NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON ABORIGINAL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Successes and opportunities in Aboriginal business and economic development will be the focus of an upcoming national symposium in Saskatchewan, one of the largest ever hosted by the province.

The invitation-based event, "Excellence in Action: Best Practices in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Economic Development," will take place January 23-25, 2007 at Teacher's Credit Union Place in Saskatoon.

"Excellence in Action gives us an opportunity to celebrate and learn from the many economic success stories of Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan and across Canada," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Sharing best practices and engaging in meaningful discussion about the challenges that exist will help open the door to even more involvement by Aboriginal people at every level of economic activity."

Through co-operation and consultation with other government jurisdictions, Aboriginal organizations, businesses and Crown Corporations, the symposium will offer a sound cross-section of First Nations, Métis and Inuit projects and presentations. Symposium objectives are:

• To showcase successful First Nations, Métis, and Inuit economic development projects; and

• To identify policies and approaches which create the best environment for success.

"I look forward to sitting down with governments and corporate leaders to not only share our stories of success, but also together develop a strategy that helps First Nations communities rely less on government programs and more on their own economic activity and wealth," Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph said.

"We look forward to positive discussions on best practices during the symposium, and are confident that by sharing experiences and approaches, attendees will come away with an enriched toolkit for business," Clarence Campeau Development Fund vice-chair Ron Rivard said.

Aboriginal youth from across Canada who are engaged in economic development will also be participating in a planned youth forum, which will provide an opportunity for them to network with their peers and discuss how their own businesses and communities can benefit from what they learn.

Host organizations of the symposium are the Government of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund, which is a Métis-controlled financial institution.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jamie Shanks Industry and Resources Regina Phone: 306-787-1691 Email: jshanks@ir.gov.sk.ca