Do Partnerships with First Nations Work?
Coast Salish Territory - Vancouver Feb 27, 2010
It is no longer rhetoric. Anyone wanting to work on British Columbia's land base or in communities needs to understand the critical role that First Nations play not only in the success of their work, but also they recognize and act upon the moral obligation to reach out, support and come to know the rich heritage of these first peoples. Terasen Gas invested in the Aboriginal Tourism Association-how-ya exhibit at the Pan Pacific for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Why?
"At Terasen Gas, we are committed to building effective relationships with Aboriginal peoples in BC as they are one of our most important partners. Our relationship with First Nations began in a quiet way with an emphasis on building goodwill and a better understanding of each other. And it has evolved over time, coming to reflect our mutual social, economic and environmental values",said Doug Stout, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Terasen Gas. "These Games marked the first time in history that indigenous peoples were recognized by the International Olympic Committee as Official Partners and Games hosts. So, since BC has the largest number and greatest diversity of First Nations groups in all of Canada, this was a significant milestone and Terasen Gas was very proud to be able to support this important initiative.
"Terasen Gas' support enabled us to participate in a meaningful way during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games," explains Keith Henry, CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC). "Their support can be measured in terms of the overwhelming success that we have experienced from the extensive media coverage, to capacity building leading up to the Games, to on-the-job experience. It has been fabulous and we look forward to seeing the growing trend for cultural tourism experiences continuing to rise through 2012.
Terasen Gas is also part of a tourism project with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council called Ahp-cii-uk, “going the right way” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language. Ahp-cii-uk is a pilot project for social and economic development in First Nations. Its success provides a model that can be used and adapted throughout Canada. Terasen Gas worked with Ahp-cii-uk to revitalize the historic and renowned Walk the Wild Side trail with the Ahousaht First Nation on Flores Island, off the coast of Tofino. This 11-kilometre trail follows the coast of the Island and offers hikers and kayakers a chance to explore historical, spiritually significant, and beautiful beaches and vantage points.
Terasen Gas is also guided by several important principles for supporting and promoting a culturally sensitive and proactive workplace. Terasen Gas works closely with Aboriginal businesses, advising them of new opportunities and ways to access these opportunities. They also include Aboriginal businesses as potential suppliers, employ Aboriginal post-secondary students for the summer, and provide important skills training programs to ensure Aboriginal people have access to longer term employment opportunities at Terasen Gas.
Moreover, Terasen Gas has a successful, ongoing partnership with the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island. Terasen Gas sponsored Tribal Journeys 2008 which is a celebration of Pacific Northwest First Nations and Metis culture in support of Cowichan Tribes hosting the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, attracting visitors from across the continent. Additionally, when gas was first made available the Island, the Cowichan Tribes spent 15 years working on gas main extensions and installations for Terasen Gas in Victoria. Presently, they are in discussions exploring an opportunity for the Cowichan Tribes to supply bio-gas as well as having the Cowichan Tribes and the Chemainus First Nation invest in their new Mount Hayes natural gas storage facility.
For more information, please contact:
Paula Amos, Operations and Membership Coordinator
Local Phone: (604) 921-1070
Cell Phone: (604) 803-4494
Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-266-2822
Paula@AboriginalBC.com