“We acknowledge that Saskatchewan is in Treaty 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 territory, and is the traditional homeland of the Mètis“
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“We promote and support the sustainable economic livelihood of Saskatchewan Indigenous communities through building capacity, relationships and knowledge.“
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Our Organization
Established in 2012 as the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network, the SFNEDN was created organically through discussions among key First Nations economic development leaders who shared common goals and a vision for First Nations economic development in Saskatchewan. These leaders felt that a centralized support organization could result in better outcomes for First Nations economic development officers and economic development corporations that generally have limited resources and networks. Over the past five years, the SFNEDN has offered research, blogs and newsletters, while delivering conferences, workshops and networking events. In 2016, the SFNEDN had the honour of hosting the World Indigenous Business Forum which earned the SFNEDN recognition throughout Canada and across the world.
The SFNEDN has assisted communities representing all Indigenous people in Saskatchewan and in 2020 the organization changed its name to the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN) to reflect that work. SIEDN continues with the mandate determined by the needs of the people it serves.
Pillars
Capacity Development
Research and advocacy
networking
communication
Our Board
Milton Tootoosis – Chair
Bio
Milton is from the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory. Milton has over two decades experience in human resource management and aboriginal policy at the tribal, provincial and federal levels of government. His professional and personal interests enhance and build communities of collaboration with attention to building positive relationships and advancement. Milton has served on numerous committees with focused attention to skills development, creating capacity and economic independence within First Nations communities. Milton received his Bachelor of Indigenous Studies in 1985, has studied public administration and taken numerous professional development courses. He is an accredited Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. He is also a student of the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy at the University of Arizona.
Patricia Crowe – Co-chair
Bio
Patricia Crowe is the Business Advisor, Economic Development for FHQ Developments Ltd. working with the eleven First Nations in Treaty 4 Territory. She works closely with the FHQ Business Development team to align strategic partnership opportunities that will contribute to the long-term economic independence and prosperity by developing profitable business ventures, economic development opportunities, and advancing employment and livelihood in a manner consistent with the Nehiyaw (Cree), Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) Nations teachings. .Her role as an advisor includes economic development planning, Nation and citizen engagement and she stays current on Industry trends as an active member of provincial networks. Utilizing her communications and event planning experience, Patricia is adept at organizing business and economic events and forums with a clear vision on capacity building, networking, communication and advocacy. Patricia also represents SIEDN as the Ex-officio Director with Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA).
Angela Pratt
Bio
Angela Pratt is a band member of Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation located near Regina, SK. Angela completed her Bachelor of Administration, with a concentration in Marketing, in 2005 from the University of Regina/First Nations University of Canada. Her next academic goal is to pursue the Master of Business Administration designation. Angela has been working with the First Nations since she completed her degree. Angela has worked with Raven Consortium, Touchwood/Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services, Yorkton Tribal Council Executive Office, SaskTel and Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation. Currently, she works for FHQ Developments as the Economic Development and Business Advisor and has held the position since November 2011. Angela’s career aspirations have been focused on supporting the advancement and success of First Nations communities and as such, has joined the SFNEDN team as a board member. Angela is the proud mother of two boys and currently resides in Regina, SK.
Pam Spink
Bio
Pam has held senior management positions in both the United States and Australia. In the United States, she was a Program Manager for the Executive Development Center at the University of Illinois. As a senior executive in Australia working for Pacific Dunlop Ltd. (Ansell Ltd.) and Foster’s Brewing Group, she did strategic planning for both domestic and international markets (the latter included Europe, the United States and New Zealand). Complementing her work experiences, she has a BA from Western University, London Ontario and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. She has a long-standing interest in helping develop economic opportunities in First Nations communities.
christian boyle
Bio
Christian Boyle is the Owner and Principal Service Provider of Glyph Creative Strategy, an economic development consulting agency with a focus on tourism development. Christian has worked professionally in the tourism and economic development sectors for the past 15 years. Christian firmly believes that the key to developing a transformational tourism-based economy hinges on building high-quality experiences rooted in the stories that tie cultures to place and forging partnerships to deliver them in a meaningful way that is sustainable to land and community. Through his firm, Christian is currently leading the development of Indigenous Tourism clusters in Saskatchewan. It’s a unique model that creates partnerships between Indigenous Nations, regional attractions and the supply chains that connect them.
Keith Fonstad
Bio
After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a major in accounting, Keith joined MNP as an articling student in 2000. In 2006 he began working with many First Nation communities providing financial statement audit services. As the relationships grew, he found himself working with community leadership and management to assist in other areas. Keith developed and taught multiple workshops on a variety of subjects including how to read financial statements while also assisting leadership and management with projects such as financial policy review, IT system back-ups, and creation of economic development entities. In 2007 he was invited to be a partner with MNP and in 2010 Keith accepted the role of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Director of Aboriginal Services. He continues to work with many of Saskatchewan’s First Nation communities assisting with audit and advisory services. Keith is also a current Direct of the Saskatchewan First Nation Family and Community Institute and the Rotary Club of Prince Albert and is a member of the Northern Business Task Force of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Heather exner-pirot
Bio
Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot is the Strategist for Outreach and indigenous Engagement with the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. She has previous appointments with the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development, the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and the University of the Arctic.
Annie charles
Bio
Annie was born and raised in Treaty 6 Territory (La Ronge, SK) and currently works with the 11 Nations of Treaty 4 as the Economic Development & Relationship Consultant at FHQ Developments. Annie has past entrepreneurship experience, working with her sister Janine Windolph in the creation of the partnership Soulful of Mother Nature, an artist collective that supported Indigenous artisans. SIEDN is honoured that Annie has agreed to join our board as she has a commitment to jump in and help others, she takes personal pride in relationship building, thrives in program management and enjoys networking.
albert durocher
Bio
Albert has 30+ years of experience in business and economic development strategy, Indigenous inclusion strategy, financial management, procurement, Indigenous governance, administration, and engagement as General Manager of FDB Holdings, Economic Development Coordinator for Flying Dust First Nation and as a consultant.
Relevant Work Experience:
Albert Derocher was born and raised on the Flying Dust First Nation. Albert has worked for both his local community and provincially for the last 33 years. Albert has 30+ years of experience in:
- Business and Economic Development & Strategy
- Indigenous Inclusion Strategy
- Financial Management and procurement
- Indigenous governance and administration,
- General Manager of FDB Holdings,
- Economic Development Coordination
- Extensive experience working with various Business Organizations, Levels of Government, Non Profits and Indigenous Institutions.
For the majority of Albert’s career, he has worked for the Indigenous People provincially, regionally and locally. Albert has worked for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Meadow Lake Tribal Council and the Flying Dust First Nation, which is his home community. He has witnessed the transformation of Indigenous communities as they grow and gain inclusion into mainstream society.
As a graduate of Palliser Campus in Business Administration, Albert has applied his skills and knowledge to help further Flying Dust First Nation (FDFN) Holdings Corp. He has worked for FDB Holdings (Flying Dust First Nation’s Corporate Arm) as their General Manager for the past six years. He was the Economic Development Officer previous to that for 8 years and has worked for FDFN for the past 17 years. Having worked in various capacities throughout that time, Albert has developed an appreciation for the work that the staff at FDFN performs and is proud to be a member of his community.
Albert is also a board member for the Boreal Community Advisory Board, on the Board of Directors for First Nations Power Authority and Community Futures Beaver River, and he acts as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Muskoday First Nation Economic Development Authority Inc. Albert will assist in facilitating and developing frameworks for mutually successful partnerships, as well as in providing first-rate economic development strategies, and insight into Indigenous governance & administration to ensure the removal of barriers to shared prosperity.
Ashley charles
taylar belanger
your name here
Bio
Ashley is a proud Indigenous Woman from the Northern community of La Ronge, Sk. Situated in Treaty 6 territory. Welcome Ashley, as our new Board Member of Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN).
Ashley is a well-known advocate for creating economic development opportunities and serves as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for PAREDA (Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Alliance) connecting City, Municipality and First Nations in fulfilling the PAREDA vision which is long term, shared economic prosperity across the Prince Albert region.
Before Ashley joined PAREDA, she served in various capacities revolving around Community Economic Development in areas of Education and Training, Human Resource Management, Management Consultant and General Management predominately in the Natural Resource and retail sectors. A key focus of her work has been social responsibility to improve relations with and for the benefit of the Indigenous communities in Northern Saskatchewan with Cameco, Silver Standards Resources and SaskPower.
Ashley earned a Business Administration diploma through a joint partnership program between the U of S and U of R. She than continued her education to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Cape Breton University, specializing in Community Economic Development. Ashley is a proud mother to Treyton and Katie, her inspiration to create meaningful change and uplift Women in the Indigenous business field.
Ashley is excited to be a part of the SIEDN board as she knows firsthand, the importance of Community Economic Development as it paves a pathway for future generations in terms of opportunity and growth and the ability to work cohesively together, stronger.
Bio
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Supporters of the Network
These organizations have been invaluable to our continued success through contributions of time, effort, and cash. We sincerely thank them for prioritizing Indigenous economic development.
SIEDN and SEDA 2020 Partnership and Reconciliation Award sponsor