A First Nations Formula for Social Finance

 A First Nations Formula for 
Social Finance = Talent + Entertainment >  Community

I don't think that you could describe anything 'First Nations' as separate from community. While there are individuals (obviously), the main way of relating is to the 'community' and everything that is done is considered in that regard, along with the impact that actions will have on communities of the future - 7 generations into the future to be exact.


First Nations groups have long histories of commerce and trade and hence, social finance. Profit alone has never been the motive and so they truly represent the 'history' of social finance as we know it - what benefits one, should benefit all.


Presently the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC has re-constructed an aboriginal village (Klahowya Village), a composite of 3 host nations: the Squamish, the Tsleil-Waututh and the Musqueam  who have inhabited the lands of the Lower Mainland of BC for centuries. They are committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry and they do this through  training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs; multiple benefits, solid business strategies and an excellent 'product' - themselves.  They mentor, they create and they provide cultural awareness and they are thriving in the arena of cultural attractions - 162,000 visitors in 2010 and an expected 200,000 in 2011. Those metrics are not hard to follow.


There are many other aboriginal people with long histories of entertainment and talent helping their communities and needing to make a living to do so. While speaking with Murray Porter, blues pianist with a 35 year musical history, he mentioned that aboriginal musicians have been showcased on community radio, more than 50 stations in BC alone, to allow people in rural communities the chance to hear stories, share histories and engage in the movement to honour oneself and one's community through music. People putting their talent to use to entertain, to engage, and to connect through the music business and best of all, loving what they do.


It is absolutely fascinating to think of the 'long' history of social finance in the context of Aboriginal nations. While it seems new and inventive to me, it is actually thought of as 'traditional' for First Nations people. 'Make money, Do Good' is our short form but for First Nations, I believe the sentiment is 'Make Money, Do Good, Help your people'.


It's never changed in thousands of years. Now THAT'S history.

Paul Martin and the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship -Cape Fund

Paul Martin and the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship (Cape) Fund

Yesterday on So Fine Canada, I played an interview with the Rt. Hon. Paul Martin. He's an excellent man, very generous of character and extremely committed to Aboriginal Leadership and social finance. I appreciate his stories of how he got into supporting Aboriginal businesses and the development of a $50 million dollar fund to help those businesses succeed. For anyone interested in reading about how to access that fund and the criteria click here.

We also talked about the two businesses under investment and a third soon to come online. I'm looking forward to the announcement on that one as I like what the other two businesses are doing, so I'm positive that the next one will also be great. Take a look at One Earth Farms and also Manitobah; I think you'll be equally impressed.

It's easy for me to be positive about what I see around me in terms of Aboriginal Leadership; there is a lot going on in BC and the country. What's missing is more wide-spread recognition of how good these businesses are and what they are doing for the future, for all Canadians. It's a case of when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. For too long, First Nations people were not able to succeed in their own right but they have decided to change this and like anyone moving forward, a little help goes a long way.

If you need more examples, consider the Women in Leadership Aboriginal Awards WIL -Aboriginal Women in Leadership coming up in March. The previous years have been astounding for what women Aboriginal leaders have been able to achieve. I leave each time brimming with admiration having heard some of the most remarkable stories of my life. They impact me and encourage me and show me ways to be hopeful. And many of them run band businesses that make money too.

Just love that.