November 28, 2011

Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, Muncey

The tenacity of Chiefs from seven Southern Ontario First Nations (Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Delaware Nation, and Walpole Island First Nation) led to an historic policy change in the early Community Futures Program.  Two days of meetings in Ottawa with Minister of Employment and Immigration Canada Flora MacDonald and representatives from Indian Affairs, convinced the Government of Canada to provide equal opportunity to community driven economic development.  Known as Seven Bands Business Incentive Organization (SBBIO), the first Aboriginal-specific Community Futures organization in Canada opened its doors in 1988.  Seven Bands provided entrepreneurial training and new infrastructure for economic development in each First Nation.

In 1993, they merged with the earlier formed Association of Reserves for Improving Social Economics (ARISE).  The new Tecumseh Community Development Corporation broadened its reach to include 3 more First Nations (Chippewas of Nawash, Chippewas of Saugeen, and Caldwell) and off-reserve Aboriginal people in the region.

(Written with information provided through the tcdc.on.ca website and former staff of SBBIO and TCDC)