 Thank you. See if it's work. Can you hear me? Okay. Good. Good afternoon. My name is Mike Blanchardt, member of the Zao Dino First Nation and advisor to the BCFN. I want to thank all of you for making your way here today on behalf of the regional chief Terry Chiji and the BCFN. Before we get started, I'd like to acknowledge we're working today on the traditional ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Slavitooth people. So thank you for, thanks to them for graciously hosting us. Also thanks in advance to regional chief Terry Chiji, Deputy Chief Harlan Schilling, Mr. Kellan and Mr. Rankin for joining us here today. So thanks in advance for them. They'll be up, they'll be up in a moment and be joining us here today for the announcement of the BC First Nation Center of Excellence for Economic Development. And to start us off in a good way, I want to invite Elder Darlene McIntosh from Klaitle to provide us with an opening prayer. Thank you for inviting me to share your space. We're going to create a secure space for you to do your work in. Thank you to all the nations who will attend the media release by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. It is my honor to welcome everybody. And so we just passed Thanksgiving and I hopefully everybody had a wonderful family gathering, good food, we had beautiful weather here in Prince George. And so just for this moment in time take a nice deep cleansing breath as we announce this release. It's exciting and we need to be grounded, grounded to beautiful Mother Earth. So we take that breath into our body, connect with ourselves at a deeper level so that we are able to continue in a good way. So we together, open-sacred space, so we call on the creator, the grandfathers and grandmothers and all of our ancestors, no matter where they're from, to be with us today. As this beautiful day comes our way, thank you for what will be taking place. Thank you for all the participation. Thank you for all the knowledge and wisdom shared. That will be shared as the winds bring a change of weather. They also bring a change of how to do best practices for all those concerned. We thank Creator for guiding us on the Good Red Road of instituting plans that will work on making us whole in all aspects of who we are. As the sun is high in the sky, warming us in the coolness of the northern energy, it touches our spirit asking us to come into the wisdom of our hearts. We thank Mother Earth for allowing us to walk softly on her, leaving no footprints. May all those present go home knowing what you will receive today will benefit all. We ask that you keep our people safe today and may tomorrow be a good day. Creator, hear our prayers. All my relations must see. Thank you. Thank you, Elder Darlene, for those strong words. I'd like to start off today by introducing Minister Calon, who has been a strong ally for First Nations here in BC. Minister Calon and his ministry continues to show his commitment to ensuring equitable economic participation in development of First Nations and First Nations citizens here in BC. Thanks in advance. Thanks for the support from the Centre of Excellence and the Centre of Excellence will be a cornerstone of the support that his ministry, the Jobs and Economic Recovery and Innovation that will provide to 204 First Nations here in BC. Thank you, Minister Calon. Great. Thank you so much, Mike, for that introduction. It's a pleasure to be with all of you today here at the Bill Reed Gallery. Let me too start by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, the Muscovines, Swarmish and Salewa Tooth Nations. And I want to say a big thank you to you, Elder Darlene McIntosh, for your blessings and for the work that you have done. I was first elected, one of the first tasks the Premier asked me to do was to lead a re-establishment of a BC Human Rights Commission. And as I traveled the province, I had the opportunity to meet with a lot of First Nations leaders, Indigenous elders, and after one of the sessions, one of the elders came to me and said that they had some advice for me. One of their uncles had shared with them that they must do an important thing. You must listen and you must learn before you learn to lead. And so it was a simple lesson that I take with me every single place that I go. And so acknowledging that and acknowledging how those words struck a chord with me and have stuck with me to this day it's how I try to approach every single day as a role in this ministry. It's a lesson that brings us today for this very important announcement. Earlier this year, Premier John Horgan and I launched the Stronger BC Economic Plan. This plan was a result of months of listening and meetings and what we heard from British Columbians from every region of this province from all walks of life, business leaders, labour leaders and Indigenous leaders is what I learned was that we have a shared belief that our vision for the future needs to be one where economic growth is shared by all, not just a few. And what also became clear during this engagement work is that First Nations want to lead an inclusive and sustainable economy. We also heard that there's still a lot of systemic barriers to full participation. We listened. We heard that these barriers include discrimination and systemic racism. The need for more services and infrastructure in remote communities and regulatory burdens and limited access to capital. It became clear that to build an economy that works for everyone we need to remove these barriers and open a pathway where First Nations have full access to the necessary tools and guidance to advance economic development and can ensure that their communities and people are thriving and prospering in a social, cultural and economic landscape for the province. We must listen and then we must act. Which brings us here today as part of our government's stronger BC economic plan and our work to implement the Declaration Act action plan to create a more inclusive province with full participation in our economy. I'm very excited today to announce our government is providing $1.2 million to the BC Assembly of First Nations as they launch this new Centre of Excellence for First Nations Economic Development. Funding will continue over the next two years to create an increased economic development opportunities for First Nations across our province. This First Nations led centre is a monumental achievement. It will help support First Nations and BC to determine and implement their economic development goals, priorities and strategies. It will help communities that want to develop more economic capacity and attract investment. And it builds on the supports we've already put in place for small businesses, local governments and many local First Nations. The establishment of this centre moves us forward on one of the main missions of the stronger BC economic plan. The centre is one of the many steps that we're taking to advance economic opportunities for First Nations today and into the future. As part of the declaration of the First Nations People Act, Action Plan, we're moving together to include First Nations in governance of our regional economic trust to co-develop metrics to evaluate progress on First Nations' social economic success, prioritising increasing training opportunities for Indigenous students in the tech sector and the reason why we're here today to collaborate on the implementation of the stronger BC economic plan. We're so proud to support the BCFN on the establishment of this independent First Nations-led organisation and we're looking forward to collectively pursuing inclusive, sustainable and innovative growth for our shared economy. We know that there is so much more work to do, but together we can do this important work. Our government is committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous people to focus on the priorities of Indigenous people all around this province. We cannot have made this announcement without deep understanding from both sides of what collaboration looks like. Today's announcement was a result of listening, it was a result of learning and a result of being pleased to support the BCFN to help create a stronger BC for everyone. I'm excited to see what the centre of excellence in First Nations' economic development will achieve, and I know it will be inspiring, it will make positive impact on the lives of well-being of British Columbians. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and offer congratulations to the BCFN for creating this important initiative to support First Nations communities. I want to say a big thank you to Chief Teji for all the work and the leadership he has shown and the many other partners to help make today a reality. Thank you so much for having me. Thank you Minister Callon. Next to introduce Original Chief, Chief Terry Teji. Chief Teji is serving his second term as BC's Regional Chief, and it's been through his leadership that the centre of excellence has been made possible. So congrats to Regional Chief and his excellent team for getting us to this place today. So without further ado, Chief Teji. Thank you Michael. Daneza, Sekouza, Skyza, Masai Cho, to the Coast Salish people, a big thank you for allowing us on your territory to the Muscovite Squamish and Sabletooth. Certainly is an exciting day for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations as we celebrate commitment that we're seeing from the provincial government, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and also the commitments from Premier Horgan who is a willing partner and a working partner as we both take this journey in terms of reconciliation. The concept of the centre of excellence has been ongoing for several years and now we will see the resources brought forward to this concept of an own entity that is developed by First Nations for First Nations as we have received the commitments and the blessing and the mandates from the Chiefs of British Columbia. This concept of the centre of excellence will help and support the 204 First Nations communities in British Columbia to really breathe life into what reconciliation means. Much more than just acknowledgements and words and for far too long many First Nations have been showed of the economic development in British Columbia. So as we move forward what we are doing here with the partnership of the Jobs and Economic Recovery and Innovations and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is to enact what the Truth and Reconciliation commitment talks about especially in this time as we see apologies from many entities such as the Vatican, the Pope and other entities such as the RCMP as well as many levels of government. We here at the BCAFN wanted to create an entity that would help and support First Nations in terms of economic development. This is really a continuation of some of the work that we've been doing at the British Columbia Assembly First Nations which is work that we've done on what is known as the Black Books which is a guidebook for First Nations to help many First Nations in terms of economic development. So we're glad today to make this announcement along with our partners from the province of BC and certainly we appreciate the commitments over the last several years from Premier Horgan to really have commitments to work with the First Nations Leadership Council with the BCAFN and First Nations overall as we implement the action plan the action plan to breathe life into the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with our sovereignty as Indigenous Peoples and our self-determination as Indigenous Peoples. This bodes well with the continued work that we've been doing to really align many of the laws and policies of British Columbia with the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. So we're very excited and I thank you once again thank you to the Coast Salish Peoples, thank you to Elder McIntosh for the prayers and thank you Mike for chairing our meeting today with Saichu. Thank you Tief Tiji. With that I'm pleased to introduce Minister Rankin from the BC Ministry of Reconciliation and Relations Minister Rankin and his ministry have been a key supporter of the BCAFN with Mer providing the funding for the development of the Centre and continuing to support economic development through the BCAFN for BC First Nations and for those that work in First Nations economic development in the First Nations economic development space it goes without saying that our economic progress and our economic standing begins with our title and rights so it makes evident sense that this ministry is also involved. So with that Minister Rankin. I'm joining you virtually Mike and thank you so much for this opportunity and virtually in real time I'm here in Nova Scotia in the territory of the Sonaga Nagadi that is the First Nation that is part of the MIKMA peoples here in Halifax and I'm really glad to be able to join you virtually. It's great to see you Regional Chief Minister Callon and Elder Darlene thank you for the really warm welcome and the thoughtful introduction as well. I can see you on my screen and you're another virtual member of this team. This is a great opportunity the BCAFN Centre of Excellence in First Nations economic development I just think it will make an enormous difference in British Columbia because you know despite all of the things that have worked against indigenous peoples over the years and yeah I'm thinking of the ongoing trauma of residential schools for example the 60 group that was referred to. Indigenous peoples are taking a strong leadership role in helping build a stronger British Columbia by being part of a shared economy like I say never before and we all should be grateful for the momentum that this will create because together I think we're creating a future where First Nations are really for the first time full participants in the social cultural and economic landscape of British Columbia. That's our goal because we have to work together to ensure happens because where indigenous peoples are leaders and decision making for themselves and for their own economic prosperity they also help the entire economy indigenous and non-indigenous where indigenous families are thriving where indigenous led businesses are prospering and where indigenous communities are benefiting from economic opportunities that were withheld for far far too long. It's going to make a difference for everyone. We know that the economic well-being of First Nations benefits everyone all throughout the province in so many direct and indirect ways created for indigenous peoples supported by indigenous peoples the Center for Excellence will help inspire what I hope is lasting well-being. It will bring new and innovative ideas and opportunities for economic advancement and by celebrating the successes indigenous peoples make to BC's economy we will move for sure in that direction. So by collaborating with BC AFN on this unique Center of Excellence we're helping support indigenous excellence generally. The Center is going to increase of course the capacity of First Nations across British Columbia all 204 to engage in economic priorities and initiatives that are highlighted in the declaration act action plan which of course minister Calon spoke of in his remarks as well. That's going to provide a big boost to the growth of First Nations and to the growth of the British Columbia economy as a whole. Because I think we all agree that when indigenous peoples are included realistically and meaningfully in the economy when they have the opportunity to balance connection with the land connection with the culture connection of course with the language where indigenous businesses are commonplace throughout our communities then you're going to see enormous economic advantage for us all in this wonderful province. And just by way of conclusion by listening to indigenous voices and working together we will build a robust and a sustainable economy in BC. We can create and we can support opportunities for indigenous peoples, businesses industry families and communities and we will all be better off and prosper as a province. I'm very very proud to share that my ministry has been working as was highlighted by regional chief TG BC AFN on economic development for a number of years. Frankly since about 2018 we've been on this initiative together and that's produced great results like the BC AFN black books that were referred to earlier. The BC AFN center for excellence is another huge step forward in our relationship I'm so looking forward to seeing what exciting opportunities result out of this new center for excellence. Thanks Mike and thanks everyone thank you. Thank you minister Rankin last but not least we have virtually deputy chief Harlan Schilling of the Daily Denny council. I'd like to welcome deputy chief Schilling and thanking for joining us today deputy chief Harlan Schilling is a board member of the BC AFN. Good afternoon everybody again yes my name is Harlan Schilling I'm the deputy chief for Daily Denny council in lower post British Columbia I'd like to thank everybody for giving me a moment to speak and share some of my thoughts on this amazing initiative from I'm calling from my home territory the very heart of the Casca territory in northern British Columbia and one of the unique things and why I love this unique and great new initiative for First Nations is specifically for my nation we live in one of the richest parts of the world for resources so for a center of excellence to be initiated and by the leadership of chief TG and you know the minister is working with minister Rankin and premier Horgan this provides a hub just for small First Nations like my First Nation here in lower post to have an opportunity to work with other economic development leaders within our province so I'm excited to see a dedicated First Nations center of excellence it's going to shine light on all the different things that could be happening in the various parts of British Columbia and I feel this will fill in a big gap of support services expertise and technical support for the various First Nations across our country and British Columbia so with that again I'd like to thank regional chief Terry TG for his leadership and minister Rankin for your team and again a special thank you to premier Horgan for all the work that he's done and showing a pathway that there is light at the end of the tunnel on reconciliation you guys have been done amazing and again thank you. Thank you Harlan and I guess I'd be remiss if we didn't also acknowledge the Bell Refoundation where we're hosting our event here today as well so congrats to all the parties involved ministers and Rankin and regional chief TG for your work today I think today as I was probably mentioned a culmination of a partnership and a collaboration that wouldn't have happened without all three groups being involved and myself certainly and I think all BC First Nations look forward to the positive impacts that the center is going to make for First Nations and in turn the positive economic impacts for British Columbia as well so with that thank you very much and we'll open it up for questions. Thank you as a reminder to reporters in the phone please press star one to enter the queue you are limited to one question and one follow up please also remember to take your phone off mute you are not audible until your name is called let's just check if someone is on the phone for the Q&As just a moment as we wait for the phones we have a reporter in the room that can have her question please please introduce yourself. My name is Ajata and I work at CBC I would like to know what is what would be the main challenges you will face in this venture I don't know maybe chief TG can respond that thank you. I think the main challenge right now which a lot of First Nations entities and overall a lot of even government and industry third party contractors and what not are experiencing is finding resources in terms of educated well versed assistance in this matter because what the pandemic has done to the society and to British Columbia and Vancouver is that there is a real difficult time to find people to find help especially in terms of this type of initiative finding the right type of help is somebody who has a background in economic development whose First Nations doesn't have to be First Nations but I think looking for that type of I suppose professional expertise will be difficult to find because we're already seeing it in government and including my office would be a challenge to find that type of resource I think that was one of the big challenges and the next one would be to develop this concept is to have a bricks and mortar office if you will where would that be located really looking at that question and I think just overall I think you know the cost of everything has gone up as we come out of the pandemic and we will be looking for more resources not just the provincial government will be looking at other governments more accurately the federal government for more resources do you have a follow up question which sector would you prefer to boost your economy well right now the sector that we're looking at if any you know if the black books is any indication it's looking at and especially for many First Nations there's a really discrepancy approximately 15 to 20% of our First Nations are within urban centers so their economic development is far different than rural First Nations who 80 to 85% are in remote areas there are different challenges there many of the discussions we've had there is directly related to the biggest one of the biggest commodities in British Columbia or the commodities if you will is forestry mining natural gas all these natural resources that we export that First Nations are not a part of the equation we're seeing more discussions with the industry and government but clearly not enough so I think that that is probably where we're going to be focused on and it's really it's related to ongoing issues with the provincial government as we've seen over the last several decades in the court system whether it's Delgamook the Haida decision the Chilcotin decision and more recently the Blueberry decision which they're all related to development within First Nations territory so as you can imagine that's what many First Nations break up thank you. Thank you. On the phone we have Eric Blumber from Haas-Shu Su news please Eric go ahead Hi good afternoon thanks for taking my question I expect that this new center will be in an urban center an urban population center but I'm just wondering how exactly it will help those in remote coastal communities that have a unique situation and limited job prospects Thank you for that question excellent question and you know when we went through the forms and the discussions with in terms of the black books it was really enlightening to see the many different situations where the coastal interior are very far north from where Chief Shilling is from is those experiences we need to learn from you know there's a real discrepancy as well in terms of many First Nations that are I suppose more urban center because they have more resources more opportunities for economic development versus remote communities such as coastal First Nations I think the way this can help and support those First Nations is to coming to this idea of a center of excellence and you know having whoever we're staffed with hopefully we're well researched there as this is just the beginning to help and support those First Nations and whatever they need far too often what I've heard from many Chiefs across British Columbia is that we don't have capacity we don't have enough resources and what they're alluding to is that within their Chiefs and Councils within their systems within their governance they don't have somebody that's directly committed to economic development nor do they have somebody that looks after their title perhaps you know the center of excellence and this is really a vision that we've had at BCAPN is that we supplement and support those First Nations and whatever resources they need to to you know if it's in terms of fisheries in terms of aquaculture perhaps or if there's a forestry initiative on those parts that we can come and help and support any initiatives that those First Nations request thank you Harry do you have a follow up question Yes I do I'm just wondering why it was determined that it would be best to use this funding for one central center as opposed to individually giving funds to each First Nations for them to determine for themselves how best to use these resources You know I suppose this is one thing that to fund many First Nations I suppose you know in terms of that would require a lot of funding and certainly that I think you have it right in terms of there should be more resources to First Nations communities that want to develop their economic development so I think you know in terms of best practices and what we've learned out of the Black Book sessions is that we want to compile everything that we can find out to First Nations communities and provide all that information for wherever you come from for any First Nations to come forward and draw upon the knowledge that we find so you know you can find out what is the best practice to initiate really I think or implementing your title rights interests or what is the best practices for any company that you want to development I think it's really to draw upon everybody's knowledge into one center so we get a good idea of I think what we're looking at in terms of the Black Books is best practices and really don't want to repeat a lot of work that's already been done or is already out there and provided in one central location so many First Nations can draw upon it. Thank you. That's all the questions we have today. That concludes today's event. Thank you all everyone for coming.