The Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing May 4 as Indigenous Economic Development Day, highlighting the growing role of Indigenous people in the province’s economy.
Officials say the off-reserve Indigenous workforce reached a record 67,300 in 2025, reflecting continued economic participation and growth.
According to recent data, Indigenous-owned businesses make up 5.3 per cent of Saskatchewan’s private sector and contributed $2.6 billion in economic activity in 2022.
Government officials say economic reconciliation is key to creating jobs and opportunities for all residents.
“As we approach the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6 in 2026, it is important to revisit what it truly represents, not just historically, but economically,” Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network Founder and Chair Milton Tootoosis said. “When Indigenous nations are full participants in the economy as partners, equity holders and suppliers, the entire regional economy strengthens.”
The province also points to initiatives like the Indigenous Business Gathering and financing through the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation as supporting growth.
The government also says a recent $7 million loan guarantee helped fund a major solar project led by George Gordon Developments.
Indigenous Economic Development Day also marks the start of Economic Development Week, running May 4th to 8th.
(TOP PHOTO – the Indigenous Business Gathering from 2024. Photo by Joel Willick)