to consider future generations during decision-making processes, “I think we should be doing more long-term planning and have a vision for the next 100 years; unfortunately, our communities are in economic crisis- we have to focus on that first.”
Demonstrating how issues trump age, Evan says that his status as a young professional hasn’t been an issue during his time in local government. “Most board members will want to debate ideas and merits,” although there has been the odd time when “I’m three times your age” has been the opener for vocalizing political dissent.
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Part 1 of the “Made on Haida Gwaii” Series
Returning to Our Roots: New Energy in the North
March 22, 2012: Featured Interview with Dana Bellis
Age: 27
Philosophy: Work hard, be honest, and when in doubt be kind
July 2010, Rouen France- Dressed in regalia Dana Bellis leaves city hall with other summer students after meeting with the mayor of Rouen. Complementing her Masters program, this two week course at the University of Rouen in France brought Dana together with indigenous people from all over the world to study the Position of Indigenous People in International law.
“One of the best things about me is being from Haida Gwaii” says Dana Bellis who recently returned from the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Vancouver. Jaad Gudangaa 'laas (Happy Lady), also known as Dana Bellis, attended George M. Dawson High School in Masset, learning determination and hard work from an early age, “I always felt I had the support of the teachers and the community, but I also had to do it myself.” The islands have given Dana incredible gifts, “the islands foster an independent, creative and confident determination”, and for this she pays tribute to the Haida community and the island people.
Immersed in the field of consulting in policy development and community-engagement, Dana has been fortunate to work with Indigenous health and government organizations, energy companies, and the aboriginally owned and operated Indigenuity Consulting Group. Energized by the opportunity to work and engage with the community, “I am continually in awe of the people from Haida Gwaii, they have the innate ability to shape the world, making it how they want it to be”.
While earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Women’s studies from the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, Dana played rugby with the UNBC Women’s Rugby Team. As part of the team’s community involvement, Dana coached the UNBC Girls Mini Rugby Team and helped to inspire confidence and healthy living among the young girls she coached. Dana later traveled to Kenya, learning about community development first-hand and Finland, studying circumpolar history.
Exploring the islands as a child and visiting Europe at age 8, Dana’s curiosity recently took her to Norway. At Tromsø University, the only university in the world above the Arctic circle, Dana studied reindeer herding history and it’s relation to gender and policy, obtaining a Masters degree in the Philosophy of Indigenous studies. Along with an offer to publish her research, Dana considers this to be one opportunity, among many which have shaped where she is today.
But you won’t find her biggest accomplishments on her resume. Named Jaad Gudangaa 'laas, Dana considers striving for happiness to be central to a good life. Working from Haida Gwaii fosters a work-life balance like none-other, “I can work during the day, then relax with friends and family, baking cookies for the Masset soup kitchen and sewing quilts for charity”. Dana also notes the career benefits of being on island, “Where else in the world can you be mentored by such amazing professionals? Here you can literally look up someone’s name in the phone book and be talking to a top negotiator or business leader in Canada, and they want to talk to you, where else can you do that?”
When asked about what’s next, Dana has a list full of things that excite and energize, among that list is assisting with organizing the upcoming Potlatch for the Residential School Survivor Totem Pole Raising in Masset, attending the 2012 Aboriginal Opportunities Forum in Vancouver and contributing to conversations on ways to improve community access to energy, social value and opportunity in the North. Inspired by the confidence of Haida Gwaii and curiosity “I love to see where things go, where a good idea can take you”, says Dana.
k’yuwaatl’aagee / k’yuwaatl’aagaay
Haida Gwaii Trails Strategy
k'yuwaatl'aagee / k'yuwaatl'aagaay means, the path out of concealment or the road out of the woods, in the Haida Language.
Thank-you to everyone who participated in the recent public and stakeholder consultation process. The considered and often in-depth responses provide a broader base from which to continue to build the Trails Strategy. Some results:
· 38 trails were recorded as being used on a regular basis by local people
· Schools use trails regularly for educational and fitness activities
· a summer job program should be considered to assist with trail maintenance, and to employ our youth
· sustained annual trail maintenance funding is key to a reliable and marketable trail system
· cyclists who use the highway say motorists are generally accommodating
· “share the road” signage may be helpful for highway cycling awareness
· regular cleaning of the area outside of the white line would be helpful to cyclists
· Municipalities, Rural Areas and local Trail Societies are interested in what a centralized trail maintenance fund could assist them with. Societies note that they would like the freedom to determine the priorities for maintenance within their purview.
For much more on the public and stakeholder consultation process, including all of the responses, please download the Report on the Public and Stakeholder Consultation Process for Stage 1: Parameters and Results
Several previous reports and a Terms of Reference have been created for the Haida Gwaii Trails Strategy. You can download them here:
How the Haida word for the HGTS was chosen
Community Forest
Board Development
The 2 facilitators for this workshop held October 23rd and 24th were Bill Beamish, CAO for the Village of Queen Charlotte and Ron Poole, CAO for the City of Terrace and NWCC Public Administration Instructor.
Bill Beamish's Power Point Presentation as a PDF: Society Constitution & Bylaws
Bill Beamish's Power Point Presentation as a PDF: Strategic Planning
Ron Poole's Power Point Presentation as a PDF: Volunteer Boards and Executive Directors
Workshop Handouts and Notes:
Boardwalk - Board Orientation (4 pages) - Create a manual! Also information on Conlict of Interest and effective meetings
Boardwalk - Board Recruitment (4 pages) - a ten-step checklist
Boardwalk - Volunteer Board members & Liability (4 pages) - vital information
Managing Conflict (5 pages) - A guide for Volunteer Boards
A Primer from Industry Canada 2002 (111 pages) Chapter Titles:
Chapter One: Corporations and Directors. What, Who, Why and How
Chapter Two: Duties of Directors
Chapter Three: Liability of Directors
Chapter Four: Rights and Powers
Chapter Five: Committees
Chapter Six: Risk Protection
Chapter Seven: Taxation
Chapter Eight: Director Development
Useful websites on the topic:
Northern Savings Credit Union information for Non-profit organizations
Haida Gwaii mission statement game
Can you figure out the island organization by their Mission statement?
"The XXX Society is an inclusive community based agency, which provides a variety of services in a safe and supportive environment for the women, children, and families of Haida Gwaii. These services endeavour to promote empowerment, overcome trauma, address violence against women, and provide resources for the wellbeing of our communities (2009)." ANSWER
"Supporting entrepreneurial spirit to create a sustainable economic future for Haida Gwaii" ANSWER
"XXX is in the business of prodiving solutions to our members' financial needs. We will do this by providing a wide array of financial products and services and will deliver them in a manner that exceeds expectataions." ANSWER
"XXX provides quality learning experiences that help prepare our students for successful, positive futures. We celebrate the diversity of our northern and First Nations populations and reflect this diversity in our programs, services and our workforce. We approach every interaction with respect and integrity and collaborate with our partners to meet the unique educational needs of our communities." ANSWER
"1.To undertake and support research and long term monitoring of wildlife populations of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii, especially the XXX area.
2.To provide opportunities for non-scientists, especially students and local residents of Haida Gwaii, to participate as volunteers in our field programs, and to offer training to impart necessary field research skills.
3.To promote better understanding of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii, especially the XXX area, by providing information to youth, local residents and to the public in general, in the form of publications, meetings and exhibits.
4.To promote the conservation of native species and to develop public awareness of the changes caused by introduced species to Haida Gwaii.
5.To support and assist other programs aimed at providing better knowledge, management and conservation of ecosystems in Haida Gwaii." ANSWER
"•We deliver stimulating community immersion programs for students from Haida Gwaii, across Canada, and the rest of the world. Our community-based approach to teaching provides students the opportunity to learn from local knowledge-holders in addition to their professors.
•We improve community wellbeing in Haida Gwaii.Visiting professors enrich local dialogue and engagement in global events and issues. Students contribute their energy and talent to community projects and, through positive role modeling, bring fresh inspiration to the youth of Haida Gwaii. We give Haida Gwaii residents the chance to study at home.
•We provide economic development and diversification opportunities for the people of Haida Gwaii." ANSWER
Agriculture Strategy and Implementation Plan - Resources
We have posted various reports, agricultural maps, a resource list of local food producers (will be updated as needed) as well as a video of agriculture on Haida Gwaii and clips of the 'Future of Food on Haida Gwaii' Action Planning Workshop (February 2011).
Videos!!
Please watch this inspiring video of Agriculture on Haida Gwaii 2010!
Amazing Video Clips of 'The Future of Food on Haida Gwaii' - Action Planning Workshop - February 2011
- Wendell Berry as presented by Lynda Dixon -
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Gary Runka - The Plan
- Arnie Bellis - The Future of Haida Gwaii
- Production Support
- Marketing
An interview at Loutet Urban Farm in North Vancouver
Research Reports:
A Brief History of Agriculture on Haida Gwaii, A Brief Land Inventory, Agro-Forestry on Haida Gwaii, Agriculture Land Reserve, Climate Report, Growing Forage on Haida Gwaii, Growing Grain on Haida Gwaii, Mangles as Winter Feed, Shellfish Report, Community Agricultural Site Asssessments
Maps of Haida Gwaii
Site Assessments:
Agricultural Maps of Haida Gwaii (Based on Canada Land Inventory Data)
- Old Massett/Masset/Tow Hill
- Port Clements
- Tlell
- Skidegate/Queen Charlotte
- Sandspit
- Mid-Graham Island
- North Graham Island
- Moresby Island
Food Producer List:
Food Producers on Haida Gwaii Only those who granted permission were published. If you would like to be included on the resource list, please contact us at (250) 559-8050
Historical Documents - Agriculture on Haida Gwaii:
1982 Field Crops Branch Report / 1982 Forage Notes / 1984 Richardson Seed Final Report
1992 Deer Farm Study for Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy
Misty Isles Economic Development Society (MIEDS), the Graham Island East Coast Farmers Institute, Islands Food and other interested stakeholders met in November 2009 to discuss the potential for agricultural growth as well as the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and producers. The participants identified the need for an agriculture strategy to provide direction to and development of agriculture on Haida Gwaii.
Although MIEDS has overseen the process, the input from the public was the driving force behind the process and provided the direction, priorities, goals and action plans.
- The primary objective of the Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy and Implementation Plan is to stimulate and develop local agricultural opportunities on Haida Gwaii
Research findings and recommendations including business opportunities can be found in the Agriculture Strategy Background Document.
Research reports, historical documents, agricultural maps, the food producer database and videos of the Action Planning Workshop can be found on the Agriculture Strategy Resources page
Strategy Process & Research Results
Throughout the fall of 2010, a team of 13 local researchers obtained information on current and historical agricultural practices on Haida Gwaii including mari-culture and agro-forestry opportunities. Data was gathered on the volume of imported produce, meat, eggs and dairy and volume of similar food produced locally. A freight barriers analysis was address, local soil amendments reviewed and agricultural product profiles and value-added agricultural products were developed as part of the process.
Other work on the strategy included the digitizing of the Canada Land Inventory data which has resulted in electronic maps (available to the public) with the ability to overlay with further agricultural data. The ALR has been included on the maps as has climate data.
Research has been conducted on agricultural practices in areas having similar climate, latitude and economic base. Recommendations for business opportunities have been documented.
A series of public meetings in each island community (7) were held (Dec 2010 through Jan 2011) to present the findings, obtain feedback and identify topics and goals being of primary concern.
- Expressed concern re rising fuel prices on freight/supplies/food
- Concern re dependency on transportation systems
- Concern re climate change and food production
- Concern for access to affordable land for food production
- Education
- Technical support for farmers
- Marketing
Current events substantiate many of the concerns expressed by the public such as:
- Our research indicates that Haida Gwaii imports approximately 90% of its food.
- Our imported food is transported from various national and international regions to Vancouver distribution centers then again transported over 1500 kms by truck to Prince Rupert followed by another 7 hours (or more) of ferry or barge transportation depending upon weather conditions affecting sailing times.
- BC Ferries increase by 100% over the next 4 years (26% annually).
- February 3, 2011 - UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) - Food Price Index broke previous records - “World food prices surged to a new historic peak in January for the seventh consecutive month”.
- Local grocery stores have reported increases of approximately 20% in basic groceries since 2009 - anticipate steady increases in the cost of food for Haida Gwaii over the next year (2011).
- Global Grain Reserves very low – US reserve has enough to last 53 days.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands notes in its 2006 report, ‘Can B.C.’s Farmers Feed Our Growing Population ?’, that .52 hectares (approximately 1.3 acre) is required to provide a healthy balanced diet for each person. This figure translates to the need for approximately 5,850 acres of land under cultivation on Haida Gwaii (based on a population estimate of 5,000) and is assumed to include areas for vegetable and fruit production, grain, livestock, dairy, grazing and possibly buffer zones.
Other sources have noted that up to 1/3 acre per person is required for vegetable and fruit production. These figures vary and depend upon factors such as climate, the soil type, soil classification (see Appendix A), crops suitability and planting methods (intensively grown verses standard rows).
BC Assessment (2010) reports that Haida Gwaii currently has 1,264 acres of land being actively farmed and much of that is being used for grazing.
The Development of the Plan
A public working meeting (‘The Future of Food on Haida Gwaii – Taking Action’) was hosted Feb 19, 2011 as part of the Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy and Implementation Planning process.
- Approximately seventy participants reached consensus in prioritizing the goals that were identified at the 7 community meetings
- Participants developed action plans for those goals having the highest rating of importance and urgency
Action Planning
The following Action Plans were developed by committees formed at 'The Future of Food on Haida Gwaii' workshop.
These action plans have priority status for implementation and form the basis for the Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Production Support
Train and hire an Extension Agent to provide support and resources for local food producers
Establish Experimental Farm(s) and Plot(s)
- Work in conjunction with research/post secondary institutions
- Develop an make available seed , crops, berry bushes, fruit trees that do well on Haida Gwaii
Establish Community Farms
- Support from local governing bodies to allocate land in proximity to communities for agricultural purposes
- Place in the ALR if not ready to use
Protection of the ALR
- Support from local governing bodies to ensure that land in the ALR is not used for purposes other than agriculture
Access to Land
- Enter into discussions with the CHN re: applications for crown land for agriculture purposes
- Support from all governing bodies for applications for access to agriculture land in proximately to communities
- Support from all governing bodies for reduced cost of agriculture land used for agricultural purposes
- Support from all governing bodies for long-term leases of land for agricultural purposes
Education
- Offer the Introduction to Organic Gardening on Haida Gwaii workshop north and south in 2011
- Develop a curriculum for and offer a composting workshop in 2011
Business Opportunities
- Develop a local soil amendment product
- Develop a formal bulk buying club and shared transportation system for freight
- Organize regular cycle tours of local food producers/farms
- Other important opportunities with no current plan – Community Supported Agriculture, Small Plot Intensive Gardening (successive planting of fast growing salad greens)
- Other possibilities – Labourers, Food Production for revenue
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Research from similar areas supports
- Sheep production(meat, wool and dairy products)
- Commercial greenhouse production
- Potential for cranberry production
Marketing
- Develop a branding logo to market local food and other products (ie: ‘Buy Haida Gwaii’)
- Research in anticipation of a Marketing Plan
Where do we go from here?
The action plans will be addressed throughout 2011. Some of the initiatives are currently being followed up on as a result of the momentum generated at the 'Future of Food on Haida Gwaii' workshop.
Aside from the action items that were developed, there are many other important goals (see appendix D of the Background Document) that will need addressing in our efforts to stimulate an agriculture industry on Haida Gwaii.
The key to successfully developing the agriculture industry will be to provide food producers with the educational and technical supports they require and to assist them in accessing affordable land for the purpose of food production. It will also be important to educate the public on the merits of buying local.
There is great potential for Agriculture to contribute to the Haida Gwaii economy, the health of our residents, the security of our food and the vitality and spirit of our communities. A clear agriculture strategy outlining the paths and safeguards we need to make today to ensure food security tomorrow is one of the greatest gifts we can give the generations that follow. As Wendell Berry would say:
We have ahead of us a lot of hard work that we are not going to be able to do with clean hands. We had better try to love it.
We are grateful to Northern Savings Credit Union, Coast Sustainability Trust and the Investment Agriculture Foundation for their funding support.
Other local organizations making significant contributions to encourage the growth of agriculture on Haida Gwaii include Haida Gwaii Community Futures, the Graham Island East Coast Farmers Institute, Islands Food and the Haida Gwaii Culinary Co-op. Contributions include the discussions around a communal bank/peer lending program for local farmers (Community Futures), a temperature controlled storage facility (Farmers Institute), speakers and educational workshops (Farmers Institute and Islands Foods), the development of a Haida Gwaii brand of dehydrated agricultural and agro-forestry products (Culinary Co-op).
Investment Profile Guide
Investment Profile Guide - New January 2011
Through collaboration with Northern Development Initiative Trust, MIEDS has completed an investment profile guide for the islands. This 62 page document shares valuable information on the islands demographics, labour force, payroll costs, higher education, transportation, industrial & commercial land use, utilities, business support services, government, housing, taxation, international resources and quality of life. Click on the image to view the Haida Gwaii Community Profile.
The findings from the Haida Gwaii Freight Opportunities Analysis, Existing Freight Portals, Deepwater Sites and Roll On/Roll Off Sites provide the framework addressing transportation on Haida Gwaii and includes preliminary research into appropriate sites for barge facilities on Haida Gwaii.
Regional Economic Development Implementation (REDI)
The 2007 HG/QCI Community Viability Strategy document (Vol 1 & Vol 2) established the direction for the future of economic development on Haida Gwaii.
The REDI Plan is targeted at tracking the progress made on the identified priorities in the CVS, as well as revising the list of priorities to reflect our current situation. MIEDS is working toward completion and implementation of the project by its 2010/2011 fiscal year end.
The strategies, identified as part of the process, for achieving the Three Year Plan goals are summarized under the five main sections of Infrastructure, Sector Development, Community Marketing, Human Resources and Implementation.
Infrastructure
Increased Control, Ownership and Utilization of Local Resources
MIEDS has lobbied steadily at securing forest tenure for the islands communities and has maintained communication and developed a working relationship with the Province and the Council of the Haida Nation for the purpose of establishing a Community Forest. This effort reflects a prime example of shared local control, ownership and utilization of our local forest resources.
In January 2010, the Province offered the Haida Gwaii communities a tenure volume of 80,000 m3. We are currently working on a business model that will assist us in implementing a unified forest management unit with the Haida Nation.
As part of this endeavour, we continue to work collaboratively with the CHN on the development of a business plan to secure financing for the acquisition of additional forest tenure volume in an effort to achieve a single forest management unit of all the forest tenures on Haida Gwaii owned by the people of the Islands.
Strengthened Tourism Industry Through Industry and Product Development, Customer Service Training and Destination Marketing
MIEDS participated in the 2009 Community Tourism Foundation process to assist in the development of a tourism plan for Haida Gwaii. This resulted in MIEDS becoming the umbrella organization for tourism through the creation of the Haida Gwaii Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC). Representation on the local TAC includes MIEDS, Skidegate Band, Old Massett Economic Development, CHN, Haida Heritage Centre, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, and at-large representation from other tourism stakeholders.
The TAC has assumed a decision-making role with respect to identifying and agreeing upon tourism and marketing opportunities. It has prepared a list of priority projects for the 2010/2011 fiscal period and is seeking project funding from Northern BC Tourism.
Sector Development
Increased Value-Added to Wood Operations
In the 2009/2010 fiscal year, MIEDS established a Value-Added sub-committee, advertised for public involvement and feedback and held public meetings to identify existing products, marketing needs, product development, local resources and education. MIEDS is hoping to develop and host a symposium in the 2010/2011 fiscal period that will address these issues and facilitate discussions. MIEDS has received funding for a product development project through Invest Canada-Communities Initiatives. The project will assist in identifying local products and marketing opportunities.
Product Development and Marketing Opportunities
In a follow up to the CVS document, MIEDS met with representatives from Islands Food (a local grass roots food security movement with approximately 150 members islands-wide), the Graham Islands East Coast Farmers Institute and interested individuals in November 2009. This meeting resulted in the identification of the need for an agriculture strategy to provide direction to and development of agriculture on Haida Gwaii. As a result, MIEDS is in the process of acquiring the necessary funding to develop an Agriculture Strategy for Haida Gwaii.
The overall objective of the Agriculture Strategy is to stimulate the development of a viable agriculture industry on islands. As a result of the strategy, we anticipate an increase in agricultural productivity (farm produce, grain, animal feed) and sales of local agricultural products. We anticipate a significant increase in local sales at Farmers Markets and other venues within the first 5 years. This increase in sales translates to increased employment/self employment opportunities for local agricultural producers, and will ultimately assist Haida Gwaii in achieving greater local food security.
Community Marketing
Local Product Development and Marketing Opportunities
MIEDS has secured funding from Invest Canada Communities Initiative (ICCI) for the development of 2 local products and marketing opportunities for these products. In addition, the proposed Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy will provide for the identification, development and marketing of up to 5 local agriculture/mariculture/agro-forestry products.
The ICCI funding also provides for the development of a Community Investor Profile for attracting business to Haida Gwaii.
Export Opportunities Arising from Prince Rupert Container Port
MIEDS has commenced dialogue with the Prince Rupert Port Authority. A public presentation is tentatively scheduled for June in which the Port Authority will provide information on potential partnerships and obtain feedback from the public.
With respect to assessing the need for improved barge facilities, MIEDS has initiated discussion with the public. Currently, the Village of Port Clements is conducting a study of barge facilities for Port Clements. This information will provide direction for determining the need for further information on location and cost.
As part of the Agriculture Strategy, MIEDS is proposing to complete a freight opportunities analysis for the Islands.
Human Resources
Increased Employment Opportunities and a Trained Skilled Labour Force
In January and February 2010, MIEDS formed a working relationship with Haida Gwaii Community Futures, the Haida Gwaii Career Centre and the Hecate Strait Employment Society. MIEDS developed a survey tool to assess the employment needs of local businesses. The survey has provided these organizations with crucial information about the types of industry operating on the islands, number of employees and their training needs and educational requirements. The data will be utilized in planning educational/training opportunities for islands residents and employers, and seeking to link local suppliers with local buyers to help plug leaks in our local economy and enhance the multiplier effect of local purchasing.
In addition, MIEDS assisted the local School District #50 to access funding to provide additional skills training to 58 high school students. The 2009/2010 High School Job Readiness project included Level 1 First Aid, Food Safe, WHMIS, World Host, and Pleasure Craft Operato certificates. It is anticipated that these training opportunities will result in increased employability for the students in seeking future employment opportunities.
In addition, MIEDS hosted the Simon Fraser University – Community Economic Development Certificate for Professionals on Haida Gwaii in which four local people enrolled, including two MIEDS staff. This course will provide additional local expertise so we can better assist communities and organizations to develop new opportunities under these models.
