Sask. Indigenous-owned businesses a key driver of growth: trade minister

WATCH: The province's trade minister sees Indigenous-owned businesses as a key driver of future economic growth.

Saskatchewan’s trade minister sees a bright future for Indigenous-owned businesses in the province — a major driver of economic growth.

“This is exciting, it’s very exciting,” said trade and export development minister, looking over the more than 1,100 attendees and 130 trade show booths at the Indigenous Business Gathering at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park on Tuesday.

“I think It’s a good indication of where our economy is headed in this province, and ultimately who’s going to participate in that economy.”

A Statistics Canada report on the percentage of Indigenous-owned businesses ranked Saskatchewan third last year. Kaeding says it’s a good sign for the future of the province and its economy.

“You’ve seen from the interest that’s here today with the trade shows, with the diversity of businesses that Indigenous communities, Metis communities are going to be a big part of our growing economy,” Kaeding told CTV News.

Alongside Indigenous businesses were government agencies looking to get their projects over the finish line, or maintain existing relationships.

“This is a good place or us to discuss future endeavours,” said Corey Burgess, senior advisor with the Saskatchewan Research Council. “But also discuss our history with other companies and just keep connections strong and our partnerships stronger.”

Burgess adds it’s a great place to find the next wave of qualified workers too.

“We’re now moving into the rare earths development, and also the nuclear world,” he said. “So we’re just trying to stay on the toes and trying to work with people who are also in that same world.”

Former Cowessess First Nation Chief and founder of OneHoop, Cadmus Delorme says he’s most interested in speaking with the non-Indigenous people and businesses who are interested in participating in economic reconciliation.

“No one’s in the grandstands anymore,” he said. “The economic horse pulls the social cart today. The economic horse, you got Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people wanting to help with that economic horse.”

He says this kind of event wouldn’t have been possible 30 years ago, and it’s a testament to those who kept the foundation of being Indigenous and owning business.

“It was tough to remain indigenous and be successful in business, because sometimes business people who don’t know what reconciliation is think our culture is anti-business, but it actually benefits business.”