Special Projects | New Relationship Trust First Nations BC
Special Projects
West Coast Energy Fund
About the West Coast Energy Fund
The West Coast Energy Fund (WCEF) was created in partnership between Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – Strategic Partnerships Initiative and the New Relationship Trust (NRT). It will be delivered by our BC Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) partners.
The WCEF is a $5 million capital fund that is available to support small to large sized Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Non-Status) entrepreneurial and Community businesses based in British Columbia (BC). The WCEF will support businesses that are related to oil and gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, either directly or indirectly, through supply chain procurement opportunities. This includes exploration, pipeline build outs and plant developments, and other opportunities to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Procurement for purposes of the WCEF is any business opportunity that provides either products or services in support of, or directly to, the development of oil and gas and LNG.
BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
About the BCICEI
The New Relationship Trust will implement the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to provide support and capacity-building funds to Indigenous communities working on the development of clean energy projects. The initiative will provide support for the planning and implementation of clean energy projects, such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, marine, or geothermal projects. BCICEI will also target energy efficiency projects, and energy storage, as well as assist some remote communities in reducing dependency on conventional diesel power generation.
Economic Development Support Team
About the EDST
The EDST, consisting of Aboriginal business specialists, provides advisory and support services to First Nations in BC. Allowing them to take the “next steps” regarding complex business decisions. Support and advice are tailored to the specific needs of each community.
Aboriginal Labour Market Community Navigator Initiative
About Navigators
New Relationship Trust, in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), is pleased to announce the Aboriginal Labour Market Community Navigator initiative.
Seven Community Navigators will be working directly at the community level in BC to link skills training directly with industry employment opportunities emerging in BC’s resource sector. For First Nations people to be successful in entering the workforce, it will be imperative that they have the capacities and the tools in place to gain quick and efficient access to necessary training and employment services.
Through partnerships with local governments, industry, training providers (Aboriginal Skills Employment Training Strategy, WorkBC, Colleges, etc.), and the First Nation communities themselves, our goal is to increase First Nations awareness and expedite the process of matching community needs, skills training programs, and LNG employment opportunities.
Young Entrepreneurs Symposium (YES)
The Young Entrepreneurs Symposium (YES) brings young Aboriginal entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-to-be together with business leaders and role models to help them build the skills, knowledge and networks they need to be the business leaders of tomorrow.
The three-day event is challenge-based. Teams of delegates participate in a series of competitions designed to help build skills and gain valuable business knowledge. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
Delegates have ample opportunity to mingle with First Nation, Canadian and international business leaders and role models in a setting that provides an optimum mix of mentoring, networking, competition, and fun.
