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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is a progressive and innovative group representing and advocating for 203 First Nations in B.C., working towards self-sufficiency and vibrancy. Learn more about First Nations communities and the BCAFN’s role in economic development, including the newly formed First Nations Centre Excellence for Economic Development.
Discover the benefits and opportunities of working with Indigenous Peoples and businesses in British Columbia. Connect with a community liaison to learn more.