Left to right: William Ratfoot (Elder for Meadow Lake Tribal Council), Jesse Morin (representative for the company and MSFN economic development), Lawrence McIntyre (Dene vice chief), Ronald Mitsuing (then-chief MSFN) and Richard Durocher (Cree vice chief), at the announcement ceremony Feb. 9. (Submitted photo/Diana Tracz, MLTC)

By meadowlakeNOW Staff

Positive step for First Nation

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation makes purchase of pork processing facility

Feb 24, 2023 | 6:33 PM

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation (MSFN) is excited about the future after announcing it recently purchased a pork processing facility.

The First Nation said it will be a step forward for the community, venturing into the business of processing meat for distribution across Saskatchewan.

The First Nation officially purchased Country Choice Meats, located in Duck Lake, Sask., south-west of Prince Albert. The release said the company has been well known for its “dedication to excellence, reputation for quality and a commitment to building long-lasting relationships across Saskatchewan with the best pork products available since 2007.”

MSFN announced the purchase in a ceremony Feb. 9.

Then-chief, Ronald Mitsuing, of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, was pleased with the new purchase, as a positive development for the community.

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“For our First Nation community, the purchase of Country Choice Meats allows for the opportunity to engage Saskatchewan’s food industry with a solid business foundation that can provide quality pork products across Saskatchewan,” he said in the release from Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC). “It is also a meaningful economic approach to developing food sovereignty – not only for our own community, but for First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.”

Country Choice business representative and MSFN economic development, Jesse Morin, said the purchase is an exciting venture for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation.

He said not only is MSFN one of the first First Nations to move into the meat processing business in Saskatchewan, but the venture will also be a First Nation-owned entity that will have retail products for purchase across Saskatchewan as well.

“We are looking forward to developing, branding and expanding the products provided and developing Indigenous engagement with industry,” Morin said. “This business concept and values are not new to Saskatchewan, in that, with First Nation ownership in the food industry, when you purchase a Country Choice Meats product, not only are you feeding yourself, but you’re feeding a First Nation community.”

Election update

In other news for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. The First Nation held its band election Feb. 17. Melvin Mooswa was elected as the new chief, replacing Mitsuing.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW