Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation Enters Newly Re-Modeled Governance Structure
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2023 – Today, March 31, 2023, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) began operating under a newly re-structured governance model that was previously announced in January 2023. The re-model has been negotiated and agreed upon by Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (Elected Council) and SNGRDC. The goal of this new structure is to find efficiencies and create an enhanced relationship between Elected Council and SNGRDC to better serve the Six Nations community.
There are three major changes under the enhanced structure: a new long-term funding agreement; divestiture of properties; and an amalgamated governance model of SNGRDC.
15-Year Funding Agreement
Under the new model, the Elected Council will receive a minimum annual funding commitment from the Economic Development Trust (EDT) for the next 15 years. The annual commitment is 40% of SNGRDC’s post audit free cash or $1.4M, whichever is greater.
This will allow the Elected Council and its departments to plan for the long-term needs of the community. Eliminating the EDT application requirement for the Elected Council saves resources and time for both the Elected Council and the EDT, which will result in direct financial savings.
The funding agreement provides parameters in which the Elected Council can utilize the proceeds. Funding must be directly tied to a community need as outlined in the 2019 Community Plan. The Elected Council will be subject to reporting and disclosures, keeping in line with the current EDT funding agreements. As part of the reporting process, the Elected Council will produce an annual report detailing where the funds were directed.
Going forward, the Elected Council will no longer be eligible to apply for EDT funding. This will enable the EDT to streamline their focus towards other general applicants and grassroots level initiatives.
As of December 2022, the Economic Development Trust (EDT) has re-invested just over $16.6M into community priorities, of which, Elected Council departments have received $12.4M. Details on how these funds were allocated can be found at www.sixnationsedt.ca.
Divestiture
When SNGRDC separated from Elected Council in 2015, all Economic Development properties and operations were transferred to SNGRDC. At that time, SNGRDC entered into a management agreement to manage these properties and operations on behalf of the Elected Council.
It has been determined that certain properties cannot be developed due to political factors which are beyond the control of SNGRDC. As such, below is a list of properties that will be transitioned back to the Elected Council:
- Oneida Business Park – undeveloped lands (current building will continue to be managed by SNGRDC)
- 431 West Street, Brantford
- Former School #5 & Former School # 7
- Port Maitland property
- A6N Yard (former Martin Bus Property); A6N is re-locating to the Oneida Business Park
- Old Internet towers – Mohawk Road, Chiefswood Road and Cayuga Road
In addition to the above, Six Nations Tourism – including Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks and Chiefswood National Historic Site, will transition to the Elected Council. This transition will allow for greater funding opportunities through grants which are not currently available to Six Nations Tourism as a subsidiary of SNGRDC. Six Nations Tourism will remain located in Chiefswood Park and continue to collaborate closely with SNGRDC on tourism-related offerings.
Amalgamated SNGRDC Governance Model
The amalgamation will consist of shifting from three governing boards, consisting of 15 different board members, to one consolidated board comprised of 9 members. The members of the new consolidated board are Janis Monture, Justin Porter, Audrey Hill, Alaina VanEvery, Andrew Joseph, Phillip Johnson, Rachel Martin, Erica Martisius, and Myka Burning.
This new model will see new committees developed to oversee the current functions of the Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees. Consolidating the current model into one board will result in cost savings.
There will be no interruptions to community services offered by SNGRDC and Elected Council under this new agreement. Both entities look forward to working together under this enhanced relationship to continue to serve the Six Nations community.