A Conversation That Matters with Dallas Smith

Episode 43 Dallas Smith

A new model of First Nations engagement

This week’s Conversation That Matters features Dallas Smith the Board President of the Nanwakolas Council - a council of seven first nations on northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast. Formed in 2007, the council serves to speak as one voice in its relations with governments and business partners.

Mr. Smith says the Tsilhqot’in decision, “brings little justice, what it brings is the possibility of opportunity but it hasn’t done anything to really make communities a better place to live.”

He goes on to say relationship building within First Nations and with all others is fundamentally important. The Nanwakolas Council is making it easier to do business with First Nations, Mr. Smith says, “we’ve created a land use vision that all of our nations in council agree upon.” He says this benefits First Nations, governments and industry because they speak as one voice and put certainty in land use decisions.

Join veteran Broadcaster Stuart McNish for this important and engaging Conversation that Matters. on The Vancouver Sun website. Each week McNish explores the most important issues shaping the future of B.C.  Please become a subscriber and support the production of the program at www.conversationsthatmatter.tv