Entrepreneurship is a form of reconciliation in action. Starting and running a business is within reach for motivated and hard-working members.
In fact, First Nations entrepreneurship has been thriving for centuries, with a long history of economic activity in BC. Everything from prosperous fisheries to international trade forms the backdrop to First Nations business practices.
Here is a simple five-step process for members who want to start a business.
Step 1: Business Planning Starting and running a business can be seen as a project with multiple phases. Initially, you must research the product or service offering, who might want it, and why. Budgeting is also essential to ensure sufficient funds are available for starting and expanding the business. The result of this phase is a business plan document that others can review.
Step 2: Business FinancingA practical way to start here is to contact the band office to see which types of funding are available. Members may also contact First Nations financial institutions, the Business Development Bank of Canada, or Community Futures to explore potential financing options.
Step 3: Business RegistrationThis step refers to the nuts and bolts of registering a business name, acquiring permits (business licenses, food service permits, etc.), and choosing a location if required.
Step 4: Business Operations The two main pieces here are to set up physical operations, including furnishings, equipment, and staff (if required), and to start sales and marketing activities, including branding, website creation, marketing communications, and networking. Keep in mind that the most important activity is to acquire, keep and grow the customer base to sustain the business.
Step 5: Business Launch At the end of all the preparation and hard work, it’s time to have a celebration and grand opening!
After the launch event, the owner(s) should plan to make sales and marketing their main priority, and if it isn’t a strength, to surround themselves with the right people and resources that can help. Customers are everything to a business; without them, the enterprise ceases to exist.
AdministrationBusinesses that have employees have ongoing requirements relating to safety, payroll, and more. Priority number one is for employees to be safe on the job, so check any Worksafe BC requirements. Workers will need to be paid, with proper deductions applied. Contact the local band office with any questions about taxation.
Support First Nations and their BusinessesWhether or not yours is a First Nations business, there are elements to consider around decolonization. The way you set up and run your business can help or hinder reconciliation processes. The land you occupy, the vendors you use, and how you run your company all play a part in uplifting First Nations businesses. Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee of the Squamish Nation outlines the role of entrepreneurship in decolonization in her Small Business BC article, and it’s worth a read for all business owners.
Next Steps Gitga’at members interested in starting and running a business will need access to resources and people who can help. In the beginning, forming the right partnerships and making the right contacts can set one up with a strong foundation for success. You can find some business resources here to help you get started.

First Nations communities are developing unique partnerships around BC to grow their economies. Creativity and collaboration are key to their success. For thousands of years, First Nations practiced trade to create opportunity. Today, economic growth represents a form of reconciliation in action, providing business and employment opportunities for members and, in some cases, funds to help the community grow.
Achieving economic development goals is not a given. It requires a lot of work from many people to go from concept to reality.
Currently, First Nations communities and individuals are bringing their values, culture, and knowledge to the table to create strong communities and independence through economic development.
First Nations Economic Development Beyond basic needs such as adequate food and shelter, healthcare, education, and community programming, economic development provides a way to generate wealth for future generations by making and saving money, growing businesses and providing employment opportunities.
First Nations' economic development often happens at the community level. This means that business opportunities are not pursued only for profit and should consider the realities of the community members where the development occurs. From this lens, business opportunities may be characterized by local or community ownership rather than private ownership.
Given that the business is community-owned, local people will get hired. As a result of a local workforce, profits will flow back into the community for its benefit rather than a private individual. Community control and benefit are two key features of economic development.
Economic Development on the Ground Economic development is the work of many people. It cannot be done solely by one individual or part of an administration office. Successful outcomes require assistance and buy-in from those in leadership and administration, business professionals and entrepreneurs, and clients and customers. Everyone must be on the same page for economic development to bear fruit.
Evaluating opportunities is a key part of economic development. Any proposals must align with the traditional culture, values and resource management practices of First Nations such as GFN. GDC seeks opportunities which acknowledge the Nation's traditions and territory but leaves the door open for collaboration with other stakeholders in science, business and other fields.
GDC: The Economic Development Arm of GFNWhen it comes to economic development, everyone has a role to play, and local traditions and culture must be taken into account when considering opportunities. GDC business practices follow the best interests of the community.
To learn more about Gitga'at Development Corporation, our partnerships, and our projects, please visit the GDC website.

Creating a great workplace in today’s era requires being aware of many different types of people. The reason is that talented people come from all kinds of backgrounds. For a workplace to be inclusive, it must provide an environment that welcomes employees of multiple backgrounds and viewpoints.
Here are a few ways to create an inclusive workplace culture:
Create Safe SpacesDiverse workplaces require spaces for everyone, including those who may identify differently than others. Dedicated areas where people feel safe can help foster an inclusive culture. It can help to name or label the space with messaging that supports a diverse culture. Use Inclusive LanguageWords and language choice matter and will definitely contribute to a feeling of inclusivity. Wherever possible, ensure that language across all communication channels reflects the organization’s beliefs about diversity. Be Open to Employee FeedbackThe idea of inclusion is all about perception, so being open to hearing about people’s experiences in the workplace is essential. Regularly gather feedback from team members about how they feel diversity efforts are going in the workplace. Celebrate Different Types of Holidays and EventsNot everyone celebrates the same holidays. Employers can build a more inclusive workplace by acknowledging different types of holidays. Provide Diversity Training for EveryoneUnderstanding diversity does not necessarily come naturally to all people. In some cases, training may be required to increase empathy. Create a Diversity Training GroupMaintaining any changes may necessitate having a dedicated group responsible for ensuring that diversity initiatives remain on track. Put a Cultural Safety Framework in PlaceRecognizing and striving to address inherent power imbalances is based on respectful engagement. A workplace should be an environment free of racism and discrimination where people can feel safe. Create a Non-Discrimination PolicyHaving formal policies in place can help to have a rule book that you can consult in the event of discrimination. Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)ERGs can bring diversity training to life as peers can train each other and ensure everyone maintains an environment that welcomes diversity. Build Mentorship ProgramsAll types of employees can benefit from mentorship around key topics, and diversity is no exception. Your Workplace Should Welcome EveryoneThere are many ways to build a diverse workplace. Creating a work culture where everyone feels valued leads to a vibrant and friendly place to work—something everyone wants