A First Nations-led delegation to New Zealand (Aotearoa) begins tomorrow for the BC Assembly of First Nations.
Led by Regional Chief Terry Teegee, the week-long mission will bring together First Nations leaders, entrepreneurs, and business representatives from across the province to strengthen relationships with Māori organizations and advance Indigenous-to-Indigenous international trade and investment.
“First Nations trade networks and international relationships have continued since time immemorial; we are seeing the evolution and progress of Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade that promotes self-determination and fosters knowledge sharing and relationship-building amongst Indigenous peoples at the global level. The mission to Aotearoa is an important step in forging new relationships with Māori partners to advance shared priorities.” stated Teegee.
The trade mission, supported through Global Affairs Canada, builds on the relationship between the BCAFN and the Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA), a national organization representing Māori collective business interests throughout Aotearoa.
Through site visits, business-to-business networking, cultural exchanges, and participation in the 2026 FoMA Economic Summit, delegates will gain firsthand insight into Māori economic development models, governance structures, and approaches to advancing Indigenous prosperity.
The mission’s policy themes include energy, agriculture and agri-food, and tourism and cultural industries.
The programme will showcase Māori approaches to economic development, collective asset management, and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities to strengthen relationships and create lasting partnerships between Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia and Māori Aotearoa.
It wraps up on June 13th.
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