An informal group known as the Prince Rupert Stakeholders traveled to Metlakatla last week, to share ideas and learn more about what the Metlakatla Band Council has planned for their territory for the present and near future.
The Daily News provided a synopsis of the day’s events and how the information sharing sessions progressed.
STAKEHOLDERS GATHER IN METLAKATLA\
The Daily News
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Pages one and two
Last week, the Metlakatla Band Council welcomed and hosted the Prince Rupert Stakeholders monthly meeting in Metlakatla.
Metlakatla extended the invitation as a means to build positive relations with the Prince Rupert service providers and to update the group on the current activities of the Metlakatla First Nation.
The stakeholders represent an informal group of Prince Rupert and region service providers and local politicians who meet to share information in order to reduce possible duplication of programs and services as well as to create partnerships within the communities.
The Metlakatla venue provided an opportunity for each of the participating organizations to meet the Metlakatla Band Council and administrative executives.
“It was excellent. We were well hosted, fed a fabulous meal ... some people had never been to Metlakatla and they were absolutely blown away,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.
Each participant shared with the group their respective organization’s current affairs and further expressed openness for greater Metlakatla participation.
Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor of Metlakatla, spoke briefly on a few of the Nation’s activities.
He described Metlakatla as being a proactive community, involved in a wide range of economic and political development activities.
The federal Conservatives have recently committed $30 million toward preserving the integrity of B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest. A part of this funding is earmarked for economic development for the Coastal First Nations. By way of the Turning Point Initiative, Metlakatla will directly benefit from capacity building support and funding for sustainable economic development projects.
In his final comments, Leighton explained Metlakatla involvement in the treaty process, implementation of marine and land use plans conducted with the Province of British Columbia and activities of the Metlakatla Development Corporation that will have an impact on the region. As such, relationships with neighbors are important. The overall message shared by Leighton was Metlakatla is a willing partner open to positive business and service-provider relationships.
Maynard Angus, representing Community Futures Development Corporation closed the meeting with a recommendation for continued dialogue between the organizations where both the service providers and the communities can benefit from each other. As well, he encouraged ongoing participation with the Metlakatla First Nation.
“We (Leighton and I) talked about how it would be good for Prince Rupert city council to come out when their council is having a meeting and continue the dialogue,” said Pond.
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