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Written by Gary Carleton
Friday, 05 June 2009 17:47
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There are a number of important factors that led to the establishment of the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and that will continue to positively influence HEDC’s ability to be successful:
- Territorial History – The community has a long standing history of systems of controls, managing natural resources, etc. upon which to build.
- Need for change: The Heiltsuk Tribal Council (HTC) has recognized that the current approach to economic development will not enable the community to achieve the goals of the 15 year Community Economic Development plan.
- Government to Government negotiations – there are a number of unique opportunities emerging as a result of recent negotiations, that provide new business opportunities for HEDC to leverage.
- HTC Vision and Leadership: HTC has had the vision and foresight to create the HEDC; recognizing that the current approach is not, and will not, work.
- Community support and endorsement: HEMAS, HTC and the Community have endorsed HEDC as a vehicle for change – recognizing that there is great potential for this to be a model that demonstrates to the community and to others what is possible.
- Corporate Structure: The HTC has created a structure that helps separate business operations from the Political process and has created a workable model
- Professional Capacity: HEDC will add capacity, professionalism and a structure that will enable a range of different benefits (tax, community perception, business efficiency and profitability)… the Bare Trusts selection of current Board members is based on ensuring breadth of professional experience and a deep knowledge base and commitment to supporting the community
- Complaints process: With any change there are bound to be people who have concerns and issues– they have to have an opportunity to express these. The Bare Trust will serve as the conduit for any member of the community to voice a complaint about the HEDC.
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Foundations for Success
