NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FORUM '97

Northern Affairs Minister Keith Goulet and Chief Harry Cook of the Lac
La Ronge Indian Band today announced plans for the first Northern
Saskatchewan Business Opportunities Forum.

Kitsaki Development Corporation, which operates the La Ronge Band's
business enterprises, and Saskatchewan Northern Affairs are co-hosting
the forum being held in La Ronge Feb. 6-8. The conference is intended
to highlight northern business opportunities associated with the mining
and forestry industries in Northern Saskatchewan.

"To ensure northern residents achieve the full benefit of resource
development, it is important that northern-owned enterprises are aware
of opportunities to participate in these two major components of the
North's developing economy," Goulet said. "Northern employment and
business participation in resource development have been steadily
growing. The February forum is another initiative to maintain that
momentum."

Chief Cook said the forum will give northerners an opportunity to learn
from the experience of others.

"This conference will provide a chance to hear of success stories and
to discuss the challenges of establishing and operating northern
companies that do business with the mining and forestry industry," Cook
said.

Subtitled Breaking New Ground in Mining and Forestry, the forum will
also discuss new ways in which northern businesses can provide services
and supplies to the two industries.

The event is expected to attract people from across Northern
Saskatchewan including existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, business
service advisors, provincial and federal government agencies and
representatives from industry and financial institutions. Nine
individual workshops, several panel discussions and a northern trade
show are included in the forum's agenda.

Guest speakers at the forum will include Hans Matthews, president of
the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association. Matthews is a member of
the Chippewas of Rama First Nation in Ontario. Goulet will present the
forum's closing address.

In addition to Saskatchewan Northern Affairs and the Kitsaki
Development Corporation, the event is supported by major companies
active in Northern Saskatchewan and Aboriginal Business Canada, a
business support agency established by Industry Canada.

Information about registration for the forum or the trade show displays
can be obtained from Roy Chenard at (306) 425-2190 or Pam Schwann at
(306) 425-4211. The toll-free number is 1-800-663-4065.

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For more information, contact:

Roy Chenard
La Ronge
Phone: (306) 425-2190, Ext. 277

Richard Turkheim
Northern Affairs
La Ronge
Phone: (306) 425-4204