Two Cariboo communities, with a population of less than 20 thousand, were rewarded for their efforts by the BC Economic Development Association.
During the BC Economic Summit that was held in Penticton earlier this week, Williams Lake First Nation and District of 100 Mile House, were recognized for their work in supporting their local economies and making a meaningful difference in their communities.
WLFN received the Economic Reconciliation Award for Sugar Cane Cannabis which Chief Willie Sellars said they didn’t expect to win but were super stoked when they did.
“Anytime that we get awarded for the hard work that our team puts in it’s something special and not understated by the Chief and Council at WLFN. There’s a lot of pride there that comes to the community in regard to Sugar Cane Cannabis. It really is a showcase of how great of a staff we have and how great of a team we have here at WLFN.”
During the BC Economic Summit Sellars said he was speaking on Economic Development Corporations.
“Anytime we can talk about the good things that we’re doing and help break the mold of people’s perception of Indigenous Communities and give them insight on how to work collaboratively with us, we want to take those opportunities. The quicker that we participate in this education discussion the quicker that we’re going to achieve Reconciliation and bring that balance back into our region,” Sellars said.
The District of 100 Mile House was given the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Award for The Path Forward-Navigating Unexpected Job Loss.
This category includes submissions for programs, activities, and projects that represent a successful recovery initiative from natural and man-made disasters, including COVID-19, as well as submissions that represent replicable measures undertaken to promote long-term resiliency and/or sustainability from future disasters.