Economic

This question has many answers. Currently the K’ómoks Treaty Team is working on securing funding to set out a long-term plan to develop with the K’ómoks Members to ensure sustainability into the future.

All businesses will likely have to apply for a license from the K’ómoks administration and pay a fee, but this has not been decided. This is how local governments normally operate. The K’ómoks First Nation may own some businesses and private individuals will likely own their businesses. The details will be worked out when K’ómoks develops its own laws and has a process in place for licensing of businesses.

K’ómoks has been approached to lease lands for economic development opportunities. Chief and Council will do what is best for K’ómoks. We do need to develop an economic development plan, based on the CCP, and to ensure there is community input into the plan.

We are not required to bring in a profit from our businesses to support the delivery of programs and services. If our businesses do not make a profit, the programs and services will continue. That is what happens now, and this will not change. Every member, as a resident of the province and a citizen of Canada, has a right to receive universal social programs (Education, Health and Social Assistance). These will always be there, as long as these programs exist.

The treaty does not give away rights. The treaty clarifies rights and ensures they have constitutional protection. It also provides a much broader from of self-government. Our small businesses are doing well. The Art Gallery, the RV Camp, the forestry operations and Pentlatch are all successful ventures. Our Joint Ventures with Uplands and Domcor are also successful. The treaty will provide us with more resources and more opportunities. All of the additional lands and resources will provide additional economic opportunities.

Employment of KFN members is a high priority for the K’ómoks government. Investment in such things as education, job training and Ec. Dev. opportunities will provide employment for KFN members (like J.V’s). As a result of the John Hart Impact Benefit Agreement we have set up a small trust account for education and training, and our JV partners are required to hire K’ómoks members. As part of treaty, we will add to the trust account. This will be for members living on and K’ómoks Lands so they can have training opportunities that are not covered by other sources of funds.

Joint Ventures are usually for Economic Development purposes. Through our Joint Ventures we receive a share of profits, gain employment and participate in the management of the venture. So, we receive the benefits of economic development, and avoid risk and requirements of capital investment by creating joint ventures.

The K’ómoks Administration and the Treaty team have heard this important issue and are developing a strategic plan for economic development. This plan is funded through TRM’s for the 2013-2015 fiscal years. It is to be developed with community consultation. There has already been some consultation on this matter through the Comprehensive Community Plan.