Realizing the True Value of Aboriginal Partnerships

GLOBE-Net, November 8, 2013

As one of the youngest and fastest growing business segments in North America, Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs are poised to play a crucial role in economic growth over the next decade. Today more than ever forging resource development agreements that reflect Aboriginal interests are becoming a business imperative – not just an option.  

Hundreds of billions of dollars of commercial land-based and resource development projects have already been identified in close proximity to Aboriginal communities. But securing the social license to operate in areas where Aboriginal interests exist necessitates going far beyond regulatory and legal requirements. It not only requires a totally different engagement approach, but a fundamental rethink about doing business with Aboriginals. 

In a dynamic series of sessions aimed at expanding these partnerships, GLOBE 2014 will offer insights and strategies for harnessing the mutually inclusive ‘Aboriginal Advantage’. The biennial conference series returns to Vancouver, Canada from March 26-28, 2014. 

“As we experience profound transformations in today’s economy and demography, it is more vital than ever to build strategic alliances between Aboriginal communities and companies in order to ensure future economic success,” says Dr. John Wiebe, President and CEO of the GLOBE Foundation.

“GLOBE attendees will have the opportunity to engage with those key players involved in this new reality, who can share insights and practical strategies for unlocking the potential of electricity, mining, pipeline, forest products and transmission ventures,” he added.

“At GLOBE 2014, we’ll focus on the immense economic potential inherent in these partnerships, including new markets and a previously underutilized labour force. Moreover, we’ll explore the ultimate bottom line: reflecting Aboriginal interests just makes good business sense.”

Chris Henderson, Senior Advisor to the GLOBE Foundation, and author of the recently published book, Aboriginal Power,  says, “Aboriginal communities are open to becoming full partners in sustainable enterprises in a diverse array of sectors from renewable energy, mining, oil and gas, transport, tourism and agriculture provided the environment is also protected.”

“The dialogue between industry, Aboriginal communities and governments needs to move from generalities to specific commercial opportunities and partnerships,” Henderson added.  “GLOBE 2014 brings that focus through the Aboriginal Advantage sessions.”

At the forefront of these sessions will also be a discussion of the nation-building opportunities inherent in recognizing Aboriginal Power, both as it relates to energy generation opportunities on Aboriginal lands, as well as in so far as it relates to the growing power of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit leaders in corporate boardrooms. 

Snapshot of the conference:

As the world’s largest and longest-running conference series dedicated to the business of the environment, GLOBE 2014 will boast an impressive lineup of conference speakers, including globally-recognized thought leaders and environmental business experts.

The prestigious biennial event will also welcome more than 400 exhibitors from North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to its world-renowned Trade Fair, where they will showcase the latest in green, clean technologies, innovations, and services.  

For the Aboriginal Advantage Theme, individual sessions will take place addressing such issues as go-forward agreements that meet Aboriginal and business expectations, and the growing power of First Nation, Metis and Inuit leaders in corporate boardrooms.