China is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and Canadian First Nations want in on the action.
Aboriginal-China business partnerships was one of the topics of discussion Wednesday at the Saskatchewan Forum 2013 in Saskatoon.
David Porter, CEO of the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, says with China highly interested in Canada’s natural resources, many of which are located on Indigenous territories, it is vital First Nations form a relationship with the country.
“Those projects cannot be developed without the active partnership of First Nations,” he says. “So, I think that’s why it’s imperative that First Nations have a direct relationship with countries like China.”
He adds First Nations and China also have a lot in common when it comes to the protocols used in forming a business relationship.
The two-day forum was hosted by the Conference Board of Canada.