A report released today by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives is being applauded by the chief of Saskatchewan’s Little Black Bear First Nation.
It outlines recommendations regarding the benefits of effective and meaningful partnerships with First Nations, particularly the importance of investing in First Nations communities.
The report specifically notes the opportunity in the First Nations population to develop a skilled and trained workforce — which the council says will create economic spin-offs and build capacity at the community level.
The report also acknowledges the need to recognize and respect First Nations rights, stating the importance of full engagement of First Nations.
Little Black Bear Chief Perry Bellegarde says it shows the council understands the need to include First Nations people at all levels of resource development:
“That’s a positive thing. So we can really utilize them as a strong ally, because industry is saying First Nations people need to be involved. That’s a win-win not only for First Nations people, but all Canadian society — because you start closing the socio-economic gap, and that’s we need to do. Because the issue is poverty amongst our people. So if we get involved in industry, and if we can get the CEOs of industry saying that as allies, we can move the yardsticks further.”
Bellegarde says companies need to develop representative workforce strategies, as well as procurement strategies to access First Nations businesses.