Several First Nation leaders, economic groups and businesses gathered at the Dakota Dunes Casino on Wednesday for an economic diversification forum.
Every year the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network holds this forum.
The title of this year’s forum was Economic Diversification: Innovation, Sustainability and Growth.
FSIN Vice-Chief Robert Merasty says the network initially developed the forum to create wealth and jobs and to help improve the quality of life on First Nations.
“It’s really good to see this vision come to fruition. They are doing these forums and providing practical advice in helping our First Nations understand and embrace business and to explore the several different sectors in industry,” says Merasty.
Several different First Nation communities and groups presented ways in which they have aimed to diversify their economic portfolio.
There were presentations on opportunities in health, tourism, technology, manufacturing and resource development.
Based on the recent economic downturn in the oil and gas industry, there was also some discussion on how to diversify economic opportunities for oil and gas-producing reserves in the province.
Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox says his community recently ventured into the health sector when they purchased an MRI machine.
“We are the only First Nations in Canada to have an MRI fully funded by our own resources,” says Chief Fox. “The opportunities are there and it is just a matter of doing our due diligence and making sure it benefits our membership.”
Vice-Chief Merasty echoed Chief Fox’s remarks, saying First Nations have the land and resources to expand financially.
“The pieces of the puzzle are all there for success, it is just how we put them together,” says Merasty.