| First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-operative Development Program |
HARNESSING THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION
 The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) has created the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-operative Development Program to help Aboriginal communities explore the potential of co-operatives to meet their needs. The five-year pilot program was developed in collaboration with national Aboriginal organizations.
The program is sponsored by Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. and grants are funded by the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada. The federal government's Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat supports the program through the Co-operative Development Initiative.
The program will fund between five and 10 projects a year with an average grant of $5,000 to $10,000 per project. Funding will be available for a variety of purposes, including:
- Consultations between First Nations Métis and Inuit communities and existing co-operatives on potential projects. For example, visits by community representatives to meet with co-operative experts.
- Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
- Training opportunities for potential and existing staff and/or board members.
Projects receiving funding are selected by a Steering Committee including representatives of Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., the Canadian Co-operative Associaton, the Assembly of First Nations, the National Association of Friendship Centres, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
The deadline for the next call for proposals is OCTOBER 10, 2011.
CLICK HERE for the list of projects receiving funding as a result of the 2010-11 call for proposals.
CLICK HERE to download the application form (in English).
CLIQUEZ ICI pour télécharger le formulaire de demande (en français).
CLICK HERE to download the application guide (in English)
CLIQUEZ ICI pour télécharger le guide de demande (en français)
For more information about the program, contact 238-6711, ext. 205 or FNMI@coopscanada.coop
What are the advantages of co-operatives?
 Co-operation is a value that is firmly rooted in the cultures of Canada's first peoples. Ideas like decision-making by consensus, respect for others and being in harmony with all things are all part of the Aboriginal way of life. It's why the co-operative business model is an ideal economic development tool for Aboriginal communities. A co-operative - or co-op - is a business owned by its members. Different types of co-ops have different kinds of members.
Types of co-operatives
- Consumer: In consumer co-ops, such as retail co-ops, housing co-ops or credit unions, the members are the co-op's customers.
- Producer: In producer co-ops, such as farmers' co-ops or artists' co-ops, the members produce the product and form a co-op to process or market it.
- Worker: In worker co-ops, the co-op's members are its employees.
Co-operative principles
Co-operatives are guided by seven internationally-recognized principles:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co-operation among co-operatives
- Concern for community
For examples of First Nations, Métis and Inuit co-operatives in Canada click here.
To download our program brochure click here. |
