British Columbia 
Join BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee for the second virtual Economic Development Forum. Sessions will focus on the benefits of increased First Nations involvement in the economy as government and industry seek to recover from the economic devastation brought about by COVID-19. First Nations leaders, researchers, business operators, and government officials will focus on advancing economic reconciliation.
Agenda
An Opportunity for British Columbia
– April 7, 2021
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speakers
– BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee to provide opening remarks.
– BCAFN Knowledge Keeper Dr. Robert Joseph to provide an opening prayer.
– Forum Chair: Brian Assu, Sr. to provide an overview of the session.
Topic 1: Centre of Excellence for Economic Development
Speaker – Regional Chief Terry Teegee
An overview of the concept of a BC Centre of Excellence for First Nations Economic Development to advance economic reconciliation between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population to close the socio-economic gap and increase First Nations self-determination.
Topic 2: Federal Procurement Opportunities
Speakers
– Bill Lomax, Vice President, Goldman Sachs (Gitxsan)
– Chris Lewis, Councillor, Squamish Nation
– Blair Bellerose, Interim CEO, Lu’ma Development Management
A conversation about tapping into federal procurement opportunities and economic stimulus projects. A discussion of the challenges and strategies for Indigenous businesses to achieve success in this sector as the federal “Build Back Better” plan involves heavy infrastructure development contrasted with the American Tribal experience in procurement.
Health Break
Topic 3: Indigenous Tourism
Speakers
– Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BCAFN
– Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer for Indigenous Tourism BC.
– Francine Douglas, ITBC
– Candace Campo, Owner/Operator Talaysay Tours
– Heather Paul, CEO, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The pandemic has been challenging for many Indigenous businesses, particularly in the tourism industry. Speakers on this panel will provide information on resources available to businesses in the tourism industry and ideas will be shared on ways to pivot your business to a digital platform. Indigenous tourism practitioners will describe their businesses and their experiences operating during the pandemic.
Closing Remarks
Speakers – Regional Chief Terry Teegee and Brian Assu, Sr.