The Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their generous support of the inaugural Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference 2017. From Feb. 13-15, 400 delegates from across the Arctic gathered in Whitehorse, the shared traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, to meet and hear from more than 60 speakers and over 30 exhibitors. The support and active engagement contributed to a dynamic and informative program and exciting events that will continue to develop and advance northern economies and communities.
The conference examined the current resources and opportunities for Arctic Indigenous development corporations in the areas of natural resources (mining, energy, oil and gas and agriculture), tourism and culture, technology and innovation and business and investment. Delegates met to discuss the different paths available, the differences between sectors and how they might be developed through appropriate oversight and investment to support relationships and set the foundation for potential partnerships.
Thank you to our partner, the Yukon First Nation Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCTA), for highlighting the diverse Arctic tourism and culture sector that is rapidly expanding in Canada. It was great to hear from keynotes, entrepreneurs and our youth who are all engaged and excited in their business ventures and communities. AIIC 2017 was also honoured to work with YFNCTA to showcase Northern performers and artisans celebrating our culture and history.
AIIC was the largest gathering in the North of Indigenous development corporations, who all came together to participate in the economic summit dedicated to exploring the development of a Pan-Arctic Business Council. Attendees committed to work together in the coming months to establish a framework for the Pan-Arctic Business Council.
The Northern Aboriginal Business Association was invited by YFNCC to co-host the 2018 conference in Yellowknife next September.
Thank you to all of the delegates, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and partners for joining YFNCC at the first annual Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference and we look forward to your continued support of YFNCC and our initiatives.
Albert Drapeau,
Executive Director, YFNCC