The now annual Indigenous Business Gathering in the province is seeing year over year growth.
The event, organized by the Government of Saskatchewan, aims to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses in the province by bringing together business from across all sectors for networking opportunities.
The event was first launched in 2022 with 300 people registered as participants.
According to organizers, this Tuesday’s fourth iteration of the gathering saw over 1,100 people registered to participate.
Saskatchewan’s Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding says he is excited by the growth.
“I think it’s a good indication of where our economy is headed in this province and ultimately who’s going to participate in that economy,” said Kaeding. “I think you’ve seen from the interest that’s here today with the trade shows, with the diversity of businesses that indigenous and Metis communities are going to be a big part of our growing economy.”
Saskatoon Tribal Council Mark Arcand brought an opening remark to the gathering where he says economic growth for Indigenous people in the province is a key path forward.
“We think about these things about how we can be part of the economy, not be the problem,” said Arcand in his address. “I think that mindset with this room really changed that thought process of how we do things together… so everybody be proud of what you’re doing, but let’s be uncomfortable with a comfortable discussion to make change happen.”
This year’s event also drew inter-provincial interest as Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Greg Rickford and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict were in attendance.