BC First Nations communities have relied on the lands, waters and resources in their traditional territories, as the primary economic driver for thousands of years. Today, many of the natural resources are rapidly depleting due to climate change, pollution, urbanization, natural and/or man-made disasters (i.e. mountain pine beetle infestation, oil spills). There are opportunities for First Nations to encourage and expand new and emerging economic and business developments to create sustainable communities without comprising their culture, heritage, or traditional territories. The challenge for BC First Nations communities is to identify these opportunities and develop viable economies, entrepreneurial initiatives and associated capacity.

To assist in meeting this challenge by enhancing economic investment and development, and increasing self-reliance and capacity, First Nations have called on the BC First Nations Leadership Council to facilitate the development of a BC First Nations Economic Development Action Plan.

The purposes of this First Nations-driven Action Plan are: to close key gaps that exist between First Nations and other British Columbians, including income and employment levels, and quality of life indicators; to create a climate to attract investment and generate wealth; and to foster relationships and create partnerships and opportunities for economic development. This Action Plan will achieve this purpose by setting out a collective vision, goals and principles, and concrete action items in each goal set out in this Action Plan.