Derek Epp is the Chief of Tzeachten First Nation, his responsibilities go beyond the conventional leadership. Wearing many different hats, his influence extends across various boards and councils, marking him as a prominent figure in the socio-economic landscape of his community. In an interview with Derek Epp, we delve into the depths of his leadership journey, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations that define his tenure as Chief of Tzeachten First Nation.
First Nation Community and Its Impact on Shaping Chief Epp's Commitment
Growing up on the reserve, he experienced a profound connection to his community and culture. While there were preconceived notions surrounding the community he grew up in, he found his upbringing to be incredibly positive. He recalls the strong bonds formed with fellow community members, the wisdom imparted by elders, and a deep understanding of his cultural identity. Witnessing disparities in treatment based on appearance, he felt compelled to challenge stereotypes and advocate for change.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences, he emphasises the importance of breaking down stigmas plaguing Indigenous communities. He highlights the supportive nature of reserve life, where neighbours look out for one another, and communal values are upheld. Chief Epp's commitment to his roots is evident in his decision to purchase a home on the reserve, where he continues to celebrate the richness of his heritage. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of purpose and a drive to serve his community, guiding his academic pursuits and ultimately catapulting him to the unexpected role of chief.
Challenges and Strategies for Balancing Economic Development with Community Needs
Maintaining the delicate balance between economic development and community needs poses a significant challenge for Chief Epp. He discusses the complexities of change management and the importance of effectively communicating the rationale behind economic ventures to community members.
Recognising the need for economic diversification and self-sufficiency, he stresses the critical role of transparent planning and communication in gaining the trust and support of his membership. By outlining clear plans for reinvestment into cultural, wellness, and housing programmes, he has developed a sense of confidence among community members, enabling the pursuit of various economic development opportunities.
His tenure as Chief has taught him valuable lessons in patience and strategic decision-making. Acknowledging the temptation to rush into initiatives, he now advocates for a methodical approach, understanding that going slow initially can lead to more sustainable progress in the long run.
Community celebrates as Tzeachten's affordable housing project opens its doors.
Source: www.abbynews.com : https://www.abbynews.com/news/affordable-rental-project-in-chilliwack-for-indigenous-people-aims-to-address-housing-crisis-1825401
Measuring Initiatives' Success
Assessing the effectiveness of community initiatives is a crucial task for Chief Epp. This is why he put metrics in place for him to gauge the success of various programmes. By conducting demographic studies and tracking outcomes post-implementation, he and his team have been able to quantify the impact of their efforts.
Notably, their focus on affordable housing has led to tangible improvements, including reduced overcrowding and an enhanced quality of life for community members. These achievements are reflected in key performance indicators such as increased participation in mental health programmes, reduced reliance on social assistance, and a decline in the number of children in care.
His approach highlights the interconnectedness of economic and social well-being, aligning with the broader framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His efforts paid off as his community has transitioned from managing poverty to promoting wealth and self-sufficiency.
Tax Revenue for Project Proposals
Tax revenue is another subject that was tackled during his interview. He delves into the complexities surrounding tax revenue and its implications for project proposals, outlining the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in navigating federal taxation policies, which often result in limitations and uncertainties.
He emphasises the importance of advocating for tax jurisdictional rights, particularly in initiatives such as the First Nations Goods and Services Tax (GST). Despite facing federal constraints, he remains steadfast in his efforts to negotiate favourable tax regimes that benefit Indigenous communities, cultivating sustainable development.
His advocacy is not limited to the federal level as he collaborates with provincial leaders to gain support for tax initiatives. Recognising the potential benefits for both Indigenous communities and industries, he emphasises the importance of codifying tax relationships in legislation. Indigenous communities can level the playing field in project negotiations and establish a foundation for positive engagement with industries once they secure a reliable revenue stream through taxation.
Attracting Investors to Forge Indigenous Partnerships
When it comes to the importance of prioritising relationships with Indigenous communities in investment ventures, he emphasises the need for industry players to engage with First Nations early in the exploratory phase, building trust and collaboration from the outset. Through meaningful partnerships, investors can expedite permitting processes and de-risk projects, ultimately enhancing profitability and return on investment.
His perspective is exemplified by recent initiatives, such as Enbridge's collaboration with 46 Indigenous communities along a pipeline corridor. Involving these communities in negotiations and offering equity ownership stakes helps Enbridge streamline project approvals but also demonstrates a commitment to meaningful Indigenous partnerships.
He contrasts this approach with the pitfalls of neglecting Indigenous engagement, citing the Trans Mountain project's costly delays as a cautionary tale. As industry leaders increasingly recognise the value of Indigenous partnerships, Epp's advocacy for early engagement and collaborative decision-making serves as a blueprint for successful and mutually beneficial investment ventures.
Indigenous projects embark on a journey of innovation and tradition.
Source: www.enbridge.com : https://www.enbridge.com/about-us/our-values/indigenous-communities
Breaking The Stigma
Another aspect that he discussed was the stigma surrounding Indigenous involvement in resource extraction projects. He expresses surprise at the extent to which industry and investors have internalised this narrative, perceiving Indigenous communities primarily as barriers to development rather than potential partners. Overcoming this stigma requires proactive efforts to build trust and communication channels between Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders.
He highlights the importance of dispelling misconceptions and promoting investor confidence in Indigenous partnerships. He seeks to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and industry players. Through open dialogue and a commitment to breaking down barriers, he advocates for a paradigm shift towards inclusive and mutually beneficial resource development initiatives.
Expectations On Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit
Chief Epp approaches the summit with a sense of openness and adaptability, recognising the ever-evolving landscape of policies, legislation, and Indigenous involvement in economies. His expectations are grounded in the belief that the summit will serve as a platform for building upon previous efforts.
His goal is to facilitate the bridging of gaps and the creation of economic opportunities that benefit all parties involved. He envisions a future where economic benefits are shared equitably among Indigenous communities, investors, industry players, and governments alike. With a commitment to collective prosperity, he looks forward to leveraging the summit as a catalyst for positive change and inclusive growth in Canada.
Join us at the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit and experience first-hand the innovative approaches and unique opportunities presented by Indigenous partnerships in Canada's economic landscape. Together with Derek Epp and a diverse array of speakers, let this event be the first step towards exploring myriad possibilities in investing in the future of Indigenous communities. Register now for the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit.