Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, located about 78 kilometres northeast of Regina, has sold its ownership stake in an insurance brokerage it helped establish more than three decades ago. Chief Rodger Redman and members of Standing Buffalo Council were presented with a cheque for $426,128.47 Wednesday morning in Saskatoon following the sale of the nation’s shares in IMI Brokerage. Founded in 1993, IMI Brokerage was established in partnership with First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. In 2017, it became part of TIPI Insurance Partners and the TIPI Group of Companies. Redman said the proceeds will help the nation support children and elders living off-reserve. “We’re going to be using that to help them for Christmas, because a lot of the time our funding is restricted to just on-reserve. So, this is a way that we can help provide that support for our off-reserve members,” Redman said. TIPI Group of Companies chief operating officer Janice Gladue said the partnership has benefited Standing Buffalo, including by helping the community fund a playground. “Today is another example, Standing Buffalo is putting the value of its investment to work in response to its members needs,” Gladue said. “That is exactly why TIPI exists. Creating wealth for our Indigenous shareholders is at the heart of who we are and why we are structured the way we are,” she added. Gladue thanked Redman and Standing Buffalo members for their partnership.
