Castlemain’s policy research team helped develop a centralized source of information to drive First Nations economic development in BC. Working at the direction of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council, we gathered data about First Nations communities, businesses and economic agreements for inclusion in the First Nations Economic Development Database – a tool envisioned to support Indigenous involvement and leadership in the Canadian economy.
The database offers the most extensive array of publicly accessible data related to First Nations economic development initiatives in Canada.
“The data highlights the change occurring in many First Nations communities as rights and title interests combine with higher educational attainment and economic development agreements to spur increased First Nation business formation, jobs and growth.”
– Vancouver Sun
Key Points
- Provided overall direction and strategic advice on the conceptual framework, database system requirements and data collection strategy
- Reported to a Steering Committee that represented the various interests involved
- Conducted primary and secondary research to gather data about all First Nations communities in the province
- Sought out and cultivated strategic partnerships that yielded relevant data for entry in the database
