In recognition of the importance of economic development to community advancement and nation building, the BCAFN hosted a series of regional meetings to receive feedback and advice from First Nations from across BC for the development of a regional economic development strategy. Meetings were held in Prince George (Northern), Enderby (Interior), Chilliwack (Fraser Valley), Parksville (Vancouver Island) and North Vancouver (Lower Mainland). Each regional meeting included informational components from government and industry, as well as strategy sessions amongst First Nation participants.
Check out the following link to hear from First Nations peoples and First Nations leadership from across the Province on their ideas on economic development.
Stay tuned for Round 2.
“The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations continues to work with First Nations to develop our economic development strategy, however, in order to advance reconciliation, we must build bridges. We must work together to ensure more positive, constructive, and meaningful relationships with government and industry, and in turn, we must work together to lift our people from the poverty and to attain the justice we have sought for so long.”
– Shane Gottfriedson, BCAFN Regional Chief