The BC First Nations Leadership Council announced a strategy to develop stronger relations with China and respond to increasing interest from executives at Chinese companies that want to do business in British Columbia’s natural resources sector.
“First Nations in British Columbia are experiencing unprecedented inquiries from Chinese companies to develop projects on their territories,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbian Indian Chiefs in a release.
“Our respective organizations have passed resolutions pertaining to a proactive China-First Nations strategy to ensure that our land rights and environmental and cultural values are protected.”
The China strategy includes a seven-point action plan to:
- build the internal capacity of First Nations’ awareness and understanding on China;
- promote reciprocal annual missions between First Nations-Canada and China;
- establish a China desk to assist First Nations to respond to and develop business opportunities;
- develop best practices to help Chinese investors understand the consultation and collaboration process with First Nations;
- expand market opportunities for First Nations in China;
- urge the creation of a joint First Nations-provincial and federal technical working group; and
- create a branding strategy to promote First Nations opportunities in China.
Glen Korstrom
Twitter: GlenKorstrom