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Your B.C. Government

First Nations Economic Development

The B.C. Government is working in co-operation with B.C.’s First Nations to build capacity so that Aboriginal communities can benefit from B.C.’s strong economy and close the economic gap and create jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal British Columbians.

What your B.C. Government is doing for First Nations Economic Development:

  • Your B.C. Government is the first Province to implement revenue sharing with First Nations on new mining projects.
  • The environmental assessment review process, including consultations with the public and First Nations, on the proposed Northwest Transmission Line Project along Highway 37 is underway. The proposed power line has the potential to generate or support billions of dollars in capital investment, create thousands of new jobs, open economic opportunities on a global scale in the Northwest, and get remote communities off of diesel-electric power.
  • Provided over $30 million for broadband connectivity for First Nations communities in B.C since 2007. Today, 123 of 203 First Nations now have access to high-speed internet.
  • Working with the Squamish First Nation, your B.C. Government finalized an agreement to allow the widening of the Sea-to-Sky Highway through portions of the Squamish claimed traditional territory, enabling the Squamish First Nation to pursue economic development opportunities created by the project itself, the 2010 Winter Games, and the Games' enduring legacies.
  • Your B.C. Government established the $100-million New Relationship Trust. Managed by an independent board, the Trust supports programs in five key areas: education, capacity, culture and language, youth and elders, and economic development.
  • Completed forestry agreements with 167 First Nations providing access to 43 million cubic metres of timber and $243 million in revenue sharing.
  • Granted over $50 million to create more than 200 housing units in 8 communities across the province under the Aboriginal Housing Initiative.
  • Established a $15-million economic trust to support economic development, educational advancement, and cultural renewal for First Nations along the BC Rail Corridor.
  • Provided over $5 million through the Innovative Clean Energy Fund to First Nations and Aboriginal organizations for clean energy projects across B.C., including the new solar installation at T’Sou-ke First Nation.
  • Signed treaties with six B.C. First Nations, which will help First Nations become more self-sufficient, enable First Nations to fully participate in regional economies, and stimulate investment throughout B.C.
  • Reached a Reconciliation, Settlement, and Benefits Agreement with the Musqueam First Nation, which will not only settle three outstanding court cases, but also provide cash and land valued at approximately $75 million for the Musqueam to build a stronger economic foundation and fully participate in the regional economy.
  • Supported the development of the Skwxwú7mesh Lil’wat7úl (Squamish Lil’wat) Cultural Centre, a world-class venue showcasing Squamish and Lil’wat cultures and providing employment opportunities for over 40 First Nations. The centre officially opened in June of 2008.
  • Completed the “Journey to Economic Independence: BC First Nations’ Perspective” report in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council.
  • Held the First Nations Economic Development Forum in January 2007.
  • Hosted the first-ever Aboriginal Business Awards in January 2009 to honour and celebrate Aboriginal business acumen in B.C.
  • Reached an agreement with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations which settles a land claim on the site of the provincial legislature and provides the Songhees and Esquimalt with the capacity to add to their land base and pursue economic development. The agreement is valued at $31.5 million.
  • In 2001 the B.C. Government doubled the value of the First Citizens Fund to $72 million, providing greater opportunities for cultural, educational, and economic development for Aboriginal people in B.C.
  • Provided $2.8 million to help train people from First Nations and rural communities for employment in the mining sector.
  • Over 20 First Nations youth participated in a seven-week life skills program that provides training for future careers in forestry, thanks to $300,000 in support from the Community Development Trust Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Tripled the availability of the Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Training (BEST) program from six to 18 communities. The expansion will bolster Aboriginal business development, provide increased economic opportunities and encourage the retention of skills and experience within Aboriginal communities.
  • Committed $5 million to Aboriginal Tourism BC to increase tourism opportunities in First Nations communities.
  • In 2007, your B.C. Government launched the Aboriginal Post-secondary Education Strategy to help Aboriginal students start, stay in and succeed in post-secondary education and training by increasing scholarship opportunities, funding Aboriginal-focused programs, and assisting institutions in creating a more welcoming environment for Aboriginal students.
  • The unemployment rate for British Columbia’s off-reserve Aboriginal population was recorded by Statistics Canada at 10.8 per cent in 2008, down from 20.4 per cent in 2001.

For More Information:
First Nations Economic Development
New Relationship Trust
BC Housing – Aboriginal Housing
Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C.