March 12, 2015 Blue Ribbon Panel Discussion of Aboriginal-Industry Economic Partnerships at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, BC
JP Gladu, President CCAB
Chuck Strahl, Director & Chair, Manning Centre for Building Democracy
Lisa Charleyboy, Co-founder & Editor-in-chief, Urban Native Magazine
Wayne Garnons-Williams, Principal Director & Senior Lawyer, Garwill Law Professional Corporation & Chair, International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization
Robert McPhee, Managing Director, The Castlemain Group
Miles Richardson, OC, Interim Director, National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development
Discussion focused on the the Supreme Court of Canada case Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, 2014 SCC 44 and the Aboriginal-Industry partnership opportunities and challenges.
In the Tsilhqot’in case, the Supreme Court granted to the Tsilhqot’in First Nation a declaration of their Aboriginal title to more than 1,700 square kilometers of land in British Columbia, the first time the court has made such a ruling regarding Aboriginal Land. The decision, written by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, has future implications for economic and resource development on First Nations lands.
My presentation stated the following:
1. Tsilhqot’in clarifies First Nation–Industry partnership.
2. Tsilhqot’in allows greater control for First Nation business development.
3. Aboriginal–Industry Business Development cannot exist in a vacuum.
4. Aboriginal small business infrastructure must be further developed.
5. Inter-tribal trade and investment is key to stronger Aboriginal–Industry economic partnerships.
Should you wish to learn more about the economic opportunities and challenges that await a company or First Nation in this new and developing business climate, contact me so that we can discuss your circumstances and how you can best move forward.
Wayne Garnons-Williams (613)778-8685 / wayne@garwilllaw.com