Innovation (Rethink, Reinvent, Recreate)

Why innovate?

The economy of the Skeena-Nass region has historically been driven by the production of commodities. This means the region is at the mercy of the global marketplace.

In June 2009, SNCIRE (in partnership with the Northwest Science and Innovation Society) hosted a REGIONAL FORUM , and it was clear from that event that if we are to build a sustainable economy for the Skeena-Nass region, we need to move to an economic model where commodities are not the driver of our economy, but a side-product. Instead, we need to focus on our strengths and assets – things that make the region special and different. To do this, we need to spend time looking at what we have, and then try different approaches to generating wealth from those strengths and assets. That’s innovation.

Collaboration and Facilitation

The diversity of the Skeena-Nass region’s resources and people means that there are many ways to look at and approach the challenges that are in front of us. SNCIRE provides the opportunity for bringing together that diversity of opinion and wealth of ideas and for identifying the opportunities that those challenges present. In addition to the regional forum in June 2009, which was the first of several sessions that will continue to keep the ideas flowing, SNCIRE works with other regional initiatives that will help move the area towards a sustainable resource economy. For example, the City of Terrace’s FORESTRY TASK FORCE has noted the importance of SNCIRE , and SNCIRE is working with the NorthWest BC Forestry Coalition on the Minister of Forest and Range’s northwest vision.

Incubate and Implement

Try, and try again. That’s how we will succeed. SNCIRE is working with local entrepreneurs on projects and products that will move the Skeena-Nass Region towards a new economy. For example, SNCIRE brought together a Vancouver based group and a local First Nation, who have initiated a proposal for teaching Computer Carving to First Nation students, and to develop tourism products that would be made available at centres in the region and the Olympics.

A “new” economy doesn’t mean that we walk away from the current economy – we need what we already have! To this end, SNCIRE supports sustainable actions that will bolster the region’s existing economy, and also that will create future opportunities. For example, SNCIRE is implementing a $2.2 million silviculture program in the Kalum Forest District : this project will ensure that there will be forest-based resource opportunities in the decades to come.