News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday, September 14th 2007
FirstSask Credit Union Partners with First Nations
FirstSask Credit Union’s Board and District Councils announced today that they are proposing to their members the formation of a partnership with eight First Nations Bands to create a First Nations District.
FirstSask Credit Union currently comprises three Districts: Saskatoon, Shellbrook and Langham and serves 56,000 members.
The eight First Nations Bands that have entered into the partnership are:
Wahpeton Dakota Nation (458 Members)
Cowessess First Nation (3,500 Members)
Thunderchild First Nation (3,000 Members)
Beardys Okemasis Nation (2881 Members)
Little Pine First Nation (1674 Members)
Lucky Man First Nation (102 Members)
Mosquito First Nation (1199 Members)
Poundmaker First Nation (1409 Members)
Like all other Districts, the First Nations District will have important powers and responsibilities within the credit union. It will appoint two District Council Members who will represent the First Nations District on the FirstSask Board of Directors.
Chiefs from each Band will meet in the next few weeks to begin orientation sessions on FirstSask District Governance.
“This is unique in Canadian and in credit union history, and underlines our commitment to becoming a leader in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to First Nations peoples,” said Linda Moulin, FirstSask Vice President, Business Development.
First Nations are the fastest growing demographic in Saskatchewan and the number of new First Nations small and medium sized enterprises far outweighs any other in the market.
“The increasing importance of First Nations communities in the provincial economy, and the young and growing Aboriginal population, make it a priority for our credit union to connect growth meaningfully with First Nations through a First Nations District,” said George Keter, FirstSask CEO.
“This is an exciting opportunity for First Nations people,” said Chief Dale Awasis, Thunderchild First Nation. “Our partnership with FirstSask Credit Union will encourage the involvement and advancement of First Nations people in creating a more prosperous future for ourselves and for Saskatchewan.”
Aboriginal people represent 13.5 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population and are projected to represent 20 per cent by 2015. The median age of the Aboriginal population is 20.1 years of age compared to over 38 for the non-Aboriginal population.
The First Nations District is subject to membership and regulatory approval. A vote by members is expected in November.
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For more information, contact:
Tina Merrifield
Corporate Communications Manager
FirstSask Credit Union
Tel: (306) 934-4083