Two new studies to be undertaken in Saskatchewan over the next year will examine Indigenous participation in the resource sector.
On Monday morning, the provincial government announced $300,000 in funding for the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence.
The funding will be used for two studies; one aims to identify current Indigenous participation in the resource sector while the other will look to identify opportunities for Indigenous involvement in the industry.
“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the important role Indigenous organizations will play as we continue to work toward growing Indigenous participation in the resource sector and this funding represents a step toward that important goal which will help drive economic growth,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a media release.
According to the government, the studies will include both First Nations and Métis communities and companies.
The study findings will then be presented to the Ministry of Trade and Export Development in 2023.