OUR FUTURE IS EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABORIGINAL BUSINESS

Economic development is key to the future of Aboriginal young people and Aboriginal communities Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch said at the Western and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs meeting in Yellowknife today.

"Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing segment of Saskatchewan's population and they have the opportunity to significantly boost our economy," Lautermilch said. "These young people are not only the workers and taxpayers of tomorrow they are the business owners and employers of tomorrow."

"Our success in Saskatchewan depends on the full participation of Aboriginal young people in our economy. Our government is promoting economic development opportunities and providing education and training to open the doors to a wide open future," Lautermilch said.

Lautermilch said the government is actively involved in promoting Aboriginal economic development ventures and more meaningful participation in the economy. This will continue to be a top priority of the government.

"We are working with Aboriginal entrepreneurs and leaders to ensure Aboriginal corporations gain equity positions in Saskatchewan's economy.

"This year, Saskatchewan hosted the first Western Aboriginal Business Summit. It was very successful and provided Aboriginal business leaders and innovators an opportunity to network and explore ways to create more business and economic activity through partnerships.

"Our government's forestry policies have included Aboriginal partners at the decision making level and are creating thousands of jobs for Aboriginal people. I'm especially proud of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council's company NorSask Forest Products an equity player in Saskatchewan's economy creating jobs and giving back to their community.

"Saskatchewan's new gaming agreement is resulting in millions of dollars in revenues for First Nations and more than 1,000 jobs.

"Our government has supported the Clarence Campeau Development Fund over the past several years with an annual contribution of $2 million. We want to expand the scope and mandate of the CCDF to give Métis people real opportunities to invest in the Saskatchewan economy by securing equity ownership in key economic sectors.

At today's meeting ministers called for enhanced collaboration and planning with the Federal government. They agreed to continue working with Aboriginal peoples toward their inherent right to self-govern. And they reiterated their commitment to strengthening Aboriginal participation in the economy by supporting initiatives such as the Western Aboriginal Business Summit.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008 Email: aarneson@graa.gov.sk.ca