Bob Miller, president of Bridging Innovations Inc. is a proud member of the Gitxsan Nation, and has a good understanding of First Nations culture, values and traditions. Bridging Innovations supports First Nations to address their immediate needs, and to achieve their long-term vision of healthy and dynamic communities and economies. Bridging Innovations understands the challenges facing First Nations in respect to improving the quality of life, and the quest towards increased social and economic self-sufficiency.

Bob Miller's recent consulting projects include developing a strategic plan for the Secwepemc Economic Development Corporation. In addition, for the Splatsin First Nation he has conducted natural resources strategic planning, community planning and consultation and accommodation planning.

We have extensive experience in developing community strategic plans over First Nations traditional territories. Bridging Innovations provides clients with a tool kit of so called building blocks to help communities grow and prosper. We have worked on developing business partnerships between First Nations and the forest industry.

Bob Miller’s previous work includes facilitating 12 Forest Land Use Planning workshops sponsored by West Coast Environmental Law. The participants developed strategic plans for their communities on their traditional territories. He also facilitated 10 First Nations Forestry Business workshops sponsored by the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. The trainees gained knowledge of business opportunities, funding sources, writing a business plan, and steps to establish their own business.

From 1998 to 2002 Bob was a faculty instructor at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, BC. In the year 2003 Bob was Co-Manager for the Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band near Burns Lake, BC.

Customized services provided to First Nations (Tribal and Band organizations, institutions, corporations, businesses and community groups) include:

Facilitation:

• community building starting with strategic planning and action planning
• implementation of strategic plans working towards the community vision and goals
• negotiations support in dealing with government and industry
• forging more effective working relationships with non-native organizations
• Aboriginal and corporate partnership development

Management:

• organizational development and management
• project management
• governance, management and organizational reviews
• writing policy and procedure manuals

Training:

• training needs analysis
• training plan development
• training course design, development and delivery
• training for human resource development
• instruction on the specific course areas including governance and leadership; management and supervision; teamwork and communications, business administration and forestry

Forestry:

• land use planning and access management
• timber tenure acquisition and management
• holistic forestry planning and management

Economic Development:

• conducting community economic development initiatives
• proposal writing and securing funds
• business planning and development to ensure profitability
• providing business support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs