Collaborative Aboriginal Economic Development: The Unama’ki Economic Development Model

Abstract

The environmental impact of this industry included "more than a million tonnes of contaminated soil and sediment" deposited in four areas in the vicinity of the former steel mill: "North and South Tar Ponds; Former Coke Ovens property; An old dump uphill from the Coke Ovens; [and] A stream that carried contaminants from the Coke Ovens to the Tar Ponds" (Sydney Tar Ponds Agency "Project"). The UEBO has grown to include seven full-time staff members, including an executive director, a director, a training coordinator, two training support/job coaches, a finance officer, and an administrative assistant (Unama'ki "Contact"). Since the UEBO responds to the needs of the communities and other stakeholders, staff positions are added or removed as necessary. A Priorities and Planning Committee representing the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency and the local First Nation communities is comprised of the president of the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, a senior federal representative of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), a senior provincial representative of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and the executive body (co-chairs of the steering committee and executive director and director of the UEBO). The ASEP board consists of the five Unama'ki chiefs; representatives of Public Works and Government Services Canada, the provincial Department of Labour, the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, Ulnooweg Development, and Mi'kmaq Employment Training Secretariat (METS); senior industry representatives; the executive body (with executive director and director of the UEBO ex officio); and a representative of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (ex officio).