The Conference Board of Canada’s report shows the significant economic impact of investments in First Nations cultural revitalization projects.
In a news release announced today by FPCC, The Conference Board of Canada’s report on the economic impact of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) demonstrates the significant impacts on provincial and national GDP and job creation in First Nations communities and local economies as a result of FPCC’s investments in cultural revitalization, training and skill building.
The report finds that the $48.6 million in grants delivered by FPCC to First Nations organizations and individuals in B.C. in 2023–24 generated an estimated $91.2 million in gross domestic product (GDP) in Canada. Over the one-year period, FPCC created nearly 1,822 full-year jobs and generated $142.3 million in output within the Canadian economy through its administration of grants. Long-term sustainable funding is needed to continue the economic stimulation resulting from FPCC’s activities.
Tracey Herbert, CEO of First Peoples’ Cultural Council, says the report “demonstrates the significant impact of this work beyond the programs we deliver, proving that the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and the communities we support are a great investment. Our cultural revitalization work is a key contributor to the economies of B.C. and Canada. The work of First Nations people is a driver of economic activity and First Nations people must be included and valued in culturally based economic development.”
Jobs created through FPCC programs provide skilled employment in a time of economic uncertainty in B.C., in places like the Haíɫzaqv language revitalization program in Bella Bella and Tse’k’wa National Historic Site in Fort St. John, where FPCC funding has provided job opportunities, connections to culture and language and is inspiring others to invest in cultural revitalization programs and infrastructure.
Diane Dejarlais, Elder from West Moberly First Nations, was a Project Assistant on the Tse’k’wa repatriation project and says that she is “so excited to be part of the work going forward as it gives me an opportunity to learn, share and strengthen the cultural significance of this incredible site. Tse’k’wa opens the door for our own people to showcase our history, learn about the site and culture, educate visitors, provide employment and develop the skills to preserve our heritage while supporting the economy for years to come. I’m very grateful to be involved.”
Read the full news release and report here.
Learn more about the FPCC impacts in the 2023-24 Year in Review
Learn More
Read FPCC’s 2023-24 Annual Report and grant recipient list here.
Explore more FPCC News and stories here.
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story about the work your community is doing to revitalize First Nations languages, heritage and arts in B.C.? We want to hear from you! Please send your story to info@fpcc.ca and check back as we post more stories about the good work being done across the province.
Connect with Us
To receive FPCC news and funding announcements, please sign up for our email list here.
To view all current FPCC funding opportunities, please visit our Grants page.
Follow FPCC on social media for updates: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube