SFNEDN forum includes business leaders, success stories
- EFN Staff | October 21, 2014
The Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network hosted an exceptional roster of speakers at its 3rd Annual Forum in September at Dakota Dunes Casino. Leaders such as Treaty Commissioner George Lafond talked about the importance of relationships and trust, and FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde asserted that “you can’t talk about self-determination until you talk about economic self-sufficiency”.
Some of the highlighted business successes were the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, which has grown steadily through gas bars, pharmacies, hotels and other ventures to a current net worth of $34 million. Muskowekwan Chief Reg Bellerose spoke of their ground-breaking efforts to build a multi-billion dollar potash mine on First Nations territory; and Robert Morin from Enoch Cree Nation told the crowd how they attracted $245 million worth of investment to its world-class resort and casino in Edmonton.
Participants also learned about ‘branding’ and communicating their communities; business planning and financial literacy, and were offered a host of new opportunities for SFNEDN members such as a mentorship program and complimentary investment readiness assessments. Title Sponsor Federated Co-Operatives Limited invited participation in their Cooperative Innovation project.
New awards honoring leaders in First Nations economic development were introduced at the Forum. Vern Bachiu, formerly of MLTC and BRIDG and currently CEO with Muskowekwan Resources, was named the 2014 Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Developer of the Year for his 30+ years of service and leadership. Whitecap Development Corporation was named the 2014 Saskatchewan First Nation Community Economic Developer of the Year for its tremendous growth, progress and vision over the past two decades.