First Nations University of Canada to play major role in the new National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada

Press Release

Regina, Saskatchewan – On Monday, June 6, 2022, the First Nations University of Canada was named as a key resource for the National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada (NIES). The NIES was formally announced on June 6 in Ottawa and is the blueprint to achieve the meaningful engagement and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian economy.

A coalition of more than 25 National Indigenous Organizations unveiled the NIES, the first such strategy to be built and designed exclusively by Indigenous leaders, institutions, and organizations from across Canada. The strategy has four strategic pathways, People, Lands, Infrastructure and Finance, with 107 Calls to Economic Prosperity to guide Canadian society toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of First Nations University of Canada, spoke at the June 6 launch, welcoming the NIES work to FNUniv, “As Canada’s only national Indigenous-owned and led university, FNUniv will house the institute for work related to the National Indigenous Economic Strategy 2022, including research, case studies, teaching and learning opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders and communities, and we will be responsible for tracking the implementation of the calls to Indigenous economic prosperity.” Ottmann added, “We have long recognized the importance of Indigenous peoples fully participating and leading in the national, provincial, and regional economies across Canada. Our Indigenous scholars and researchers will be fully supporting the Strategy.”

This Indigenous-led Strategy provides a roadmap for the economic aspects of reconciliation, and a path to greater prosperity for all Canadians. The Strategy is designed to drive positive change, address long-standing inequities, and achieve inclusive growth for and with Indigenous communities. It presents opportunities for Canada to be the global leader in upholding Indigenous rights. Implementation of the Strategy requires the purposeful engagement of governments, corporate Canada, institutions, and all Canadians.

This is an opportunity for governments and the business sector to truly advance reconciliation, in a tangible way,” says NIES spokesperson Dawn Madahbee Leach. “Reconciliation will be achievable when we embrace and foster a new era of Indigenous economic inclusion and wealth creation. This strategy shows a way to that goal, that not only benefits Indigenous peoples, but all Canadians”.

For more information including a copy of the strategy, visit http://niestrategy.ca/

-30-

For interviews, contact:

Dawn Madahbee Leach
NIES Spokesperson
Cell: 705-348-2727
Email: dmadahbeeleach@waubetek.com

Bonnie Rockthunder
Senior Communications Officer
First Nations University of Canada
Cell:     204.292.3253
Email: comm@firstnationsuniversity.ca

IBF5