Reflecting on Understanding First Nations Treaties Workshop
Those who missed the Chamber’s recent workshop on understanding First Nations Treaties and how they can be applied in today’s business world missed an opportunity to learn and engage about the various facets of Treaty rights, assimilation practices and how the past still influences today.
The Understanding Treaties – Opportunity for Doing Business with First Nations workshop on February 24th was facilitated by John Lagimodiere, owner of Aboriginal Consulting Services (ACS) and publisher of Eagle Feather News. The one-day event also heard from the province’s Treaty Commissioner, George E. Lafond, and Geoff Gay, CEO with Athabasca Basin Development, a proven success story involving seven First Nations partners.
For the minimal charge of just $10, participants learned more about the effects of Treaties, the aftermath of Canada’s assimilation policies and why our society must focus on ways to achieve increased collaboration, while better utilizing the Aboriginal work force available in Saskatchewan. The event was sponsored by the Northern Lights Development Corporation and the Northern Lights Casino, two progressive local entities focused on providing opportunities for Aboriginal people.
As we already know, Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal population continues to grow, but Aboriginal people remain largely underrepresented in the workforce. January labour force statistics from Sasktrends Monitor showed a decline in the number of Aboriginal people in the workforce.