National Aboriginal Opportunities Conference launches today in Prince Rupert

Three days of networking opportunities for First Nations businesses and community leaders will be in motion today as the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference opens at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.

Today is given over to registration and hospitality events planned for this evening as delegates begin to make their way to the city.

The event which runs through until Thursday will feature over 500 delegates, with all day sessions set for Wednesday and Thursday.

Day 1 features a range of activities and information opportunities for delegates to take advantage of starting with the opening remarks for the Conference tomorrow which will feature Chief Harold Leighton, Mayor Garry Reece and Mayor Lee Brain providing the welcoming notes to those attending the conference.

From there Day one features information sessions related to the Tslihqot'in Decision, Updates on the 6 major LNG projects proposed for the Northwest as well as an address from Port of Prince Rupert CEO Don Krusel who will outline the future vision for the Port.

Both Metklaktla and Lax Kw'alaams will bring the official items of Day one to an end, hosting an information session outlining the economic progress and capacity building for their communities.

The National Aboriginal Business
Opportunities Conference is taking place
at two locations in Prince Rupert this week

Delegates will return to the Civic Centre from 5 to 7 for a Hospitality Event to bring Day one to an
end.

Day Two provides for one on one delegate meetings and a visit to the accompanying trade show at the Civic Centre. That event features over 84 exhibitors ready to provide more background on what they have to offer and to answer any number of questions from delegates.

For those that are inclined there is also an opportunity to take part in the Charity Golf Tournament scheduled for Thursday morning.

There is also an optional tour of the Harbour area, with a focus on the sites of the proposed LNG developments for the region included on the tour.

Workshops however make up the bulk of the Day Two events, with a number of sessions planned for the North Coast Convention Centre at the Chances complex on First Avenue West.

Gordon Wilson the Provincial representative for the LNG-Buy BC Program hosts the opening session from 9:30-10:30 providing an overview on the LNG opportunities as well as other natural resources projects.

Bill Boyte representing the Provincial Employer's Advisers Office, will discuss workplace health and safety programs, his session runs from 10:45-11:45 AM

The Keynote address for the two day conference comes up on Thursday afternoon, as Dan George the President and CEO of Four Directions Management Services shares his experiences of working to forward the interests of Canada's aboriginal peoples.

Workshops three and four bring the official portion of Day two to an end as Project Financing and Leasing opportunities get a review from 1:45 to 2:45 PM, while delegates can learn more about the Aboriginal Construction Craft Worker Foundation Program from 2:45 to 3:45 PM.

The conference comes to an end with the Banquet Dinner at the North Coast Convention Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 followed by an evening of entertainment at the Lester Centre until Midnight.

None of the events are open to the public, with only delegates and participants in the Trade Show and discussion sessions allowed access to the three days of conference events.

You can learn more about the conference from this overview from the event organizers.

NOTE:  CFNR is streaming live the events of the conference, you can view their feed here.