Module 1. Connecting & Collaboration
Headwaters: Where the Journey Begins
Finding Each Other and Knowing the Territory
Strong partnerships begin with relationships. This module brings together tools and spaces that support connection between First Nations, First Nation owned businesses, and potential partners in value added manufacturing. It includes networking events, conferences, forums, and mapping tools that help identify who is active in the sector, where opportunities exist, and how Nations prefer to be engaged. This module is most useful for Nations in the early stages of exploring value added opportunities or seeking to build new relationships.
Module 1A: Networking Events and Conferences
Support: The BC First Nations Forestry Council supports and provides services to First Nations to increase participation and leadership in the forest sector.
Resources include:
- Annual conference
- Monthly newsletter
- Events calendar
- BusinessConnect tool for business opportunities, partners, and funding
Funding and Capacity
General Resource
Events and Networking
Case Study or Learning Resource
Support: BC Wood is a not for profit trade association that supports BC businesses that manufacture wood products and represents the value-added wood manufacturing sector.
Resources include:
- Lunch and learn seminars
- Newsletters
- Member access to an extensive resource library
Case Study or Learning Resource
General Resource
Events and Networking
Purpose: Forums hosted by the Province in partnership with the BC First Nations Forestry Council, the BC Value-Added Wood Coalition, and the Council of Forest Industries to bring together First Nations, manufacturers, and forest licensees.
Value-Added Accelerators – Province of British Columbia
General Resource
Events and Networking
Purpose: Governance information and a searchable map of First Nations in BC.
Resources include:
- Interactive map
- Economic Development Centre of Excellence newsletter
- Regional economic development forums
General Resource
Events and Networking
Module 1B: Tools to Identify Who, Where, and How
Purpose: Federal government profiles providing general contact information, governance details, reserve information, funding, geography, and population data.
Includes:
General Resource
Purpose: Provincial listing of First Nations with links to agreements, including land and resource agreements that often outline engagement processes.
General Resource
Purpose: Directory with up to date contact information, elected leadership, and First Nation website links.
General Resource
Purpose: Interactive map showing language regions, place names, and cultural information.
First Peoples’ Map – First Peoples Cultural Council
General Resource
Purpose: Provincial guidance document on building relationships with First Nations.
General Resource
