The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is launching a new Centre of Excellence in First Nations Economic Development to help advance the role of First Nations in B.C.'s inclusive economy and to work toward true and lasting reconciliation.

The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is launching a new Centre of Excellence in First Nations Economic Development to help advance the role of First Nations in B.C.'s inclusive economy and to work toward true and lasting reconciliation.

As part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan, the Province is providing more than $1.2 million to the Assembly this year to launch the centre.

It will increase the capacity of First Nations in B.C. to engage in economic priorities and initiatives highlighted in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, distribute best practices and policy papers about economic development to First Nations, and provide consulting services on opportunities such as joint ventures and impact benefit agreements.

The centre will support First Nations to determine and implement their economic development goals, priorities and strategies.

The First Nations-led centre will employ approximately six people this year, with plans to grow in the coming years.