CONFERENCE RECAP: COLLABORATION
Building bridges How collaboration and community are redefining port development in B.C.
C ollaboration isn’t just a buzz- word at the Port of Nanaimo — it’s the backbone of how projects get done in a complex, multi- stakeholder environment. Panelists during this session explored the chal- lenges and opportunities of work- ing with government, industry, First Nations, and local communities, offer- ing lessons in patience, respect, and innovation. Moderated by Jason Michell, Vice President of Business Development for the Port of Nanaimo, the session gath- ered four dynamic voices who have been navigating the intersection of eco- nomic development, Indigenous part- nership, and community engagement across Vancouver Island. Representing diverse yet interconnected perspectives, the panel included Donna Hais, Chair of the Port of Nanaimo Board; John White, Marine Division Manager for the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN); Julie Sperber, CEO of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA); and Colin Stansfield, CEO of the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation. Together, they explored how col- laboration between ports, Indigenous communities, governments, and local organizations has evolved in the era of reconciliation, climate urgency, and rapid technological change. Setting the stage: Collaboration as a legal and moral imperative Moderator Jason Michell opened by noting the unique Canadian context for community engage- ment — one shaped by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted by British Columbia in 2019
Together, they explored how collaboration ... has evolved in the era of reconciliation, climate urgency, and rapid technological change.
and federally in 2021. “In Canada,” Michell said, “collaboration isn’t just good practice — it’s part of the law.” The principle of UNDRIP, especially its emphasis on free, prior, and informed consent , has created a new governance environment in which ports, develop- ers, and governments must engage Indigenous nations as equal partners. With that framing, Michell turned to the panel: What are the biggest chal- lenges when trying to foster collabora- tion among government, industry, First Nations, and community — and how are they being overcome? John White: “Gathering the right people to the table” John White welcomed attendees to Snuneymuxw territory before answering this first question. “The biggest challenge,” he began, “is communication”. B.C. is home to 202 First Nations, with overlapping territories, differ- ing governance structures, and dis- tinct cultural protocols. “Gathering all those people together and getting them in one place to talk about shared issues can be a challenge,” White said but was quick to point to progress. The creation of regional working groups and cooperative partnerships — such as those involving the Georgia Strait Alliance, Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the Canadian Coast Guard — have built bridges that did not exist a decade ago.
“What’s important,” he said, “is that these groups include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners address- ing real issues together — emergency response, ship movement, cumulative effects. We’re learning from each other and moving forward collaboratively.”
Donna Hais: Navigating complexity and continuity
For Donna Hais, the challenge lies in coordination — and continuity. “As a port, we deal with multiple layers of government,” she said. “We are a federal agency operating within a province, so we have federal, provincial, and First Nation jurisdictions all at the table.” Hais further noted that since the pandemic, the constant turnover of personnel makes sustained collabora- tion difficult. “You start a conversa- tion with someone at the province, for example, about a land lease, and six months later, they’ve retired or moved departments,” she said. “Suddenly, you’re back at square one.” The Port of Nanaimo has found one effective way to navigate this churn: a formal relationship agree- ment with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Developed over several years, it sets out how the two entities will work together, make decisions, and approach new projects. “When we present a united front to the province or Ottawa,” Hais explained, “we’re stronger and clearer about what we need. That partnership
34 — PACIFIC PORTS — October/November 2025
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