Snap Lake Diamond Mine, Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiations
2006 and ongoing
Chignecto is working as technical advisor for the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation in its negotiations with DeBeers Canada for an Impact Benefit Agreement with respect to the Snap Lake Diamond Mine that is being developed in the Northwest Territories. Chignecto will provide strategic advice and expertise in the following areas: negotiation Organization and Structure technical advice, negotiation support, research and analysis, environmental expertise, engineering expertise, and financial expertise.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation – Forestry and Hydroelectric Negotiations
2006 and ongoing
Chignecto is providing negotiation support and strategic direction to the Mishkeegogaming First Nation in their negotiations in the areas of hydroelectric and forestry with large corporations.

Victor Diamond Mine, Impact Benefit Agreement
2003-2006
Chignecto worked with Attawapiskat First Nation as technical advisor providing expertise and strategic advice in its negotiations with DeBeers Canada for an Impact Benefit Agreement on the development of the Victor Diamond Mine. Services are similar to that identified in the Snap Lake project.

Assembly of First Nations/Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Joint Committee on PSE- Evaluation of the Indian Studies Support Program
In partnership with Katenies Research and Management Services, Chignecto undertook an evaluation of the Indian Studies Support Program, particularly considering the role that Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning play in progress in Aboriginal post-secondary education. The report included detailed analysis of the policy, in-depth interviews with key informants from across Canada, a comparative analysis of provincial policies regarding Aboriginal post-secondary education, best practices in Indigenous learning from both national and international contexts, analysis of the American Tribal College system, and a compilation of success factors for Aboriginal achievement in post-secondary. The evaluation included sweeping recommendations for improvement of the program and development of support systems on a national basis.

Council of Ministers of Education, Canada – Aboriginal Post-Secondary Initiatives
Chignecto worked with Dr. Blair Stonechild to compile a working inventory of post-secondary initiatives across the country directed at Aboriginal students. These initiatives included Aboriginal-specific programs and courses, student support services provided by post-secondary institutions, scholarship and bursaries, directed funding for PSE by province, community-delivered programming, transition and access programs, and mentoring and apprenticeship options, among others. In addition to the working inventory, the final report included analysis of existing initiatives, best practices, and recommended directions for CMEC.

Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education – Sharing Our Success
Chignecto was hired to participate in the second phase of a national study that assessed the “top 20 schools” in Canada that provide education to Aboriginal children. Chignecto undertook two case studies to determine best practices employed by the Eskasoni Elementary/Middle School in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Se’t A’newey Kina’matinguom (St. Anne’s School) in Conne River, Newfoundland. Key informant interviews, focus groups, observation and direct interaction with staff and students resulted in two chapters outlining the keys to their success. Factors considered included governance and leadership, school climate, partnerships, culture, teaching and learning, assessments and outcomes.

MAWIW Strategic Planning Processes
Chignecto conducted two strategic planning process for the MAWIW Council, which is a tribal council representing the three largest Aboriginal communities in New Brunswick – Elsipogtog, Burnt Church and Tobique First Nations. The first session was delivered for the MAWIW Health Commission and the second for the MAWIW AHRDA. Sessions included SWOT assessments, establishment of mission and/or vision statements, goal setting and action planning.

Mushuau Innu First Nation – Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve
Chignecto provided technical assistance in the development of the Mushuau Innu Aboriginal Head Start program being established on reserve. Chignecto’s ongoing role includes research into legislative requirements, meeting program priorities, liaising with partners such as the College of the North Atlantic, providing support and advice to Mushuau Innu staff, identifying resources, and preparing the final proposals and annual budgets.

Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation – Technical Advice
We provide ongoing comprehensive program development, delivery and accountability assistance, e.g., housing, finance, education, human resources, capital, etc. to Sheshatshiu First Nation on an ongoing basis. We provide strategic advice on major initiatives, including Indian Act registration and child and family services. Most recently Chignecto conducted an organizational review of the Band Administration and provided best practices options from other AtlanticFirst Nations.