New Relationship Trust

Port Hardy


Voices from the Central Coast, BC.

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The New Relationship Trust Enagement in Port Hardy saw lively discussion in a number of areas such as management and disbursement of the fund, and the need for capacity building in the area's Nations.

Particular attention was paid to the inherent problems of an RFP (Request For Proposals) process for disbursing funds. In particular, issues were raised about how this approach favours Nations who already have resources and capacity, and leaves the smaller and poorer Nations without. Later discussion focussed on the unique priorities and challenges facing central-coast First Nations, such as the lack of a land base and resource-sharing agreements. Critisim was leveled from a number of attendees for the lack of a long-term financial commitment from government. Priorities identified at this meeting primarily consisted of economic development, internal capacity building, language and culture, and land management. Attendees at the meeting represented three local Nations, as well as representatives from the outlying nations of Nuxalk (Bella-Coola), Heiltsuk (Bella-Bella) and Oweekeno who flew in for the meeting.

For the third time in four engagements, a main topic of discussion revolved around how the Trust will evaluate where the funds are needed the most, and the standard RFP process was singled out for criticism (note that the Trust has not settled on an application or evaluation criteria). Attendees pointed out that such a process favors Nations that already have the capacity to write proposals and plans, and leaves smaller and poorer Nations out - ultimately resulting in money going to the wealthier Nations and not getting to where it is needed. When pressed for ideas, there was some consensus that a more personal approach that involved a person or team visiting a community to make a decision would be better. Another suggestion put forward was a two-tier approach that would allow for proposals from Nations with capacity, as well as provide on-hand support for Nations without.

Economic development surfaced again as a top priority at this engagement, with attendees citing high unemployment rates, failed ventures, lack of infrastructure, and lack of land resources as top challenges. One representative pointed out the lack of reserve land base in central coastal First Nations as a unique challenge, and the lack of fruitful relationships with government and industry as a major barrier. All in attendance agreed that more capacity is needed in their First Nations to forge new deals and build stronger economies in their communities.

A key message that came through at the Port Hardy meeting was that the 100 million dollars in trust is actually very little money when spread around all of BC's First Nations. Representatives from Bella-Bella came armed with their 15-year plan to bring their Nation up to equal Canadian socio-economic standards. Their plan, which was created in 2004, has a budget of 500 million dollars to reach all their objectives. The point was made by these representatives that the trust can realistically only provide a small amount of what they need, and Bella-Bella is one Nation out of 196 bands across BC. Other Nation representatives put forward their desire to see a long-term financial commitment, and all agreed that more money is needed for sustainable change in communities.

Concerns about future Board representation was also raised by people at this meeting, a concern that has been shared at every meeting.

The meeting in Port Hardy featured frank discussions from representatives from Campbell River to Bella-Coola, and in general consensus was reached that economic development and capacity development are the top priorities for the First Nations in this area.

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Quotes


"For the last 30 years we have been encouraging our children to go and get educated and come back and work for us... and then they come home and there is nothing... we don't have the financial resources to hire them." - campbell river council rep.

"The problem I have with proposal driven processes is the nations with the capacity already get the money, and those without still don't get the money.... you have to look at giving everyone the [support] hire someone to go to a community" - local band council member

"... go in and get to know the first nation a bit... and find out what that band needs for capacity development ... [the lack of capacity] is killing us right now." - Economic dev. rep.

"have money set aside for the smaller/poorer bands who don't have the capacity to respond" - economic dev rep.

"the people with the least resources will suffer the most under this kind of [request for proposals] system." - Council member, Fort Rupert

"a lot of the time we get things just up and running and then the money is gone. Then what are we left with? A bunch of ideas that are going nowhere." - Fort Rupert member

"consider a core fund established so all nations will have a couple of hundred thousand distributed at least." - Nuxalk rep.

"they are giving us 100 million, that is nothing [split up amongst all the nations].... what we need to do is ask for more."

"we don't want to prolong the agony of continued bailouts for our businesses." - Heiltsuk rep.

"we have done our homework and are ready to roll." - Heiltsuk rep.