Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation

New investments for Indigenous tourism, training and business development in Saskatchewan

Posted on October 30, 2018     Leave a Comment

For Immediate Release

October 30, 2018

New investments for Indigenous tourism, training and business development in Saskatchewan

Whitecap Dakota Nation, Treaty 4 Territory- Indigenous tourism and business development present significant growth opportunities for the Canadian economy. In all sectors, increasing the participation of Indigenous business leads to better outcomes for all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced investments totalling over $1.5 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada for four Indigenous projects.

The following four projects supported include:

• $600,000 to enable Whitecap Dakota First Nation, in partnership with Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, to develop an Indigenous tourism corridor along the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon.
• $80,825 for Meadow Lake Tribal Council Program services to develop the Indigenous tourism industry in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
• $315,000 for the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to establish an Indigenous Practical Nursing education program.
• $550,000 to enable the Pinehouse Business North Development to purchase heavy equipment to strengthen construction company operations.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, and is expected to create over 60 middle-class jobs for Canadians.

“Canada’s Indigenous communities are a rich and vitally important part of our country’s cultural fabric. The Government of Canada is proud to partner with Indigenous communities and institutions to create new economic opportunities. Investing in these initiatives will showcase First Nations culture and history, support good jobs, and contribute to a stronger economy for all.”

• The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, as a partner of the Indigenous Tourism Corridor project, welcomes the announcement from the Government of Canada to support this important community building and economic development initiative. We will share our culture, we will share the hospitality of our people and our community, and we will work to build a world-class, tourism-based economy that will create good, sustainable jobs and see tangible efforts toward reconciliation and understanding of our shared history.”

• Councillor Kevin Seesequasis, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

“This tourism partnership with Wanuskewin and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation will provide more Indigenous experiences to the guests of our Dakota Dunes Resort and speed the process of becoming export ready for the international market place.”

• Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation

“Wanuskewin is thrilled to partner with Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation to create an Indigenous tourism framework in Treaty 6 Territory. By working together, we’re able to enrich the tourism experience for visitors, while offering more robust training opportunities for tourism professionals in the region.  As we aim for UNESCO World Heritage designation, partnerships like this are critical to further developing and sharing the stories of Wanuskewin as a gathering place for all nations.”

• Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, Chair, Wanuskewin Heritage Park Board of Directors

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For more information, please contact:

Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523  |  communications@beardysband.com