Fredericton, New Brunswick

The NIEDB gathered for two days of meetings at the Maqiyahtimok Centre in Sitansisk (St. Mary's First Nation), on Wolastoqey territory shared with the city of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Knowledge keeper, teacher and song keeper Dr. Maggie Paul, opened the Board meeting in a good way with song and prayer.

The Board met with Sakom Allan Polchies Junior, Chief of Sitansisk, as well as Chief Terry Richardson and Councillor Jim Richardson of Pabineau First Nation and learned of their Nation’s projects and successes.

The Board received inspiring presentations from successful Indigenous-owned and -led businesses such as Glooscap Ventures, Ulnooweg, the Joint Economic Development Initiative, Bilijk Wolastoqiyik, and McGraw Seafood. The Board also received updates from ACOA, Indigenous Services Canada, the Government of New Brunswick, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and learned about the Canadian Armed Forces' Black Bear Indigenous Training Program.

The discussions highlighted the importance of Indigenous leadership, access to capital, strong partnerships, capacity building, and self-determined economic development approaches that support sustainable growth for current and future generations.

Thank you to everyone who generously shared their experiences, insights, and vision with the Board. The Board leaves Atlantic Canada with a deeper understanding of the opportunities, successes, and ongoing work shaping Indigenous economic development in the Atlantic region.