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Indigenous Opportunities Forum seeks to open more doors to B.C.’s economy

The eighth annual forum will look at the best practices in partnerships, procurement and progress to strengthen Aboriginal participation in B.C.’s economy
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Mary Point, manager of Indigenous relations at Vancouver International Airport: “by telling our stories at events such as the Indigenous Opportunities Forum, we not only help improve opportunities for all Indigenous people through the sharing of ideas, we also gain a greater understanding of how we can improve and ensure our future success” | Submited

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s eighth annual Indigenous Opportunities Forum 2018 will tackle the ever-changing role Indigenous peoples play in British Columbia’s economy.

The theme of this year’s event, set to take place June 22, centres on three main areas – partnerships, procurement and progress – in which First Nations communities can align more closely with the economic ambitions of the province.

“The whole reason behind these speaking engagements is to ensure Indigenous voices are being heard when it comes to the latest and the greatest in the business world,” said James Delorme, First Sky Media president and forum speaker. “This is really part of the truth and reconciliation strategy and recommendations to involve and create an equal base of opportunity for Indigenous communities.”

Delorme launched First Sky Media last year to try to bridge the gap between the Indigenous population and the rapidly changing technology sector.

Previously, the company had concentrated primarily on drone technology, website development, communications and social media training. It recently expanded into blockchain technology in a partnership with the University of British Columbia.

However, the company has now turned its focus to capacity development, project management and strategic planning organization for First Nations governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses.

One area in which there is room for improvement in the hiring of Indigenous workers is within capacity development and procurement for resource-centred projects.

“Some of the key challenges are related to long-existing business practices for a company that has been operating for a number of decades,” said Peter Martell, superintendent of environmental and community affairs at Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B).

“Creating change is one of the core issues,” Martell said.

“For example, mining contracts are large contracts, and it has been challenging trying to match the capacity within the community with the opportunities that are typically available at a mine site.

“There are a lot of forestry contracts that are in place but there aren’t any existing large mining contractors that were in place to take on larger contracts.”

However, Martell noted a significant change in the way companies are handling affairs with First Nations communities and recalled how, 10 years ago, the kind of relationships that are being built today were largely non-existent.

Mary Point, manager of Indigenous relations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), highlighted the importance of the event.

“By telling our stories at events such as the Indigenous Opportunities Forum, we not only help improve opportunities for all Indigenous people through the sharing of ideas, we also gain a greater understanding of how we can improve and ensure our future success.”

Point’s position with the airport stems from the sustainability and friendship agreement signed last year between the Musqueam Indian Band and YVR.

“The relationship between Musqueam and YVR demonstrates, quite clearly, that focusing on a sustainable business model produces a range of benefits – from economic success to a better understanding of environmental management and community-building. We have a long-term vision for our people, our airport and our region.”

Point added that the agreement will shape the balance between communities and business for years to come.

“The signing of the agreement was a milestone in our history, not just because it recognized the value of having a community asset partner with Indigenous people, but because it demonstrated that we can work together to benefit everyone,” said Point.

Point will highlight the agreement at the forum on June 22.