BC First Nations Delegation Embarks on Indigenous-to-Indigenous Trade Mission to Aotearoa

Press Release

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George, BC) – The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is pleased to announce the departure of a First Nations-led delegation to Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa) from June 6 – 13, 2026. Led by BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee, the mission will bring together First Nations leaders, entrepreneurs, and business representatives from across British Columbia to strengthen relationships with Māori organizations and advance Indigenous-to-Indigenous international trade and investment.

Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated, “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.”

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. The mission is part of BCAFN’s broader efforts to support First Nations’ participation in international markets and to strengthen Indigenous economic diplomacy.

BCAFN extends its appreciation to the FoMA for their partnership and leadership in hosting the delegation and looks forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between First Nations in British Columbia and Māori in Aotearoa.

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Media Contact Annette Schroeter – BCAFN
Communications Officer, annette.schroeter@bcafn.ca, PH: (778) 281-1655

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