(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation and partner community Vancouver Métis Citizens Society (VMCS) held a meeting on Saturday February 1st at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center regarding a workshop entitled “Get Your Ship Together.” The workshop was hosted by the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB) who has a role to support Aboriginal people better understand the shipbuilding industry and the potential opportunities for Métis and all Aboriginal people as it relates to contracting and jobs.
As many Métis people know Seaspan has been awarded a major shipbuilding contract by the Government of Canada and there will be significant work done at their facilities in North Vancouver. Seaspan coordinates numerous contracts to construct a ship and the workshop provided more background to ensure Métis business owners and people looking for jobs to better understand the dynamics and major contractors.
BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “This workshop was excellent. ICAB representatives provided a thorough overview and important information. There were several key Métis community leaders from VMCS and of course our BC Métis Federation who wanted to better understand the potential opportunities. There was a large number of community members that attended who were interested to hear and learn.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “This meeting set the stage for future work and strategy development. There is a large Métis community in Vancouver and VMCS has a large membership base. A few Métis business owners attended and explained their concerns as it relates to various contracting processes.
The shipbuilding potential can and will support Métis business owners and individuals looking for work but we will need a strategy. There were numerous questions and suggestions and BC Métis Federation will be working with partners to develop a future engagement strategy. BC Métis Federation and VMCS leadership are meeting with Seaspan representatives this week as one of the important next steps.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “Thank you to all that attended to focus on how else we can support our communities. BC Métis Federation will ensure opportunities when and wherever possible while respecting the work of partner First Nations and various Aboriginal organizations also working to support shipbuilding benefits for their respective communities.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry, President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220 Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-February-3-2014-Seaspan-1.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Shipbuilding-Presentation-Feb.1.pdf” style=”download”]Shipbuilding Presentation Feb 1st 2014[/ilink]
