A collaboration between First Nations, Canadian private industry, government and the University of Victoria has been singled out for an international award.
The Northwest Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs, a program assisting people in northwestern B.C. First Nations communities, took the Global Best Award at a ceremony this month in Oslo, Norway. The award celebrates outstanding partnerships that have a significant impact on the communities in which they operate.
The award is handed out by a body called the International Business Education Network in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada.
Northwest Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs was formed in collaboration with Tribal Resources Investment Corp., UVic’s Gustavson School of Business, industry, government and First Nations communities in northwest B.C., including Haida Gwaii. Its aim is to help First Nations people achieve business success.
Since 2013, 116 students have graduated and started 23 businesses. Forty-eight more are in the final stages of development. Business ideas have included a First Nations community newspaper, a build-your-own cedar box store, a house-painting business and a construction firm putting up small houses.
