Big River First Nation announces the opening of their newest urban office in Prince Albert on November 7, 2024.
The new office is located at 33-11th Street West, Prince Albert, in the heart of downtown.
The Big River First Nation’s leadership was surrounded by members, honoured elders, and special guests as they started with Chief Jonathon Bear’s welcome speech.
“We plan on using this facility for jobs and training. We need our members to be looked after and not denied,” said Chief Jonathon Bear. “We will bring our services to the city, and we’ll take care of our urbans as we take care of our nation. Thank you.”
This new office will be a hub for the First Nation to provide many services, including job training and access to mental health supports for their members, with more to come as they get settled in their new location.
“We want to congratulate you on the opening of this new office that’s going to be able to serve your urban members. You have a vision laid out here. That is to provide services to your urban membership, but also to create opportunities for them. To find employment and jobs, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about building that spirit of independence and that feeling of self-pride and self-worth,” explained FSIN first Vice Chief David Pratt.
FSIN 1st Vice Chief David Pratt, BRFN Chief Jonathon Bear, FSIN 3rd Vice Chief Fabian Head
Big River First Nation has a second urban office location in Sasktoon.
“We wanted to be here to come and celebrate Big River and the membership here as well. This is a good opportunity here to come and put your footprint here in terms of asserting your jurisdiction, but also your jurisdiction to have better programming and services for your nations. Because all members matter, whether you’re on or off of reserve, and that’s very important going forward,” said FSIN third Vice Chief Fabian Head at the opening ceremonies.
Big River First Nation has a membership population of approximately 3700, according to their website. The population living on reserve is approximately 2500. They want to provide equal opportunity to all of the members and help them be successful.
Photo Supplied/ Deborah Charles