Two hundred delegates have signed up for the 2011 National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference, which is taking place in Prince Rupert on April 12.
The delegates are from a variety of First Nations and private businesses from all over the province, and the organizers say they’re expecting more potential delegates than the conference will have room for.
The Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations are the official hosts of the conference, which will consist of the three days of workshops, dinners and speeches with the goal of fostering partnerships between First Nations and private enterprise.
According to the organizers most of the First Nations from northwest B.C. have a delegate, such as the Haisla and Kitsumkalum. There are also delegates from large corporations coming to the conference as well, including Syntaris Energy, which focuses on clean energy initiatives and has a purchasing agreement with B.C. Hydro;
Another outside company coming to the conference is Black Diamond Group, a business that makes and runs modular housing units for workers operating in remote locations. The B.C. Mining Association will be present as well as representatives from most of the major banks.
There are also delegates from companies who already operate inside of the city, such as Island Tug and Barge
Ltd.
The organizers are also planning a charity golf tournament for April 14, the day the co0nference will end. Participation in the tournament is open to local golfers and business.
All the proceeds will be going to the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams youth centre.