JEDI: about JEDI

About JEDI

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a tripartite process implemented by Aboriginal communities and the federal and provincial governments to identify and encourage undertakings designed to stimulate economic development in Aboriginal communities within New Brunswick.

JEDI is co-chaired by Alex Dedam of the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation; Brian Dick, vice president New Brunswick for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); and Patrick Francis, Deputy Minister of the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat (AAS).

Letter of Introduction | JEDI Objectives | JEDI Commitees | JEDI Action Plan

Letter of Introduction: JEDI Co-chairs

Dear Friend,

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a tripartite partnership between the Aboriginal communities of New Brunswick, the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick. This initiative was established in 1995 to identify and pursue undertakings that will contribute to economic development for Aboriginal peoples across the province.

The focus of JEDI is on practical, results-oriented undertakings using existing programs and services. This includes initiatives in the areas of entrepreneurship funding and business development in various industry sectors. JEDI is working to increase employment and income for both on-and-off-reserve Aboriginals in New Brunswick.

JEDI is co-chaired by Alex Dedam of the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation; Brian Dick, vice-president New Brunswick for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); and Patrick Francis, Deputy Minister of the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat (AAS).

Should you require further information or if you would like to discuss JEDI in more detail, please contact Lynn Poole-Hughes, JEDI manager, at Tel: (506) 452-3763 or via e-mail: lynn.poole-hughes@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Sincerely,

Alex Dedam, JEDI Co-chair

Lynn Poole-Hughes, JEDI Manager

JEDI Objectives

To increase entrepreneurship, small business development and employment, and pursue opportunities for increasing employment and income among Aboriginal communities;
To facilitate the administrative process of Aboriginal projects submitted to governments for financial consideration;
To foster a long-term government commitment towards the economic development of Aboriginal communities;
To be sensitive to the needs of Aboriginal communities in carrying out strategic planning exercises and increase Aboriginal presence in economic development.

JEDI Committees

Plenary Group

Seeks guidance from Aboriginal individuals and groups
Reviews and receives updates on initiatives
Uses open process to help Aboriginal entrepreneurs access economic development information
Encourages Aboriginal input

Community Economic Development Committee

Fosters a holistic approach to Aboriginal economic development through communication, networking, entrepreneurship development and capacity building.

Procurement & Joint Venture Committee

Identifies federal procurement and joint venture opportunities for small businesses.
Communicates pertinent information to government agencies, Aboriginal groups and businesses.
Assists in demystifying the procurement process.
Industrial Regional Benefits: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inad-ad.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/ad03657e.html

Communications Committee

Communicates economic development information, increases public awareness and program visibility.

Employment Placement Committee

Identifies ways of increasing Aboriginal workforce participation in public and private sectors.
Explores new approaches by identifying traditional obstacles and ways of alleviating them.

Resource Sectors Committee

Mandated to look at supporting and encouraging Aboriginal projects and opportunities.
Works with federal and provincial departments to identify potential economic opportunities in the natural resource sector.

Cultural Awareness Committee

Works in partnership with federal and provincial departments and agencies and the private sector in the development, implementation and coordination of Mi'kmaq and Maliseet cross-cultural awareness activities within New Brunswick.

JEDI Action Plan

The five strategic directions of the JEDI Action Plan are as follows:

1. Economic, Business and Skill Development

2. Employment

3. Cultural Awareness

4. Communication

5. JEDI Coordination & Administration

The JEDI Action Plan 2002-2004 has been formulated from the overall objectives of the JEDI Plenary group, JEDI Management and the individual work plans of the JEDI sub-committees, Employment Placement (EP), Community Economic Development (CED), Procurement & Joint Venture (PJVC), Cultural Awareness (CA), Communication (C), and Resource Sectors (RS).