Tsawwassen First Nation seeks future business relationships

November 21, 2007

Tsawwassen First Nation Looking for Strong Business Partnerships

DELTA, BC (November 21, 2007) “Keep Tsawwassen First Nation in mind for future business opportunities,” said Chief Kim Baird of the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) at Delta Chamber of Commerce’s networking luncheon on Wednesday, November 23. As guest speaker, Ms. Baird reviewed the treaty process but spoke mostly about the exciting new challenges TFN faces as it becomes a self-governing people. She also expressed appreciation to the Delta Chamber for being a major ally during the treaty process. Tsawwassen First Nation ratified its treaty on July 25 and the provincial government ratified it on November 7. It has yet to be approved by the federal government.

TFN is developing a vision and mission for its community as well as an Official Community Plan. During the transition towards becoming self-government, Ms. Baird stressed the importance of constructive dialogue within her community as well as with their neighbours, such as Delta’s business community, the Chamber of Commerce and Metro Vancouver.

“We need strong partnerships,” she said. “Our goal is to achieve socio-economic parity with our neighbours.” Tsawwassen First Nations’ traditional territory is located on the foreshore near Deltaport and the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, a prime location for agricultural and port-related opportunities as well as for entrepreneurs and small business.

“The future is bright for our people and for Delta,” she said. “Our plan is to become increasingly engaged in the regional economy by becoming active consumers and entrepreneurs. Keep us in mind for future business opportunities.”

Maria DeVries, president of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, has been helping the Delta Chamber to forge a working relationship with the Tsawwassen First Nation since 2000. “It’s important that we continue to work together to reinforce our relationship,” she said. “We look forward to assisting and exploring the economic benefits for Tsawwassen First Nation and for Delta.”

About 90 people attended the networking luncheon at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on November 21.

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For more information, contact:
Maria DeVries, president
Delta Chamber of Commerce
Tel. 604.946.4232