First Nations economic development is an area that conjures different meanings depending on how this important topic is viewed; and if asked what it actually means you may get various interpretations of what the business of First Nations economic development entails. Creating jobs and employment opportunities, generating revenue for First Nations, building healthier and happier communities, sustainable resource use, being self sufficient, increasing participation in the general economy, partnerships, Nation building, financial independence, and community building... are many of the perspectives you would hear. Really, First Nations economic development is all of these things, and to put it simply, it is a critical component to any First Nations ability to achieve true self reliance and determine their path travelling forward into the future. The improvement of First Nations' well being is truly a holistic journey, and the importance of First Nations economic development activities as part of this process is key to achieving common First Nations' goals of healthy, sustainable, prosperous and independent First Nations.
The economic development focus of the Nanwakolas Council is regional coordination of the business and economic activities of the individual member First Nations. Through collaboration of representative economic development practitioners at a technical planning table and engagement with the leadership of the member First Nations a First Nations regional economic development strategy, Nanwakolas Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan, is being developed. The purposes of this strategic planning initiative are to inform and strengthen the various current and potential business and economic activities of the individual member First Nations, helping to maximize the returns to their communities. A key goal in this work is identifying the full economic potential in the traditional territories and helping to ensure that the First Nations are prepared to capitalize on these opportunities, fostering the creation of a dynamic and sustainable regional economy. The Nanwakolas Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan is scheduled to be completed in September of 2011.
For more information regarding the Nanwakolas Council Regional Economic Development work please contact Chris Roberts, Regional Economic Development Coordinator at chrisroberts [at] nanwakolas [dot] com.