As 2011 draws to a close, Canadians have been confronted by stark examples of poverty in First Nations communities. We've also seen that solutions do not come easily.

B.C. has reached successful agreements with First Nations that deliver specific, practical benefits for communities, companies and the province by shortening project timelines, facilitating faster permits for projects, and creating new jobs, partnerships and training programs.

The Haisla Nation have joined the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol, a move that will create economic opportunities for the Haisla people and increase certainty over the coastal land base for the First Nation, industry and government.

Job training, joint ventures with industry and exploration of clean energy developments are some of the opportunities being pursued by 14 Aboriginal communities across B.C. through a total of $510,000 from the second round of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

There is no more urgent or important goal for our government than ensuring British Columbians have access to the jobs and other economic opportunities needed to support their families.

On Nov. 1, 2011, Sts'ailes (Chehalis Indian Band) and the Province of B.C. signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding at Sts'ailes Lhawathet Lalem (Healing House).

The members of the new Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women were confirmed today by Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.