As British Columbia works to fulfil projections of being an economic leader in Canada this year, First Nations are an increasingly important part of our success.

This is demonstrated by the work of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council (ABIC). Today ABIC welcomes a new board member and releases new videos highlighting First Nations participation in B.C.’s economy.

Wet’suwet’en First Nation Chief Karen Ogen has been appointed to the 12 member ABIC board. Chief Ogen helped to establish the Yinka Dene Economic Development Limited Partnership. She also worked to finalize negotiations with Huckleberry Mines, a copper/molybdenum operation near Houston. This has resulted in major economic benefits to her community.

Meantime, ABIC is showcasing how First Nations in B.C. are participating in economic development through a series of four videos (links below). The videos highlight ABIC and the benefits of successful First Nations-industry partnerships.

ABIC members explore the role of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council and its mandate. You can also watch how the Lheidli T'enneh Nation is building on rental and workforce accommodation with Britco. Learn how Chilliwack’s Seabird Island Band is working to attract sustainable energy companies to its business park. Also, visit the Tsawwassen First Nation’s Indigena Solutions LP, an information technology and business process services provider.

Improving Aboriginal participation in the economy is one of the BC Jobs Plan’s commitments, to keep our economy diverse, strong and growing. Since the launch of the jobs plan in September 2011, the Province has signed 60 revenue sharing agreements with First Nations and continues to build on the strengths of eight of the province’s key sectors using our educated and skilled workforce.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“Chief Karen Ogen has been a leader in strengthening First Nations economic development in British Columbia. I’m pleased to see her join the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council to help grow Aboriginal participation in our economy.”

“The ABIC videos are key in highlighting Aboriginal business ventures demonstrating how First Nations are important partners in ensuring our economy is one of the strongest in the country.”

Ellis Ross, chair of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council -

“I’m pleased to see Chief Karen Ogen join the ABIC board. She has been a strong player, helping First Nations in B.C. secure economic development opportunities. I have no doubt that she will be a valuable member sharing her experience with the ABIC team.”

“I have enjoyed the chance to showcase some of the successful business ventures our Aboriginal communities are involved with. The ABIC videos are a great way to take a virtual visit and be inspired by what First Nations can do in providing meaningful work and hope for the future.”

Minister Rustad, Minister for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chief Karen Ogen several times over the years and respect her ability to secure economic opportunities for First Nations in B.C. while remaining committed to environmental sustainability.”

“I hear so many stories of First Nations throughout B.C. excelling in business and I’m so pleased ABIC has developed these videos to highlight a few of the successes. I encourage British Columbians to take a few minutes, watch the videos and learn more about what First Nations people are doing to secure a bright future for their communities.”

Karen Ogen, Wet’suwet’en First Nation Chief, ABIC Board Member -

“It’s an honour to be appointed as an ABIC board member. It’s crucial that the B.C. government, First Nations and industry work together to grow Aboriginal participation in the economy. I look forward to doing whatever I can to ensure a prosperous future for First Nation’s communities throughout the province.”

Quick Facts:

• The Aboriginal Business and Investment Council (ABIC) is a commitment under the BC Jobs Plan.
• ABIC is a partnership with Aboriginal leaders, government and industry.
• ABIC’s mandate is to help improve Aboriginal participation in the economy and promote economic certainty in the province by encouraging economic growth in Aboriginal communities.
• In 2014, the mandate of the ABIC was renewed for two more years.

Learn More:

Visit the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council website: http://www.bcabic.ca/

First Nations Economic Development Database: https://www.fnedd.ca/

Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

BC Jobs Plan: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/files/2014/09/3yearUpdate_Aboriginal-Peoples-and-First-Nations.pdf

Aboriginal Business and Investment Council - Introduction: http://youtu.be/WtDYaBQeVfY​

Aboriginal Success Stories - Indigena Solutions: http://youtu.be/zt77DK9CHP8​

Aboriginal Success Stories - Seabird Island Band: http://youtu.be/SBM_h-VSBfc​

Lheidli-T’enneh / Britco Partnership: https://youtu.be/PY_lmVrLUdY

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799