First Citizens' Forum

The First Citizens' Forum provides Aboriginal citizens living on and off reserve direct communication with government about their priorities and ideas to improve their quality of life today.

Held each year since 2002, the forums bring together provincial government leadership, Aboriginal political leaders (First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Métis Nation B.C. and the United Native Nations), Aboriginal community members and representatives of other Aboriginal organizations.

First Citizens’ Forum 2007

Theme: Aboriginal Cultural Tourism - Strengthening B.C.’s Tourism Industry

Overview:

In November, the Province and Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC) welcomed Aboriginal and tourism leaders from around the province to the 5th First Citizens’ Forum. Delegates engaged in dialogue about the future of the sector, examining the growing opportunities and challenges.

Located in the traditional territory of the Kamloops Indian Band, Chief Shane Gottfriedson opened the forum at the Best Western in Kamloops. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliations Minister Michael de Jong and Chief Sophie Pierre of the St. Mary’s Indian Band co-hosted the event. Tourism, Sports, and Arts Minister Stan Hagen presented closing remarks. The Province presented special honours to Aboriginal youth from the provincially-funded Youth Ambassadorship Program. The youth assisted delegates throughout the day.

The forum delivered a mix of presentations, workshops and break-out sessions on training, product development, marketing and culture. Topics focused on ATBC’s Blueprint Strategy, the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, and the growing participation of Aboriginal communities in the 2010 Winter Games, as presented by the Four Host First Nations Society.

The Province expects healthy growth in the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism sector, presenting unprecedented opportunities for B.C.’s Aboriginal communities. Revenues from the sector are expected to increase from $35 million a year to as much as $50 million by 2010.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation would like to thank Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C., facilitators, key-note speakers and all participants for their time and valuable contributions.

For more information on the Province’s MOU with the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C. visit: $5 Million to Strengthen Aboriginal Cultural Tourism

To learn more about the 2007 First Citizens' Forum, the themes and recommendations that emerged during the day, please read the First Citizens' Forum Report. (PDF 300KB)

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