This week, the Vancouver Sun has a five-part series of First Nations economic development.
The series profiles five BC First Nations and the various ways that they are gaining economic independence. From run of river power, to gas stations, logging companies, campgrounds plans for large resorts, the Nations are proving that there is no ‘one path’ to economic development, but that development needs to build on the resources you have, your location, and your people.
First Nations economic development is taking off around the province, and this certainly isn’t the first article to highlight this lately. A new tool by the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council maps out all Aboriginal-owned business across the province, showing that the five Nations included in the Vancouver Sun article are not anomalies, but are in fact part of a growing trend.
EcoPlan worked with Musqueam, one of the Nations highlighted in the Vancouver Sun, on their economic development strategy and governance process, and we also provided technical planning support for their award winning Comprehensive Community Plan. We are excited to see how all the hard work and planning done by Musqueam is paying off!