An event in Saskatoon is aiming to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses.
The third annual Indigenous Business Gathering, hosted by the Government of Saskatchewan, set up shop at Prairieland Park on Tuesday.
The government says the event aims to bring together businesses from across all sectors to promote Indigenous participation in the economy.
“The Indigenous Business Gathering has become a key event for the Government of Saskatchewan to demonstrate its commitment to economic reconciliation,” said Premier Scott Moe. “Indigenous businesses play a vital role in Saskatchewan by building inclusion among communities, providing jobs and growth, and helping enrich our quality of life.”
When speaking with reporters before the event, Moe says one of the positive trends the government is seeing for Indigenous participation in the economy is through “direct investment.” He specifically pointed to Indigenous procurement policies among potash companies as an example of this. Some potash companies require a certain percentage of their procurement business to come from Indigenous-owned companies.
“Nutrien does and I know BHP does as well,” said Moe. “(those percentages) are significantly higher than the Indigenous population that reside in the province and that’s a good thing. That is part of what you are seeing today with an engagement with Indigenous individuals.”
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and members from Kitsaki Management provided a keynote address to those who attended the event. During the address, Chief Cook-Searson highlighted the economic growth of the Indian band over recent years.
“Events like the Indigenous Business Gathering are crucial because they foster a unique platform to connect, share knowledge, and build partnerships,” Chief Cook-Searson said. “Having the opportunity to showcase both the opportunities to do business with and the vibrancy and resilience of Indigenous businesses contributes significantly to the success of the wider economy and creates diverse and purpose-driven workplaces.”
During his address, Premier Moe highlighted the success of Kitsaki Management saying the organization has created “$160 million in wealth for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.”
“We are hoping to recreate many of those success stories, we are hoping to recreate what Kitsaki is doing,” he said.
The government says the Indigenous Business Gathering has seen the formation of new businesses in the past and they anticipate the same this year.
“We believe new businesses will be developed today,” said Moe.
Over 700 people were registered for the event, which organizers say is a significant increase from the first gathering two years ago, which had 200 people attend.
(Top Photo – Hundreds gather at the third Indigenous Business Gathering at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Photo by Joel Willick.)