Chief Clarence Louie will be a breath of fresh air for Ontario FN.....would love to hear this upcoming speech....

http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/01/14/chief-clarence-louie-took-his-band-from-rags-to-riches

Chief Clarence Louie took his band from rags to riches

“If your life sucks, it’s because you suck,” he’s been heard to say at First Nations speaking events. Ouch.

==================================================

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/indian-time-doesnt-cut-it-for-innovative-chief-with-on-the-edge-humour/article1103739/

'Indian Time doesn't cut it' for innovative chief with on-the-edge humour

"I can't stand people who are late," he says into the microphone.

"Indian Time doesn't cut it."

Some giggle, but no one is quite sure how far he is going to go. Just sit back and listen:

"My first rule for success is 'Show up on time.' My No. 2 rule for success is follow Rule No. 1."

"If your life sucks, it's because you suck."

"Quit your sniffling."

"Join the real world - go to school or get a job."

"Get off of welfare. Get off your butt."

He pauses, seeming to gauge whether he dare, then does.

"People often say to me, 'How you doin'?' Geez - I'm working with Indians - what do you think?"

Now they are openly laughing ... applauding. Clarence Louie is everything that was advertised - and more.

"Our ancestors worked for a living," he says. "So should you."

He is, fortunately, aboriginal himself. If someone else stood up and said these things - the white columnist standing there with his mouth open, for example - "You'd be seen as a racist." Instead, Chief Clarence Louie is seen, increasingly, as one of the most interesting and innovative native leaders in the country - even though he avoids national politics.

http://nationtalk.ca/story/chiefs-of-ontario-to-host-first-nation-economic-forum-focused-on-creating-long-term-wealth-for-first-nations-while-stimulating-provincial-and-national-economies

=======================================================

Chiefs of Ontario to Host First Nation Economic Forum Focused on Creating Long Term Wealth for First Nations While Stimulating Provincial and National Economies

CHIEFS OF ONTARIO TO HOST Next Week’s First Nation Economic Forum (#OFNEF2016) FOCUSed ON Creating Long Term Wealth for First Nations While Stimulating Provincial and National Economies

TORONTO, ON (Oct 5, 2016) — First Nation leaders and economic development officers will be gathering with government and industry next week at the Ontario First Nation Economic Forum (OFNEF), October 12-13 in Toronto.

The two-day event will feature a sold-out tradeshow and keynote speakers such as Chief Clarence Louie, Chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEBD); Gary Davis, former CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) and newly appointed Executive Director of the Native American Financial Services Association; and Ted Nolan, former NHL coach and entrepreneur.

“First Nations in Ontario are poised to become a powerful economic force in terms of natural, renewable, and human resources,” said Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day. “The Political Accord signed between the Chiefs of Ontario and the Province last year has renewed our relationship and breathed life into our Treaty rights, particularly in terms of jurisdiction and control of our lands.

One of the key outcomes of OFNEF will be ensuring that First Nations become equal partners and equal proponents in local and provincial economies,” added Regional Chief Day. “Once that is accomplished, First Nations will become the economic engines that will generate prosperity for all.”

OFNEF also features panels and workshops, key topics to include: Joint ventures; infrastructure; climate change; employment and training; social innovation and financing; energy; trade; and resource revenue and benefit sharing. Panel moderators to be featured are JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Clint Davis, the new Indigenous VP of Acasta Capital.

At the Gala Banquet on Wednesday, October 12, Tim Hortons will be honoured with an “Excellence in Partnership with First Nations” Award in recognition of the current work on establishing franchises in First Nation communities.