Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development
Frank Parnell of the Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP) and Brent Mainprize of UVic’s Gustavson School of Business partner on the Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACE) program, which provides culturally sensitive and community-tailored business education in Indigenous communities across British Columbia. Since its inaugural class in 2013, more than 275 graduates from 26 Indigenous communities across BC have taken the ACE program, 72 business ventures have been launched and many more are in the planning stages.
National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCIED)
The NCIED focuses on independent and collaborative research, building capacity for economic development in Indigenous nations and their communities, and serving as a convenor of partnerships to sustain research and action. In collaboration with leaders from Indigenous governments, other governments and business, the NCIED’s goal is to advance Indigenous economic innovation and economic health throughout Canada, on a foundation of strong Indigenous government within a framework that reflects traditional knowledge and respect for Indigenous peoples and their cultures. (artwork: Richard Shorty)
Indigenous law program
Founded by two of Canada’s foremost Indigenous legal experts, John Borrows and Val Napoleon, UVic’s Indigenous law degree is the first of its kind in the world. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for leadership positions in Indigenous governance, federal and provincial government agencies, law firms that work with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous lands, and business enterprises.
In the news
- Indigenous law program launched
- Donation expands program for Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Experts gather at UVic on Indigenous rights and river treaty
- Co-op links community and career for Indigenous student
- Environmental pressures among the strongest drivers of economic self-sufficiency for First Nations (Canada's National Observer)