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Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia

There are three distinct groups of Indigenous People in Canada: First Nations, Métis and Inuit. There are over 290,000 Indigenous Peoples in B.C. and more than 200 First Nations who have distinct histories, cultures, languages, and deep connections to their traditional lands, each with their own unique traditions and history.

Leigh Joseph, Indigenous business owner in Squamish. — Leigh Joseph, founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals, an Indigenous business located in Squamish, B.C. is an alumni of BC Achievement’s Indigenous Business Award

Partnering with First Nations

The inclusion of First Nations, as respected partners, early in business processes, creates the conditions for mutually beneficial partnerships that delivers meaningful benefits to Indigenous communities while creating confidence for all business partners involved in the process. Businesses are encouraged to include First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages of projects to build relationships and to share information. Early engagement promotes trust and reciprocity by allowing an open dialogue about opportunities and concerns. An open dialogue better positions businesses to take into account and address any concerns early on in their planning process and lead to economic partnership opportunities that are mutually beneficial to First Nations and businesses. Many leading companies investing in B.C. have already introduced successful business models based on collaborative, trusting relationships with First Nations and, as a result, are realizing improved investment and business certainty.

Working Together

There are many examples of First Nations and businesses working in partnership all throughout B.C. But how do those partnerships develop? What steps were taken to build a foundation of success? In this video, we hear from First Nations and business leaders about some of the keys to partnership development, including communication, consultation and consensus-building.

The Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples Act

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration) supports collaborative opportunities and enables successful economic partnerships with First Nations.

The Province introduced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) in November of 2019, making B.C. the first province in Canada and one of the first jurisdictions in the world to pass such a law. The Declaration Act, establishes the UN Declaration as the Province’s framework for reconciliation by recognizing the title and inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

In consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration Act mandates B.C. to align its laws with the UN Declaration, to develop and implement actions meeting the objectives of the UN Declaration and to report on its progress annually. The Act also provides flexibility for B.C. to enter agreements with Indigenous Governing Bodies and to exercise statutory decision-making authority together. The Declaration Act creates a pathway for reconciliation and provides a clear, transparent process for how the Province and Indigenous Peoples work together to the benefit of all.

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First Nations – Cariboo

Cariboo’s proximity to southern British Columbia has enabled growth in health care professional services, administration and manufacturing, while continuing to be based primarily in the natural resources sector. It includes the city of Prince George, which acts as a major service centre for the northern half of the province. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Cariboo Region

First Nations – Kootenay

The main pillars of the Kootenay regional economy are tourism, mining, and forestry, with a significant portion of regional employment existing directly in, or in support of, these three sectors. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Kootenay Region

First Nations – Lower Mainland/Southwest

With Vancouver serving as Canada’s primary trade gateway to Asia, the region serves as a hub for many forms of economic activity. Financial services, health care as well as professional, scientific and technical services are key sectors. There is significant growth in the information technology, cultural, and recreational sectors. Transportation, education, secondary manufacturing, and agriculture continue to be core economic pillars. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Lower Mainland/Southwest Region

First Nations – Nechako

Mining, forestry and agriculture play a large role in most parts of the Nechako region. Outdoor tourism is an emerging industry. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Nechako Region

First Nations – North Coast

Commercial fishing, eco-tourism, forestry, natural gas and mining make up a large part of the regional economy. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in North Coast Region

First Nations – Northeast

The Northeastern economy is based on natural resources, particularly natural gas production and coal mining. Other important industries include logging, wood products manufacturing and agriculture. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Northeast Region

First Nations – Thompson/Okanagan

The region’s economy is a diverse mix of industries that are predominantly service based, although its historic industrial base of forestry, mining, and agriculture remains important. Health care and social services are the economic region’s top employers, followed by various forms of manufacturing, accommodation, and food services. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Thompson/Okanagan Region

First Nations – Vancouver Island and Coast

Services are the fastest growing sectors in the south. In the mid, north island and mainland coast, commercial fishing and logging continue to play a large role. First Nations communities in these regions are economically active in natural resource sectors, as well as in the tourism and ecotourism industries. First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development in the region through their elected leaders and through their own economic development corporations.

Explore First Nations in Vancouver Island & Coast Region

Economic Development

The Province of B.C. is committed to improving the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the economy. The province partners with First Nations and community organizations on a variety of programs and services that seek to facilitate the advancement of economic development and business opportunities.

First Nations Business Development Association

The First Nations Business Development Association (FNBDA) is dedicated to supporting economic self-sufficiency and growth for First Nation Development Corporations. It’s mission is to promote sustainable economic opportunities and prosperity for First Nations communities, making it an essential partner for investors looking to support indigenous-led economic development in Canada.

First Nations Business Development Association

First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development

First Nations Centre of Excellence - BC

The First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development champions economic prosperity and self-determination for First Nations communities across British Columbia. Its mission is rooted in advancing economic equity, ensuring that First Nations communities can thrive on a level playing field.

First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development

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Take the Next Step

First Nations should be engaged as early as possible in the planning stages of land and resource-based projects or investment opportunities. We can help facilitate relationships and help you discover the benefits of partnering with First Nations. Connect with us to learn more.