Collaborative Approach to Economic Development : The Unama’ki Model

The five First Nation communities in Cape Breton, Unama’ki in the Mi’kmaq language, have formed a unique economic partnership and established a collaborative approach to economic development that is becoming recognized across Canada. They recognized the importance of training (ASEP), taking a business approach to pursuing economic opportunities, and the importance of partnering with business and governments. This office is the result. For more information, click on "About Unama’ki EBO".

Job Opportunity: Training Coordinator

Deadline: May 25^th, 2012, 4:00pm

The successful applicant will work with the Director of Training to coordinate training to employment initiatives, and the support of program participants for the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office.

The primary duty of the Training Coordinator is to implement training programs for the Unama'ki communities. Therefore, this person should have appropriate training, employment experience, and education. They should also have strong management and communication skills. This person will support the Director in managing the training to employment programs, administer client management systems, organize meetings, do presentations, prepare reports as well as organize workshops and training. This person will also be the liaison between the office and industry partners and the training delivery partners.

Province Supports Success of Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office

March 5^th, 2012

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter was in Membertou Monday, Mar.5, to announce more than $640,000 over two years for the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office. The funding from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education will help Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office provide training for 400 and lead to employment for more than 200 Mi'kmaq from, the Unama'ki communities as well as Paq'tnkek and Pictou Landing.

Information session for all Unama'ki, Mar 21 in Eskasoni for Career in Policing

February 17^th, 2012

Recruitment sessions will be held in each Unama'ki community prior to the Mar.21 Information session on a Career in Policing. Residents with an interest in a career in policing are invited to one of these community recruitment session to find out about qualifications. The Recruitment sessions will be conducted by staff of the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office, and the Mar.21 Information sessions will be put on by officials of the Atlantic police Academy and the CBRM police force. Dates and locations for the Recruitment sessions are:

Feb 22- Eskasoni- Sarah Denny Cultural Centre- 1pm
Feb 23- Membertou- UEBO office- 1pm
Feb 24- Paq'tnkek-Paq'tnkek Health Centre- 1pm
Feb 27- Wagmatcook- Wagmatcook Cultural Centre- 1pm
Feb 28- Potlotek- Potlotek Health Centre- 1pm
Feb29- Waycobah- New Fisheries Building- 1pm

Prior to each of these recruitment sessions, the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office will be having sessions for Interview Prep and Career Cruising, from 10am to noon. Career Cruising will help you match your interest with possible careers.

For more information call Kim Milley, Training Coordinator, Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office, 902-562-4700, Ext 3304.

2011 Annual Report released by Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office

February 9^th, 2012

First Nations Study Purchasing Power of Household Spending

January 10^th, 2012

A new economic study has identified that the five First Nation Communities in Cape Breton (Unama'ki) spend a total of over $107 million. Dan Christmas, co-chair of the steering committee for the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office (UEBO), said, "$107 million is enormous purchasing power and this economic study provides some strong economic data for our communities to act on and leverage for economic development and jobs."

Unama'ki Chiefs Meet With Cape Breton Partnership and ECBC

December 9^th, 2011

The Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office (UEBO) hosted a meeting of the five Unama'ki Chiefs on Dec.9 in Membertou. The chiefs received a briefing on a new economic strategy for Cape Breton that the Cape Breton Partnership is about to launch. Keith MacDonald, Executive Director of the Cape Breton Partnership, made the presentation. Chief Gerard Julian of Paq'tnkek was also in attendance.

First Nations Partner with Coast Guard College

November 10^th, 2011

The Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office (UEBO) has formed a partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard College in Point Edward. Members of the Steering Committee for the UEBO met at the Coast Guard College this week.

Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office Wins Special Award

October 20^th, 2011

A special award was presented to the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office at the Excellence in Business Awards held by the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, October 20 in Membertou.

Aboriginal Science Camp at Canadian Coast Guard College

September 15^th, 2011

The Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney has partnered with the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office in putting on a week-long science camp for local Aboriginal students.

Federal Minister Announces Funding

August 5^th, 2011

The Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office (UEBO) will receive operational funding to continue its economic development work on behalf of the five First Nations communities on Cape Breton Island.