Aboriginal Opportunities Forum 2016 Presented by CN

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's sixth annual Aboriginal Opportunities Forum emphasizes and explores the critical relationship between aboriginal issues and economic development in B.C.

To help facilitate conversation and improve aboriginal relationships with the business community, the 2016 Aboriginal Opportunities Forum will focus on acknowledging our past, examining our present, and setting the path for a collaborative future. Speakers include some of the top experts on the subject from government, aboriginal and business backgrounds.

Opening Remarks:

The Honourable John Rustad
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Province of British Columbia

SESSION 1:

What Truth & Reconciliation Means for Business
With the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission now published, it falls to the people of Canada to take action on those recommendations. Section 92 of the report is the only section that is addressed to the private sector. This panel will aim to explore the private sector impacts of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's report while expanding on the role of industry in reconciliation.

Clint Davis, VP, Aboriginal Affairs, TD Bank Financial Group
Grand Chief Edward John (Akile Ch'oh)
Karen Joseph, CEO, Reconciliation Canada
The Honourable Gerry St. Germain P.C.
Moderator: Tewanee Joseph, CEO, Tewanee Consulting Group

SESSION 2:

The Business Case for Education
Canada's Aboriginal population is the fastest, youngest and strongest growing demographic. With over half the population under 27, it is both socially and economically important to find ways to provide economic opportunity for Aboriginal youth without compromising identity. This panel will explore the business case for supporting Aboriginal education as one of the keys to the future of Canada's economic success.

George E. Lafond
Roberta L. Jamieson, C.M., I.P.C., LL.B., LL.D. (Hon), President & CEO, Indspire, Executive Producer, Indspire Awards
Joanne Stone-Campbell, Iy'imelwit, Program Coordinator for Aboriginal Services, BCIT
Moderator: Jeannie Cranmer, Aboriginal Human Resources Specialist

SESSION 3:

Successful Partnerships: Looking through an economic development lens
Business plays an integral role in collaborative economic development. This panel will explore the lessons learned from successful partnerships across the country where business and aboriginal peoples have partnered together to create lasting improvements in our economy at the local, provincial, and national level.

Stewart Anderson, Manager, Indigenous Partnerships Community Investment, Vancity
Brent Ballingall, Senior Manager, Aboriginal Relations, CN
Darrell Beaulieu, CEO, Denendeh Investments Inc.
John Helin, Mayor, Lax Kw'alaams Band
Moderator: Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority