June 21, 2018 marks the 22nd National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day where we celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures and the unique contributions Indigenous peoples make throughout our province.

It is our great pleasure to welcome all delegates to the fourth annual B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, being held on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish First Nations.

On September 7-8, 2016 Premier Christy Clark, her cabinet and the First Nations Leadership Council will welcome all delegates to the third annual Cabinet-First Nations Leaders Gathering, being held on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish First Nations.

The traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation can be found on the west coast of central Vancouver Island and includes the town of Tofino. It has natural boundaries of mountains and ocean, and is home to about 1,000 members. The territory is also a perfect location for the development of small, clean energy projects.

The first homes have been built, construction has started on others, and a pioneering clean energy project designed to harness ocean thermal energy is taking shape in a new residential development known as Spirit Bay, near Sooke.

In the 1990’s, the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) began an aggressive program of economic development resulting in 90% band employment.