The Government of Canada Invests in Educational and Economic Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia

"The Government of Canada is very pleased to support these initiatives which are aimed at ensuring that Indigenous peoples gain enhanced access to technological resources and skills training – including business, and economics training. It is vital for Canada that we address barriers to employment and thereby enable enhanced opportunity and economic growth for First Nation communities. Such actions are critical to creating a more inclusive, more dynamic economy."

- Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"For too long Indigenous communities have not been full partners in the economic growth of Canada. All Canadians benefit when we ensure the right supports and tools are in place to enable Indigenous communities to take full advantage of employment opportunities in the region."

- The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"No relationship is more important to the Government of Canada than the one with Indigenous peoples. This is why we are determined to ensure they play an important part in Canada’s economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. It is through initiatives such as these that Indigenous communities will have the tools necessary to help them benefit from the economic and social opportunities offered by natural resource projects."

- The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources

"In a knowledge-based economy and increasingly connected world, the Technology Council is taking an innovative approach to creating online spaces that improve access to knowledge and the ability of nations to share resources and opportunities. As core to the Technology Council's mandate from BC's First Nation communities, we are continuing to develop and deploy technology driven solutions that provide real value."

- Denise Williams, Executive Director, First Nations Technology Council

"The Cultural Employment Strategy project has been an exciting project for the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. It was designed to support our Nations in generating employment and entrepreneurial incomes based on existing cultural knowledge and skills. I'm thrilled that this project has been a strong partnership between governments, industry and First Nation communities. Together these partners will make the Cultural Employment Strategy a success and strengthen our relationships"

- Diane Abel, Director of Administration, Treaty 8 Tribal Association

"I would like to thank Western Economic Diversification Canada for the continued support of small business. This funding has allowed us to reach out to our entrepreneurs and continue their development within the industry."

- Vince Prince, Executive Director, Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre

"We are excited to have introduced this technology to the BC marketplace, which has been successfully used by both private industry and government in Alberta, to create a "SafetyNet" for all workers throughout BC. BC SafetyLink literally turns every exposed worker into a potential resource in an emergency situation. The center provides a world-class, real-time safety monitoring solution for organizations in Western Canada, while creating long-term sustainable employment in the area."

- Rick Connors, CEO, Gitxsan Development Corporation

"The PGNAETA Aboriginal Gateway Training Centre was able to purchase new technical equipment and a mobile training unit for urban and rural educational initiatives; strengthening Aboriginal communities in enhancing economic participation in growing sectors."

- Karin Hunt, Executive Director, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association