The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is pleased to announce that VIEA Chair, Dan Smith of the Campbell River Indian Band of the Laich-Kwil-Tach First Nation has been elected as a Commissioner for the BC Treaty Commission.

Dan Smith (centre) with Ron Cantelon, VIEA Director (left) and former VIEA Director, Bill Benoit

“We congratulate Dan and we are confident that he will be a credible and substantial contributor on the BC Treaty Commission.” – George Hanson, VIEA President

Dan will soon be moderating a First Nations dialogue focused on major project updates and opportunities for partnership at the ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. Panelists include Cliff Atleo Sr., Past President of the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council, Chief Doug White of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Ray Gauthier, CEO for the Coast Salish Development Corporation. With numerous treaty settlements and reconciliations completed or in process on Vancouver Island, the economic landscape is changing rapidly and significantly. Major projects are underway with many more opportunities for business partnerships emerging.

Dan Smith is a member of the Campbell River Indian Band of the Laich-Kwil-Tach First Nation. He has an extensive history of working with First Nations, Aboriginal organizations and the federal government. His involvement has included serving as Vice President of the Native Council of Canada, President of the United Native Nations, member of the BC Human Rights Commission, as well as numerous other boards and committees. He has worked in senior positions with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Heritage Canada, and Canada Employment and Immigration. Recently, Mr. Smith served as the Chief Negotiator for the Hamatla Treaty Society on Vancouver Island. Mr. Smith served on the three member political executive of the First Nations Summit, the Summit Task Group from 2008 to 2013 authorized to carry out specifically mandated tasks on issues related to treaty negotiations in British Columbia.

Register now to participate in the 7th annual Economic Summit.