A new report outlines a transformative vision for the future of the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), calling for First Nations to be equal partners in regional economic governance across Vancouver Island and the coastal mainland, including the Sunshine Coast.
Commissioned by the B.C. government and ICET, the First Nations Strategic Recommendations Report by Sanala Planning is the result of a year-long Indigenous-led engagement process with 53 First Nations.
The report proposes a co-governance model that would permanently finance and restructure ICET to include First Nations in decision-making roles.
“This is a historic opportunity for First Nations and local governments to come together to create meaningful, lasting impacts across the region and begin to build an economy of wellbeing,” said Jessie Hemphill, CEO of Sanala Planning, in the report.
In the key recommendations is a call to amend ICET’s founding legislation to allow each First Nation in the service region to appoint a representative to Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). Currently, only local governments and MLAs are eligible to serve.
The report notes that 100 per cent of the 33 First Nations who participated in dialogue expressed interest in appointing a representative to a RAC.
The Sunshine Coast is directly involved in this proposed transformation, as shíshálh Nation was among the First Nations invited to participate.
The report emphasizes that co-governance must reflect the diversity of governance systems, including hereditary leadership and modern treaty governments, and that First Nations must self-determine their representatives.
The report also calls for the creation of additional RACs to accommodate the growing number of stakeholders — 53 First Nations, 35 local governments, and 10 MLAs — arguing that the current structure of two RACs is “not seen as practical or conducive to effective co-governance.”
ICET, which has invested $67 million in economic development projects since its inception in 2006, currently operates with a budget limited to $2 million annually for the entire region, and is declining year-over-year without new investment, the report notes.
First Nations identified over $660 million in eligible projects, including infrastructure, tourism, and green energy initiatives.
The report estimates it would take 33 years for ICET to provide just 10 per cent equity contributions to these projects with current funding levels.
In a statement accompanying the release, Sayaač̓atḥ John Jack, vice chair of ICET, Chief Councillor of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, chair of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, said, “We’re focused on developing a shared plan among First Nations, local governments, and the Province to transform the Trust into an impactful and co-governed institution that will be a catalyst for sustainable development for generations to come.”
The report concludes with a call to action for the province to remove legislative funding caps and commit to long-term investment, aligning with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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