In 2008 informal discussions began between the Nanwakolas Council, Vancouver Island Indigenous, community and business leaders, and representatives from the Province of BC. These discussions highlighted the importance of having the opportunity to share the success of Indigenous communities, governments, resource developers and business leaders working together. As a result a decision was made to create, the Aboriginal Peoples Resource Opportunities Conference. The event was hosted in 2009 at the Campbell River Indian Band’s meeting facility resulting in good support and strong interest in the vision. The success in 2009 led to the need to expand capacity, and the 2010 and 2011 Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conferences (IROC) were hosted at the Vancouver Island Convention Center in Nanaimo, BC.
Conference Chair
Dallas W. Smith
Conference Chair
President, Nanwakolas Council
Welcome Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, resource developers, businesses and Government representatives to the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference. We are excited to again host this First Nations-led conference with a focus on sharing success stories of First Nations, resource developers and the Government working together to advance positive projects. Since the launch of the original series conference, many successful partnerships now exist that are bringing significant benefits to First Nations, resource developers, businesses and all levels of Government. When First Nations communities are healthy and have opportunities, we all benefit. The conference lays the foundation for future partnerships and resulting benefits for First Nations and the resource sector.