Work and share the message of the meeting

Two hundred and sixty-five delegates attended the National Aboriginal Business Conference hosted by the Osoyoos Indian Band Sept. 14 and 15. The focus of the conference was networking and discussions around joint ventures.

Case studies and examples of joint ventures were presented in a panel-style format during the two-day event. Representatives of resource development companies presented examples of successful, and unsuccessful, venture proposals.

Panelists gave their perspectives on future initiatives, success stories and shared examples of the difficulties in working in their specific industries.

They also presented ways that partnerships can benefit if people work to share their expertise.

Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Band welcomed the delegates to the conference. He shared his frustration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the hoops they make each First Nation jump through to succeed.
He too challenged First Nation communities to share with each other and beat INAC’s divide and conquer approach that continues to work against First Nations’ economic progress.

The conference was staged at the Spirit-Ridge Hotel and Resort, a partnership venture between the Osoyoos Band and Bell Star Group. The resort is located in the scenic south Okanagan Valley.
The Osoyoos band is renowned for the economic impact it is making in the region.

Chief Louie said Aboriginal people have historically worked hard and shared resources with neighboring groups.

He said the key to economic success is the speed at which nations have to operate, and that is the speed of business.

He was optimistic about the future of First Nations, who Louie said had moved out of their great depression period. In the Great Depression of the 1930s, the unemployment rate was as high as 30 per cent. First Nations communities struggle with 50 per cent or higher unemployment, Louie noted.

As part of the conference a charity golf tournament was hosted and entertainment was provided by comedian Howie Miller, raising $8,000 for the Osoyoos Indian Band youth centre.