The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is launching a new Centre of Excellence in First Nations Economic Development to help advance the role of First Nations in BC’s inclusive economy and to work toward true and lasting reconciliation. The BC government is providing more than $1.2 million to the BCAFN this year to launch the centre. It will increase the capacity of First Nations in BC to engage in economic priorities and initiatives highlighted in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, distribute best practices and policy papers about economic development to First Nations, and provide consulting services on opportunities such as joint ventures and impact benefit agreements. Working toward lasting and meaningful reconciliation, now and in the future, with Indigenous Peoples is fundamental to British Columbia and central to the StrongerBC Economic Plan.
