Agassiz/Harrison –Agassiz/Harrison Are First Nations Business Forum is Tuesday and Wednesday October 20 and 21st at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
It is with great pride I invite you to participate in the first annual Agassiz/Harrison Area First Nations Business Forum on October 20 & 21, 2015, at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
Seabird Island Band, along with our neighbours the Chawatahil First Nation, Cheam First Nation, Scowlitz Indian Band, Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation and Sts’ailes Band, want to showcase to the business community of the Lower Mainland that we are Open for Business!
We are collectively the largest land owners in the Fraser Valley and our lands are well situated near critical infrastructure required for development and transport. Now more than ever in history is an opportune time for partnerships between First Nations and the business community to flourish. Business relationships built on honesty, trust and respect will enrich our community and your organization.
The Forum features speakers who will share their insight and experience in building effective, productive, sustainable partnerships with First Nations in the real estate and energy sectors. There will be lots to learn, lots to talk about and some great networking. We are also having a fundraising auction featuring First Nation art from my collection. The proceeds of the auction will go to building a new playground for the children of Seabird Island Band.
Hope to see you there.
Chief Clement Seymour
Here is the official media release:
SEABIRD ISLAND BAND, AGASSIZ, BC – “We’re Open for Business.” That’s the message which will be repeated again and again when the Agassiz/Harrison Area First Nations Business Forum takes place October 20 and 21 at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
Seabird Island Band – along with Chawatahil First Nation, Cheam First Nation, Scowlitz Indian Band, Shxw’ōwhámel First Nation and Sts’ailes Band – plan to showcase to the Lower Mainland business community that the eastern section of the Fraser Valley is indeed Open for Business!
“We are collectively the largest land owners in the Fraser Valley and our lands are well situated near critical infrastructure required for development and transport,” stated Chief Clement Seymour of the Seabird Island Band. “Now more than ever in history is an opportune time for partnerships between First Nations and the business community to flourish. Business relationships built on honesty, trust and respect will enrich our community and your organization.”
The Business Forum features speakers who will share their insight and experience in building effective, productive, sustainable partnerships with First Nations in the real estate, natural resources, commercial, industrial and energy sectors.
The keynote speaker on Day One will be Jim Chu, Vice-President of Special Projects & Partnerships with the Aquilini Investment Group. Mr. Chu will take the stage at 1:30 p.m.
On Day Two of the Business Forum, Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Anderson is set to speak to attendees at 1:15 p.m.
Other speakers include:
-Harold Calla, Executive Director, First Nations Financial Management Board,
-Robert Delamar, CEO, Pacific Future Energy,
-Doug Stout, VP, Market Development & External Relations, Fortis BC,
-Gary Youngman, Lead, Aboriginal Engagement, Trans Mountain Expansion Project,
-Chief Bryce Williams, Tsawwassen First Nation & Chris Hartman, CEO, Economic Development, Tsawwassen First Nation,
-Yousuf Ali, VP, Health Services, Senior team & Darren Larose, Manager, Business Development – First Nations Health
Authority,
-Chief Karen Ogen, Wet’suwet’en First Nation
-Chief Clem Seymour, Seabird Island Band, Chief Harvey Paul, Sts’ailes Band, along with the leaders of Chawatahil First Nation, Scowlitz Indian Band, Cheam First Nation and Shxw’ōwhámel First Nation will also address the group.
Also invited to speak at the forum:
-Francois Bertrand, Director, Business Development, HQ Vancouver,
“Developable land is becoming a scarce resource in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. The Agassiz/Harrison First Nations are looking for business opportunities from leasing land to full on partnerships in energy, natural resources, manufacturing and agriculture,” stated Brian Titus, Chief Executive Officer of the Sqéwqel Development Corporation, which promotes the economic development of Seabird Island. “Simply put, we want to do business. We feel that we have a lot to offer the business world, both locally and internationally.”
One of the highlights of the Business Forum will be a Fundraising Art Auction and Networking Social, set to take place on Day One from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event features First Nations art from Chief Seymour’s private collection. The proceeds of the auction will go toward building a new playground for the children of Seabird Island Band. Please check out the Business Forum website to view these exquisite pieces of art.
There are sponsorship opportunities available for those businesses which would like to expand their network and make connections that can lead to new business opportunities.
Conference registration includes lunches, nutrition breaks, Art Auction & Networking Social, access to all presentations and a delegate bag.
When building relationships with First Nation partners there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. The Agassiz/Harrison Area First Nations Business Forum is a must-attend event for all businesses that recognize the economic and social value of forming partnerships with First Nations communities.
For full Business Forum details, please check out the official website: www.agassizharrisonfirstnationsbusinessforum.ca.
For further information on the Sqéwqel Development Corporation, check out: www.Sqéwqel.ca.
