(Richmond, BC) BC Metis Federation leadership and partner communities met this weekend during the first ever Industry Forum hosted at the Delta Airport Hotel in Richmond. There was strong attendance with delegates from Vancouver, Gibsons, Victoria, Duncan, Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Abbottsford, Kamloops, Prince George, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Hudson Hope, Kelly Lake, plus many other locations.
BC Métis Federation leadership created the first ever Industry Forum to support a number of objectives. BC Métis Federation wanted to build relationships with Aboriginal Capitol Corporations, better understand the procurement requirements of industry partners, identify key employment opportunities, and design an overall economic development strategy to support individual Métis entrepreneurs, partner Métis communities, and the BC Métis Federation. Initial steps have been taken by the BC Métis Federation with the implementation of a new Métis business directory that has already signed up several Métis owned businesses from across the province. As part of the BC Métis Federation economic strategy these businesses will be targeted for contract opportunities with industry partners who have signed agreements that commits to working together, including direct awards. A number of contract opportunities are already being planned and the contracts are ranging from security services, construction, food and beverage, plus many other sectors.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “The meeting was excellent. The information and opportunities presented by our guests over the two days was clear and assisted BC Mètis Federation and our partner communities with many ideas. “
BC Métis Federation Vice President Daryl Piper added; “It is clear to our leadership that BC Mètis Federation must create a detailed strategy to ensure future Métis community and business success. I noted that TransCanada has already awarded approximately $53 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses. We know with the right business support that our Métis communities and businesses can truly become self sufficient and more successful. We are taking immediate steps to execute planning including initial meetings with partner communities and Aboriginal capital corporations, a new proposed to support partner communities with business planning, and exploring current contract opportunities to share with our networks. Of course our larger objective will be a more detailed strategy for people to review.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry further added, “BC Metis Federation will take immediate steps for our economic development strategy. We continue to encourage Mètis businesses to sign up for the BC Métis Federation directory because as many of the delegates now better understand, we have reached new agreements with commitments to create contract opportunities together with key partners.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “BC Mètis Federation has been building self sufficiency since we formed in 2011. Today we continue to lead by example supporting partner communities reach self sufficient through strong governance and business planning which leads to support for Métis culture and community sustainability. Thank you to the sponsors and partners who attended including All National Trust, Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC), TransCanada, Kinder Morgan Canada, and Western Economic Diversification (WED). These are very exciting times and I am proud to work with our community and leadership to create support and real opportunities, not just waiting for government handouts.”
For more information about BC Métis Federation check out the website @ www.bcmetis.com.
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/metis-business-registration/” style=”download”]To sign up for the BC Métis Federation business directory [/ilink]
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-May-11th-2014-Industry-Forum-Self-Sufficiency.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
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[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-May-_2014-TransCanada.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF May _2014 TransCanada[/ilink]
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-May-10-2014-KMC.pdf” style=”download”]BC Metis Federation May 10 2014 KMC[/ilink]
