Cameco vice-president Gary Merasty has been honoured by the Saskatchewan Business Magazine.

The publication recently named the former chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council as one of the province’s top 10 influential people.

Merasty says he’s honoured and much of his interest these days is aimed at helping young northerners find jobs.

“It’s always been my belief from my early days working as a teacher on the res back home, working in education, working in my career for First Nations and Métis people – is that they are an absolute talent out there,” he says. “They are creative, they are skilled and given the opportunity they will succeed.”

Merasty is currently working on a joint task-force report on education.

It’s due to be presented to the provincial government and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in the coming weeks.

Merasty was also recently given some new duties at Cameco.

He’ll be working in an expanded role in communications and government relations.