Birch Narrows celebrates anniversary of 1st investment
- EFN Staff | February 24, 2015
Birch Narrows First Nation recently celebrated the one year anniversary of the purchase of a controlling interest in Saskatoon Fastprint, a large and well-established printing company located in Saskatoon’s north end. This was the first investment for the economic development arm of the First Nation. Their portfolio also includes the community store.
“This is an investment about wealth generation, not necessarily jobs,” said Al Felix, the CEO of Birch Narrows Dene Development. “This is a healthy business and we see it as a long term wealth generator for the 700 band members.”
Saskatoon Fastprint has been a major player in the print business in Saskatoon for over 30 years. It has 26 full time employees and provides services to companies ranging from ad agencies to car dealerships providing marketing material as well as annual reports and mail out services.
The investment is also strategic for the band as many big businesses are looking for Aboriginal ownership in their procurement policies.
“The days of rent a feather businesses are over,” added Felix. “We hope the First Nation ownership opens doors to some new business but first and foremost the service has to be there. You can’t expect business just to be given to you.”