Economic Opportunities for First Nations in British Columbia

Date: 2004
ISBN: 0-662-37032-5
QS-B039-000-EE-A1

Are you a First Nation looking for funding to develop a business opportunity?

Are you a company interested in developing a partnership with a First Nation?

In British Columbia, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is working with First Nations, other levels of government and the private sector to promote business partnerships and increase access to economic opportunities for First Nations.

Services

We work with First Nations to:

• assist in access to departmental programs and resources to support economic and business opportunities
• identify new economic and employment opportunities
• overcome barriers to economic development

We work with First Nations and businesses to:

• facilitate the development of sound partnerships that can take advantage of economic opportunities
• create linkages with key business sectors to improve the investment climate for First Nations enterprises
• increase opportunities for Aboriginal people to enter the workforce

Program Funding

There are a number of economic development programs that First Nation governments and Aboriginal enterprises can access to take advantage of economic opportunities.

For more information on programs, guidelines, criteria and how to apply, contact Indian and Northern Affairs Canada at (toll-free) 1-800-567-9604.

The Benefits of Partnership

Working together is the key to economic development

Fostering First Nation economic and employment opportunities and building business partnerships not only supports stronger and healthier First Nation communities and people - it also stimulates economic growth and opportunities for all British Columbians.

Benefits to First Nations

Partnerships with the private sector and government provide First Nations with:

• access to capital
• access to land and resources
• access to new markets
• skill development
• improved economic infrastructure

Benefits to Business

Partnering with Aboriginal communities is no longer a matter of good corporate citizenship - it's simply good business.

By partnering, you can:

• access Aboriginal markets
• access a growing and better educated Aboriginal labour market
• build goodwill with First Nation communities
• create mutually beneficial opportunities to develop land and resources

First Nations businesses are creating jobs and helping to build a stronger economy in BC.

Some projects supported by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada:

Nk'mip Cellars Winery

• a joint venture between the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation and Vincor International that can produce up to 15,000 cases of wine a year

Adams Lake Band Sawmill

• a band-owned and operated sawmill employing 15 community members and supplying quality milled logs for a local log home building operation

We-Wai-Kai Campsite

• a 140 site campground owned and operated by the Cape Mudge Indian Band

Want more information?

Contact us at:
Economic Development and Business Partnerships
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
600-1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4S3

E-mail: Infopubs@inac-ainc.gc.ca
Phone: (toll-free) 1-800-567-9604
Fax: 1-866-817-3977
TTY: (toll-free) 1-866-553-0554