Business forum discussed ways to encourage Aboriginal engagement
- EFN Staff | October 15, 2015
The development of natural resources has made Canada one of the richest countries in the world. Historically, though, that wealth was not shared with Indigenous communities whose land held those resources. But there is a move underfoot for Indigenous businesses and people to take their place in resource development.
To help facilitate that, Whitecap Industrial Services and community partners gathered on Whitecap to host the Developing Saskatchewan’s Resources Aboriginal Business Forum. More than 150 industry representatives and Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses gathered to network and learn more about opportunities to participate in business. And according to the Forum Chair Darrell Balkwill, the time is now.
“With the uncertainty in many of the markets right now, we are seeing a slow down. Now, that may not be the best thing, but it is giving industry time to settle down and make sure they are doing things right, and that includes Aboriginal engagement,” said Balkwill, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the Whitecap Development Corporation. “There is increasing capacity being developed by Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs to provide goods and services to the resource industry. Bringing together Aboriginal suppliers with industry purchasers is an important step in maximizing the economic benefits for everyone in Saskatchewan.”
The forum focused on opportunities in mining, oil and gas, pipelines and the utilities sector and included presentations and panel discussions. To discuss procurement opportunities a panel was held with Grant Ring, Vice President of Business Development at SaskPower, Lyle Neis who is Director Project Advancement and Public Affairs at Enbridge and Terry Bird the Lead Advisor First Nation and Métis Initiatives at K+S Potash Canada. All three gentlemen explained their company’s commitment to Aboriginal engagement and talked about opportunities present for businesses to get into their supply chain. Between the three businesses, there has been close to $4 billion in economic spending in Saskatchewan over the past few years, lots of which went to Aboriginal suppliers.
These opportunities have led to industry partnering with First Nation economic development arms in order to have a better chance at securing work. Whitecap has secured at least five industry partners and they hope to break into the business across Canada, but also build opportunity in their home community with head offices and shops taking up residence in their planned industrial area. “We support forums like these because we all strive to develop meaningful relationships and quality businesses so we can all achieve our goals,” said Whitecap Dakota Chief Darcy Bear. “We look to communities, industry and governments to work together to maximize these economic benefits for Aboriginal people as we develop Saskatchewan’s resources together.”
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and Saskatchewan Polytechnic took the opportunity at the gathering to present a proposed industrial skills training institute to be built right on the Whitecap community. “This will strengthen our ability to respond to industry needs,” said SIIT President and CEO Riel Bellegarde who was joined by Dr. Larry Rosia, Preident and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The proposed joint venture institute will be built on Whitecap and simulate life in a work camp. “This is an ideal opportunity for us on the ten acres of land in Whitecap’s industrial park. It will also offer a great community for the families of our students.” The proposed institute is still in the feasibility stage and they intend to make recommendations to their respective boards early in 2015 on whether to go ahead or not.
The intended goal of the forum was to promote Aboriginal business development and capacity, connect Aboriginal businesses with potential purchasers and to generate funds for Aboriginal education and training. Considering the amount of networking going on and the final check presentation of $15,000 by Darrell Balkwill to SIIT President Riel Bellegarde for scholarships, it seems like a forum well done.