Recently, Canada celebrated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Since most of our work is with business owners in British Columbia, the topic of “partnering with First Nations” is a popular one, so I thought it fitting to share some thoughts.
What does a First Nation partnership look like?
Well, it depends.
Some partnerships focus on revenue sharing, some on employment, others on joint-management, profit-sharing, and the role of the partnership in community development, land / resource management, and education. Take note however, there are 198 First Nations in BC (quoting from the Government of Canada – not the most reliable source,), so partnerships naturally look different depending on location. Not surprisingly, each Nation has a different idea on how to move forward. Just like any community, each is in a different state of readiness when it comes to addressing the biggest opportunities and challenges in front of it.
A common underlying thread to the topic is that most of BC’s First Nations are unceded territories – land that was never signed away to either Canada, or the Crown. Further, it is worth pointing out that there was never an intention to cede, or sign over ownership of the land. The original intent was to share it.
Sharing the land and how to share it – is a central theme to all agreements.
We invite you to consider your hometown. On whose traditional territory do you live, work and play? What partnerships are possible? What makes sense? As national, and international competitors expand their reach into BC, you may find that a First Nation partnership is a key component to your overall growth plan.
Norm Adams
Norm Adams, MBA, is co-founder of BCYukonMining.com, consultant, and professional business coach with thirty years experience working with public and private corporations in Canada and the United States. He is partner in Pivotleader Inc, which provides coaching and training strategies to grow small and medium sized businesses.
Norm lives on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, works part of the Dakelh (Carrier) peoples' territory.
