Aboriginal Business Conference Underway in Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert is playing host to the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference this week, the opening session getting underway this morning at 8:30 with events planned through until April 18th.

This marks the third year that Prince Rupert has hosted the gathering, which seems to grow in attendance with each year.

The North Coast Convention Centre is playing host to the event which features over 280 participants and offers an opportunity to learn more about development on the North Coast.

Beyond the networking opportunities the sessions offer up First Nations the possibility to create joint ventures, partnerships and long-lasting business relationships.

On the Agenda for the first day of the conference are a wide range of activities and sessions.

Tuesday

Following the opening remarks from Chief Harold Leighton, Mayor Gary Reece and Mayor Jack Mussallem.

An Update on development plans for the Port of Prince Rupert which includes a Moderate panel will be the first item of the event.

A review of the Northwest Transmission Line, a Keynote Luncheon Speech on how to raise Private Capital from Global Markets rounds out the morning session for Tuesday.

A most anticipated review of the Future of LNG projects in BC will take up most of the afternoon session of day one, while a discussion on Major Project and Community Infrastructure Financing wraps up the first day of official business.

The evening is turned over to a Hospitality event at the Port of Prince Rupert's Interpretive Centre from 5 to 7 PM.

Wednesday

The events for Day number two feature a session on Best Practices - the Acquisition/Repatriation of Crown Land by First Nations, that will be followed by a session dedicated to the Future of Renewable Energy Projects in British Columbia. The Wednesday morning sessions wrap up with a look at Employment and Training Initiatives.

The keynote speaker for Wednesday's luncheon will be Laurie Sterritt, President of First Resources Impact Ventures, who will provide "The Vision of First Resources Impact Ventures"

The afternoon session kicks off on Wednesday with a look at the future of mining projects in BC. While the final session of the day features a discussion on the vision for their territories from Six of the regional First Nations, featuring participation from the Haida Nation, Tahltan Nation, Tsimshian Nation, Haisla Nation, Nisga'a Nation and Gitxsan Nation.

The first of two evening events takes place Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM at the Crest sponsored by Aboriginal Marketplace,  the final event of Wednesday is a Banquet and Dinner featuring entertainment from Comedian Ryan McMahon and Musician George Leach.


Thursday

The final day's events are more of a social nature, with participants able to take advantage of a Charity Golf tournament, Harbour Tour, and a tour of Ridley Terminals.

You can review the official agenda of events from the conference website.

CFNR radio is broadcasting the proceedings  by way of streaming audio, for those that may wish to listen in to the variety of sessions taking place. You can access that live video stream here. (left hand side of the website, below the CNFR logo)

Media overage of the three day conference can be found below:

Northern View-- Port Partners looking to a bright future in Prince Rupert (video)
Northern View-- Aboriginal business conference in Prince Rupert an international affair