Dialogue on Development of Industry 2007

KITIMAAT VILLAGE, BC - SUMMER '07 - "I never promised anything except I'm going to finish what I started," said Steve Wilson, re-elected chief councillor at the Kitimaat Village Council, Jun 04 07, in Kitimat, BC. "I asked the community to support my work and they returned the council. I have my team composed of Rod Bolton, Ellis Ross, Keith Nyce, Godfrey Grant, Kevin Stewart, Alex Grant, and Ken Hall." With newcomers Margaret Grant, Hank Amos, and Sylvia Woods, "I believe the people really know what is going on, and believe in the community, and they have spoken loud and clear."

It is Steve's fourth election to chief councillor of the 1500-member Haisla Nation community, and running this time was labourious while plans were put on the shelf for a couple of months. INAC elections like this one occur every two years. "We've got a few deals ready to close, and this term is about making the program we laid out gel into implementation." Kitimaat Village Council managed to attract billions of dollars to invest into ownership of port facilities, education facilities, and jobs, jobs, jobs.

There is plenty of work to do, "I went to a meeting in Vancouver recently," The Friends of Phil Fontaine Gala, "where I heard the National Chief give a rhetorical speech to many important leaders from industry. In my view that was the wrong crowd to give a sermon on how bad things are in our country (Indian Country). Since the business people are already in the room, the message should have been to harness their time, energy, and resources, to push the Crown to act like the business community now acts, which is engaging First Nations in a meaningful way."

Steve continued, "Facilitating employment and wealth creation while addressing environmental concerns," should be the talk around business leaders, current issues, with "companies including ALCAN, Seaspan, Greer Shipping, and EnCana. It is important to know the level of competencies these companies bring to the table. In our joint ventures we create value for our partners. We provide access to business opportunities that they would not be able to access. In return they provide us with access to their expertise, capital, equipment, and markets."

The Haisla chief councillor continued, "It is fair trade between First Nations and business. The Crown needs to be shown how to recognize there is a way for them to facilitate these opportunities through their processes. To date there are few examples of that thinking across the broad spectrum. The real issue is the frozen middle ground called their 'buryaucracy.' Oops. I meant bureaucracy."

The chief regards bureaucracy as barrenlands, "The frozen middle ground needs to be changed because they rely on policy when confronted with new opportunities not covered by old themes. They are fearful of setting new precedents and admitting mistakes, which means it is better to avoid liability by sticking to policy! It is a viscous cycle. The political will may be there, but the problem is in a political arm of the government cannot fetter the discretion of a statutory decision maker.

"In that transaction is where we lose forward-thinking action because it then becomes a game of avoidance." He believes part of the problem is communications, "At the beginning of developing our model," which is Haisla's Rosetta Stone to translate Aboriginal Rights and Title into modern context, "we discovered although we were speaking English it was a different dialect of English. We spoke of our needs for money and they (corporate interlocutors) spoke of their need for certainty.

"What we meant was that we needed money so we could create businesses that would employ our people because our unemployment level was 60 percent. They said that they could not give us money because they were a business not a charity. What I said then was that they spent a lot of money purchasing goods and services and they needed to do the same in our community because the money stream is bypassing our community and our people are not able to access it."

Haisla's Rosetta Stone was designed to, "change the course of the revenue stream and divert some of it into our community so we could create employment and wealth. That is what we failed to communicate to each other until that watershed moment! Then they said, this we can do! In fact we already spend money purchasing goods and services and as long as you are not asking us to spend more than we already do then that will work for us!"

Steve is a pragmatist after spending 17 years in the hustle and bustle of the industrial society of North America, "I am uncomfortable stating that every First Nations needs to jump on our style of IBA’s. I believe the principles need to be established and each First Nation can decide what works best for them. In my view it is better to describe the principles and processes and leave the outcome for people to decide."

In a traditional model of development and stewardship, he explained, "our lands and resources provide our People with food, shelter, clothing, sustenance, and wealth. In a modern context you achieve those interests through IBA’s that define employment, procurements, environmental stewardship, environmental response contracts, and equity ownership. We then have a share and a say of development of our resources."

Governance isn't that complicated after all, then, "The fundamental principle that Aboriginal Rights and Title provides us is the right to choose how our lands and resources are used, by whom and for what purpose. The traditional model provides access to fish, wildlife, plants, medicine, water, air. We would then develop the resources to sustain our People." The Haisla, "traded surplus up and down the coast and inland. The crown has mistakenly assumed that the gathering was only limited to food, social and ceremonial purposes.

"We have played the wrong game in respect to the Crown’s position. We need to define the wealth creation aspect of our trade and commerce because that is what our resources led to. It provides food, shelter, clothing, sustenance, wealth, which is a fundamental element of a commercial interest in the lands and resources of our territories."

He sees another fundamental flaw in arguments made by First Nations, "because the Crown has consistently stated our Aboriginal Rights and Title were extinguished or that we have failed to prove them in court," when the real issue is, "the Crown has consistently failed to prove their position in every single case since Calder! In fact the courts have stated unequivocally that our Rights and Title exist."

The flaw for First Nations? "We work hard at proving our position, but spend little time and effort showing the Crown has in fact failed to prove its position on the existence of our Rights and Title, or that we have to prove it in court."

Haisla's Kitimaat Village Council works on identification of corporate opportunities, "It has to fit our interests. This is the Fundamental Principle, that Aboriginal Rights and Title are the reasons why we pick and choose who what why and when our lands and resources are going to be developed. It will be up to us to determine how our lands are used in the modern context."

Steve is following directions set for him, by his grandmother, in 1980. "She was the matriarch of our Clan and was born around 1890. She had a grade four education in the European model but a doctorate in our model." She told him, in 1980, "Your job is to go into the white man's world and learn how to make it beneficial to Haisla people."

Chief David Walkem is chief of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band and President of Stuwix Resources Joint Venture, and one of the few First Nation Registered Professional Foresters in B.C.. Walkem said the name Stuwix is recognized by both Okanagan and Nkala’pmux people and pertains to an ancient people who used to live in the area. Working together, Okanagan and Nkala’pmux, said the chief, "This is the first time we’ve done anything this scale. We have eight Bands, six Nlaka,’pmux, and two Okanagan," operating the joint venture.

The Bands from the two nations are working within the provincially mandated forests, primarily in the Merritt Timber Supply Area. Chief Walkem said, "It’s going well. We are licensed for 515,000 cm a year, with six native logging crews of ten per crew working this year. We have First Nation contractors developing cutting permits. We are starting a silviculture program."

He said the company runs a small office and encourages First Nation contractors, "We are trying to encourage entrepreneurs with a program that reaches people of all the Bands, and opportunities pertaining to logging, forest management, silviculture, business administration, archaeological and traditional use studies work.

Changes in the area of forestry are dramatic for First Nations people, "For years we had experienced loggers and forest managers - what we lacked is the opportunity to work in the local forest industry or operate our own businesses." Walkem said, "In the last 10 years culminating in Stuwix, First Nations in the area are operating as fully modern, fully functional loggers, forest technicians, and other natural resources professionals."

He said the situation has been changed by 20 years of Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, B.C., a First Nation post-secondary institute that has a natural resource department training technicians. These people are able to find employment in the Merritt TSA with either Stuwix or other forest licensees in the area. "In the Merritt TSA forest licensees must absorb First Nation personnel," said Walkem. "This employment agreement has been working for four years." He said it could always be improved, but has created a local pool of talent that companies are using.

"We have six employees now but we our business supports entrepreneurs who altogether employ some eighty to 100 people. Stuwix employs First Nation people in finance, office admin, and harvesting supervision," said Chief Walkem. "Our own company contains an agreement to develop to the end of complete management by First Nations personnel. Right now we have people in finance, field supervision, and two Field Operators are First Naiton." Chief Walkem was the first First Nation RPF in B.C. who obtained the forestry science degree in 1985 at UBC.

The chief said, "We are involved in an 'Innovative Forest Practices Agreement' (IFPA) along with 4 other licencees. We manage 240,000 cubic meters / yr under the IFPA agreement - this was promised to be replaceable by the province but has not occured yet. In addition we manage 275,000 m3/yr under a MPB uplift in an effort to help control the spread of the MPB in our area. This last volume is not renewable and is expected to continue for 2-3 years longer."

Walkem said, "I sit on a three-chief working group representing the 97 FN in BC who are impacted by the MPB epidemic. The epidemic is expected to peak in 2013 when about 80% of all lodgepole pine in the province is expected to be killed by the MPB. To illustrate how fast the MPB is spreading 2 years ago 280 million m3 of lodgepole pine had been killed by the MPB, last year that number had climbed to about 450 million m3, and by next year the total could exceed 700 million m3. there is an estimated 1 billion m3 of lodgepole pine in BC. Todate over 8 million hectares of land are impacted - this is land over which FN have practiced their aboriginal rights for generations. Our challenge will be to ensure that our cultures survive the devastation to the lodgepole forests and the impact on our cultures."

He said an estimated 1 billion m3 of lodgepole pine stands in BC and to date over 8 million hectares of land are impacted - this is land over which FN have practiced their aboriginal rights for generations. "Our challenge will be to ensure that our cultures survive the devastation to the lodgepole forests and the impact on our cultures."

Dave Doubek is general manager of Stuwix, "I am enjoying it," said Doubek "It has gone pretty well, with the usual hiccups." They work with Innovative Forests License Agreements (IFLA) that the province introduced in 2003. Doubek formerly spent about a decade in the logging industry on the north end of Vancouver Island. Now he works for Westwood Fibre in the Interior as general manager of Stuwix. Westwood Fibre has a contract with Stuwix Resources, "until we can replace ourselves with First Nation management."

The Merritt TSA includes from the ‘height of land’ going east to the Okanagan and almost to the Fraser Canyon west; In the north to the ‘height of land’ between Merrit and Kamloops all the way to the US border south. It is a well-treed area that contains abundant lodgepole pine, fir, spruce. The Merritt TSA is one area that forest experts agreed should be harvested at higher rates.

(May 22 07) The minute Alcoa made its giant bid for Alcan last week they started phoning principalities and powers to reassure everybody about the future. They called the premiers of Quebec and BC, and they phoned Chief Councilor Wilson of the Haisla Nation, in Kitimaat Village. Steve said he was intrigued to be fifth on Alcoa’s list of phone priorities, indicating a level of international support very high for Haisla initiatives in Kitimat, BC. “They called on my cell phone, and I have no idea how they found my number.” On May 22 07, today, Alcan told shareholders to reject Alcoa’s low-bid, and, Wilson said, “Alcan’s rejection of the bid doesn’t surprise me. When I looked at the file, I realized Alcoa is a good business but I think they have some weaknesses in their aluminum side.” In Kitimat for now it remains business as usual, meanwhile, “It’s going along quite well, and we’ve got another offer on the table. This one came regarding long term supply contracts with Hyundai, Korea, and another manufacturer, who want to invest in development of the land to receive automobile imports, 100,000 units per year.” Ports receiving autos must have ancillary facilities. The Haisla Nation port corporation (working title Kitimat Port Corporation) is waiting for commitments from the large auto manufacturer for $300 million of infrastructure, to be a port investment privately owned by Haisla and partners. Steve is presently engaged in running for office. “The election is June 4 07," his fourth run for office, second run for Chief Councillor. His opponent is Kitimaat Village resident and Haisla member Delores Pollard.

The people of Kitimaat Village in the Pacific North West of North America have a stake in the Great Spirit Bear Protected Area. The region of 'The Spirit Bear' is part of a Coastal First Nations and Turning Point unity inititative between diverse and sometimes competing interests. The bear is getting positive attention, so perhaps it will shine good fortune upon the First Nations.

Nevertheless, tourism is 'one rock in the fire' at Haisla's economic development lodge. In reality, the Kitamaat Region occupies strategic significance to the North American economy, in the world's industrial capacity in fact. What the big news is depends who you are talking to in Kitamaat Village, said Chief Steve Wilson. He deals with so many issues today it is amazing to hear about it.

Haisla Nation has focused clearly on those global economic development strategies in Kitamaat. The Haisla march shoulder to shoulder with every strategic partner in the region. They are building capacity to do this, and if the task sounds large they are happy to be overwhelmed.

"From our perspective the big things are the port development, Alcan Modernization, Cascadia Aggregate Export, Kitimat LNG, and the Pembina Pipeline Project," said Chief Councilor Wilson. "Our goal is to have the port operational in six months. Modernization started in the fall, reconciling our differences with Cascadia, Kitimat LNG in construction, and Pembina EA approvals came by the end of the year."

He said, "We are building strategies for First Nations Capacity Development that includes land management issues and how to resolve them in a way that creates value but also values our interests. Our model includes revenue sharing, loan guarantees, and equity participation for First Nations affected by the various projects."

Wilson added, "Modernization at Alcan is possibly proceeding, and that is good news for our community," although Haisla's 1,600 members are still ask if larger organizations and interests are afraid to commit to First Nations development. It is a new thing, after all, since the landmark Delgamuukw Decision of the 1990s, that First Nations legally interceded on outside interests.

"The Alcan modernization is $2 billion of investment," Wilson said, "and this time around the Haisla are ready to engage in a meaningful way and share in the benefits. In total there is around $5 billion in project development slated to be invested in the area."

He said, "It would be extremely beneficial to address our chronic unemployed rate which is hovering at around 53%. Training our membership for employment and trades readiness is being designed at the Kitimat Valley Institute so that our membership can compete for jobs in the new developments."

A school in Kitimat has 50 percent Haisla ownership and 50 percent Alcan, "The companies that we sign agreements with have made commitments to work with us to develop training programs that are specific to local industrial needs. We are hopeful that we will be able to share the benefits with our neighboring communities on the coast and interior."

Wilson's organization works with the Province of BC to develop a Mobile Training Unit so communities can access trades training. The pilot project is estimated to cost $2 million, and, "We hope the Feds will step up to the plate in a meaningful way. We need funding for real capacity development that leads to substantial outcomes."

Wilson said, "In my view the days of training for training sake are over. We need training that leads to sustainable employment. The thing is the Alcan's, KLNG's, Pembina's, Encana's, Husky's, PNG's, all made First Nation investment a priority because that is good business and good for business!"

He said, "Haisla Nation devised a plan that will make First Nation advancements to keep pace with others in the region. We are looking for balance of developments in the forests, and lands, waters, and resources of our territories. Environmental Stewardship and Environmental Response are just as important to the Haisla as employment and other benefits. We mean to articulate on behalf of Haisla people what lies at the core of Aboriginal Rights and Title."

He reflected, "Our lands and resources were meant to provide food, shelter, and clothing. In modern context you accomplish that through benefit agreements that provide employment and procurements that allow us to have food, shelter, and clothing. Non-First Nations have had that privilege while we have not. These agreements change that."

Wilson said, "The rainforest is important to us. You need to protect certain land. After ten years of dialogue industry and government seem to agree right now there is value in environmental protection. The hard part is to make that specific outcome an economic benefit too!

Until modern times, "We have been excluded and our social issues ignored. We have changed that and now our model will create winning conditions for the Haisla and our partners. The crown benefits because there is certainty. This is how the crown should have developed and managed the resources to fulfill its fiduciary obligation in the first place."

The Kitimat Valley Institute is 50 percent owned by the Haisla Nation, and they took it on in March 2006. The Haisla spent over a year preparing for ownership of the KVI. They have a specific goal of creating job readiness and expanding the community's capacity to exploit both employment and economic development (ownership) opportunities. Chief Steve Wilson said, "In Haisla Territory we have crafted a vision for our future that is based on the quality of our character, and not on the colour of our skin! We have based our dream on bringing value to the table of Canadian society and contributing to the wellbeing of our fellow man whoever they may be! In that vision the foundation has been laid for many important companies, regionally, nationally, and internationally."

The Chief's remarks derive from a Haisla document, Honour of the Crown, widely distributed to government and business people in recent days. "These visionary companies in their own right for agreeing to be a part of this strategy have heard our call to arms and have heeded our counsel. They have made a conscious decision to invest time and resources into our vision because it is good for their business. That is good for everyone!"

The Haisla have created community level partnerships to increase educational preparedness in their own folks. Nancy McNab has been a primary facilitator of education in Kitimat, B.C.. She founded the Kitimat Valley Institute in 2002 to deliver Power Engineering training in the city. It wasn't long before other educational concerns could be met and addressed. "I am a firm believer in education. People need it to get the good jobs. Years ago you didn't need it to make a decent living. Nowadays you must have the education."

McNab said, "We have a job readiness program underway that contains 27 students. They are preparing to graduate at the DOGWOOD (matriculation) level," qualified for post-graduate consideration with math, physics, social studies, and communications. KVI continues to run a popular Power Engineering Program that started on behalf of Alcan who realized they wanted local talent to take local opportunities. (Part ownership of the institute belongs to Alcan). Furthermore KVI offers a Pre-Industrial Training Program delivered under the partnership of ENFORM using local instructors.

The place is busy. "In ten months we have students with grade 8 to 10 education moving through the subjects required to get their grade 12. The adult learners are obtaining life skills. This program provide experiences to help people move forward with their lives, to help them buckle down," and work things out. A pilot program in January that led to Haisla ownership enroled 25 students and saw 20 completions in the principles of math, and communications recieving their DOGWOOD certificate. McNab has known for a long time what the provincial exams bore out from the pilot project. Locals are waiting to learn. "Their marks at the end of the project were right up there with everybody else in the province."

KVI is comfortably situated in a former elementary school that underwent extensive renovation. "It is working out very well. Chief Steve Wilson has promoted Kitimat and his own community as a potential workforce for new industries, and promoted these KVI educational opportunities to communities as far away as Greenville, Nisga'a Nation. McNab said, "The bottom line is that a lot of new deals are coming with huge opportunities for First Nation people who meet the requirements of industry." She said it's funny how the little things count, like the importance of obtaining a driver's license, previously a meaningless qualification in this predominantly maritime community.

Chief Steve Wilson and the Council of the Haisla Nation are developing the economic role of this First Nation to a remarkable degree in the city of Kitimat, B.C. and developments occurring around the coastal city. Kitimat, population 11,000, has been a longtime home to Alcan, Methanex, and Eurocan (North America's largest kraft paper mill). In the last half of the 1900s Kitimat became an attractive site for private developments that require a deep-sea port and lots of power. Alcan built the Kemano Hydro Electric Project in the 1980s to produce 896 MW of power for their own use making aluminum and recently announced a huge expansion and committment to Kitimat. Methanex used to produce North American methane and recently downsized their presence in Kitimat but continue to process imported methane in their facilities.

The private ownership model of developing port facilities will continue in Kitimat. "With the port developments we designed the process that will to lead to Haisla Nation's ownership of involvement in economic development," said Chief Wilson. "We are leading port developments ourselves, working on a corporation and a branding program to bring these projects together. We have equity in every single project in our midst, including Kitimat LNG, Cascadia Mining Development, and Pembina Pipelines," and others.

The Beese Cove Haisla I.R. was designated for industrial use in 1997. Chief Wilson said, "The Kitimat LNG group looked at Crown land in the area. They didn't understand the issues of Aboriginal Rights and Title in the area. We began consulting and accommodating their concerns and it was a lot of work going over the Crown's numbers versus ours. We resolved to make Aboriginal Rights and Title and taxation benefits the issues, and offered Haisla resolutions to the problems."

The Haisla 'template' for negotiation developed in response to the consultations that were being asked of these communities. Chief Wilson said, "We assembled a team to answer basic questions from Haisla people: What are we after? We have specific issues in Haisla households. High unemployment is our major concern, and we are dependent on using local resources to create wealth."

Cascadia Materials Inc. is creating Kitimat operations with the Haisla Nation to move Sand Hill aggregate to California and Hawaii. "Our involvement is marine operations, facilities security, and transport of aggregate. We are designing the community's capacity to fit into major developments by receiving direct awards to do the work." Chief Wilson said, "Our challenge is to improve the educational standards of our community. We bought Kitimat Valley Institute to initiate educational improvements and create employment readiness programs."

A Master Mariner course has been introduced along with other courses to train Haisla people for Alcan, Kitimat LNG, and Cascade opportunities, and others. "We intend to share resources with other coastal First Natins and establish BCIT partnerships. We know the system of education is not working. Our people have shown they can achieve academic readiness," when an employment readiness program delivered algebra classes that saw 75% averages as the norm in the class of 15.

"Many of our kids are diagnosed as Special Needs. We are fixing that because community awareness says it is high time we do that -- a 75% average in algebra says the problem is not us. And now is the right opportunity to prove it." Chief Wilson noted, "We have 1,600 on our band list, about half of whom live at Kitamaat Village on-reserve," another half again he said live in Kitimat, and the rest are in Terrace or Vancouver. At one time the Haisla prospered in commercial fishing but everybody recalls a devastating end of that prosperity, and still feels it.

"I believe marine operations are a natural fit with a modern context for meaningful careers in our traditional territories. Our community lies at the centre of our traditional territory of 5,000 square miles." The chief noted, "We have 18 projects underway, and independent power is the next one." Kitimat is proposing a 30MW run-of-river project that delivers power for 7-cents a watt out of the Kitimat River. "We have our challenges, especially in terms of our land base. We need more habitable land to house our community. We are currently spending $2 million on consultants that would be nice to spend in our own community, on our own expertise." The goal is keeping the value in the community.

Patti Shorn-Moffat works for the Kitimat LNG project set for Beese Cove about 11 km from the city of Kitimat. Liquified natural gas will be imported, converted from liquid to gas, and shipped across North America to the waiting marketplace. Where the gas comes from, said Patti, "That's the million dollar question, isn't it? It may come from Russia, Malaysia, Middle East, or Alaska. The company, Calgary-based Kitimat LNG, is busy securing the natural gas that will find its way into the supply chain. "We are the only point of entry on the west coast north of Mexico," said Shorn-Moffat. "And it may stay that way."

The demand for natural gas is growing in North America and supply is dwindling. The site on Haisla property will put the city into a position as an internationally significant place. "We are working outside the bounds of treaty with a willing partner who wants to participate in the LNG plans for the North American west coast." Shorn-Moffat said, "Communities both Haisla and Kitimat found these prospects to their liking. Haisla has been heavily involved assessing the environmental concerns of the project."

The construction of the LNG off-loading and processing facilities will take an estimated 700 employees, then the operations proceed with 50 full-time employees. "Our facilities are technologically advanced and do not require a great deal of supervision." The hiring for the construction phase of the Kitimat LNG project will begin in the Spring of 2007, upon receipt of local permits and approvals.

Locations for using the Status Card in BC, but card or not please support these businesses as independent First Nation operators

BURNABY, '07 - First Nation people with a Status Card handy will be pleased to fill ‘er up with First Nation entrepreneurs again this summer because the price of gas has made a Status Card a valuable commodity to those who qualify. Travelers in B.C. on holidays or business this summer will prefer to use the stations named below because they are on-reserve, owned and operated by First Nations people or corporations, and that means Status Card pricing. Also, most of the stations have websites to read up on the area.

PRIINT THIS LIST OF DEALERS AND LOCATIONS

The United Petroleum Products Inc. (UPPI) story speaks to cooperation and forward vision leading to a long string of UPPI- affilated gasoline stations owned in the First Nations. These businesses have become major fixtures in their respective communities and we offer a glimpse at the network of service stations equipped to deliver 'Status Member' pricing and highway services to travelers, starting with T'Kemlups Petroleum Gas BarEnjoy a full-service gas station at the corner of East Shuswap and Highway No. 5. "One of the lowest priced gas stations in the valley." Tel: 250.377.8684 in Kamloops, B.C.(corner of East Shuswap and Highway 5), which sells gas, diesel, and propane, with a convenience store, dairy and bread.

The location operates in a all-year tourist location, and camping is nearby in summer with world-class fishing rivers. Winter has the Sun Peaks Ski Resort delivering customers for fuel. Remember the famous Kamloopa Days Pow-Wow, July 30-31 at the KIB Pow Wow Grounds.

Kahmoose Gas, Boothroy Indian Band, 11 km north of Boston Bar, and Hell's Gate Air Tramis due south is owned by Boothroyd Indian Band, 11 km north of Boston Bar on the TransCanada Highway. Hell's Gate is due south, Lillooet is west, and traffic goes south to Vancouver or north to Prince George year-round, peaking in July-August. At Kahmoose they pump regular and diesel. RV's are welcome on an accommodating lot with a sanidump, and the community has features around the gas station including a souvenir stand and cultural facilities in development.

Nicola Lake is a narrow lake, part of a chain of long lakes that point toward Kamloops from the south west, located 270 km northeast of Vancouver. These waters provide a traditional crossroads for three First Nations, namely the Secwepemc (Shuswap), Okanagan, and Sto:lo nations. Lakeview Gas Highway 5A a few km north of Merritt, B.C. Lakeview Gas and Convenience Store Visit Lois and James Blankenship t 250.315.1392 where Lakeview Gas operates in Upper Nicola selling gas, groceries, and arts and crafts. They run a restaurant, and opened an R.V. park. In-store contains a flavour of the past and present with leather and buckskin clothing for sale, plus George Abbott jewelry, carvings, sterling silver pendants, drums, drum shakers, soapstone, and plaques. Lakeview Gas is positioned on Highway 5A a few km north of Merritt, B.C..

Johnny's on the Rez Lower Nicola (7 km w/of Merritt on Highway 8) service station in Lower Nicola (7 km w/of Merritt on Highway 8) is privately owned by First Nation entrepreneurs who see four seasons of travelers for tourism. Tourists are enroute to major ski locales in the Okanagan in winter, and a wonderfully temperate climate year-round. Pump services include regular, premium, and diesel. In-store they sell pizza, subs, and salads.

The backdoor to the 2010 Olympics runs past LIGHTFOOT GAS PO Box 34 Lillooet BC VOK 1VO ph 250 256-0010 Lillooet, B.C., at the head of the Duffy Lake Highway (Lillooet, B.C. to Whistler). The territory is St'at'imc (Lilloet First Nation) mountaneous and beautiful beside the Fraser River. The ‘secret' highway to Whistler, B.C. is a scenic dream. Fill up at one of Lightfoot Gas'seven pumps under a bright-lit canopy and store beside a pristine river on the Lillooet First Nation. Lightfoot Gas offers homecooked sub buns, chicken, and other restaurant-quality meals, and truly caters to a tourist crowd year-round.

Lil'Wat Gas is Mount Currie First Nation's UPPI station is at the other end of the highway, in Mount Currie First Nation, 20 minutes north of Whistler. Mount Currie is about 1,200 people on Lil'Wat Lake and the station contains a convenience store, fast food outlet, and post office. They have eight pumps, including diesel and propane, plus oil recycling facilities. Lil'Wat First Nation like Lilloet is St'at'imc, one of a group of 11 First Nations that occupy the lakes in the Coast Mountain Range north of Vancouver.

Two major highways 1 and 7 run into the Lower Mainland on opposite sides of the Fraser River. Chehalis Gas (Two hours north of Vancouver: See salmon spawning on reserve), Chehalis Gas is roughly 50 km from Mission (west) and 30 km from Agassiz (east), in close proximity to Chilliwack, B.C.. Chehalis Gas is a community operation first and foremost. They sell gas and diesel fuel to the community of around 1,000, (split 50/50 Coast Salish and non- Native). Here is one of the most productive fish economies in the Lower Mainland, including all species of salmon spawning on-reserve.

Also enroute to Vancouver, on the Lougheed Highway, the Seabird Island First Nation, Lougheed Highway, service includes Cardlock. runs a gas station beside the reatuarant and their service includes Cardlock. The Tzeacheten First Nation is marketing to First Nation customers near Chilliwack. Business is thriving for all of these concerns.

For the boating traveler, Mosquito Creek Marina, 415 West Esplanade North Vancouver B.C. V7M 1A6 Office Phone: 604.987.4113 Fax: 604.987.6852 Gas Barge: 604.980.8370 for boating travelers is located at 415 West Esplanade North Vancouver. They offer First Nation status member pricing and friendly marine service, and this outlet allows people to continue to frequent First Nation entrepreneurs in the marine environment. Services at the marina include moorage for 16' to 60' boats, a fuel dock with bait and snacks, a restaurant, and dryland service for watercraft.

Tsatsu Gas, Tsawassen Ferry Terminal is another of the UPPI owners continuing to work inside their communities to provide a useful centre of commerce and potentially other activities, and report that services are highly appreciated by the families of First Nations in these communities. like the ‘last-stop' road service at BC Ferries terminal in Delta, B.C.. Tsawwassen First Nation built the 800 sq.ft. convenience store/lotto outlet to sell gas, diesel, auto accessories, oil, and fluids, and packaged food at the crossing. They open 7 am to 10 pm daily, a few hundred feet from the beach. Visitors can walk down to watch ferries come and go.

UPPI, a BC-owned fuel distribution company, took an extraordinary direction in the B.C. economy and grew into an important and innovative fuel enterprise. Gas Stations for First Nations: Call Brian Morgan for information (1-604-571-4526)

(Edmonton, Alberta and Osoyoos, B.C., 2007) Business conference describes way forward in modern economy

A business conference in Edmonton in late October last year allowed First Nations to focus on economic development, and host First Nations admitted these matters as being regarded in a whole new way. Charles Wood, conference coordinator for the inaugural CIBA event, said, "The Conference program is certainly intended that as Indigenous People we can do for ourselves what we envision simply by coming together and working together. Too long we have depended on others and other things for our advancement and success."

He said, "I think its time as Indigenous People to get into the business world and put together an organization that allows us to dialogue together on the best ways to do this. We've consulted with the Chamber of Commerce in Edmonton. We have Duncan & McQuaig as legal advisors on it. I have a group doing a wrap-up report on our inaugural conference that is due in Nov. or Dec., and I expect a new association to hold a first meeting in the new year." Wood was instrumental in organizing the North American Indigenous Games organization in 1990.

Chief Ron Morin co-hosted CIBA in the middle of the Grand Opening of River Cree Casino on Enoch Cree Nation in Edmonton's west end. "It's the first First Nation casino in Alberta," the chief said, "So too is this conference, where we will hear about First Nations forging ahead with business opportunities, and joint ventures. The needs of our communities are on our shoulders. INAC cannot pay our bills. Health, education, and administration costs are rising.

"We know the government spends billions of dollars on-reserve, and it's not enough, but what about off-reserve?" Enoch Cree Nation lies on the western boundary of Edmonton, 250 folks nestled away from the casino beside a thickly wooded 18-hole golf course. They once enjoyed oil wealth and want to deal with social and administrative issues by joining the mainstream economy. They just opened River Cree Casino and Wingate Inn Hotel was newly minted in Edmonton (on Hwy 16W) about a year ago.

Chief Clarence Louie was a keynote speaker at the conference, and C.E.O. of a corporation owned by Osoyoos Indian Band. He runs a growing destination resort and First Nation-owned winery, and a large concern of businesses like Five Star Accommodation, golf, art galleries, RV camping, museums, and ecological tours in southern B.C.. The Okanagans at the south of end of the valley started with next-to-nothing and now present tourists with the only desert in Canada. It has the features of a premiere year-round resort, and other parts preserved for scientific endeavors and future generations.

"Do you call yourself a marcher on the Red Road?" asked Chief Louie. "The answer is simply that you better be a worker or have a job. It's a working road, not a road where you sit on your butt." The crowd of 300 at the Mayfield Inn, listened to the chief, "If you are going to talk about 'circles' in today's world you better add another quadrant and put a dollar sign in there." Maybe a few minds wandered to Chief Morin's brand new, untouched, gaming tables.

"Few of our people are making money," said Chief Louie. "Most are spending under-funded government grants. We should have learned by now not to depend on federal funding. Leadership has to change its mind-set, and things that should have happened long ago will not happen overnight, just because they ought to. "Get advice. All business people have advisors. We have advisors, and sometimes we take their advice and sometimes not. We search for the best decisions because we have social, cultural, and environmental responsibilities."

April-Eve Wiberg is spokesperson for Mikisew Airlines and Mikisew Slings and Safety Ltd., two of the emerging number of companies owned by Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. April-Eve said, "What happens now is that other long-awaited opportunities ensue, and we have to learn how to take advantage of them."

She said, "Air Mikisew started about 10 years ago when MCFN bought Contact Air as a goal to ensure never again would the community of Fort Chipewyan be at the mercy of a southern-based, for-profit airline. Too much was at risk." Plus, she said that owning the airline raised the possibility of a money-making venture for MCFN.

"We have 11 airplanes, and 21 pilots operating within a fiercely competitive industry," said April-Eve, "Our entire operation is strategically targeted at running an airline. Air Mikisew staff with very specific and high level training and accreditation work in Fort McMurray. We can always improve, and this is our goal, though overall I think our Ft. Chip client base and MCFN leadership are pleased with the company's performance.

"We're flying full most of the time, our freight program is stretched to keep up therefore I'd suggest these are signs of things going fairly well. We're proud of being named Fort McMurray's Business of the Year in 2005, a fairly exciting accomplishment in light of the incredible amount of business operating and gravitating around Ft. McMurray." Air Mikisew flies scheduled service during the week out of Edmonton City Centre Airport into Fort McMurray and Fort Chipwyan.

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WHISPERING PINES FIRST NATION, '07 - Raceway popular in motocross circuit of races

Whispering Pines First Nation has been hosting a popular set of races for the past few years, and Michael LeBourdais organizes these up-scale races for crowds averaging 1,200 people. "We have bleacher seating on our own land, and supply the labour, the jobs, infrastructure and promotion for the seasonal events that run through the summer months," said LeBourdais.

The people who organize pro stock motocross racing in Canada agreed to Whispering Pines stipulations about hours and other operational details. They draw the crowds of racing fans from miles around. They come to watch pro stock (professional division) motorcycle races. "It is good public relations because it brings together communities," LeBourdais said.

"That is the attraction to holding the races." Whispering Pines employees show cultural pride and demonstrate their values as a community that exists 30 km from Kamloops. The motorcycle racing venue is contributing hospitality industry experience that could be important to Whispering Pines vying for Olympics 2010 activities.

The community of Whispering Pines continues to live and retain cultural awareness while searching out new business interests. For instance, some of the community labours hard to stock the larders every fall so sockeye continue to feed the community through the winter. "It was a good year last year: 2004. The salmon runs are slower," but what they caught, "did us through the winter."

Whispering Pines community at the same time has the committees and members undertaking or looking for business opportunities in different areas. "We have mild winters here, with a bit of snow."

LeBourdais was elected councilor with a long history in youth development for the community. "It includes programs outdoors, like hunting and fishing and skiing." In fact, Whispering Pines has created arrangements with Sun Peaks Resort properties to run programs that are valued and enjoyed by the youth. McColl Writing Service

Advanced forestry management by First Nations

Here in 2007, Coast Forest Management has been in business for 25 years now. They have a new logo, new location, and the same basic corporate strategy, "to deliver cost effective, practical advice to clients." Keith Atkinson, President and General Manager of the company, said CFM has become a Pacific Rim company in the past ten years. CFM is working with some government and industry clients but 75 percent of the business is with First Nation companies and communities. "We do a lot of work in Alaska, and are working almost exclusively with First Nation clients there and Canada."

He said, "That has been a strong focus from my end. We decided to go right at it. We have a well established company and a good understanding of coastal forestry and issues at a time when First Nation success is of high interest and importance to governments. For First Nations seeking a strong position in the forest sector, the trend in negotiations seems to include resource packages. Our company is well positioned to assist First Nations in resource management objectives and goals."

CFM helps groups looking to get into forestry. "We are a management consulting team, not logging a tenure for our own benefit. For us there is no real conflict in how lands are managed, so we are there to provide management solutions for our clients. We see our first priority in making sure the economics work. First Nations have visions that differ from Crown visions and once our clients are involved at a management or stewardship level they can introduce those visions into the planning process. We are working to help First Nations make it work."

In Alaska CFM works for First Nations that obtained treaty settlements in the 1970s. In the Canadian forest industry the land settlements are not done with long-term control of the land base for forestry. Control of the land base comes first, then comes management plans, and the rest of the non-timber related resource plans follow. "Hopefully this transition will be in the near future for BC First Nations that are seeking their treaty negotiations," said Atkinson.

The Ministry of Forests has been providing opportunites through Forest and Range Agreements to various First Nations that are willing to sign on. The agreements offer access to forest tenures which have been non-replaceable licenses to cut and Forest Licenses. "These new tenures provide a short-term way to get started in the forest sector," said Atkinson. Within the framework of the industry they are almost test-cases for a new licensee, he suggested.

"It seems that the success of one of these short term non-replaceable licenses may allow a particular group to negotiate a continued tenure opportunity," however, this is seldom if ever written in ink. "We hope that the Ministry of Forests will build on the success of some FRA tenures by renewing them with land based replaceable tenures."

Atkinson said, "From our office in Port Alberni we work with Tsesaht First Nation Chief Les Sam and CEO Stephen Conway to help them revitalize their involvement in forestry." In the past decade Tsesaht has experienced varying degrees of involvement in forestry and continues to build its position through non-replaceable tenures including new opportunities with the provincial government. "The Tsesaht decided to invest in CFM to build and run their current forestry program including the new FRA non-replaceable license signed last year."

Atkinson said, "We have been getting it up and running in the last year with development planning to meet Forest Stewardship Plan requirements, and FRA logging is planned to start this summer. We are working on a higher sustainable cut volume for the Tsehaht Nation that would stabalize their position in the forest sector." The first results of achieving this goal have been announced recently when the Tsesaht Nation purchased a market logging contract in the Port Alberni area.

"Although this is not their own tenure it does provide a replaceable harvest volume that they are managing within the local TFL." CFM is no stranger to Nuu Chah Nulth forestry areas. Keith's dad, Gord Atkinson, had initial involvement in the successful west coast tenure operated by Equis Forest Products, a 15 year non-replaceable license that CFM managed early on. "Since Coast Forest was established in 1982 we have been providing services to various clients on Vancouver Island and coastal BC."

Other than First Nations clients CFM works with smaller licensees and government including BC Timber Sales . BCTS, "has essentially become the biggest licensee in B.C.. They have a big cut to allocate and are continually trying to restructure the organization to optimize thier operations."

Atkinson said, "From the First Nations perspective all lands in BC should be on the table for resolving the aboriginal rights and title issues, aka treaty negotiations. When it comes to business opportunities, if you have the capacity to be in the forest sector then you should be able to access a tenure that suits your needs, either through purchase or government negotiations."

First Nations need better land bases to manage. "With our 24 years experience we want to show that timber tenure management can be and need sto be part of the First Nation economy and that when the management is in the hands of the First Nations it turns into successful long-term employment, education and advanced management of the land."

Coast Forest Management

First Nation communities on North Pacific coast face development and title issues among others

KITKATLA, B.C., '07 Impact on commmunities must be examined, rights respected

In Kitkatla they are defining their roles in the 21st century of the Pacific North West. They want a slice of the pie to come from fish farming, except the issues remain over Aboriginal rights and title in the region. A mix of First Nations inhabit the rivers and islands of this vast region, and the House System and Intermarriage of Clans created many alliances in the territory. Justifiable as overlapping land claims may be, they are not easily understood.

Efforts are being made to accommodate traditional stewards. In October 2006 the Gitxaala First Nation (Kitkatla) met provincial officials on Dolphin Island, 40 km from Prince Rupert, to sign agreements on Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs). Through the Kitkatla LRMP the Gitxaala First Nation and B.C. government will work together on areas of common concern, including the environment. "This agreement gives us an active role in how and where business is done in our traditional territories," said Gitxaala First Nations Chief Clifford White.

"Equally important is the fact this agreement is built on a spirit of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation." Allan O'Kabe is Economic Development Officer for Kitkatla First Nation. He managed a full fledged Salmon Farm Technical training program for members of Kitkatla. It was delivered a couple of years ago with North Island College and Panfish Canada expertise and HRDC funding.

"Why development in finfish farming has not happened in our waters is part of a land claim issue involving another First Nation," O'Kabe explained. As a result of the overlapping land claim issue, a number of trained farm personnel sit idle while a few have gone south to work on Panfish Canada farm sites near Vancouver Island. Four years ago Kitkatla signed agreements with Panfish Canada.

Drying seaweed in the late spring O'Kabe said, "Salmon farming is a hot topic and environmental groups say the negative impact is great. They've always tried to suggest causal effect from salmon farming upon wild stocks, whether it is sea lice or (disease) hitting upon wild stock. The public and others are convinced this might be true. Kitkatla has worked out their own answers and find the arguments against the farming industry to be unfounded. Kitkatla sees the opportunity and are being frustrated from developing it."

On the other hand, O'Kabe is optimistic that Kitkatla's enhanced role through the LRMP will enable them to support economic development with 'model based' scenario planning. "We will have baseline studies that will give us a better idea of the condition of wild stock resources, including wild salmon, ling cod, clams, crab, everything. We suspect the oceans are over fished in many areas, whereas these baseline studies will give us the proof."

O'Kabe said, "The chief and council are bullish on this. The move fits with everything we are hoping the learn. We already get salmon counts on 'returned-based measurements.' What about halibut? What is going on there? They are swimming 400 ft below sea level and the data is not available. Crab? Can we plan a fishery to rotate in and out of areas, rather than fishing things to death by area on top of area."

O'Kabe expresses concern about the loss of Oolichan from the Kitimat River. "Our concern is overall salt water resources," said O'Kabe. "An Environmental Watch program can study red and green abalone, sea urchins, the cod fishery. They can do things that DFO don't do."

U'mista Cultural Centre genuine ATBC product

Lillian Hunt is cultural tour guide at the U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, British Columbia, and director of Aboriginal Tourism BC. "U'mista is market-ready within the Blueprint Strategy of Aboriginal Tourism BC." U'mista is a non-profit cultural society that conducts tours through facilities and other sites. "Outreach tours are the result of visitor request. Guests are taken around the island," to a historic cemetery with dozens of honorary poles. There is an ecological park, and a Big House that shows the architectural splendor of the Namgis First Nation.

"The cultural society started with opening the U'mista Cultural Centre in 1980. The society's existence was to provide tools for our people to get back the culture that was taken away." About a decade prior to establishing the U'mista Cultural Centre, master carvers constructed a Big House beside the world's tallest totem pole. Then U'mista Cultural Society was formed to get back a potlatch collection of regalia and cultural icons that were stored in Ottawa.

Lillian said, "The government had jailed our people for observing the potlatch and regalia was supposed to be returned when they were released. The potlatch collection was not released until our own representatives went to Ottawa to receive them." No doubt the the town of Alert Bay, B.C. is recognized as a centre of coastal culture, including the distinctive carving of coastal people. "We certainly have some the more reknowned artists right in Alert Bay," she said.

Carvers work out of two community-supported carving sheds or at their own homes. Customers come from around the world, some delivered on ‘pocket cruiseships' from Lindblad Expeditions with ships bringing as many as 150 people at a time. "We want small, manageable groups in the facilities. The ships come an average once a week from May to September."

Lillian said the ATBC strategy creates opportunity for U'mista and others to plug into an on- going provincial marketing strategy. She said, "The cost of running these facilties is astronomical. When you talk about hydro, telephones, add together the costs of operating a non-profit centre that preserves artefacts, with absolutely no funding, well it becomes difficult to imagine a future."

Buildings suffer wear and tear, furthermore they want to keep up with market conditions and reach a demographic, "that is interested in our culture, respectful, educated, and well-to-do. We want the culture to be present for educational groups, and often the trouble comes for having limited marketing dollars to direct at the right kinds of visitors."

In order to operate more affordably the society has partnered with Namgis First Nation and Alert Bay municipality. They joined ATBC when it first began seven years ago, "We experienced serious challenges developing ATBC, considering we had no core funding. For years we had to speak to the feds, the province, anyone who would listen to find money for a Blueprint Strategy that recognizes the known strength in Aboriginal tourism."

She said, "The stuff we knew in ATBC had to be proven to funders. It is a cultural reality that prople want to visit Aboriginal tourism sites. That is one of the strengths in BC tourism. Our strength has to be keeping the marketing sharp for Aboriginal tourism facilities and operators. Honestly, we are too late to save some operators. Others are on their last gasp."

For ATBC plans include rebuilding, perhaps even re-starting, operations at cultural centres that had long time tour operations. Lillian sees the successful implementation of a Blueprint Strategy as beneficial to the entire industry in the province and the coutry. "We are shooting for the international tourist market. People have started thinking about tourism dollars compared to forestry or fishery dollars. Tourism dollars stay at home."

The implementation includes a lot of encouragement from Tourism BC. "We have deadlines but the strategy is as do-able as it sounds. The implementation slows in summer because we are the tour operators. We've had to fight for everything, but we have enjoyed help, especially Tourism BC." In fact, "Most of them have never been out here either, but they know that tourism lends itself to small operators who are off the beaten track."

The economy of Alert Bay was like all coastal communities, "We were fisher people who turned into tourism people. We had to learn what these tourism people are all about, just as they had no clue about First Nation people. We had to announce ourselves, because up until now we were too busy fishing." Now they have a network of business to serve tourism in Alert Bay, because tour packages were in demand.

"ATBC said people want tours to sites that are culturally important," and U'mista personnel know that sites could be sorely affected by excessive visitations. "For a long time people have been coming up here messin' with our stuff. In fact, treaty talks have shrunk the territory around us. The Kwak Awak Awak have a diverse number of sites, and it was isolation that kept their culture alive."

She said, "A huge challenge we face is that by opening it up to outside we risk losing it. Now we endanger our sacred spots. Kayakers and others have to know that sensitive areas are not garbage dumps or even campsites. Within our own people a strong sense of stewardship is developing." www.umista.org tourab@island.net

New developments brought to territory by James Bay Cree, Ontario side

William Small is Vice President of marketing for Moosonee Transport Limited (MTL), "a marine-based company that, originally belonged to Hudson's Bay Company and used to take supplies to the stores along the coast of Hudson and James Bay." MTL was purchased by the Crees of Waskaganish, James Bay Travel, and Rheal Cool in the mid 1980s. New ownership increased trips from 15 to 30 a year on both coasts of James and Hudson Bay.

Small was born in Quebec, and lived in Moose Factory for most of his life, a community with the distinction of being the second oldest settlement in Ontario. Small has spent 15 years with MTL and seen the company take new directions with the James Bay Agreement and Peace of the Braves agreements that led to development in Quebec. With Victor Diamond Mine and Five Nations Energy Inc. installing the transmission line into the mine last winter it’s a big boost to northern companies and communities.

"In our business cycle obviously the summer is our busy month," said Small. "May contains a period of preparation on equiipment. In late May and June we start marine operations, with actual trips in July till the end of October depending on weather. In November the equipment is stored and winter equipment comes out." Joint ventures between the three communities build the winter road and continue community deliveries throughout winter service lasts till April.

Mike Metatawabin, Chief of Fort Albany First Nation, is President of Five Nations Energy Inc. (FNEI), an electrical transmission company that delivers power along the west coast of James Bay. The folks owning and operating are Cree on three Reserves on the James Bay west coast. They are the communities of Fort Albany, Kashechewan, and Attawapiskat.

Five Nations Energy Inc. is one of the first major endeavors done together (outside of being rounded up for residential schools). They are located in a remote region of Canada’s northern Ontario, and, like so many First Nation townsites, want the ability to expand. Flood and water problems in have plagued Kashechewan and part of Fort Albany.

Metatawabin said, "The transmission line company started in 1997. I joined the board as an elected chief in 1998, and became President two years ago. Another project in our area is the Victor Diamond Mine, and another is a fibre optic line for these three communities." Hydro service creates opportunities that never existed before, plus the mining is something new for us."

He said, "The diamond mine opening 90 km west of Attawapiskat is the first mine to have an impact in our territory." Attawapiskat will be the ‘last outpost’ in the project to extract 6 million carats of diamonds over 12 years. Important services in the region includes Moosonee Transport Limited barging services. Metatawabin said, "We are having discussions about later infrastructure and roads. Today we’re instilling harmony and changing for the better." Chief Metatawabin is currently running for Chief Councilor of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Treaty #9 and the part of Treaty #5 in Ontario.

Three communities and others are on a learning curve to understand the overall opportunity underway. These modernizing Mushkegowuk communities maintained a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands long after signing Treaty #9 in 1905-06. Today they are building infrastructure, including transmission lines, and now fibre-optic lines, to increase levels of service and improve medicine and education.

Ed Chilton is from Moose Factory, ON. "I went away for 14 yrs working for an engineering company in southern Ontario, and have been back working in the region for the past 13 years. "We really started back in 1995 including major progress in 1997, and then started developing transmission lines. We faced a lot of challenges, especially before the Electricity Act, Oct. 99."

During the construction period there is major employment, "then its Maytag repairman time. We have operational maintenence but transmission lines run themselves.with proper maintenence, although spring break-up is particularly menancing." Nature and development intersect, and nature sometimes claims the right of way, but, "our system is expanding. It runs 270 km through James Bay swampland, which is the main existing line. de Beers Canada is developing a transmission line 100 km inland."

Currently a fibre optics installation is being constructed, "They have taken advantage of the 170 km of line from Moosonee to Kashechewan and encorporated savings because we provide infrastructure up to the point of our substations. We are installing fibre-optics ourselves and leaving points for others to connect communities. It provides a signifiant savings in telecom services. In fact," said Chilton, the provincial government is really stepping up and working with the (Mushkegowuk) tribal council.

Chilton recognizes the rapidly evolving nature of these fast growing communities. Services require power to cope with population growth. "We estimated a $150 million savings in diesel alone over 30 years. Diesel isn’t cheap anymore. This infrastructure is small but key. We are replacing 50 million litres of fuel per year. It would have been brought in by sea, and connection to the transmission system will reduce the load to 13-15 million litres per year for operations (machinery, trucks, standby power, and heating)."

One region that is rapidly transforming in B.C., especially regarding First Nation economic development, is the area surrounding Merritt, B.C. in the south central, a melding of rich forests and temperate winters, and home of the patient Nlaka'pamux people. Lennard Joe is the owner of Grizzly-Man Resource Management and operates this First Nation-oriented forestry management company in the growing city of Merritt, B.C., which is also an important centre for First Nation families. He operates the business on Shulus First Nation and hails from Shackan First Nation and raises his family in the city of Merritt but the First Nation communities are nearby.

"We have leased space in a business centre next door to Stuwix Resource Management and beside Johnny's on the Rez Gas and Convenience Store," a business park opened by Don Moses and Johnny Jackson. "I started Grizzly-Man Resource Management in 1999 as a sole proprietor and it turned into a limited company under my ownership in 2002. We have eleven employees in the spring and summer," and by this time of year they scale back to seven. "I've got a guy here with a masters in forestry (and RPF designation forthcoming), and a young lady in our office has a BSc, and I am RPF."

"We've been operating at landscape level and planning to go provincial and structural in scope, being professional and independent foresters. You bring in education and a First Nation background and it creates a different picture of the structure of what the forest would be." Joe said, "The IFPA (Innovative Forest Practice Agreement) in Merritt is different from all others in the province. In the Cascade Forest District 50 percent of the uplift volume is First Nation." Joe said the agreement is working well enough to serve as a template for IFPAs elsehwere. The Merritt agreement set a positive direction followed by the Okanagan IFPA, also 50 percent First Nation owned.

Lennard Joe is operating in select company, that is, very few privately held First Nation companies exist. "There are some band owned companies but these are run by councils and not privately-owned. I plan to retire with my company. I hire full-time employees. We are competing with non-First Nation companies," and they are the ones creating the path to First Nation forestry. They are trusted with large cutblocks and guarantee their managment of timber resources, and, "We are not stuck with one Band," said Joe.

"We have consulted and been in coastal forests, preparing provincial management strategies, and even working at the national level pertaining to First Nations access to timber resources. We have diversity and exposure across the country, but the responsibility comes back to the company." They managed 500,000m3 of harvest in the Merritt TSA this year. "We had a smooth year. Another RPF came onboard. We are working in a project on a new mill that processes 50,000m3 of premium specialty cut. Stuwix wants to add more secondary value, and all partners are interested in working in every way."

Joe sits on the Canadian Forest Service First Nation Forestry Program Committee. He said, "It was very scientific to begin and now it is moving to the study of opportunities for First Nations with their own wood and their own personnel. I've been on the committee for three years and seen changes. It used to be a committee that examined Band level and now it incorporatates entrepreneuerial interests and large scale projects. It used to be concerned with First Nations operating with 25,000m3 now it deals with large, multi-year projects," planned and executed from the First Nation perspective.

He said the First Nation professionals provide a perspective needed for the CFS committee. "It is about creating access, and also part of what we do is see a forestry project through and make it work." First Nation professionals feel they have come a long way and want to make it count. "The purpose is to build something, whether from small woodlots or large scale projects. We have to stay up with changes on provincial legislations, especially where it deals with the First Nations," in matters respecting of Inherent Rights.

"We have a list, a small list, of First Nations ready to manage forestry programs that would sustain themselves. The key is to promote education, and Grizzly-Man will strengthen that vision and push for inherent right through the education process. No doubt the politics are there to help us succeed. We received non-renewable forest licenses in order to build this company Forest fire jobs helped us develop contacts and operating procedures." Politics landed them those early contracts.

Joe said, "I'm the general manager and Shelly Stewart is executive assistant; she's from Upper Nicola and an entrepreneur in her own right with two logging trucks in operation. I am in a haven for First Nation operators. I hired a non-First Nation RPF because we're equal opportunity employers around here." Grizzly-Man is partnered with several technologically savvy operators, like Stoyoma Geographic Information Systems, owned by Alex Bukkos, First Nation from Upper Nicola, "That is a mapping company that has 3-D services, one of a growing number of businesses with First Nation owners."

Joe recently received his degree from UBC. "It's was a long trip As soon as you leave school and come back to community you become the professional." He said it takes a lot of time to develop businesses and employ people and plan forests that meet with political approval inside and out, and get the full fledged degree. "One thing about the Nicola Valley is we have some First Nation professionals around, like Dave Walkem and we have these role models as people showing the generations where to make the mark."

He said Merritt is a progressive place that contains enough visionary people to elect First Nations to the city council, and the local post secondary school, NVIT, being a First Nation institute, has created a ready workforce that is more than willing to stick around. "We have First Nation city councillor Nadia Clark elected to the city government in Merritt. Even when I was growing up it wasn't unfathomable to look to the professionals for career inspiration and think that you could go there."

Joe said Merritt is a fully integrated community with a large capacity of educated First Nations people, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and teachers. "The Nlaka'pamux language is integrated into the school where my kids attend in the public system. The school principal is Upper Nicola. Four teachers at the school are First Nation." He is not saying Merritt is quite up to Utopian standards yet, "Our First Nation poverty levels hurt. It is in our business plan to leverage job opportunities for First Nations people in Merritt to work at either of the two post and rail plants in the city, which are also First Nation owned, Coalwater Post and Rail and also Nicola Post and Rail."

Joe rejoined that job initiatives are not done out of the kindness of their hearts. "It is got to be a win-win situation Its purpose is to turn a profit, even while focusing on First Nation values. We're moving into the bigger picture. We see the importance of structural development of forestry plans that use the skills of the people in them, let communities find opportunities to put their people in meaningful careers."