National Small Business Week launched here in Sechelt on Oct. 18 with the inaugural shíshálh Business Forum.
Hosted by shíshálh Nation, the forum brought out the business community and local government in full force. Business strategy and economic development networking were on the menu alongside 164 plates of wild sockeye salmon and wild elk prepared by CasPier Catering. The overflow crowd enjoyed themselves and the opportunity presented.
This event, co-sponsored by the Sechelt Nation and First Nations Employment Society (FNES), was an open invitation to the business community and local governments to enter into meaningful dialogue on the shifting political and economic landscape. More of these business meetings will be scheduled as the reality of the depth of the Supreme Court decision on Tsilqutin becomes part of the shíshálh Nation’s Sunshine Coast action plan for the future.
Keynote speaker Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell praised the initiative and the participants, as did David Carter of Regional Power and Shain Jackson of Spirit Works, who reinforced the importance of the key topics of the day, economic development and social health here on the Coast.
Jay Mearns, a representative for FNES, touched on the rapid growth rate within the Aboriginal community and the labour shortages and opportunities with major corporations such as Seaspan International.
Sechelt Nation Chief Calvin Craigan and Coun. Garry Feschuk, both reiterated that the shíshálh Nation is ready to move forward economically and that they see this new economic direction will be of mutual benefit to all Sunshine Coast members who can, by working together, benefit collectively as a whole community.
The next steps will involve a participants’ survey being sent out next week for feedback on the event, as well as feedback on industry expectations and communication processes.
shíshálh Nation chief and council look forward to continuing with relationship building, and prioritizing and implementing these economic initiatives related to business, training and employment.
