The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) have entered into a new Collaboration Agreement.
The agreement includes commitments to ensure LTFN inclusion in major events, and a commitment to ensure the LTFN is reflected in the airport terminal.
“I think there’s a cultural side and an economic side,” explained PGAA President and CEO Gord Duke.
“On the cultural side, you will see more visible Lheidli T’enneh presence, welcoming people to their territory.”
Duke said the economic side of the agreement will include seeking economic development opportunities with the First Nation.
“Going forward, we look for other opportunities because I certainly think they’re going to be there,” Duke added.
“Having this in place and that communication that’s ongoing, is fruitful, I think it’s going to be really helpful to both organizations.”
“It’s recognition of our unceded territory, so it’s huge for our members, and for YXS too,” said LTFN Chief Dolleen Logan.
“They have been amazing, the Airport Authority Board have been great.”
The Airport Authority will also be sending the Lheidli T’enneh job postings for airport positions.
“No one ever thinks about looking for a job at the airport,” Logan added.
“They’re going to come down to one of our job fairs. It’s going to be huge, if you ask Gord, he started down low, and look where he is today, so it would be something good for our youth to see with hard work and determination where you can end up.”
Under the agreement, the two entities will meet in the fall for an annual review of the Collaboration Agreement, and in the spring to propose changes to the agreement.