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Sask government Press Release ...

FINAL REPORT ON ABORIGINAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM RELEASED

The final report on the national symposium on Aboriginal economic development held in Saskatoon in January is now available online.

Excellence in Action: Best Practices in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Economic Development was jointly sponsored by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF). The final report contains suggestions for next steps that need to be taken by Aboriginal communities, governments and industry to encourage and support Aboriginal economic success.

Among these suggestions are the development of an integrated policy framework for Aboriginal economic development; government funding of Aboriginal programming that does not disproportionately favour social over economic development; and universal support for strategies that specifically enable First Nations, Métis and Inuit women to become empowered and actively engaged in the economy.

"What we have here is the result of an insightful and productive symposium that covered a broad range of economic and business development topics from a national perspective," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "This report and the next steps it identifies are a vital key to enabling increased Aboriginal participation in the economic mainstream, not just in Saskatchewan but in all of Canada."

"The Clarence Campeau Development Fund was truly honoured to be part of the Excellence in Action Symposium," CCDF Vice-Chair Ron Rivard said. "The significance of this symposium was evident from the interest of Aboriginal, government, community and business representatives taking part in this event. The themes and workshops we shared with the First Nations, Inuit, and other Métis representatives was truly a valuable experience for all participants. We will take the lessons learned in this historic event and apply them to the future betterment of all Aboriginal people in Canada."

"The symposium convinced me of the need for innovative partnerships between First Nations and business, supported by government," FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph said. "This report documents a number of valuable lessons on the need to strengthen our focus on economic development and how that will pay dividends for the well-being of our communities."

The three-day symposium attracted approximately 700 participants representing First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Canada. Six Premiers were in attendance, as well as representatives from a number of national, provincial and territorial Aboriginal organizations and communities. It also featured a wide range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal enterprises ranging from large corporate enterprises to medium and small business ventures. In addition, 65 youth delegates from across the country conducted their own youth forum after the formal symposium proceedings.

The full report, which was prepared by the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy, can be accessed at http://www.excellenceinaction2007.ca

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2202
Email: jshanks@ir.gov.sk.ca