Community Futures British Columbia Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Aboriginal Strategic Committee

March 2008

First printing March 2007

This Guide, or portions of this guide, may be reproduced for use; however, we ask that credit be given to Community Futures British Columbia. The information in this guide is considered to be part of the public domain. It is not intended to be used for profit. The material in this Guide remains the intellectual property of Community Futures British Columbia. Community Futures British Columbia offers this guide without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Nor does Community Futures British Columbia assume any liability for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the product

Prepared for the Aboriginal Strategy Committee

Community Futures British Columbia

Suite 1056 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 1T2

Phone: (604) 685-2332 Fax: (604) 681-6575 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.communityfutures.ca

Support provided by Western Economic Diversification

The term Aboriginal as used throughout this document is intended to include all persons of Aboriginal ancestry; status Indian (First Nation), non-status Indian, Métis and Inuit. Contents Acknowledgements 4 Executive Summary 5 Chapter 1: Guidelines To Engage With Aboriginal Peoples In BC 9 ~ Aboriginal Business Etiquette Guidelines 9 ~ Engaging a Community 19 ~ Building Capacity with Aboriginal Small Business Training 23 ~ Central Interior First Nations Recommendations for Training Programs 25 ~ Guidelines for Engaging and Providing Services to Aboriginal Peoples 27 Chapter 2: Community Futures of BC Best Practices 33

Chapter 3: Opportunities 47 ~ Partnership Opportunities to Enhance Aboriginal Engagement 47 ~ Funding Opportunities to Enhance Client Services 51 Chapter 4: Aboriginal Peoples of BC 56 ~ Definitions of Aboriginal Peoples in BC 56 ~ Aboriginal Demographics in BC 58 Chapter 5: Historic Framework 60 ~ Historic Legislative Framework 60 ~ Aboriginal Entrepreneurship in BC Then and Now 63 Chapter 6: Aboriginal Services 65 ~ Research Guidelines for First Nations 65 ~ Aboriginal Business Development Organizations 66 ~ Aboriginal Matrix 69 Chapter 7: Templates 104 ~ Letter of Introduction 104 ~ Band Council Resolution 106 Chapter 8: Terminology 108 Chapter 9: Community Futures British Columbia ASC Purpose, Goals and Objectives 113 Chapter 10: Bibliography 115

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the leadership of the Community Futures British Columbia Aboriginal Strategy Committee (ASC) who have dedicated their time and efforts to advance this important issue in the interests of community economic development in BC. The members of the ASC are:

~ Roger Leclerc, CFDC of 16/37 ~ Larry Casper, CFDC of Central Interior First Nations ~ Art Lew, Haida Gwaii Community Futures ~ Joanna Winter, FutureCorp Cowichan ~ Maynard Angus, CFDC of the Pacific Northwest ~ Paula Cranmer-Underhill, CFDC of Sto:lo ~ Ray Gerow, Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Prince George ~ Geri Collins, CFDC of Central Interior First Nations ~ Linda Howe, Western Economic Diversification ~ Marie Gallant, Community Futures British Columbia

We also recognize the vital role the Community Futures British Columbia has played in supporting the work of the Aboriginal Strategy Committee (ASC) and the unwavering support of Western Economic Diversification that has made this important work possible.

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Executive Summary

The Community Futures Toolkit was developed with the objective of supporting relationship and partnership development between Community Futures, which supports local and regional economic development, and Aboriginal Peoples in BC.

This toolkit provides information requested by Community Futures Managers, to assist them in better understanding the history and current environment impacting BC’s Aboriginal peoples and to provide guidelines, proven effective by their peers, for relationship building. The toolkit also includes community economic development project best practices, which have been undertaken by Community Futures in partnership with Aboriginal peoples.

It was developed with the knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal Peoples, and the practitioners who serve them. The goal is to create a greater understanding that will support relationship development and lead into working partnerships that will improve the economy of BC for ourselves and our children.

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Methodology:

The Aboriginal Small Business Toolkit was developed under the direction of the ASC by conducting a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder survey to determine current lending practices /tools /criteria, best practices, traps to avoid and opportunities for further engagement. The survey included Aboriginal organizations as well as Community Futures Managers and Aboriginal People working within the Community Futures network.

Key findings from the survey include; a lack of awareness of the Community Futures Program in Aboriginal communities, a welcoming interest about Community Futures and guidance on protocol to start working in Aboriginal communities. Findings also demonstrate significant potential for Community Futures working with Aboriginal Peoples to increase small business growth, contribute to local community economic development and help to create economic certainty that will benefit all British Columbians.

The rationale to develop this Toolkit is as follows:

• Fulfillment of the Community Futures mandate: to serve all individuals and communities in their respective regions including First Nations.

• Resources: First Nations have some increased opportunities with, and access to, natural resources that may potentially build

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capacity and impact economies in BC. (Logging, fishing, value added opportunities.)

• Labour Force: to help address the growing BC labour shortage through development of the growing Aboriginal labour market.

• Youth: demographics show that First Nations youth are a growing population. Many are interested in starting and developing busineses and in partnering or joint venturing with other sectors of the population. Community Futures can develop programs and training to target this demographic group.

• Tourism/Ecotourism: a large and growing industry; cultural experiences are in great demand.

• Leverage: First Nations may be able to leverage loans (not available to non-First Nations) through specific government programs that will support project viability, support self- sufficiency and reduce the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The most significant difference between those Community Futures that are and those that are not successful at engaging with Aboriginal peoples is often their intent and approach. Successful Aboriginal engagement is rooted in an understanding of the value of relationship building with Aboriginal peoples and their role in the economy. There is no special lending criteria, no magic bullet, document or single tool, from which flows limitless opportunities for partnership with Aboriginal Communities, such as; businesses,

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partnerships, community economic development and thriving local economies. Success lies where there is a deep heart-felt understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, where our differences make us stronger, and client-centered service delivery meets the needs of the individual client, or community.

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Purposeful, CHAPTER 1: GUIDELINES TO ENGAGE intent and active listening WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN BC is the most important skill to develop for Aboriginal Business Etiquette Guidelines anyone who wants to work with Aboriginal For the Aboriginal peoples of BC the rules of business etiquette peoples. are rooted in ten thousand years of culture and trade that still - Roger Leclerc, has an impact on how business is conducted today. Manager CF 16/37 Understanding the origins of Aboriginal business etiquette is critical for Community Futures. The following guidelines were derived from a variety of Aboriginal organizations, agencies, First Nations as well as Community Futures from across BC.

Cultural Variables. One of the most difficult concepts for many Canadians to understand is that when they are dealing with Aboriginal Peoples there are definite cultural differences, which will impact on all discussion, decisions and activities. Most indigenous People around the world originate from 'traditional cultures'. Our Canadian Aboriginal cultures offers an example of traditional cultures. It is essential to understand the phenomenon of culture itself if we wish to do business across cultures. That is what Community Futures is doing when we work with Aboriginal Peoples.

It is very important to realize that, regardless of background and history, human beings of all cultures share basic values; love of and for family and friends and the need to nurture and protect

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one another. Recognizing that we all share these common values makes it possible for us to realize that we are capable of understanding one another if we are willing to take the time and make the effort to do so.

Culture is the whole of our everyday life and it is the total of the way we act and react within our environment, whether we are at work, home or play. We are all taught from birth and what we see, feel and do is impacted, by the teachings of our culture and comprised of values and behaviours. Often the biggest obstacle encountered when trying to work with Aboriginal People are differences in values. Behaviours, of course, are visible, but only make up approxametly 10% of the total cultural equation; values, which are often invisible, comprise the other 90%.

Contemporary Canadian Culture generally places higher values on their homes, savings, freedoms, task completion, time and deadlines. Traditional Culture may place equally high value on patience, harmony, cooperation and consensus. It is difficult to understand conflicting values because the 90% previously referred to are, primarily unwritten.

Relationships and Interconnection. Relationship building that supports business over generations was historically integral to every business activity. This philosophy remains intact and it is generally believed among BC Aboriginal peoples that business is integral to the interests of the people and the people

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"It is very themselves, however, not at the expense of values. important to Recommendation: Build relationships before business. Visit the always be honest with your clients community regularly. Take an interest in the community, its regarding their history, culture, community goals and aspirations. Relationship business idea – if they cannot make building, mutual respect and developing trust can take years it work on paper depending upon the individual representative of the Community they definitely will not be able to Futures, its staff and the community. make it work in practise.” Recommendation: Develop relationships through effective communication. Assume you do not have all the answers, be -Geri Collins, open and listen intently. Be above board and up front. If a Manager, CFDC Central concept is not feasible offer assistance to work through the Interior First Nations challenges. If there is any indication of insincerety on your part it will be recognized immediately and, although courtesy will remain, trust and respect will disappear and communication will no longer exist.

Recommendation: Politics. Do not get involved. Be mindful that the First Nations political reality is not the same as the non- First Nations reality (e.g. Band council support).

Recommendation: Seek to understand and celebrate Aboriginal culture without being 'pushy or forward' Your genuine interest will usually result in an opportunity to learn about and share in some of the activities. Recognize cultural traditions and differences of the First Nations client and treat each loan individually.

Recommendation: Emotions; be realistic, grounded and balanced. Share enthusiasm and excitement, but be realistic about the feasibility of the business idea.

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Traps to Avoid: Recommendation: Be collaborative and work with Aboriginal

1. Do not come communities or clients at the outset of a project concept, into an requesting their input, feedback and participation. Aboriginal community Recommendation: Your attitude should be one of unannounced. encouragement and respect. Humour is an excellent tool so

2. Do not say the long as it is done 'with' and not at the expense of the other party. Band sent you. Share your expertise and knowledge in a caring way rather than with a superior or “know it all” attitude. 3.Do not come into the Recommendation: ASSUME NOTHING (cultural, timelines, community then do nothing. politics) A clear set of guidelines and expectations will help achieve the objectives. 4. Do not make promises that you do not or “We need to grab a sense of humour, we need to go there and cannot deliver on. have fun. The First Nations have a great sense of humour and we need to work with that” 5. Do not consult - Evelyn Clark, Manager Community Futures of Mount Waddington with only one councillor or politician. Participation in community events is still considered a 6. Do not request responsible and respectful act. Gatherings to celebrate births, input and marriages, or to mourn deaths, deepen relationships and are feedback and not follow up or considered a responsibility for (business) leaders, which builds report back. reputation and respect.

Recommendation: Make a point of knowing about and participating in, community events.

Recommendation: Recognize and respect the traditions, values and responsibilities that may require a community to close offices to attend funerals and memorials or an individual to

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respond to a responsibility greater than that to an employer, training, business or other acitivities. Learn to accept, even though you may not understand, the need to adjust your priorities, appointments and meetings so that those greater responsibilities may be met, without loss of your support.

Holistic thinking, which places importance on the whole, and the interdependence, rather than analysis or separation into parts.

Recommendation: When undertaking community planning ask Aboriginals to participate in the process in order to ensure some ownership and responsibility for the success of plans and appropriate implementation, which will then be accepted in their communities.

The elected Leadership in a community, agency or organization has an important role to play in your interactions with them. A letter requesting consent to work with the group and asking for a designated contact or contacts is a good idea. It is the Leadership who is responsible for determining the acceptability of any activities undertaken within their realm of their authority. Do not take anything for granted. It is important to work 'with' and not 'for' people regardless of who they are. Aboriginal People are extremely sensitive of this.

Respect: This is a critical component to engaging not only individual clients but also communities.

♦ Elders are often integral to understanding the values in a

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community. If at all possible, establish some form of relationship with Elders and take some guidance from them. Often you will find that an Elder will not give you advice, but will answer a question with a question. You usually will find the right answer in the question(s) they ask. This can be very frustrating for those not accustomed to it, so patience is very important.

♦ It is also important to treat people with respect. Women have tradtionally played a myriad of roles, including providing leadership, this is particularly so if the community is a trraditional matrilineal society. You can learn the social structure of the First Nation in your region by conducting research in your community or schools.

♦ Youth are our future and Aboriginal communities collectively care deeply about them and their future. There are challenges facing Aboriginal youth that are similiar to those impacting other Youth in today's society. If you have a successful program that you can offer to Aboriginal Youth this may be an excellent introduction into the services you provide to your communities.

♦ Please Note: If you charge fees to any of your clients then it is okay to expect the same from Aboriginal clients and, perhaps, you may even help them to obtain the funds. However, do not charge fees to Aboriginal Clients at a different or more expensive rate than your other clients.

Recommendations: It is important to treat People with courtesy and respect and to ask for their input and assistance when planning an activity, event or project. Do not make plans and

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then find yourself disappointed because they are not accepted.

Elders - Ask to meet with Elders and seek their counsel on community projects. As the knowledge keepers of a nation Elders can provide invaluable insight into the history of a people.

Note: When inviting Elders to provide opening prayers or other such invitations it is becoming increasingly more common for Elders to receive an honorarium for their time as well as having their expenses covered, such as travel costs. It is important to find out the proper way to approach an Elder in your region and locality. Some of you will have more than one First Nation in your area, some will have a very prominent Métis population and others will have an active Aboriginal Friendship Centre with a large urban Aboriginal group. If possible connect with an individual and obtain advice on local protocol. Remember that we all make mistakes and if you do accept it gracefully, apologize and ask to be taught so that you do not repeat them. Do not point fingers and transfer the responsibility to someone else even if you received the wrong information or poor advice.

Women - Treat women with respect and always ask and plan for what role women will play in community projects.

Youth - The Aboriginal ‘baby boom’ has sociological implications that could lead to positive or negative outcomes. As as a result, many communities are trying very hard to develop opportunities for youth and build their capacity. In doing this it is important to involve youth, in an age appropriate approach, which first and foremost includes being honest. Once again, it is important not to bypass the community leaders and resources

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Community who are responsible for making decisions in a community. Futures of the Youth, regardless of community or situation, do not always Central Interior know what they need. They do, however, know what they First Nations Corporate respond to and how to encourage the attention and Values: participation of other Youth.

Aspirations of our Communities & Gift Giving. The practice of gift-giving was a significant event our Clients for the Aboriginal people; it was accompanied by the Respect for ourselves, our reaffirmation of trading alliances and pledges of friendship. CFDC, our Most Aboriginal agencies, communities and organizations will People and our funders give a gift acknowledging some contribution you have made. It Integrity, is appropriate to accept these tokens as part of the cultural honesty, and accountability courtesies, however, as in any situation, giving or receiving gifts Cooperation, is only acceptable so long as it cannot be construed as anything consultation, communication other than normal courtesy. and partnership Responsiveness Recommendation: Although it is not essential giving simple instead of gifts such as corporate marketing materials is important. imposition Where possible consign Aboriginal artists from the local area to design the marketing logos and celebrate Aboriginal cultural.

Timelessness. Aboriginal people function with a sense of timelessness where a sense of place is within the context of hundreds of generations.

Recommendation: Be flexible and allow for individual and community projects to take time. Be flexible and plan for medium to long-term time frames for projects. Set out flexible meeting agendas and ensure that all parties involved are aware

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of the timelines/constraints. Most of us have heard the term 'Indian Time' used in a derogatory manner. This use of the term is unacceptable. For most Aboriginal People the term does have real meaning where time is measured by the seasons, wildlife patterns and harvesting times. When the fish are spawning then it is time to catch and preserve them for the winter, same for when the berries are ripe or when the caribou are migrating. This does not only apply to the rural communities. People from the larger areas will take the time to preserve, in a traditional manner, food for the winter months.

Respectful Language. Aboriginal Cultures are oral and visual. There are no ancient books or scrolls that preserve the language, traditions and history. This information is passed down through generations verbally. In some areas there are pictographs and carvings that help to keep the history alive. This lack of written history can explain another reason for the cultural differences between Traditional and Contemporary Cultures. Contemporary Cultures expect to find history and important events or items of significance preserved in books. There is a very high respect for the written word and minimal credence given to oral history and values.

Many Aboriginal communities have developed or are developing their own language programs in an effort to revitalize their traditional language and have begun to document their history in order to capture and preserve their traditional stories.

Aboriginal peoples place a high value on the power of words. Many Aboriginal Peoples consider with great deliberation and

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speak with humility, respect, and often humour. They will speak slowly, with pauses for emphasis and use story telling to make a point. It can become extremely frustrated if you are not familiar with this because we generally want people to 'get to the point.'

Recommendation: Listen, listen, listen. Be comfortable with ‘pregnant pauses’ in conversation and speak in turn as you feel out each persons conversational rhythm and consciously allow time for the other to speak. You must be patient and listen. Probably the most difficult things to hear when communicating with First Nations are those things not said verbally or directly but are communicated in body language or by actions. Try to understand the way First Nations communicate and learn how First Nations show respect in your community. Consider/learn words, images and belief systems.

Recommendation: seek to understand and celebrate First Nations culture.

If you are given an opportunity to formally present to Chief and Council or, to any meeting in an Aboriginal Community find out exactly how much time you will have and stick to that time limit. Say the most important things first and supply handouts of everything else you want them to know. In most instances your time will be limited.

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INAC dictates that Engaging a Community elections for First Nations in Canada are to be held every two Within the research for this document a wide cross section of years. The term of a Chief and Council has Aboriginal people, agencies and organizations were surveyed. historically been too The most significant finding was that most First short a time period to build sustainable Nations Bands, Aboriginal organizations and agencies communities. Many had not been approached by Community Futures and First Nations are reviewing this term were not aware of Community Futures. and are enacting traditional or blended Findings from the Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement governance models that allow for longer Strategy Questionnaire Compilation & Analysis (December terms. 2004) revealed that the top four methods of building awareness

It is recommended with Aboriginal communities was to; have direct contact, work that Community one-on-one, work with Chiefs, Council, and/or Band’s Futures become aware of the election cycle of Economic Development Officer; hold seminars, workshops, Chief and Councils of information sessions, open houses and school presentations; First Nations in their areas and plan to attend career fairs, trade shows, conferences, and community renew agreements and social meetings and events; and through site visits on- following each election. reserve or in the community.

For more information on First Nations elections visit A perceived challenge for Community Futures is that http://www.ainc- Aboriginal people do not approach the Community inac.gc.ca/nr/iss/eleu n_e.html Futures. Interestingly, for Aboriginal communities, it is that Community Futures do not approach their communities.

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The following activities are intended to support community-

based awareness building of Community Futures services.

1. Introduction. Call to introduce your Community Futures to the Band Manager/Administrator. During this conversation you should provide, a background of Community Futures, services and programs offered, and the purpose of your call; a request to present to Chief and Council or the appropriate committee. Ask to whom you should address a letter so that you may provide a presentation.

2. Letter to Present. Write a formal letter including background, services and programs offered and the intent of the Community Futures to support the growth and development of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and Aboriginal community economic development. Include any feedback or specific ideas as provided by the Band Manager/Administrator.

3. Schedule Presentation Date, Time, Location. Mail the letter along with corporate marketing materials, if possible. Follow up with the recipient within one week to confirm receipt and to offer to answer any questions. Schedule a presentation date, recognizing that regular meeting agendas are very full and those times and dates must be flexible to accommodate these heavy agenda’s.

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4. Deliver Presentation. Arrive early to do the presentation. Provide a power point presentation, offer handouts, corporate marketing material and ask what the goals and aspirations are for the community that your Community Futures can assist with. Request to provide a community presentation, workshop, seminar, information session, school presentation or support for community economic development. Request the committee to assign a contact person from the community if not immediately identified. Finally, it is recommended that the Community Futures request how to proceed, to extend a broad invitation to the community for Board participation, according to the terms of board renewal.

5. Follow Up. Prepare and deliver a letter or email that confirms, in writing, your understandings from the meeting and send it to your contact. Listen to and act upon any recommendations provided or explain any barriers and make recommendations. Follow up on any points, questions or direction provided at the meeting.

6. Community Meetings/ Workshops. If you are asked to provide the community with a presentation or a workshop you should book a facility in the community, request an Elder from the community to provide an opening prayer (provide an honorarium) and book a caterer for the event from the community.

Approaches to raising awareness of the community meeting or workshop are to develop flyers, posters and registration forms that are posted within the community, each department within

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CFDC Central the Band and in the community newsletter. The range of Interior First presence in the community could include attendance at career Nation fairs, trade shows, conferences, community meetings and Community Engagement events. Some innovative approaches to explore and identify Process: options and opportunities have resulted from hosting of an

We let them annual Artisan’s Showcase & Sale, First Host Training or True know what we Colors Workshops. can do - they let us know what First Nations, Aboriginal organizations and agencies surveyed they would like us to do. declined to share information about the technicians, consultants and mentors, citing that the good consultants are difficult to We generally find and preference was given to someone who has experience compromise somewhere in the working with Aboriginal people and is of Aboriginal ancestry. middle

Many First Nations are increasingly requesting clarification, in writing, about the intent of organizations that enter their communities. This is because of a relatively new situation that has arisen since 2004 when two landmark rulings in the Supreme Court of Canada held that the provincial government has a duty to properly consult First Nations before proceeding with development on potential treaty settlement land. The court further said First Nations do not have to prove their title to the land in a lengthy trial before this consultation takes place. One of the court decisions held that third parties (business) also has this duty to consult*.

Some unethical businesses are falsely claiming that they have consulted with a First Nation and have then proceeding with land development. Although Community Futures work does not bear any relation to this, there is potential for a First Nation community to request clarification of intent in writing.

* Source: BC Treaty Commission www.bctreaty.net

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Building Capacity with Aboriginal Small Business Training

In the interests of the client and to build capacity there are opportunities to provide workshops, training and seminars. In 2002 a comprehensive survey was undertaken by Statistics Canada called the Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey. This survey was interpreted in the BC Aboriginal Entrepreneurs: A Growing Force - BC Aboriginal Small Business Profile, and outlined opportunities to provide client training in the following areas:

Accounting/bookkeeping 67%

Business administration 49%

Developing a business plan 45%

Management practices 44%

Marketing 44%

Finance 41%

Economics 36%

Starting a business 32%

Apprenticeship 9%

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In the 1996 Census Statistics Canada This same report indicated that Aboriginal entrepreneurs collected data on Aboriginal wanted to maintain stability and increase profits and in doing so Entrepreneurs, which established an would seek training in: understanding of the growing rates of Aboriginal entrepreneurship nationally and led to the Business development, funding/loans 85% establishment of the Aboriginal Business Establishing business contacts 57% Service Network initiative. In the 2001 Census Statistics Canada Market information 55% again released detailed findings of Aboriginal Information on business opportunities 50% entrepreneurship in the 2002 Aboriginal Training / skills development programs 53% Entrepreneurs Survey. Both census surveys included detailed Government sales contracts / procurement 40% findings as outlined here.

As Aboriginal Finally, Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey respondents reported populations and entrepreneurship wanting to improve their skills in the following areas: continues to grow and influence the Canadian economy it is anticipated that Statistics Canada will continue to collect Production 67% data on Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Ability to effectively use technology 67% following each census. Marketing 60%

Financing 59%

Competitive strategy 55%

Research and development and innovation 53%

Human resources 42%

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Central Interior First Nation Recommendations for Training Programs:

It is important that Aboriginal clients have access to both financing and training that makes the possibility of business ownership achievable.

Provide First Nations designed and delivered programs and services.

Programs need to be flexible enough to draw on the strengths and accommodate the individual needs of our clients. Value what each individual has to contribute to the overall learning.

Recognize and celebrate success – it is important that we recognize success from the start.

Promote the development of self-esteem and positive Aboriginal economic identity

Ensure a safe, supportive learning environment. This includes ensuring that basic needs are met - food, shelter, child care, etc.; Communicate ‘with’ not ‘to’ clients; Identify their starting point and work from there; Group defines learning objectives within the parameters of the Program.

Utilize strategies consistent with cultural patterns and learning styles.

Assist with Aboriginal human resource and skill development - including Trainers and Mentors.

Use learner’s experience as part of the teaching tools

Establish trust and respect in the group

Involve the community – Family, Friends, Elders, Leaders, etc

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Set a co-operative learning climate

Create mechanisms for mutual planning

Don’t forget the value of humour, laughter & fun

Evaluate – we start with ourselves – not our clients

Celebrate and Honour, CELEBRATE AND HONOUR

Remember that we must be learners to be teachers!

When offering programs or services to Aboriginal communities it is recommended that efforts be made to hire and train someone from within that community. This ensures that the Aboriginal community has the skills and training to provide ongoing assistance and develops the overall capacity of the community

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This is not about Guidelines for Engaging and Providing Services to the needs of our Aboriginal Peoples CFDC it is about what meets and satisfies their needs. Client Centered Service Delivery Within the scope of the research conducted for this toolkit, it If we cannot provide what was identified that Community Futures success in Aboriginal they need – we engagement is dependant upon the degree to which services explain why and/or provide a meet the needs of the client, or is client-centered. In reference. application this is not a static policy, rather an operational style defined by management that meets the evolving needs of the -Geri Collins, Manager, client, community, organization and partners. This aspect of CFDC Central total quality management in delivery of services to Aboriginal Interior First Nations people in BC includes:

Delivery of both individual client and community economic development services and training in the community.

Ensure viability of project and lending criteria are met.

Be adaptable, creative and innovative in your approach.

Understanding Aboriginal business etiquette, appropriate to each community.

Supporting capacity and community development, which includes complex aspects of Nation Building that are based upon the values, visions, goals and culture of each community. While values, vision and goals are more standardized it is also important to support cultural revitalization, which is the foundation of successful Aboriginal business and economic development. In fact, research conducted by Dr. Manley Begay

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HARVARD PROJECT in Nation Building through, the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, has proven this. Founded by Professors Stephen Locally, this is witnessed by the experience and work of Chief Cornell and Joseph P. Kalt at Harvard Judith Sayers; Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation, and a well University in 1987, the Harvard Project on respected leader in Aboriginal business development for many American Indian projects including Eagle Rock Corp. As the senior elected official Economic Development of her First Nation, Chief Sayers focuses on capacity building, (Harvard Project) is at the John F. Kennedy sustainable development and restoring and rehabilitating School of Hupacasath territory. Government, Harvard University in the USA. Eagle Rock Mineral Ltd. represents an innovative joint Through applied research and service, partnership wherein the Eagle Rock Quarry is 70% owned by the Harvard Project aims to understand Polaris and 30% by local First Nations. The Hupacasath and and foster the Ucluelet First Nations each own 10%, and the remaining 10% is conditions under which sustained, self- held in trust for the Tseshaht First Nation. With a bold mission determined social and statement, “embracing the vision of a sustainable business, and economic development is committing to the highest standards of environmental achieved in American Indian Nations. The responsibility and ethical business practice,” this project has work of the Harvard raised the bar for Aboriginal-industry joint ventures. Project is proven vital for Canadian

Aboriginals.

Harvard Project: www.ksg.harvard.edu Community Based Service Delivery

/hpaied/index.htm Community Futures best practices in Aboriginal engagement have demonstrated that delivery of services and support must be done in the community. Aboriginal communities surveyed as a part of the research also requested that service delivery be community-based. Community-based delivery of services for First Nations requires a formalized approach to work with the

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We are prepared community (See: Engaging an Aboriginal Community) as well to step out of the as an understanding of how to work with Aboriginal peoples box; we have an (See Aboriginal Business Etiquette). open mind and don’t paralyze ourselves with Service delivery for other agencies including AHRDA’s, policy. We need to be flexible. Aboriginal Business Development Centres, Friendship Centres, Métis Centres, etc. are recommended to proceed according to - Don Zurowski, the direction provided by said organization and following a Community Futures of Fraser Fort formal request to present Community Futures services to the George management of the organization. Guidelines to initiate a partnership are follows:

1. Phone call of introduction and request to meet with management to share available services.

2. Follow up letter of introduction and scheduling of presentation.

3. Presentation sharing services and potential community economic development support and identification of working contact and invitation for Board participation.

4. Follow up letter clarifying understandings.

5. Proceeding with delivery of services, awareness building and community engagement as recommended by organization.

Standard Lending Criteria

As indicated throughout this document Community Futures that are successful at Aboriginal engagement do not have any form of customized lending criteria for Aboriginal peoples. Success is dependant upon the approach the Community

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Futures takes with respect to understanding and demonstrating Aboriginal business etiquette, adapted to meet the needs of the community being served.

Within the scope of research for this document Community Futures cited the most significant barriers in lending to Aboriginal peoples in BC are as follows:

1. Security. Section 89 of the Indian Act states, that ‘the real and personal property of an Indian or a Band situated on a reserve is not subject to charge, pledge, mortgage, attachment, levy, seizure, distress or execution in favour or at the instance of any person other than an Indian or a Band.’ Community Futures successful in lending to Aboriginal people have found innovative methods to assign securities, understanding that Aboriginal businesses often do not operate according to North American business paradigms. Understanding and innovation is key for any lender who works with Aboriginal peoples or communities.

2. Community Support. Some Community Futures that participated in the research for this document, reported using alternative means to secure funding including enlisting community support for the individual entrepreneur through a Band Council Resolution (BCR) provided by Chief and Council or appropriate documentation and authority. This would require an entrepreneur to present their idea to Chief and Council and request a BCR, or their appropriate authority, to request a letter of support. (A sample BCR can be found in Appendix H) The client should advise upon the appropriate authority and the documentation that can be provided. In this

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process the entrepreneur asks the ‘community’ through Chief and Council for their support and in turn commits to making the business successful.

3. Enhanced Support Partnerships. Some Community Futures already work with Aboriginal Business Development Centres to provide enhanced levels of client support, which include assisting clients to understand and complete the appropriate regulatory requirement, forms and legal challenges.

4. Capacity Development. Individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities are very receptive to respectful working relationships where partners understand their interests, of which perhaps one of the most common is building capacity. It is strongly recommended that Community Futures use one of the many Aboriginal Small Business Development Workshops that include the essential business fundamentals required in business delivered and explained in culturally relevant terms. These workshops can be found on the ABSN BC website www.firstbusiness.ca.

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Conceptually, we need to rethink our approach to lending on the First Nations Reserves. Borrowing prerequisites and repayment terms placed on the relationship between lender and borrower determine the business practices that must be adopted for the community being served. In the case of First Nations, the system currently in use is out of step with their culture. As an example:

First Nation people in our region earn their living through some form of piecework while we provide loans based on a monthly cash flow model. To some businesses that generate revenue on a regular basis this is not an issue, for piecework contracts such as loggers, this can create “debt pressure” which can lead to stress, frustration and ultimately failure.

The solution in this example is typing the repayment of a debt into the work accomplished in the time frame that the work is undertaken, thereby removing the “debt pressure”.

- Keith Federink, Manager Community Futures Stuart Nechako

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CHAPTER 2: COMMUNITY FUTURES OF BC BEST PRACTICES

Since reaffirming Section 35 of the Royal Proclamation into Canada’s Constitution, relations with Aboriginal people has improved and resulted in subsequent legislation at the municipal, provincial and federal government levels that is increasing the powers and authorities for First Nations in Canada. There are also a growing number of partnership “The Throne documents and agreements, protocols and memorandums of Speech finally acknowledged the understanding that are creating mutual benefits and greater significant role economic certainty for BC. that First Nations will play in the economic revival Although a number of Community Futures surveyed referred to in BC in the next their Aboriginal engagement best practices only a few were decade”. submitted for inclusion into this report. John Winter, President of the BC Chamber of Benefits of Partnering with Aboriginal Peoples for Commerce, BC Community Futures Business May 2003. Growing client group, see Aboriginal Demographics in the appendices of this document

Increased number and value of loans

Funding support (Aboriginal Business Canada) that can enhance client outcomes and build a more vibrant local economy, see Chapter 3: Opportunities

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Community Economic/Socio-Economic Development Projects that can result in shared benefits for Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal communities, see Best Practices next page.

Relationship Building that can facilitate improved business opportunities in the resource sectors (forestry, fishing, mining, etc.)

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The Gitksan and Wet’suwet’en Economic Development Corporation Loan Program resulted in Best Practice: almost fifty Community Futures 16/37 G.W.E.D.C. Loan Program businesses being established.

The Gitksan and Wet’suwet’en Economic Development Corporation was established in March 1997 in order to improve access to capital for community members wishing to establish new businesses or expand/modernize businesses. This is done by providing security to the Community Futures 16/37 when a client does not have sufficient collateral to finance a loan for capital or infrastructure development costs, start-up or working capital.

Community Futures 16/37 has worked to engage Aboriginal communities through regular visits, participating in the activities, listening to the community’s challenges, and supporting opportunities. Some of the specific work undertaken by Community Futures 16/37 in the Aboriginal communities includes, coordinating joint conferences, facilitating planning sessions for the Tribal Group, Chief and Council and Band owned businesses and the delivery of eight programs totalling eight million dollars.

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The loan guarantee program, which can be amended for use in other communities, was developed in conjunction with both Community Futures 16/37 and the Development Corporation and enables economic development groups to have a larger voice with both the commercial banking community and government. The program contract date has expired but is currently being considered for renewal.

The Gitksan and Wet’suwet’en Economic Development Corporation Loan Program model was established according to the following terms and conditions:

1. A trust account was established at a local credit union, with the goal of guaranteeing funds while maximizing interest rates. The Community Futures provided monthly reports and distributed interest on the account to stakeholders determined by their percentage of investment.

2. Clients were required to participate in business planning with Community Futures 16/37 and the respective economic development group involved.

3. Clients were required to meet the following program criteria prior to proceeding:

a. Maximum loan - $30,000 over a maximum term of 60 months that can only be accessed twice.

b. Assistance was only eligible for capital and infrastructure development costs, start-up, working capital and bid performance bonds for contracting.

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c. Pre-start-up costs for feasibility on marketing studies, debt financing and commercial or inland fishery were not considered eligible.

d. Consideration for a loan guarantee was done on an application basis and requires a business plan and supporting documentation.

e. No application deadlines. Applications were accepted, reviewed, assessed year round.

4. Both Community Futures 16/37 and the Development Corporation must approve the loan, with loan guarantees and legal documents in the names to protect both groups.

5. Community Futures 16/37 was responsible for monitoring and collections and offered a floating interest rate at 3% above prime. Loan interest remained with the Community Futures.

6. The conflict resolution model included a plan to immediately contact the Development Corporation to establish a joint solution with an understanding that guarantees are provided when all other avenues have been exhausted including liquidation of assets and dissolution of the company.

Band and Council as leadership should endorse the business and be able to support their success.

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Best Practice:

Community Futures of Fraser Fort George Tsay Keh Dene Band Community Management Capacity Building

Community Futures Fraser Fort George assisted the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation to secure funding to implement a Community Management Capacity Building project. This project promised to address the economic development challenges posed by the cutbacks in the softwood lumber industry and consequent slowdown of the Band’s logging company.

The purpose of this project was to develop the management capacity in the Tsay Keh Village in an effort to manage the difficult transition from reliance on forest harvesting to provide both employment and income. Aptitude testing of band members was conducted to determine who would have the greatest likelihood of successfully managing a new business. Of the 22 potential candidates – 5 were identified, and training and career plans were developed.

A work plan has been developed that identifies community needs and revised as new information becomes available. Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Tool kit Page 38 of 116

The primary goal of this program is for the Band to be financially self-reliant and encourage a vigorous local economy that creates employment its their members.

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Best Practice:

Community Futures Stuart Nechako Regional Economic Development Initiative

Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI)

The Regional Economic Development Initiative project is based on the simple, pragmatic reality that there is strength and increased capacity when we work together towards commonly held goals.

REDI, funded by Western Economic Diversification and the Nechako Kitimat Fund, brought together the leaders of the local communities and First Nations to create a coordinated, collaborative capacity to respond to opportunities and challenges and to initiate cooperative endeavors that will benefit all of the jurisdictions and citizens of the Stuart Nechako Region. REDI is a tool to address the economic development issues of the region.

Additionally, Community Futures Stuart Nechako works with communities to plan and implement strategies for small

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business and employment growth, understanding that the regional economy plays a major role for Community Futures. The REDI Committee consists of the Mayors, Chiefs, Regional District Representatives supported by Town Administrators / Band Managers, Chambers of Commerce and Community Futures.

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Best Practice:

Community Futures of Nadina –

BC Northwest Broadband Initiative (BCNBI)

On March 10, 2006 the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced that the Community Futures of Nadina and Stuart-Nechako were awarded the 2005 Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation for their joint British Columbia Northwest Broadband Initiative (BCNBI).

The Community Futures of Stuart-Nechako and Nadina invested two years and brought high-speed Internet access to 35, 157 people and 1,644 businesses that previously were unable to access broadband. Initial steps included hosting a regional conference in September 2001, which included representatives from government, industry, First Nations, business, education, Internet service providers (ISP’s), technical specialists as well as members of the general public. Following this conference representatives from each of these groups, including First Nations, formed the BC Northwest Broadband Committee, the purpose of which was to complete a needs assessment of existing infrastructure, determine application and funding requirements and develop a network design, construction and

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business plans for the operations of the network. The Committee asked the Community Futures of Nadina and Stuart- Nechako to lead the BCNBI.

In early 2003 both Community Futures were successful at securing $60,000 from Western Economic Diversification (WD) and undertook a needs assessment, $30,000 from Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program (BRAND), to develop a business plan, which was approved for $2,030,960.00.The BCNBI, with First Nations involved as planning partners, is now in its fifth year and has achieved its goal of establishing broadband access in the region. This project has been profiled at many conferences and showcased on the Knowledge Network.

One successful and unique story from the BCNBI is that of the Yekochee, a remote First Nation community, with approximately 120 people. Prior to the BCNBI the community received only unstable wireless service highspeed Internet and phone service to the Band office and school. In emergencies the community was often without phone or Internet access.

The BRAND project brought the high-speed connection to the community with the access point located in the school, as required. However, in addition to providing the high-speed connection the project also brought an opportunity to fulfill another vital community need – phone access.

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The Yekooche in partnership with the vendor, Navigata, strung copper wire from the school on the hydro poles to each home to deliver high-speed and phone service. More opportunities followed and the Yekochee became their own Internet Sservice Provider (ISP). Community members were trained for first level ISP support and the business generated enough revenue to pay for the phone system.

The BCNBI supported the Yekooche to determine and meet their own needs through a community owned ISP that delivers reliable high-speed Internet and phone service that runs through the bandwidth connection to the community.

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Best Practice:

Northern Community Futures Aboriginal Outreach Program

Aboriginal Outreach Program

The Aboriginal Outreach Program was established with the support of Western Economic Diversification and allowed for the hiring of an Outreach officer to act as an Aboriginal liaison. This project was implemented in 5 Northern Community Futures. The Aboriginal Officer was hired with input from the regional First Nations for the purpose of enhancing the Community Futures’ level of service to First Nation communities and clients, in order to strengthen entrepreneurial and community development capacity.

The Aboriginal Outreach Program aims to help identify obstacles to socio-economic development in First Nation communities and to provide Community Futures resources that address any barriers. The program is designed to:

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Engage First Nation communities through regular visits and establish ongoing relationships with key stakeholders in the community.

Build capacity of First Nation communities to support economic development.

Attend First Nation conferences; events and meetings open to the public, and identify issues, needs and initiatives where the Aboriginal Outreach Program can assist.

Build long term relationships with and amongst First Nation communities.

Keep First Nation communities informed about the services offered.

Identify assets, resources, challenges and opportunities with respect to fostering socio-economic development.

Make the resources and expertise of Community Futures and affiliated organizations available to First Nation communities.

Assist with First Nation business start-ups and expansions.

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There are a lot of CHAPTER 3: OPPORTUNITIES golden opportunities in resources and Aboriginal Partnership Opportunities to Enhance Community peoples will be Futures Aboriginal Engagement involved in these activities as owners and suppliers. The Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Strategy Questionnaire Compilation & Analysis (December 2004) also Whatever we can identified that the most preferred method of engaging with do to build their capacity now Aboriginal people and organizations would initially be through will impact the partnerships and referrals. To develop partnerships and economy of our region. referrals the following are Aboriginal organizations whose mandates and work are consistent with those of Community - Roger Leclerc, Futures and where first partnerships should be sought. Manager COMMUNITY FUTURES 16/37 Aboriginal Business Development Centres

There are many small business development organizations across BC, who do not provide lending, but provide enhanced Aboriginal small business client support, training, business plan development, financial planning (equity), advocacy and referrals and are ideal candidates for partnering with Community Futures to extend client services and support as well as community economic development. Aboriginal Business Development Centres also provide a peer support network and mentorship, which are critical to support an Aboriginal entrepreneur.

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Aboriginal The leading Aboriginal Business Development Agencies in BC entrepreneurship are as follows: training should offer training Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre Society that builds the capacity of an 10039-100th Street, Fort St. John V1J 3Y5 Ph: 250-785-1870 individual in the Aboriginal Business Development Centre areas of critical thinking, 3845 15th Avenue, Prince George V2N 1A4 Ph: 250-562-6325 communication, coping, and self- Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society management essential skills. 207 14th Ave. N., Cranbrook V1C 3W3 Ph: 250-426-0595 Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation

P.O. Box 1384, 5000 Mission Road, Port Alberni V9Y 7M2

Ph: 250-724-3131

AHRDA’s (Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement)

AHRDA’s are responsible for developing and delivering employment and self-employment skills training for Aboriginal peoples, wherever they may be on reserve, or in rural or urban areas. AHRDA’s have excellent relationships with the community and are committed to building capacity. AHRDA’s are ideal candidates to work with to develop, and deliver capacity development programs such as self-employment training. AHRDA’s operating in BC are as follows:

Aboriginal Community Careers Employment Services Society

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108 - 100 Park Royal, West Vancouver V7T 1A2

Ph: (604) 913-7933 www.buildingfuturestoday.com

Cariboo-Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Education Centre Society

205 - 197 North Second Avenue, Williams Lake V2G 1M1

Ph: (250) 392-2510 www.williamslake.net/ammenities/details.asp?id=752

Coast Salish Aboriginal Employment & Training Society

103B 5462 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan V9L 6W4

Ph: (250) 746-0183 www.coastsalishemployment.com

First Nations Employment Society

101-440 Cambie Street, Vancouver V6B 2N5

Ph: (604) 605-7194 www.fnes.ca

Métis Nation of BC

789 West Pender St., Suite 1000, Vancouver V6C 1H2

Ph: (604) 801-5853 www.mpcbc.bc.ca

North East Native Advancing Society

P.O. Box 6847, Fort St. John V1J 4J3

Ph: (250) 785-0887 www.nenas.org

North Island Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

1400 B Drake Road, Campbell River V1J 4J3

Ph: (250) 286-3487 www.nuuchahnulth.org

Okanagan Training and Employment Society

101 - 1865 Dilworth Drive, Suite 339, Kelowna V1Y 9T1

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Ph: (250) 769-1977 www.otdc.org

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association

1591 4th Avenue, Prince George V2L 3K1

Ph: (250) 561-1199 www.pgnaeta.bc.ca

Shuswap Nations Tribal Council Society

304 - 355 Yellowhead Hwy, Kamloops V2H 1H1

Ph: (250) 314-1564 www.cipahrd.org

Skeena Native Development Society

PO Box 418, Terrace V8G 4B1

Ph: (250) 635-1500 www.snds.bc.ca

Sto:lo Nation Human Resource Development

Bldg. #8A - 7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack V2R 4G5

Ph: (604) 858-3691 www.snhrd.ca

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Funding Opportunities to Enhance Client Services

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC)

Aboriginal Business Canada is currently undergoing changes whereby the transfer of authority for this program is moving to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (For more information

INAC programs and services please refer to page 67). Despite this change ABC’s continue to represent a significant opportunity for Community Futures wishing to increase Aboriginal engagement. Community Futures can, for example, facilitate client applications to Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) to access contributions. Aboriginal Business Canada provides non-repayable contributions for viable businesses that are 51% or more owned by persons of Aboriginal heritage. The intent of this contribution is to create equity in business for Aboriginal people who have recognized systemic and environmental barriers.

The requirements for the ABC contribution are:

o The project must have a loan component, which fits well with Community Futures financing available.

o The client must have a minimum of 15 percent cash equity, with at least 50% from personal resources.

Contributions are made on a reimbursement basis, which are often facilitated by bridge financing by a lending partner. Both the loan component and the bridge financing are opportunities

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for Community Futures to offer these kinds of supports that reduce risk, assist in improving business opportunities for individuals and local community economic development.

It is recommended that Community Futures thoroughly research ABC funding programs and the application process on the ABC website http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc- eac.nsf/en/h_ab00347e.html, and establish a relationship with the ABC officer responsible for their region. Finally, it is important to recognize that time frames for ABC contributions are 6-12 months, requiring that the client and Community Futures plan accordingly.

Client Equity 15.0%

ABC 42.5%

Loan 42.5%

First Citizens Fund

The First Citizens Fund, a perpetual fund created in 1969 and is available for cultural, educational and economic development for Aboriginal people in British Columbia. All programs and services are managed and delivered in partnership with British

Columbia Aboriginal organizations.

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By providing support to Aboriginal financial institutions and organizations, the First Citizens Fund helps create new employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people throughout B.C

Business Advisory Centers

o Business advisory centers in Cranbrook, Fort St. John and Prince George assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs with business start-up or expansion, partnerships and planning. These centers ensure that Aboriginal entrepreneurs have access to business support and advice to help them realize their business goals. Qualified staff experienced in business and knowledgeable about the challenges and needs for on- and off-reserve businesses and markets, small business development and joint ventures.

To obtain business development information, contact:

o The Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre in Fort St. John, serving the Northeast region,

o The Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society in Cranbrook, serving the Kootenay region,

o The Aboriginal Development Centre in Prince George, serving Prince George and surrounding area.

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Business Loan Program

Each year business loans from the First Citizens Fund support about 150 Aboriginal small businesses throughout British Columbia to start, expand or make improvements to their businesses.

Business loans are available to Aboriginal residents of B.C. for most types of operations and a wide range of sectors that include retail, services, fishing, forestry, agriculture, tourism

and hospitality, manufacturing, new technologies and export.

These loans can be up to a maximum of $75,000, plus a 1.5 per cent borrower's fee. When a loan is approved, the First Citizens Fund will contribute 40 per cent of the principle in pro-rata installments over the term of the loan.

Business Support Officer Program

The Business Support Officer Program provides a range of business advice and extension services for Aboriginal entrepreneurs at no cost. Participating lenders deliver a program of services through Business Support Officers, also

known as Business Development Officers:

o One-on-one support

o Delivery of business training workshops

o Program marketing in communities

Business advisory services are available to new and existing clients at all stages of the business lifecycle, from planning and

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development, to applying for financing and business start-up, to operational and management advice and support.

For more information about the First Citizens Fund please visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fcf/default.html

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British Columbia Chapter 4 Aboriginal Peoples of BC has the greatest range of Aboriginal cultural diversity Definitions of Aboriginal Peoples in BC in Canada.

The definition of Aboriginal is still commonly questioned in Canada. Aboriginal is an umbrella term that is used to describe the first inhabitants of Canada. Aboriginal peoples are made up of the following three groups; Indians or First Nations, Métis and Inuit. These are three separate peoples with unique heritages, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Please refer to Appendix I: Terminology for complete definitions.

First Nation:

First Nation is the more politically correct term used to describe Indians, both Status and Non-Status. In BC there are 198 First Nations who have the greatest Aboriginal cultural diversity in Canada.

BC First Nations traditional groupings existed by language groupings, defined by geographic borders, and where common practices and beliefs existed. Seven of the eleven unique language families, found in Canada, are located exclusively in BC. See Appendix A: Community Futures Aboriginal Peoples Matrix for the language grouping of your Community Futures

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and the respective Nations, Aboriginal organizations and agencies operating.

Métis:

As defined by the Canadian Métis Council, a Métis person is ‘someone who is distinct from Indian and Inuit, someone who has genealogical ties to Aboriginal ancestry.’ As defined by the Charter and the Métis Nation British Columbia a “Métis” is a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nation ancestry, and is accepted by the Métis Nation.

Inuit:

The Inuit are Aboriginal persons in northern Canada, who traditionally lived above the tree line in the Northwest Territories, and in Northern Quebec and Labrador. The word means “people” in the Inuit language - Inuktitut. The singular of Inuit is Inuk.

Within this diversity there are also Aboriginal people who are more or less ‘traditional’. An Aboriginal person who is considered traditional is someone who practices their community’s traditions and rituals regularly and studies with Elders to become future knowledge keepers.

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Aboriginal Aboriginal Demographics in BC people in Canada are experiencing a The percent change in the growth rate from 2001 to 2006 was a Baby Boom that staggering 15.3%, with 196,070 British Columbians identifying will have the same impact as themselves as Aboriginal in 2006. The Aboriginal population in the 1960s Baby 2006 was made up of 129,580 (66%) identifying themselves as Boom had in North America. North American Indian and 59,445 (30%) identifying themselves as Métis1.

Inuit Other 0% 3% Metis 30%

North American Indian 67%

Aboriginal people are experiencing a population boom that is 1.5 times that of the rest of Canada. By comparison, the BC non-Aboriginal population increased by 5.3% during 2001- 2006.2 Further, the median age of British Columbians is 40.5 years, whereas the median age of BC’s Aboriginal community is 28.1 years.

1Statistics Canada. 2008. British Columbia (table). Aboriginal Population Profile. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-594-XWE. Ottawa. Released January 15, 2008. http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/aboriginal/Index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed January 23, 2008).) 2 Stats Canada (2001 Census) Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Tool kit Page 58 of 116

According to BC Statistics current projections indicate that BC’s Aboriginal population will grow to 219,400 by 2017 with Aboriginal youth age 20-29 years making up 41.9% of the population, compared to 9% for the rest of the Canadian population. With such a significant youth population under the age of 40 there is a strong need for well planned Aboriginal community economic development strategies to build capacity and create opportunities for Aboriginal youth that will result in positive outcomes.

BC Aboriginal Labour Force Projections 2001-2017 160000 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 0-14 15-24 15-64 65 + 2001 2006 2017

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Most BC First Chapter 5: Historic Framework Nations did not sign treaties and the BC government is Historic Legislative Framework currently negotiating with 70 % of BC First The following is contextual information intended to explain the Nations through the treaty perspectives, expectations and constraints of Aboriginal process. peoples.

Before colonization, First Nations were self-governing, self- sustaining nations, with legal, administrative and diplomatic systems in place to effectively manage their lands and resources. Since this time the colonial European infrastructure was established and settlement by Europeans and Americans was promoted. Starting in 1701, in what was to eventually become Canada, the British Crown entered into laws that continue to impact Aboriginal peoples wanting to achieve self-sufficiency, including;

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued October 7, 1763 by King George III following Great Britain’s acquisition of French territory in North America after the end of the French and Indian War/Seven Years’ War. The purpose of the proclamation was to organize Britain’s new North American

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Empire and to stabilize relations with North American Indians who were important military and economic allies against the colonizing forces from the United States, Spain, French, and Russia. This act respectfully states that Aboriginal people have title to the land, which is also included in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

In 1828 the Darling Commission recommended a policy whereby Indians could be settled in one location, educated, and converted to Christianity. For the next six decades, the Government passed legislation that reflected the Commission’s recommendations and moved Indians to remote isolated reserves and established the residential school system. In 1867 the British North America Act, an act of the British Parliament, granted Canada self-government and gave the federal government the authority to make laws about “Indians and lands reserved for the Indians”. A number of acts following the Darling Commission were amalgamated into the Indian Act (1876), which had the ultimate goal of assimilation. Examples of what was originally included in the 1876 Indian Act include; outlawing Indians from participating in cultural events (Potlatches, Sundances) until 1951; outlawing Indians from retaining a lawyer to seek legal remedy to save their lands; and established numerous provisions which removed many First Nations status and all their Aboriginal rights.

Within the Indian Act Section 89 is of importance for Community Futures, which states;

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…real and personal property of an Indian or a band situated on a reserve is not subject to charge, pledge, mortgage, attachment, levy, seizure, distress or execution in favour or at the instance of any person other than an Indian or a band.

Originally designed as a short-term measure to protect Indians, Section 89 of the Indian Act undermined the ability of First Nations living on-reserve to financing their businesses. Recognizing this barrier, Aboriginal leaders in the 1980’s made recommendations to the NEDP (now Aboriginal Business Canada) to establish Aboriginal Capital Corporations, or Aboriginal Financing Institutions, who would finance small business loans to First Nations on-reserve.

Coming full circle Canada’s Constitution (1982) revived the original intent of the Royal Proclamation recognizing and affirming Aboriginal and treaty rights. Since this time the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in BC is growing stronger and starting to move beyond the limitations of the Indian Act.

The following are resource links that can provide more information on recent history:

BC Treaty Commission: www.bctreaty.net

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (Aboriginal Rights in BC): http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/info/abr_e.html

BC Leadership Council, made up of the following:

o BC First Nations Summit: www.fns.bc.ca

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o BC Assembly of First Nations: www.bcafn.ca

o Union of BC Indian Chiefs: www.ubcic.bc.ca

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation: http://www.gov.bc.ca/bvprd/bc/channel.do?action=ministry&c hannelID=-536896053&navId=NAV_ID_province

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Self-employment Aboriginal Entrepreneurship in BC, Then and Now for Aboriginal

peoples in BC has increased by 33% Aboriginal people have a long history of business, since time since 1996, immemorial, adapting their lives to the resources they found an average of 6.6% per year, there. “Business” for the First Nations of Canada was bartering compared with and trading, which they developed into an art. 0.5% for BC overall, from 2003-2004. The economy of Canada was established with the fur trade

(1500’s – 1850) when Aboriginal peoples and the Europeans exchanged ideas, wealth, and technologies. For Aboriginal peoples, the fur trade was a social event and an economic activity. Trading had always served cultural purposes for Aboriginal peoples, and the fur trade was no exception. During the fur trade period, Aboriginal peoples played a crucial role in the economy. As the fur-trade declined a push to create a new economy emerged based upon natural resources, which were slowly removed from Aboriginal control. Despite difficult circumstances Aboriginal entrepreneurship continued.

Today, Aboriginal entrepreneurs are a strong and growing force in BC demonstrating sustainability and diversification across industries. Self-employment for Aboriginal peoples in BC has increased by 33% since 19963, or an average of 6.6% per year, compared with 0.5% for the BC overall 2003-20044.

3 BC Aboriginal Entrepreneurs: A Growing Force (BC Aboriginal Small Business Profile), Aboriginal Business Service Network BC Region and Statistics Canada. 4 2005 Small Business Profile, BC Stats. Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Tool kit Page 64 of 116

Aboriginal small business owners are generally micro- entrepreneurs requiring less than $50,000 to start, but are creating employment and who support local community Source: BC Aboriginal Entrepreneurs: A Growing Force - BC Aboriginal Small Business Profile (2003) Aboriginal Business economic Service Network – BC and Aboriginal Network Statistics Canada. development.

A notable trend in Aboriginal entrepreneurship is high growth for self-employed Aboriginal women that is double the national rate. Aboriginal small business owners are generally younger with youth who are almost 2 ½ times more likely to be entrepreneurs. To some degree, this reflects the younger age distribution and population growth rates which are 3 times the national average5.

5 Royal Commission Report on Aboriginal Peoples. The RCAP forecasts that from 1991-2016 the aboriginal population will rise 52%, compared to 22% for the non-aboriginal population. Page 65 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Chapter 6: Aboriginal Services

Research Guidelines for First Nations

It is important to know who your clients are and it is recommended that each Community Futures undertake research that will provide some insight into the history, traditions and culture of the community. It is recommended that the research includes both qualitative and quantitative data that recognizes that the oral history of the community as provided through the Elders should superseded that of written history, which was predominantly written by non-native archaeologists and researchers whose writings frequently do not include ethnographic research. The Research Guidelines are as follows:

• Traditional territory. Most First Nations will have a clear statement of what their traditional territory is.

• Language Groupings that provides an understanding of the peoples, overlapping territories and inter-relationships that are still respected by Aboriginal people today. See Appendix F: Aboriginal Matrix.

• Literature. Ask the Aboriginal community which writings they would recommend. Many works are not accurate.

• Contact Person. Ask the identified contact person who to speak to in order to learn more about the people. Often it will be a cultural coordinator who will share information that is deemed public information since Elders, who are the traditional knowledge keepers of Aboriginal history,

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teachings are primarily for the benefit of the community and its members.

Currently there are two types of Aboriginal organizations who serve all Aboriginal peoples throughout the province and who provide services and support that could support and enhance the services of Community Futures in BC, Aboriginal Business Development Organizations and Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement Holders (AHRDA’s).

Aboriginal Business Development Organizations

Aboriginal service delivery organizations originated out of a need to provide support to the growth and development of Aboriginal business development to achieve greater equality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business owners. Aboriginal business development organizations do not provide lending, but provide enhanced service to Aboriginal small business clients through support, advocacy and referrals.

Recognizing the fact that small business is a critical component to the development of local and regional economies Aboriginal enterprise facilitation is a key strategy in building the economy of BC and Canada.

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AHRDA’s

An AHRDA (Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement) holder is an Aboriginal agency or organization who has entered into an agreement with Service Canada to develop and deliver employment and self-employment skills training for Aboriginal peoples, wherever they may be – on reserve, or in rural or urban areas.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is responsible for two separate yet equally important mandates: Indian and Inuit Affairs and Northern Affairs. This broad mandate is derived largely from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern

Development Act, the Indian Act, territorial acts and legal obligations arising from section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867; however, the department is responsible for administering over 50 statutes in total. Consequently, INAC’s mandate is complex and its responsibilities encompass a broad range of services.

In general, INAC has primary but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and

Northerners. The primary role of the department of Indian and

Inuit Affairs is to support First Nations and Inuit in developing healthy, sustainable communities and in achieving their

economic and social aspirations. INAC negotiates

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comprehensive and specific land claims and self-government agreements on behalf of the federal government, oversees implementation of settlements and promotes economic development.

Additionally, INAC is responsible for delivering provincial-like services such as education, community economic development, housing, and community infrastructure to Status Indians on reserve, and for delivering social assistance and social support services to residents on reserve with the goal of ensuring access to services comparable to those available to other Canadian residents. Furthermore, INAC is responsible for delivering programs that support Aboriginal entrepreneurs such as Aboriginal Business Canada.

The vast majority of these programs and services are delivered in partnership with First Nations, who directly administer 85 percent of Indian and Inuit Affairs Program funds. As such, it is recommended that when your Community Futures is working with Aboriginal clients to access INAC programs or services, that the Aboriginal client approach INAC directly, rather than the Community Futures acting as a liaison for the Aboriginal client.

For more information about INAC programs and services available to Aboriginal clients please visit their website at

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index_e.html

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Aboriginal Matrix

The following Aboriginal Matrix is intended to provide a broader understanding of the fact that the service area boundaries of the Community Futures in BC are superimposed atop traditional territories that are tens of thousands of years old, which originate with language groupings. It is important to understand the cultural overlap of traditional boundaries and the cultural diversity, practices, beliefs and dynamics of the Aboriginal communities served. For more information on local Aboriginal history and the continuing impact today Community Futures are recommended to request consultation with the Cultural Coordinator and or Elder, through the “How to Engage with a Community” process outlined earlier in this document.

Map source: ABSN BC Website www.firstbusiness.ca

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal organizations/agencies Futures Contact Information (demonstrating (operating within First Nation traditional Development Aboriginal cultural territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: #204 - 4630 Gitksan, a Tsimshianic Gitxsan (Giksan-Nass) of 16/37 Lazelle Avenue Terrace, language Gitanmaax Band Council, Hazelton B.C. V8G 1S6 Nisga'a, a Tsimshianic Gitanyow Band Council, Kitwanga Tel: 250-635-5449 language Coast Gitsegukla Indian Band, South Hazelton Toll Free: 1-800-663-6396 Tsimshian, a Tsimshianic Gitwangak Band Council, Kitwanga Fax: 250-635-2698 language Glen Vowell Indian Band, Hazelton Email: [email protected] Haisla, a member of the Hagwilget Village Council, New Hazelton Website: Northern subgroup of the Kispiox Band Council, Hazelton www.1637cfdc.bc.ca Wakashan Tahltan and the Gitxsan Government Commission, Hazelton Witsuwit'en dialect of the Gitxsan & Wet’suwet’en Economic Dev Corp, Hazelton Babine-Witsuwit'en language, Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs, Hazelton both belonging to the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, Kitwanga Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit Tsimshian language family. Kitselas Indian Band, Terrace Kitsumkalum Band, Terrace Wet'suwet'en (Western Carrier) Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Nisga’a Gingolx Village Government, Kincolith Laxgals’ap Village Government, Greenville Gitwinksihlkw Village Government, Gitwinksihlkw New Aiyansh Village Government, New Aiyansh Nisga’a Lisims Government, New Aiyansh Terrace Nisga’a Society, Terrace Tahltan Iskut First Nations, Iskut Tahltan Band Council, Telegraph Creek Tahltan Development Corporation, Telegraph Creek Page 71 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Kaska Dene Dease River First Nation, Good Hope Lake Daylu Dene First Nation, Lower Post Tlingit Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Atlin Other Tribal Resources Investment Corporation, Prince Rupert Northwest Tribal Treaty Nations, Terrace Northwest Métis Association, Terrace Skeena Native Development Society, Terrace Kermode Friendship Society, Terrace

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures (i) Greenwood Address: Okanagan, a Salishan language Okanagan of Boundary Area 245 South Copper Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Keremeos Street Osoyoos Indian Band, Oliver P.O. Box 459 Penticton Indian Band, Penticton Greenwood, B.C. V0H Spallumcheen Indian Band, Enderby 1J0 Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Keremeos Tel: 250-445-6618 Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank Fax: 250-445-6765 Okanagan Training & Development Council, Kelowna Osoyoos Indian Band ARHDA, Osoyoos (ii) Grand Forks Boundary Local Métis Association, Grand Forks Address: 1647 Central Avenue P.O. Box 2949 Grand Forks, B.C. V0H 1H0 Tel: 250-442-2722 Fax: 250-442-5311 Email: [email protected] Web site: http: www.boundaryCf.com Community Futures Address: Secwepmectsin (Shuswap), a All Nations Trust Company, Kamloops of Cariboo-Chilcotin 266 Oliver Street Salishan language, and Bella Bella Business Service Centre, Bella Bella Williams Lake, B.C. Chilcotin, an Athabaskan- Bella Bella Community Development Society, Waglisla V2G 1M1 Eyak-Tlingit language Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Education Centre, Tel: 250-392-3626 Blackwater dialect group of the Williams Lake Toll Free No.: 1-888- Carrier language, Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake 879-5399 Heiltsuk, a Northern Dene Development Corporation, Williams Lake Fax: 250-392-4813 Wakashan Secwepmectsin Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase

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Email: Bonaparte Indian Band, Cache Creek [email protected] High Bar First Nation, Clinton Web Site: Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops www.cfdccariboo.com Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Chilcotin Alexandria Indian Band Quesnel Alexis Creek First Nation, Chilanko Forks Anaham Indian Band, Alexis Creek Canim Lake Band, 100 Mile House Canoe Creek Indian Band, Dog Creek Cariboo/Chilcotin Tribal Council, Williams Lake Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council, Williams Lake Esketemc First Nation, Williams Lake Kluskus Indian Band (Lhoosk'uz Dene Gov't Administration), Quesnel Soda Creek Indian Band, Williams Lake Stone Indian Band, Hanceville Tl'etinqox-t'in Government Office , Alexis Creek Toosey Indian Band, Riske Creek Ulkatcho First Nations, Anahim Lake Heiltsuk Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Métis Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association, Williams Lake

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Shuswap, Central Interior Partners in Aboriginal Human Resource of Central Interior #215 - 345 Yellowhead Nlaka'pamux (Thompson), Development, Kamloops First Nations Highway St'at'imx (Lillooet), Salishan Conayt Friendship Centre, Merritt, BC Kamloops, BC languages Dene Development Corporation, Williams Lake V2H 1H1 Lillooet Friendship Centre, Lillooet Tel: 250-828-9833 Lillooet Tribal Council, Lillooet Fax: 250-828-9972 Shuswap Email: Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase [email protected] Bonaparte Indian Band Cache Creek Web Site: Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake www.cfofcifn.com High Bar First Nation, Clinton Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Nlaka’pamux Ashcroft Indian Band, Ashcroft Boothroyd Indian Band, Boston Bar Boston Bar First Nation, Boston Bar Coldwater Indian Band, Merritt Cook's Ferry Indian Band, Spences Bridge Fraser Canyon Tribal Administration, Lytton Kanaka Bar Band, Lytton Lower Nicola Indian Band, Merritt Lytton First Nation, Lytton Nicola Tribal Association, Merritt Page 75 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Nicomen Indian Band, Lytton Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council, Lytton Nooaitch Indian Band, Merritt North Thompson Indian Band, Barriere Oregon Jack Creek Band, Ashcroft Shackan Indian Band, Lower Nicola Siska Indian Band, Lytton Skuppah Indian Band, Lytton Spuzzum First Nation, Yale Tsilhqot'in National Government, Williams Lake St’at’imx Bridge River Indian Band, Lillooet Cayoose Creek Band, Lillooet Fountain Band, Lillooet Lillooet Tribal Council, Lillooet Mount Currie Band Council, Mount Currie Samahquam First Nation, Mount Currie Seton Lake Band, Shalath Skatin First Nation, Mount Currie T'it'q'et Administration, Lillooet Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation, Cache Creek Xaxli'p First Nation, Lillooet Métis Merritt District Métis Association, Merritt

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Island dialect of Halkomelem, Namgis First Nation Employment & Training, Alert Bay of Central Island 420 Albert Street a Salishan language North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society, Nanaimo, B.C. Kwakw'ala, a Wakashan Campbell River V9R 2V7 language. Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Nanaimo Tel: 250-753-6414 Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Victoria Toll-free No.: 1-877- Wachley Friendship Centre Society, Courtenay 753-6414 Halkomelem Fax: 250-753-0722 Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Ladysmith Email: Nanoose First Nation, Lantzville [email protected] Qualicum First Nation, Qualicum Beach Website: Snaw-Naw-As Treaty Office, Lantzville www.cfnanaimo.org Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Kwakw'ala Da'naxda'xw First Nation, Alert Bay Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nation, Port Hardy Gwawaenuk Tribe, Port McNeill Hamatla Treaty Society, Campbell River Homalco Indian Band, Campbell River Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Ladysmith Kwakiutl Band Council, Port Hardy Kwakiutl District Council, Port Hardy Kwiakah Indian Band, Campbell River Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish Tribes, Simoon Sound Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Enox Band, Campbell River Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, Alert Bay Namgis First Nation, Alert Bay Nanoose First Nation, Lantzville Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Councils Aboriginal Management Society, Campbell River Qualicum First Nation, Qualicum Beach Page 77 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Quatsino First Nation, Coal Harbour Snaw-Naw-As Treaty Office, Lantzville Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Tlatlasikwala Band, Port Hardy Tlowitsis-Mumtagila First Nation, Campbell River Tsawataineuk Indian Band, Kingcome Inlet We Wai Kai First Nation (Cape Mudge Band), Quathiaski Cove We Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band), Campbell River Whe-La-La-U Area Council, Alert Bay Winalaglis Treaty Group, Alert Bay Métis Council for the Cultural Preservation of the Métis Peoples, Namaimo Métis Commission for Children and Family Services, Victoria Métis Community Services, Victoria Métis Nation of Greater Victoria, Victoria Mid-Island Métis Nation, Nanaimo South Island Métis Nation, Victoria Community Futures Address: Okanagan, a Salishan language Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Employment Service Dept., Cranbrook of Central Kootenay #201 - 514 Street Lower Columbia River All First Nations Council Nelson, B.C. Employment, Castlegar V1L 4E7 Okanagan: Tel:250-352-1933 Penticton Indian Band, Penticton Fax: 250-352-5926 Osoyoos Indian Band, Oliver Email: Okanagan Nation Alliance [email protected] ,Westbank Web Site: Ktunaxa www.futures.bc.ca Akisqnuk First Nation, Windermere, BC Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council, Cranbrook Lower Kootenay Indian Band, Creston

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Okanagan, a Salishan language Okanagan: of Central Okanagan Landmark Technology Westbank First Nation, Kelowna Centre Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank #110-1632 Dickson Métis Avenue Kelowna Métis Association, Kelowna Kelowna, B.C. Okanagan Métis Children & Family Services, Kelowna V1Y 7T2 Other: Tel: 250-868-2132 Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Kelowna Fax: 250-868-2173 Okanagan Training & Development Council, Kelowna Email: [email protected] Website: www.cfdcco.bc.ca Community Futures Address: Lheidli dialect of Carrier, an Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Prince George of Fraser Fort George 1566 - 7th Avenue, B.C. Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit Burns Lake Development Corporation, Burns Lake V2L 3P4 language. However, speakers of Prince George Native Friendship Centre, Prince George Tel: 250-562-9622 many other languages are to be Prince George/Nechako Aboriginal Business Development Toll Free: 1-800-661- found in Prince George Centre, Prince George 2055 Sekani language, which Métis Fax: 250-562-9119 belongs to the Athabaskan- Fort George Métis Association, Prince George Email: Eyak-Tlingit language family. Nechako Métis Elders Council, Prince George [email protected] New Caledonia Métis Association, Fort St. James Website: Prince George Métis Elders Society, Prince George www.cfdc.bc.ca Prince George Métis Housing Society, Prince George Region 5 Métis Association, Price George Three Valley Métis Society, Valemount Lheidli: Lheidli-T'enneh Band Prince George Sekani Burns Lake Indian Band, Burns Lake Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Prince George Page 79 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Nadleh Whut'en Band, Fort Fraser Nak'azdli Indian Band, Fort St. James Saik'uz First Nation, Vanderhoof Stellat'en First Nation, Fraser Lake Takla Lake First Nation, Fort St James Tl'azt'en Nation, Fort St. James Wet'suwet'en First Nation, Burns Lake Community Futures Address: Okanagan, Salishan language Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Employment Service Dept., Cranbrook of Greater Trail Community Futures Of and Kootenai, an isolate Okanagan: Greater Trail language. Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Keremeos 2nd Floor, RDKB Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Keremeos 843 Rossland Avenue Osoyoos Indian Band, Oliver Trail, BC V1R 4S8 Spallumcheen Indian Band, Enderby Tel: (250) 364-2595 Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank Fax: 250-364-2728 Kootenai (Kutanaxa) Email: Akisqnuk First Nation, Windermere, BC info@communityfuture Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council, Cranbrook s.com Lower Kootenay Indian Band, Creston Web Site: St. Mary's Indian Band, Cranbrook www.communityfutures Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Grasmere .com Haida Gwaii Address: Haida, an isolate Haida Community Futures P.O. Box 40 Council of the Haida Nation, Masset & Queen Charlotte City 1730 Hodges Avenue Old Massett Village Council, Masset Masset, B.C. Skidegate Band Council, Skidegate, BC V0T 1M0 Tel: 250-626-5594 Toll-Free: 1-888-328- 5594 Fax: 250-626-5693 Email: [email protected] Website: www.haidagwaiifutures .ca

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: St'át'imcets (Lillooet), a Musqueam Indian Band, Vancouver of Howe Sound P.O. Box 2539 Salishan language Mount Currie Band Council, Mount Currie 37760 Second Avenue Squamish, a Salishan language Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (Burrard Band), North Squamish, B.C. Vancouver V0N 3G0 Squamish Nation, North Vancouver Circle of Eagles Lodge Tel: 604 892-5467 Society, Vancouver Fax: 604 892-5227 First Nations Employment & Enterprise Centre, Vancouver Email: Lil'wat Regional Business Service Centre, Pemberton [email protected] Squamish Nation Revenue and Business Services, North Web site: Vancouver www.cfdchs.com Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, West Métis Métis Nation of BC, Vancouver Vancouver Métis Community Association, Vancouver Community Futures Address: Kwakw'ala, a Wakashan VARIOUS of Mount Waddington P.O. Box 458 language South Tsimshian, a “Namgis First Nation Employment & Training, Alert Bay #8 - 311 Hemlock Street nearly extinct Tsimshianic Kwakw'ala Port McNeill, B.C. language Kwakw'ala, a Da’naxda'xw First Nation, Alert Bay V0N 2R0 Wakashan language Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nation, Port Hardy Tel: 250-956-2220 Nuuchanulth, a Wakashan Gwawaenuk Tribe, Port McNeill Fax: 250-956-2221 language Hamatla Treaty Society, Campbell River Email: Homalco Indian Band, Campbell River [email protected] Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Ladysmith Web site: Kwakiutl Band Council, Port Hardy www.cfdcmw.ca Kwakiutl District Council, Port Hardy Kwiakah Indian Band, Campbell River Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish Tribes, Simoon Sound Lantzville Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Enox Band, Campbell River Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, Alert Bay Namgis First Nation, Alert Bay Page 81 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Nanoose First Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Councils Aboriginal Management Society, Campbell River Qualicum First Nation, Qualicum Beach Quatsino First Nation, Coal Harbour Snaw-Naw-As Treaty Office, Lantzville Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Tlatlasikwala Band, Port Hardy Tlowitsis-Mumtagila First Nation, Campbell River Tsawataineuk Indian Band, Kingcome Inlet We Wai Kai First Nation (Cape Mudge Band), Quathiaski Cove We Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band), Campbell River Whe-La-La-U Area Council, Alert Bay Winalaglis Treaty Group, Alert Bay

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: The Witsuwit'en dialect of, an Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, Burns Lake of Nadina P.O. Box 236 Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, Smithers Houston Mall 2nd Floor language Witsuwit'en dialect of Houston Friendship Centre Society, Houston 3232 Highway 16 Babine-Witsuwit'en, an Wet'suwet'en (Western Carrier) Houston, B.C. Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1Z0 language Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla Tel: 250-845-2522 Fraser/Nechako dialect group Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village Toll Free: 1-800-556- of Carrier, an Athabaskan- Kwadacha Band, Prince George 5539 Eyak-Tlingit language Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Fax: 250-845-2528 Cheslatta dialect Carrier Lheidli-T'enneh Band, Prince George Email: Lhoosk'uz Dene Government Administration, Quesnel generalmail@cfnadina. Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), Quesnel ca Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Website: Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Burns Lake, BC www.cfdcnadina.ca Skin Tyee Band, Southbank Tsay Keh Dene Band, Prince George Yekooche First Nation, Fort St. James Fraser/Nechako/Carrier Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, Burns Lake Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake, BC Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village Kwadacha Band, Prince George Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Lheidli-T'enneh Band, Prince George Lhoosk'uz Dene Government Administration, Quesnel Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), Quesnel Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Burns Lake, BC Skin Tyee Band, Southbank

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Tsay Keh Dene Band, Prince George Yekooche First Nation, Fort St. James Métis Fort George Métis Association, Prince George Region 5 Métis Association, Prince George Tri-River Métis Association, Smithers

Conayt Friendship Society, Merritt Nlaka’pamux Community Futures Address: Nlaka'pamux (Thompson), a Ashcroft Indian Band, Ashcroft Tribal Council of Nicola Valley P.O. Box 159 Salishan language Boothroyd Indian Band, Boston Bar 2099 Quilchena Avenue Boston Bar First Nation, Boston Bar Merritt, B.C. Coldwater Indian Band, Merritt V1K 1B8 Cook's Ferry Indian Band, Tel: 250-378-3923 Spences Bridge Fax: 250-378-3924 Fraser Canyon Tribal Administration, Lytton Email: Kanaka Bar Band, Lytton [email protected] Lower Nicola Indian Band, Merritt a Nicola Tribal Association, Merritt Web Site: Nicomen Indian Band, Lytton, www.cfnicolavalley.ca Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council, Lytton Nooaitch Indian Band, Merritt North Thompson Indian Band Barriere Oregon Jack Creek Band, Ashcroft Shackan Indian Band, Lower Nicola Siska Indian Band, Lytton Skuppah Indian Band, Lytton Spuzzum First Nation, Yale Tsilhqot'in National Government, Williams Lake, BC Métis Merritt District Métis Association, Merritt

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region)

Community Futures Address: Carrier, an Athabaskan-Eyak- Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Prince George of North Cariboo 679 Highway 97 South, Tlingit language Prince George/Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Quesnel, B.C. Blackwater dialect group of Assoc., Prince George V2J 4C7 Carrier, an Athabaskan-Eyak- Quesnel Tillicum Society, Quesnel Tel: 250-747-1212 Tlingit language. It is closely Carrier Toll Free: 1-877-747- related to Lhtakoh (Red Bluff) Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, Burns Lake (2332) and Lhoosk'us (Kluskus). Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake, BC Fax: 250-747-1270 Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla Email: Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village [email protected] Kwadacha Band, Prince George Web Address: Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake www.cfquesnel.com Lheidli-T'enneh Band, Prince George Lhoosk'uz Dene Government Administration, Quesnel Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), Quesnel Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Burns Lake, BC Skin Tyee Band, Southbank Tsay Keh Dene Band, Prince George Yekooche First Nation, Fort St. James Métis Fort George Métis Association, Prince George North Cariboo Métis Association, Quesnel Region 5 Métis Association, Prince George Community Futures Address: Upriver dialect of Halkomelem, Mission Indian Friendship Centre Society, Mission of North Fraser 32386 Fletcher Ave. a Salishan language Sto:lo Nation Human Resources Development, Chilliwack Mission, B.C. Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, West Vancouver V2V 5T1 Halkomelem Tel: 604-826-6252 Aitchelitz Band, Chilliwack Toll Free No.: 1-888- Chawathil First Nation, Hope 826-6252 Cheam Indian Band, Rosedale

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Fax: 604-826-0052 Chehalis Indian Band, Agassiz Email: Douglas First Nations, Mission [email protected] Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley Website: Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt First Nation, Chilliwack www.northfraser.org Lakahahmen First Nation, Deroche Leq' a: mel First Nation, Deroche Matsqui First Nation, Matsqui Peters Band, Hope Popkum Band, Chilliwack Scowlitz First Nation, Lake Errock Seabird Island Band, Agassiz Shxw'ow'hamel First Nation, Hope Skawahlook First Nation, Agassiz Skowkale First Nation, Sardis Skwah First Nation, Chilliwack Skway First Nation, Chilliwack Soowahlie First Nation, Cultus Lake Squiala First Nation, Chilliwack Sto:lo Nation Government House, Chilliwack Sumas First Nation, Abbotsford Tzeachten First Nation, Chilliwack Union Bar Indian Band, Hope Yakweakwioose, Chilliwack Yale First Nation, Hope Métis Fraser Valley Métis Association, Abbotsford Métis Employment & Training, Abbotsford

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Okanagan, a Salishan language OoknaKne Friendship Centre, Penticton of Okanagan- #102 - 3115 Skaha Lake Osoyoos Indian Band AHRDA, Osoyoos Similkameen Rd. Okanagan Penticton, B.C. Penticton Indian Band, Penticton V2A 6G5 Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank Tel: 250-493-2566 Métis Toll Free: 1-877-493- Métis Heritage & Cultural Council, Penticton 5566 Fax: 250-493-7966 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.cfdcokanagan.com Community Futures Dawson Creek Address: Slave, Dunne-za (Beaver), an Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Fort Nelson of Peace River - 904-102nd Avenue Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Fort Nelson Liard Dawson Creek, BC language and Cree, an Nawican Friendship Centre, Dawson Creek VIG 2B7 Algonquian language North East Native Advancing Society, Fort St John Tel: 250-782-8748 Region 7 Education, Employment and Training Services, Toll Free: 1-877-296- Dawson Creek 5888 Tansi Friendship Centre Society, Chetwynd Fax: 250-782-8770 Slave Email: Blueberry River First Nations, Buick info@communityfutures. Doig River First Nation, Rose Prairie biz Fort Nelson First Nation, Fort Nelson Website: Halfway River First Nation, Wonowon www.communityfutures. Prophet River Band, Fort Nelson biz Saulteau First Nations, Moberly Lake Tsekani First Nation (McLeod Lake Indian Band), McLeod Lake

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West Moberly First Nations, Moberly Lake Fort St John Métis Society, Fort St John Mile “0” Métis Society, Dawson Creek Moccasin Flat’s Métis Society, Chetwynd Northern Lynx Métis Association, Chetwynd Northern Rockies Métis Society, Fort Nelson Pouce Coupe Metis Association, Dawson Creek Region 7 Métis Employment & Training, Fort St. John Sikkani-Liard Metis Association, Fort Nelson Community Futures Address: Comox/Sliammon, a Salishan Sliammon ARHDA, Powell River of Powell River 4717 Marine Avenue, 2nd language Comox/Sliammon Region Floor Komox Nation (Comox Indian Band), Courtenay Powell River, B.C. Sliammon First Nation, Sliammon V8A 2L2 Tel: 604-485-7901 Fax: 604-485-4897 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.cfdcpowellriver.com

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region)

Community Futures Address: Shuswap and Okanagan Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Education Centre, of Revelstoke P.O. Box 2398 Salishan languages and Williams Lake #204 Campbell Avenue Kootenai, an isolate Kootenai Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake Revelstoke, B.C. language. Central Interior Partners in Aboriginal Human Resource V0E 2S0 Development, Kamloops Tel: 250-837-5345 Dene Development Corporation, Development corporation Fax: 250-837-4223 First Nations Friendship Centre, Vernon Email: Interior Indian Friendship Centre, Kamloops [email protected] Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society, Cranbrook Web Site: Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society, Cranbrook www.revelstokecc.bc.ca Ktunaxa Kinbasket Aboriginal Training Council, Cranbrook Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Employment Service Dept., Cranbrook Shuswap Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase Bonaparte Indian Band Cache Creek High Bar First Nation, Clinton Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society, Cranbrook Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Okanagan Okanagan Indian Band, Vernon Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank

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Upper Nicola Band, Merritt Akisqnuk First Nation, Windermere Lower Kootenay Indian Band, Creston St. Mary's Indian Band, Cranbrook Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Grasmere Region 3 Métis Association, Kamloops Region 4 Kootenay Region Métis Association, Cranbrook Community Futures Address: Shuswap, a Salishan language Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Education Centre, of Shuswap P.O. Box 1930 Williams Lake #101, 160 Harbourfront Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake Drive N Central Interior Partners in Aboriginal Human Resource Salmon Arm, BC Development, Kamloops V1E 4P9 Dene Development Corporation, Williams Lake Tel: 250-803-0156 Shuswap Fax: 250-803-0157 Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase Email: Bonaparte Indian Band Cache Creek [email protected] High Bar First Nation, Clinton m Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops Web site: Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase www.futureshuswap.co Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase m Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Métis Salmon Arm Métis Association, Salmon Arm

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Upriver dialect of Halkomelem, Community Futures of Sto:lo, Chilliwack of South Fraser #100 - 32383 South a Salishan language Sto:lo Nation Human Resources Development, Chilliwack Fraser Way Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, West Vancouver Abbotsford, B.C. Halkomelem V2T 1W7 Aitchelitz Band, Chilliwack Chawathil First Nation, Hope Tel: 604-864-5770 Cheam Indian Band, Rosedale Toll-free No.: 1- Chehalis Indian Band, Agassiz 87STARTBIZ or 1-877- Douglas First Nations, Mission 827-8249 Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley Fax: (604) 864-5769 Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt First Nation, Chilliwack E-mail: Lakahahmen First Nation, Deroche [email protected] Leq' a: mel First Nation, Deroche m Matsqui First Nation, Matsqui Web Site: Peters Band, Hope www.southfraser.com Popkum Band, Chilliwack Scowlitz First Nation, Lake Errock Seabird Island Band, Agassiz Shxw'ow'hamel First Nation, Hope Skawahlook First Nation, Agassiz Skowkale First Nation, Sardis Skwah First Nation, Chilliwack Skway First Nation, Chilliwack Soowahlie First Nation, Cultus Lake Squiala First Nation, Chilliwack Sumas First Nation, Abbotsford Tzeachten First Nation, Chilliwack Union Bar Indian Band, Hope Yakweakwioose, Chilliwack Yale First Nation, Hope

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Community Futures Address: Upriver dialect of Sto:lo Nation Employment Services, Chilliwack of Sto:lo Unit 29 - 6014 Vedder Halq'eméylem, a Salishan North Fraser Community Futures Self Employment Program Road language Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, West Vancouver Chilliwack, B.C. Sto:lo Tourism Commission V2R 5M4 Aboriginal Business Canada Tel: 604-858-0009 Halkomelem Fax: 604-858-3829 Aitchelitz Band, Chilliwack Email: Chawathil First Nation, Hope [email protected] Cheam Indian Band, Rosedale Web Site: Chehalis Indian Band, Agassiz www.stolocf.com Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt First Nation, Chilliwack Leq' a: mel First Nation, Deroche Matsqui First Nation, Matsqui Peters Band, Hope Popkum Band, Chilliwack Scowlitz First Nation, Lake Errock Seabird Island First Nation, Agassiz Skawahlook First Nation, Agassiz Skowkale First Nation, Sardis Skwah First Nation, Chilliwack Shxwha:y First Nation, Chilliwack Soowahlie First Nation, Cultus Lake Squiala First Nation, Chilliwack Sumas First Nation, Abbotsford Tzeachten First Nation, Chilliwack Union Bar Indian Band, Hope Yakweakwioose, Chilliwack Yale First Nation, Hope Sto:lo Tribal Council Métis: North Fraser Métis Association Waceya Métis Society Chilliwack Métis Association

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Kwakw'ala, a Wakashan North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society, of Strathcona P.O. Box 160 language and Campbell River 900 Alder Street Comox/Sliammon, a Salishan Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, Port West Wing language Alberni Campbell River, BC Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Councils Aboriginal Management V9W 5A7 Society, Campbell River Tel: (250) 830-0999 Rainbow Spirit Employment Development, Victoria extension 260 ‘Namgis First Nation Employment and Training, Alert Bay Toll Free: 1-877-338- Kwakw'ala 2775 extension 260 Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Ladysmith Fax: 250-830-1189 Nanoose First Nation, Lantzville Email: [email protected] Snaw-Naw-As Treaty Office, Lantzville Web Site: Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo www.communityfutures Qualicum First Nation, Qualicum Beach -strathcona.com Da'naxda'xw First Nation, Alert Bay Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nation, Port Hardy Gwawaenuk Tribe, Port McNeill Hamatla Treaty Society, Campbell River Homalco Indian Band, Campbell River Kwakiutl Band Council, Port Hardy Kwakiutl District Council, Port Hardy Kwiakah Indian Band, Campbell River Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish Tribes, Simoon Sound Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Enox Band, Campbell River Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, Alert Bay Namgis First Nation, Alert Bay Quatsino First Nation, Coal Harbour Tlatlasikwala Band, Port Hardy Tlowitsis-Mumtagila First Nation, Campbell River Tsawataineuk Indian Band, Kingcome Inlet We Wai Kai First Nation (Cape Mudge Band), Quathiaski Page 93 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Cove We Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band), Campbell River Whe-La-La-U Area Council, Alert Bay Winalaglis Treaty Group, Alert Bay Comox/Sliammon Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, Ladysmith Nanoose First Nation, Lantzville Snaw-Naw-As Treaty Office, Lantzville Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Qualicum First Nation, Qualicum Beach Da'naxda'xw First Nation, Alert Bay Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nation, Port Hardy Gwawaenuk Tribe, Port McNeill Hamatla Treaty Society, Campbell River Homalco Indian Band, Campbell River Kwakiutl Band Council, Port Hardy Kwakiutl District Council, Port Hardy Kwiakah Indian Band, Campbell River Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish Tribes, Simoon Sound Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Enox Band, Campbell River Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, Alert Bay Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Councils Aboriginal Management Society, Campbell River Quatsino First Nation, Coal Harbour Tlatlasikwala Band, Port Hardy Tlowitsis-Mumtagila First Nation, Campbell River Tsawataineuk Indian Band, Kingcome Inlet We Wai Kai First Nation (Cape Mudge Band), Quathiaski Cove We Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band), Campbell River Whe-La-La-U Area Council, Alert Bay Winalaglis Treaty Group, Alert Bay Mid-Island Métis Nation, Nanaimo North Island Métis Nation, Campbell River Region 3 Métis Association, Victoria

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Fraser/Nechako dialect and Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Prince George of Stuart-Nechako P.O. Box 1078 Babine dialect of the Babine- Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, Burns Lake 2750 Burrard Avenue Witsuwit'en language, group of Fort St John Friendship Society, Fort St John Vanderhoof, B.C. the Carrier language, which North East Native Advancing Society, Fort St John V0J 3A0 belongs to the Athabaskan- Prince George/Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Tel: 250-567-5219 Eyak-Tlingit language family Assoc., Prince George Toll Free: 1-800-266- Region #7 ARHDA, Fort St. John 0611 Witsuwit’en (Babine dialect) Fax: 250-567-5224 Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake, BC Email: Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla [email protected] Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village Web site: www.cfsn.ca Kwadacha Band, Prince George Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Lheidli-T'enneh Band, Prince George Lhoosk'uz Dene Government Administration, Quesnel Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), Quesnel Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Burns Lake, BC Skin Tyee Band, Southbank Tsay Keh Dene Band, Prince George Yekooche First Nation, Fraser/Nechako, Babine Lake Babine First Nation, Burns Lake Fraser/Nechako/Carrier Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, Burns Lake Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake, BC Heiltsuk Nation, Waglisla Kitamaat Village Council (Haisla Nation), Kitamaat Village Kwadacha Band, Prince George Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Lheidli-T'enneh Band, Prince George Lhoosk'uz Dene Government Administration, Quesnel Page 95 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), Quesnel Moricetown Band Administration, Moricetown Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Burns Lake, BC Skin Tyee Band, Southbank Tsay Keh Dene Band, Prince George Yekooche First Nation, Fort St. James Métis Fort George Métis Association, Prince George Fort St John Métis Society, Fort St John Region 5 Métis Association, Prince George Region 7 Métis Employment & Training, Fort St. John

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Nlaka'pamux (Thompson), Conayt Friendship Centre, Merritt of Sun Country P.O. Box 1480 Shuswap and St'at'imx Lil’wat Regional Business Centre, Pemberton 310 Railway Ave. (Lillooet) Salishan languages Lillooet Tribal Council, Lillooet Ashcroft, B.C. Lillooet Friendship Centre Society, Lillooet V0K 1A0 Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) Tel: 250-453-9165 Ashcroft Indian Band, Ashcroft Toll Free No.: 1-800- Boothroyd Indian Band, Boston Bar 567-9911 Boston Bar First Nation, Boston B Fax: 250-453-9500 Coldwater Indian Band, Merritt General E-mail: Cook's Ferry Indian Band, Spences Bridge vision@community Fraser Canyon Tribal Administration, Lytton futuressuncountry.bc.ca Kanaka Bar Band, Lytton Website: Lower Nicola Indian Band, Merritt www.cfdcsuncountry.bc Lytton First Nation, Lytton .ca Nicola Tribal Association, Merritt Nicomen Indian Band, Lytton Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council, Lytton Nooaitch Indian Band, Merritt North Thompson Indian Band, Barriere Oregon Jack Creek Band, Ashcroft Shackan Indian Band, Lower Nicola Siska Indian Band, Lytton Skuppah Indian Band, Lytton Spuzzum First Nation, Yale Tsilhqot'in National Government, Williams Lake Shuswap Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase Bonaparte Indian Band, Cache Creek Cariboo Friendship Society, Williams Lake High Bar First Nation, Clinton

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Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake St'at'imx (Lillooet) Salishan Bridge River Indian Band, Lillooet Cayoose Creek Band, Lillooet Fountain Band, Lillooet Lillooet Friendship Centre, Lillooet Lillooet Tribal Council, Lillooet Lil'wat Regional Business Service Centre, Pemberton Mount Currie Band Council, Mount Currie Samahquam First Nation, Mount Currie Seton Lake Band, Shalath Skatin First Nation, Mount Currie T'it'q'et Administration, Lillooet Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation, Cache Creek Xaxli'p First Nation, Lillooet

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Shuswap, a Salishan language First Nations Friendship Centre, Vernon of The North #302 - 3105 - 33rd Okanagan Okanagan Street Okanagan Indian Band, Vernon Vernon, B.C. Okanagan Nation Alliance, Westbank V1T 9P7 Shuswap Tel: 250-545-2215 Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase Fax: 250-545-6447 Bonaparte Indian Band Cache Creek Email: Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake [email protected] High Bar First Nation, Clinton Web site: Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops www.futuresbc.com Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Métis Vernon District Métis Association Community Futures Address: Coast Tsimshiann, a Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert, Prince of the Pacific Suite 200, 515 Third Tsimshianic language Rupert Northwest Ave.West, Prince Kermode Friendship Centre, Terrace Rupert V8J 1L9 Skeena Native Development Society, Terrace Tel: 250-622-2332 Tribal Resources Investment Corporation, Prince Rupert Toll Free: 1-877-622- Tsimshiann 8288 Hartley Bay Village Council, Hartley Bay Fax: 250-622-2334 Kitasoo Band Council, Klemtu Email: Kitkatla First Nation, Kitkatla [email protected] Kitselas Indian Band, Terrace

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Web site: www.cfdc- Kitsumkalum Band, Terrace pnw.com Lax-Kw'alaams Indian Band, Port Simpson Metlakatla Band, Prince Rupert Tsimshian Tribal Council, Prince Rupert, BC Allied Tsimshian Tribes Association, Lax Kw Alaams Métis Northwest Métis Association, Prince Rupert Region 6 Métis Employment & Training Services, Terrace Community Futures Address: Kootenai, an isolate and Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society, Cranbrook of The South East 110A Slater Road N.W. St'at'imx (Lillooet), a Salishan Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society, Cranbrook Region of B.C. , BC language Ktunaxa Kinbasket Aboriginal Training Council, Cranbrook V1C 5C8 Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Employment Service Dept., Cranbrook Tel: 250-489-4356 Kootenai Toll Free: 1-800-661- Akisqnuk First Nation, Windermere 2293 Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council, Cranbrook Fax: 250-489-1886 Lower Kootenay Indian Band, Creston Email: St. Mary's Indian Band, Cranbrook [email protected] Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Grasmere et St'at'imx (Lillooet) Website: Bridge River Indian Band, Lillooet www.keytoyourfuture.n Cayoose Creek Band, Lillooet et Fountain Band, Lillooet Lillooet Friendship Centre, Lillooet Lillooet Tribal Council, Lillooet Mount Currie Band Council, Mount Currie Samahquam First Nation, Mount Currie Seton Lake Band, Shalath Skatin First Nation, Mount Currie T'it'q'et Administration, Lillooet Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation, Cache Creek Xaxli'p First Nation, Lillooet Métis Kootenay Region Métis Association, Cranbrook Region 4 Kootenay Region Métis Association, Cranbrook

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) Community Futures Address: Sechelt, a Salishan language First Nations Employment & Enterprise Centre, Vancouver of the Sunshine Coast P.O. Box 128 Sechelt ARHDA, Sechelt #205 - 5710 Teredo Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, West Vancouver Street Sechelt Sechelt, B.C. Sechelt Indian Band, Sechelt V0N 3A0 Tel: 604-885-1959 Toll Free: 1-877-886- 2332 Fax: 604-885-2707 Email: info@communityfuture s.org Website: www.communityfutures .org

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Community Futures Address: Secwepemc (Shuswap), a All Nations Trust Corp, Kamloops of Thompson Country 101-286 St. Paul Street Salishan language Central Interior Partners in Aboriginal Human Resource Kamloops, B.C. Development, Kamloops V2C 6G4 Secwepemc (Shuswap) Tel: 250-828-8772 Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase Toll Free: 1-877-335- Bonaparte Indian Band Cache Creek 2950 Cariboo Friendship Society Williams Lake Fax: 250-828-6861 High Bar First Nation, Clinton Email: Kamloops Indian Band, Kamloops info@communityfuture Little Shuswap Lake Band, Chase s.net Neskonlith Indian Band, Chase Web site: Shuswap Indian Band, Invermere www.communityfutures Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Kamloops .net Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band Kamloops Williams Lake Indian Band, Williams Lake Xats'ull First Nation, Williams Lake Métis Interior Métis Child & Family services, Kamloops Two Rivers Métis Association, Kamloops

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Aboriginal Language Community Groupings First Nations, Aboriginal Futures Contact (demonstrating organizations/agencies (operating within First Development Information Aboriginal cultural Nation traditional territories). Corporations diversity in the region) FutureCorp Cowichan Address: Nuuchanulth and Ditidaht Coast Salish Employment & Training Society, Duncan FutureCorp Cowichan (Nitinaht) Wakashan Hilye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society, Duncan 135 Third Street languages Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, Port Duncan, B.C. Alberni V9L 1R9 Nuu-chah-nulth Tel: 250-746-1004 Ahousaht First Nation, Ahousaht Fax: 250-746-8819 Ehattesaht First Nation, Zeballos Email: Hesquiaht First Nation, Tofino [email protected] Hupacasath First Nation, Port Alberni Web Site: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Bamfield www.futurecorp.ca Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations, Kyuquot Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, Gold River Nuchatlaht, Zeballos Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tofino Toquaht First Nation, Ucluelet Tseshaht First Nation, Port Alberni Uchucklesaht Peoples' Government With a Territory, Port Alberni Ucluelet First Nation, Ucluelet Ditidaht Ditidaht First Nation, Port Alberni Beecher Bay Band, Sooke Chemainus First Nation, Ladysmith Esquimalt First Nation, Victoria Lake Cowichan First Nation, Victoria Klahoose First Nation, Cortes Island Pauquachin First Nation, Sidney Scia'new First Nation, Sooke Page 103 of 116 Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit

Songhees First Nation, Victoria Tsartlip First Nation, Brentwood Bay Tsawout First Nation, Saanichton Tseycum First Nation, North Saanich T'Sou-ke Nation, Sooke Métis Cowichan Valley Métis Association, Duncan Region 1 Vancouver Island Regional Métis Management Association Nuu Chah Nulth Address: Nuuchanulth a Wakashan Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, Port Economic P.O. Box 1384 language Alberni Development 7563 Pacific Rim Port Alberni Friendship Centre, Port Alberni Corporation Highway Nuuchanulth Port Alberni, B.C. Ahousaht First Nation, Ahousaht V9Y 7M2 Ehattesaht First Nation, Zeballos Hesquiaht First Nation, Tofino Tel: 250-724-3131 Hupacasath First Nation, Port Alberni Fax: 250-724-9967 Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Bamfield Email: [email protected] Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations, Kyuquot Web Site: Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, Gold River www.nedc.info Nuchatlaht, Zeballos Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tofino Toquaht First Nation, Ucluelet Tseshaht First Nation, Port Alberni Uchucklesaht Peoples' Government With a Territory, Port Alberni Ucluelet First Nation, Ucluelet Métis Alberni Clayoquot Métis Association, Port Alberni Port Alberni Metis Nation, Port Alberni

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Chapter 7: Templates

Letter of Introduction to First Nations Chief and Council

The following is a sample body of a letter that would be the second step in Aboriginal community engagement, specifically with a First Nation who is governed by Chief and Council:

(Letterhead)

(Date)

(Name of First Nation)

Attn: (Name of Band Administrator/ Manager and appropriate title)

Re: Request to Present to Chief and Council

We are writing to respectfully request a time on the agenda for the next Chief and Council meeting in order to provide a presentation and discuss if and how we can assist the (insert Nation) in fostering entrepreneurship through business loans, business counseling, and develop business training for new and existing businesses.

The business loans we can offer your community members include the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, Loans Program, One Stop

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Business Registration, Western Youth Entrepreneur Program and Growthstart Program. Training that we can offer to build capacity for your members to start their own businesses includes the Self- Employment Program, Self -Employment Program for B.C. Benefits and Employment Services Program.

Finally, we can offer support to your Community Economic Development through a number of programs or assist in seeking funding support to undertake specific community economic development activity.

The (insert Nation) plays an important role in the economic development of our community and we would like to support your goals and aspirations in community development.

Respectfully,

(Manager’s Signature, Name and Title)

Incl. (include any corporate marketing material possible)

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Template BCR provided by the Community Futures of the Central Interior First Nation

B.C.R. No: ______SAMPLE BCR Motioned: ______SAMPLE BCR Seconded: ______

WHEREAS: “JANE DOE” a “ ” Band member (hereinafter called “The Applicant”) has applied to Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (hereinafter called “CFDC of CIFN”) for financing to provide assistance with the establishment of a business.

AND WHEREAS: CFDC of CIFN requires free and unobstructed access to the applicants assets which are located on reserves (hereinafter called “The Reserve”) and that are pledged and designated by the Applicant to secure financing from CFDC of CIFN;

AND WHEREAS: Section 30 of the Indian Act state a person who trespasses on a Reserve is guilty of an offence;

AND WHEREAS: The Applicant has requested The “ ” Band to permit CFDC of CIFN, its Directors, employees, agents, representatives or advisors to enter the Reserve of “ ” Band to inspect the project and projects assets; and/or to examine any records relevant to the project; and to have access to the projects designated assets;

AND WHEREAS: The Band members have elected the following persons as Chief and Council at the last election:

Chief: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______Councillor: ______

AND WHEREAS: This request has received the consent of the “ ” Band Council as was passed by formal motion at a duly convened Band Council meeting held on ______, 2004.

NOW THEREFORE WE DO HEREBY RESOLVE AND AGREE: To permit CFDC OF CIFN, its Directors, employees, agents, representatives, or advisors to enter the Reserve to inspect the project and the projects assets;

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and/or to examine any records relevant the project; and to have access to the projects designated assets;

THAT WE DO HEREBY AGREE that the said inspections and examinations and access may take place as deemed necessary by CFDC of CIFN provided that the access granted to CFDC of CIFN employees there under shall not be abused or used for purposed other than those required by CFDC OF CIFN to manage/administer the financing in accordance with the terms and conditions of any agreements entered into between CFDC OF CIFN and the Applicant;

THAT in making these resolutions the Band Council is not assuming responsibility either on the Band Council’s or the Band’s behalf for any debts, liabilities or obligations now or hereafter owed or due by the Applicant to CFDC OF CIFN; or debts, liabilities or obligations that may be claimed by CFDC OF CIFN against the Band;

THAT We the “ ” Band Council do hereby agree not to revoke this authority as long as payment to CFDC OF CIFN of all debts and liabilities, present or future, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, mature or not, at any time remain owing by the Applicant to CFDC OF CIFN or unpaid by the Applicant to CFDC OF CIFN.

______Chief

______Councillor Councillor

______Councillor Councillor

______Councillor Councillor

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Chapter 8: Terminology

Aboriginal The term "Aboriginal" is appropriate when referring to matters that affect First Nations (Indian) and Métis peoples. The word is most appropriately used as an adjective (e.g., Aboriginal person). Aboriginal BEST The Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (Aboriginal Program BEST) is a youth small business training program supported by the BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the Department of Western Diversification. The BEST program delivers 12 regional sessions for Aboriginal youth 18-35 years of age, coordinated through one consultant for three consecutive years. Aboriginal AES refers to the Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, which is the name of the Engagement project that resulted in this the Aboriginal toolkit, funded by WD and Strategy (AES) delivered by the Community Futures of British Columbia. Aboriginal Strategy The ASC is the committee established that provides direction and oversees Committee AES. Aboriginal Peoples Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples -- Indians, Métis and Inuit peoples. AFI’s/ ACC’s Over the past two decades, Aboriginal Business Canada and the Aboriginal business community have worked together to address the shortage of available credit to finance Aboriginal small business development. As a result, a network of loan corporations, structured as non-governmental financial institutions were created, initially capitalized by Industry Canada, but owned and controlled by Aboriginal people. These "Aboriginal Capital Corporations" (ACC’s) allow for services to be provided which take into account different local market conditions and economic environments. ACC’s concentrate on providing developmental loans, i.e., loans to enterprises that are not yet ready to successfully secure business loans from banks. Some ACC’s also provide business services, and have diversified their operations to be able to house External Delivery Services for Aboriginal Business Canada. AFI has become the umbrella term for the ACC’s and Aboriginal Financing Institutions. Aboriginal rights Rights that some Aboriginal peoples of Canada hold as a result of their ancestors' long-standing use and occupancy of the land, e.g., to hunt, trap and fish on ancestral lands. Legally, the existence of specific Aboriginal rights is determined on a case-by-case basis. Aboriginal self- Governments designed, established and administered by Aboriginal government peoples. Aboriginal title A legal term that recognizes Aboriginal interest in the land. It is based on a long-standing use and occupancy of the land as descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada. Band As defined by the Indian Act, a Band is a body of Indians for whose common use and benefit lands have been set aside or monies held by the Government of Canada or declared by the Governor in Council to be a Band. Today, many Bands prefer to be known as First Nations.

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Band Membership What an individual Indian has when he or she is a recognized member of a Band and whose name appears on an approved Band List. Where a Band has adopted its own membership code, it may define who has a right to membership in the Band, so being a status Indian is not necessarily synonymous with being a Band member. Status Indians who are not Band members are listed in the General List. Band Chief The leader of the local Band and Band Council. The Chief is elected by eligible voters of the Band, or by the councillors according to the regulations of the Indian Act. Band Council Governing or administrative body of a Band, elected according to procedures laid out in the Indian Act. They may either be an elected or custom council under the Act. The councillors are elected by eligible members and serve a two-year term. Chief and Council Refers to the collective governing authority of a Band Band Manager / Under the general direction of Council, the First Nation Administrator Administrator provides overall leadership for the implementation and delivery of programs and services for the benefit of the membership and community. BCR (Band A Band Council Resolution is a The authority mechanism by which the Council elected representatives of a Band Council authorize an action that is the Resolution) equivalent to a municipal by-law. Source: Real Property Lexicon Working Group (2001.01.23) Comprehensive Comprehensive claims are based on the recognition that there are Claims continuing Aboriginal rights to lands and natural resources where Aboriginal title has not previously been dealt with by treaty and other legal means. The claims are called "comprehensive" because of their wide scope such as land title, fishing and trapping rights and financial compensation. Consensus Refers to the traditional decision-making style and decision-making process Decision-making of Aboriginal and other indigenous peoples as it relates to fundamental community affairs. Constitution Act Section 91(24) of the Act states that legislative authority for "Indians, and (B.N.A. Act), 1867 Lands Reserved for the Indians" rests with the federal government. Custom A traditional Aboriginal practice. DIAND The Department of Indian Affairs & Northern Development (DIAND) is also known as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. See INAC. Elder(s) Aboriginal persons who are respected and consulted due to their experience, wisdom, knowledge, background and insight. Elder does not necessarily equate with age. First Nation(s) A term that came into common usage in the 1970s to replace the word "Indian". Although the term First Nation is widely used, no legal definition of it exists. The term has also been adopted to replace the word "Band" in the naming of communities. First Nation See Band Council. Council Hereditary Chief Chiefs who generally inherit rank and title through their mothers. In most communities the candidate for the chief's name and responsibility had to first show genuine skilled leadership. A chief could also lose his authority

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and influence if he did not responsibly perform the duties of leadership. House Extended family or household of a hereditary chief in the ranked societies, often living in the same long or bighouse. Indian The term "Indian" is narrowly defined by the Indian Act. Indian peoples are one of three groups of people recognized as one of Canada's Aboriginal peoples in the Constitution Act, 1982. There are three legal definitions that apply to Indians in Canada: Status Indians, Non-status Indians and Treaty Indians. Indian Act This is the Canadian federal legislation, first passed in 1876, that sets out certain federal government obligations, and regulates the management of Indian reserve lands. The Act has been amended several times, most recently in 1985 (see Bill C-31). Indian Band See Band. Indian Reserve Lands owned by the Crown, and held in trust for the use and benefit of an Indian Band, for which they were set apart. The legal title to Indian reserve land is vested in the federal government. INAC Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is the federal government department responsible for the administration of "Indians and lands reserved for Indians." Also known as DIAND. Indian status An individual's legal status as an Indian, as defined by the Indian Act. Indigenous Generally used in the international context, "indigenous" refers to peoples who are original to a particular territory. This term is very similar to Aboriginal and has a positive connotation. Inherent Right of Derived from Aboriginal peoples' use and occupation of certain lands from Self-government time immemorial. Inuit An Aboriginal people in northern Canada, who traditionally lived above the tree line. The word means "people" in the Inuit language - Inuktitut. The singular of Inuit is Inuk. Land Claims In 1973, the federal government recognized two broad classes of claims -- comprehensive and specific (see comprehensive claim and specific claim). Métis The term refers to Aboriginal people of mixed First Nation and European ancestry who identify themselves as Métis people, as distinct from First Nations people, Inuit or non-Aboriginal people. The Métis have a unique culture that draws on their diverse ancestral origins, such as Scottish, French, Ojibway and Cree. Nation A sizeable body of Aboriginal People with a shared sense of national identity that constitutes the predominant population in a certain territory or collection of territories. Native A term used to refer generally to Aboriginal peoples. The term "Aboriginal person" is preferred to "native". Non-status Indian An Indian person who is not registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. This may be because his or her ancestors were never registered, or because he or she lost Indian status under former provisions of the Indian Act. Bill C-31 in 1985 has restored Indian status to those who lost it through marriage. Off-reserve A term used to describe people, services or objects that are not part of a

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reserve, but relate to First Nations. Oral history Evidence taken from the spoken words of people who have knowledge of past events and traditions. Reserve Land set aside by the federal government for the use and occupancy of an Indian group or Band. Legal title rests with the Crown in right of Canada. Potlatch A potlatch ceremony is a ceremonial feast among west coast First Nations Peoples usually held in celebration or recognition of an important event among the people. Potlatches involved the giving away of gifts to guests by the host or hosts of the event. Like many other traditional spiritual and ceremonial practices of First Nations people across Canada, the Indian Act of 1876 outlawed the potlatch ceremony. This law was later repealed when the Indian Act was revised in 1951.

Gathering A gathering is a community event that celebrates or commemorates births, marriages, celebrations or memorials. Pow-Wow A powwow is a gathering of First Nations people to socialize, dance, sing, and share entertainment. Traditionally, Plains First Nations peoples organized powwows as general gatherings of socialization, celebration, and entertainment, a practice that continues to the present day. Royal Enacted by the British Government to ensure that the interests of Indian Proclamation of people and their lands were protected, and the Indian people were dealt 1763 with fairly if that interest was extinguished. Self-government Self-government is the ability of peoples to govern themselves according to their values, cultures and traditions. Shortfall In Treaty Land Entitlement, "shortfall" is the amount of land that a First Nation should have received when their reserve was first surveyed, but did not. This is the minimum amount of land that entitlement First Nations must acquire and have attain reserve status in order to satisfy Canada's Treaty obligation. Specific Claims Specific claims deal with specific grievances that First Nations may have regarding the fulfilment of treaties and grievances relating to the administration of First Nations' lands and assets under the Indian Act. Status Indian Refers to an Indian person who is registered (or entitled to be registered) (Registered under the Indian Act. The Act sets out the requirements for determining Indian) who is a status Indian. Talking Stick / The talking stick is commonly used in discussion when matters of great Feather / Stone concern are addressed. The group leader introduces the use of the talking stick and his/her statements, while the remainder of the group must remain silent. The stick is then passed to the left for the next person to speak. Some nations use a talking feather or stone. Treaty An agreement between First Nations and the Crown. Treaty Indian A person affiliated with a First Nation that has signed, or whose ancestors signed, a treaty with the Crown and who now receives land rights and entitlements as prescribed in a treaty. Treaty Land Treaty Land Entitlement is a process where the federal and provincial Entitlement (TLE) governments are fulfilling Treaty commitments of land made to First

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Nations. Treaty Rights Special rights to lands and entitlements that Indian people legally have as a result of treaties; rights protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Tribal Council An association of 5 or more First Nation (Band) Councils.

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Chapter 9: Community Futures British Columbia Aboriginal Strategy Committee Purpose, Goals and Objectives

The purpose, goals and objectives of the Aboriginal Strategy Committee (ASC) of Community Futures British Columbia is as follows:

The Purpose of the ASC is to:

~ Share information and improve communication with Community Futures related to Aboriginal Engagement

~ Identify and explore issues and opportunities pertaining to Aboriginal Engagement in the Community Futures network

~ Assist the Community Futures British Columbia in developing and implementing strategies to enhance Aboriginal engagement in the Community Futures network in BC.

~ Act as a liaison between the Community Futures British Columbia and the Community Futures with respect to issues relating to Aboriginal Engagement in the Community Futures network

~ Engage in other activities related to Aboriginal Engagement as determined by the Committee and/or Community Futures of British Columbia Board of Directors

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The Goals and Objectives of the ASC are to:

~ Act as a liaison between the Community Futures of British Columbia and the Community Futures in BC in the collection of and distribution of information pertaining to Aboriginal Engagement

~ Communicate and provide feedback to the Community Futures British Columbia Board of Directors on the Aboriginal Engagement needs of the Community Futures network in BC

~ Formalize a link between the B.C. Community Futures Network and other Aboriginal Engagement service providers (and/or networks)

~ Identify and pursue Aboriginal Engagement opportunities for the Community Futures Network and communicate these opportunities to the Community Futures network and Community Futures British Columbia Board of Directors

~ Continuously monitor and evaluate the Aboriginal Engagement within the Community Futures network

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Chapter 10: Bibliography

Jepsen, Dan, et al. Mineral Exploration, Mining and Aboriginal Community Engagement: A Guidebook, BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines Vancouver: 2005 Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia

Joseph, Bob. Working Effectively with Aboriginal People. Indigenous Corporate Training

McBride, John. Rebuilding First Nations. Burnaby: CEDC SFU

The Power of Partnerships, New Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples and Ontario Businesses Ontario: 2001, Queens Printer for Ontario

Union of BC Municipalities and the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee Building Relations with First Nations. Richmond: 2005

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