Vancouver Board of Trade Announces Aboriginal Opportunities Committee

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Vancouver, April 4, 2011 - The Vancouver Board of Trade has established a committee in recognition of the growing importance that Aboriginal issues have on the economy of British Columbia and Canada. The Aboriginal Opportunities Committee’s (AOC) purpose is to "develop, monitor and influence policies and recommendations to promote Aboriginal economic development and self-sustainability as an important factor in Canada’s economic growth.”

The Board of Trade formed the committee to properly address the possible synergies between all communities as it is necessary to have an understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal peoples and how business may work together with them going forward. Thus the need for a Board Aboriginal Opportunities Committee to address these issues.

Calvin Helin, author, lawyer, entrepreneur, director of The Vancouver Board of Trade and chair of the AOC, noted, "There is a major paradigm shift taking place in Canada in relation to Aboriginal people, natural resources and economic development. It is simply prudent to recognize that reality and begin to work together to promote co-operation and wealth creation that everyone can benefit from. As well, with the greying population of the mainstream, engaging the rapidly growing young Aboriginal population in the workforce and economy will be critical to the future health and prosperity of Canada."

Tewanee Joseph, vice-chair of the AOC and former CEO of Four Host First Nations added, "As a legacy of the 2010 Winter Games, there is no better time to work with First Nations than now."

Other members of the AOC include:

Owen Anderson

Tyson Atleo

Caroline Durran (LOT student)

Lisa Ethans

Bruce Falstead

Chris Hartman

Grayden Hayward

Keith Henry

Zoe Ketchenson (LOT student)

Hilary Kilgour

Caroline Krause

Bernie Magnan

John Park

John Thompson

One of the first public activities of the AOC is the organization of the Aboriginal Opportunities Forum 2011: Cultivating Prosperity and Empowerment taking place April 7, at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Details of the event can be found at www.boardoftrade.com.

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DO NOT MISS THIS SPECIAL EVENT!

To register online click on event image.

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