NationTalk: (Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC) — The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has released their report: Economic Contributions of BC First Nations. This important report is part of the broader work BCAFN has been doing regarding First Nations economic development including the creation of the Black Books: First Nations Guide to Economic Development, First Nations Non-GDP Wellness Indicators and the creation of the First Nations Centre of Excellence. Regional Chief Terry Teegee has been advocating at all levels to improve First Nations’ access to capital, inclusion in trade agreements, and promoting First Nations jurisdiction in areas of taxation, wealth management and capacity building to support economic development. Led by experts at MNP, a leading professional services firm in Canada, this BCAFN report is a baseline for building an understanding of how First Nations governments contribute to the regional economy in BC.
“We are pleased to provide this report to First Nations in BC and across Canada to understand how First Nations are contributing to the local and provincial economies. We found that more data is needed to understand the footprint of First Nations businesses in BC”, stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. He added, “First Nations governments in BC spend at least $2 billion per year in BC, and First Nations business generated $4 billion in 2021. As we all work to adjust from the COVID pandemic First Nations are adapting and contributing to competitiveness and keeping companies and expertise local.”
This seminal regional report is critical for eliminating the myths about First Nations’ involvement and benefits from their governance and workforce; First Nations in BC are major contributors to employment, new entrepreneurs and innovation in BC, Canada and Internationally. This report also demonstrates gaps in our knowledge and data regarding First Nations’ true investments and valuation of their government and citizens’ contributions to the BC and Canadian economy. Issues exist from historical, methodological, and systemic factors that hinder the accurate measurement and representation of economic contributions. The BCAFN will continue to work with its partners in the BC government, Chiefs in BC, and experts to further develop an understanding of the economic impacts of First Nations.
The Economic Contributions of BC First Nations report can be found on the BCAFN website here: https://www.bcafn.ca/sites/default/files/docs/reports-presentations/BCAFN%20Economic%20Participation%20Report.pdf
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For further information, contact: Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer. Phone: (778) 281-1655.