Flo Frank Common Ground Resource Group phone: 306 376-2220 cell: 306 713-8040email: flofrank@sasktel.net or flofrankis@gmail.com

Economic options that build on or use natural surroundings or “place-based” ventures

The land – resources on – from - about the land (not industry extraction )

Based on community relationships (to the land, each other, to ourselves as well as to jobs and economies)

Linked to culture, heritage and tradition – focused on relevance, authenticity and sustainability

Builds on the familiar – balances benefits – linked to community (identity, pride, skills and money)

Nature and heritage are important/connected

Resilience of values and culture Public interest in learning and experiences Different approaches to jobs and business Can start small and have spin-off ventures Lends itself to a range of legal structures Gets beyond outdated economic models Integrated/holistic and relationship based

Changing demographics Start up costs and capacity Pace of progress and buy-in Protecting that which is cherished/sacred Business capital vs. social/community

capital Options for structures (Private – CBED – Coops -

NGO) Values based with creative collaborations Quality – relevance – commitment - control

Nunavut and northern Canada: outdoor adventures (for newcomers) – language/history exchanges - tourism and travel brokers – immigration – families not just singles

Tribal Journeys: restoring cultural practice, skill transfer, economic engine, spin-off economic benefits, intercultural and inter-community connections – reciprocity of cultures, ages, ethnicities and dreams – linked to traditional food security

Rural/Urban -- place-based events: music, art, culture, history, festivals, sports, recreation - fun for families – the changing face of Canada (Meacham Tractor Pull)

Coombs BC - Specific geographic places of interest – natural (waterfalls, forest, caves) and human made (market, antiques, petting zoo, wildlife sanctuary)

Eco/Ethno/ tourism: based on authentic cultural history – experiential “hands on” – high quality place-based learning (Ukrainian Village - enactments of history – northern light tours – bears/whales)

Arts/Human Sector: film/media industry – cultural orientation training – performing arts – connected to youth – elders - health – wellness - language retention – education - poverty reduction – reduction of self-harm – nature and cultural stewardship

The trail (Ala Kahakai): historic and cultural – education at all levels – youth trail building - social enterprises – living classroom/library for research and advocacy – tool for spiritual, language and family connections

Ancient Fish Ponds: re-learning, production/sales – community gatherings -remembering–culture camps – orientation and ethno-eco visitors (not typical tourist luaus/cruises)

Australian art in place: visitors experience culture, creating, stories and living in place

Use of natural plants and wildlife: to make products – goods for sale – come to community with marketing outside “country”

Not using a typical economic development model – hoping for reduction in “sorry business” – and finding a role for men

Common space for producing goods: job sharing – meals together – family present – shorter hours – fun and music while working

Markets around the world: global awareness – Ecuadorian deal to keep the rainforest – support for local business development

Right sized – right pace – balance in family, individual, community and business dev.

Enoughness – balancing financial investment/ gain with community assets, strengths and pride

Place-based focused on inside-out development –that which is cherished vs. problems to solve

Allows time for cultural transition and maintains strong community, social and cultural fabric

EDOs/Others can work on many levels with communities, investors and partners

Return on Investment indicators in:

Social Economic Environmental Cultural

Proven to build community, maintain cultural connections and help families get involved

Setting the record straight

Changing the mindset

Telling and showing the story

Post Industrial but not technology based

Our terms - our hours – our people - our values

Inclusive of all abilities and many interests

Assess possibilities – select one/two options Use existing local strengths and interests Start where people are at - build slowly Realistic business planning and training Leadership and ongoing “organic” buy-in Logical and crazy connections/partnerships Communication and marketing Creative resourcing – a continuum of options Diversity and inclusion with a business mind-set Evaluate – use data/analysis for advocacy

Successful ventures often with low risk Social and community cohesion Integrated visions /goals (pulling together) Logical and creative relationships Well-paced capacity building Youth and Elder involvement Enhanced sense of pride and purpose Skills/knowledge development and transfer Revenue – Jobs – Training - Careers

Local support is key (connecting community)

Must be authentic (fit with local values, way of being, culture, interests)

And . . . never under estimate what people will go to see or want to do . . .

Using Unique Features, Nature and Heritage builds communities and economies and are often a very good fit....

Not only for direct economic benefits but also the intended byproduct of local ownership, stewardship, and social and cultural community benefits. 

No idea is too big or too small or even too “crazy” when there is a catalyst and a dedicated group of people ready, willing and able to move it forward . . . .

Amazing things happen when you give ideas and people the time and space to grow

Thank You!