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N I O M A C E N T R E

A BRIEF PROSPECTUS

May 28, 2015

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NIOMA IS A CREE WORD MEANING I AM.

IT IS AN ASSERTION; A STATEMENT OF EMPOWERMENT

The Nioma Centre is a community driven project that seeks to blend indigenous teachings and protocols, traditional ecological/environmental knowledge (TEK) and leading scientific methods and practices for achieving balanced living with the Earth promoting healthy and sustainable practices in such areas as food and agricultural production, residential construction options, energy generation and reduction of carbon footprint.

The strength of Nioma lies in the relationships that we develop with our clients, partners, supporters and each other. The foundation of our work centers on helping each person who engages with our facilities and services, find a deeper understanding of their own place in the world to fulfill the connection to their hidden talents; their buried truths; the unexpressed dream;

the gifts they have been entrusted to carry on their life journey.

Our message is simple: Each human being brings a gift to the circle their unique identity, which for many, can be hidden or repressed for most of their lives. They are not asked to fit in or conform. Rather, the challenge is on the community to find a place for that individual that encourages the development of the gift, and enriches the lives of all in the community.

DESCRIPTION

The Nioma Centre is a business venture designed to create a venue in close proximity to the Capital Region with its main revenue being generated from Aboriginal Cultural Tourism, Ecological Training & Outdoor Education, Indigenous Perspective Curriculum Development and Event Hosting. The site will be developed into an Aboriginal Interpretative centre and site specific Ecological Information Centre The Nioma Centre is a business located on 2.99 acres of land approximately 14 miles west of Devon in the county of Leduc. The site lies adjacent to two quarters of Crown Land on the southern shore of the N. Saskatchewan River, and a further five quarters on the north shore of the river totaling 1200 acres of Crown Land. The adjacent lands contain a 147 acre Nature Conservancy of Canada wilderness area and provincial discussions are underway to secure the remaining area with Provincial Park designation (Peregrine Provincial Park).

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The site is 35 minutes to Edmonton and 20 minutes to Leduc and Edmonton International Airport.

SITE ATTRIBUTES

Road is paved from property to Pigeon Lake, north shore Mission Beach and Highway 39 (sec. 622)

Network of trail for hikers, horseback riders, cross country skiers and cultural/interpretative tours

Gated and graveled road entrance

Legal access to North Saskatchewan River via 66 right of way

Adjacent to 147 acre Nature Conservancy of Canada reserve

3 large and accessible North Saskatchewan River islands

40 acre grazing lease on adjacent land, with water access

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ABORGINAL PARTNERSHIPS

The site is located in the heart of Treaty 6 territory, between Paul First Nation, Alexis First Nation, Alexander Cree Nation, Enoch Cree Nation to the North and Samson Band, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Montana First Nation and Louis Bull Tribe to the Southeast. The area has been identified by several Elders and cultural practitioners from several communities and tribes as culturally relevant and spiritually significant. The adjacent area has been utilized for ceremonial purposes in the past. The capital region of Edmonton is home to well over 38,000 Aboriginal peoples1 with Mtis as the fastest growing group in the city. Based on current population growth and migration statistics, the Aboriginal population in Edmonton alone could top 66,000 residents. Aboriginal peoples in the Capital Region are also statistically younger than non-Aboriginal counterparts (median age 25 compared to 36) and are becoming increasingly successful in educational attainment and labour force participation, although are still behind the success rates of non-Aboriginal Albertans. Developing strong partnerships with the Aboriginal community both in the Capital Region and in surrounding communities and First Nations is integral to the success of the Nioma Centre.

As the site is developed, cultural and traditional land use assessments will be conducted, creating further context for the development of the cultural interpretative aspect of the Centre. Working with service providers in the Capital Region will also be instrumental in the success of the Nioma Centre. Helping them tailor specific programming that enhances their service delivery models and provides a strong connection to land based cultural teachings with complementary infrastructure to support will be a key facet of our operations.

SOURCES OF REVENUE

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOURISM

The Nioma Centre will create custom experiences for all types of tourism-based market demand. This includes guided tours, staged cultural events, tipi and camp tent excursions,

1 City of Edmonton, Aboriginal Statistical Profile, 2009: http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/City_of_Edmonton_Aboriginal_Statistical_Profile_FINAL-Report-Oct-09.pdf

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island excursions, river tours, longboat/canoe trips, medicinal herbs and edibles identification, hunting/fishing guiding, and Aboriginal crafts/artisanship vending. This revenue stream will be complemented and enhanced by the development of powerful web based presence and marketing raising local, national and international awareness of the Centre

and its attributes and increasing the visibility of Aboriginal culture and raising the profile of Alberta Tourism throughout the world. Programming will be developed in conjunction with local events (powwows, festivals, celebrations) and in collaboration with other agencies and service providers, working to create successful and exciting experiences for all participants.

ECOLOGICAL TRAINING AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The Nioma Centre will incorporate principles from experiential and environmental education disciplines in the development of an outdoor education program. All outdoor education and environmental education events may be presented from an Indigenous cultural perspective if requested. A full range of outdoor education programming will be created, utilizing the full scope of the surrounding boreal and prairie ecosystems and unique qualities of the river valley terrain.

Nioma will work with various partners to develop and deliver programming that reflects their desired outcomes. The Centre will seek affiliation with the Rediscovery International Foundation the wilderness cultural heritage program founded by Thom Henley in 1978. The goal of Rediscovery is to promote cross-cultural understanding and global peace by adopting traditional Indigenous Peoples values of respect for oneself, other people and the natural environment.2

2 Rediscovery International: http://www.thomhenley.com/Rediscovery/Rediscovery.htm

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EVENT HOSTING AND BED & BREAKFAST/HOSTELRY OPPORTUNITIES

The Centre will develop its infrastructure in such a way as to provide a picturesque and comfortable retreat setting from urban environments. Staff retreats, Aboriginal awareness training, management workshops and other corporate relations activities will be pursued. Banquet facilities, world class kitchen and Aboriginal infused gourmet catering available onsite will add to this revenue component. Niomas team of professional consultants will ensure that every event held onsite is a resounding success. INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

In collaboration with selected partners, the Nioma Centre will offer on-site and portable indigenous perspective curriculum modules for Divisions I, II and III within the Alberta curriculum. These modules will be developed for key subject areas, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, and will meet the learning objectives as identified in the program of studies.

ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTION FOOD TRUCK

BED & BALES, HORSE BOARDING

EVENT HOSTING AND BED & BREAKFAST/HOSTELRY OPPORTUNITIES

ARTIST AND ARTISAN SUPPORT, TRAINING, WORKSHOPS

MUSIC STUDIO, ARTIST STUDIO SPACE RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES