Membertou

“Through the marriage of indigenous knowledge and modern business practices, the Membertou First Nation has created its own good fortune. See how this ISO-certified community is forging a new path and helping other First Nations follow in their footsteps.”

“Membertou First Nation, a part of the city of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and one of the few urban aboriginal reserves in Atlantic Canada, defies stereotypes about poor, mismanaged reserves.”

"Case Study: Membertou First Nation explores the process of Membertou’s transformation from a welfare reserve completely dependent on federal funding to one of Cape Breton’s economic bright spots. In delving into the community’s story, we will see that in order to transform itself, Membertou mobilized its most important asset - its people."

"Women of Membertou illustrates how innovative approaches to education can be securely tethered to the richness of the past, providing a platform for children’s well-being and educational achievement."

"Membertou’s impressive economic growth and self-sufficiency over the past 15 years has underlined the limitations of the Indian Act in defining citizens and restricting development due to regulations on land use."

Case study of Membertou First Nation, representing the principle of "Accontability and Reporting" as part of National Center for First Nation Governance's Best Practices series.

"The Governance Best Practices Report profiles the work of 25 First Nations, tribes and aboriginal organizations across Canada and in the United States. Based on NCFNG's principles of effective governance, each profile provides the reader with a brief snapshot of strategies, techniques, procedures or processes that produce efficiencies in governance."

"The growth of Aboriginal band-owned enterprises has reduced high unemployment levels and increased self-reliance. Growth of Enterprises in Aboriginal Communities highlights the economic success of five Aboriginal communities. These community businesses use strategic planning and standard business practices, while maintaining traditional Aboriginal values. All community members share the benefits. This report documents the experience of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Membertou First Nation, Mississauga's of the New Credit First Nation and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

The tools, traditions and relationships that it takes to re-build First Nations, to realize good governance, were the three key elements discussed at the Aboriginal Financial Management Association of B.C.- INAC conference on Governance and Accountability, held in Vancouver, June 10-11, 2002.

"At one level, the story of Membertou First Nation is inspirational. But, this paper identifies some of the unique challenges and barriers faced by First Nations people pursuing opportunities as entrepreneurs. Challenges include issues of political stability; the need to respect the value placed upon community, conservation and sustainability by the culture the limited access to traditional sources of capital and other possible barriers.