Athabasca Economic Strategic Planning Session 3 (AE3)

September 30, 2018 in Giving Back
Explorer: Fall 2018

On May 16 & 17, nearly 80 people made the two-day commitment to travel to Waskesiu and participate in an Economic strategic planning session for the Athabasca region.

The group consisted of representatives from each of the communities, youth, elders, commercial enterprise, community and local enterprise, education, labour market and training, and various levels of government, and was facilitated by Julie Wriston from Creative Fire.

The work done by the previous two meetings in 2004 and 2009 was pivotal in building a collective understanding among the region and its stakeholders. Prince Albert Grand Council spearheaded this gathering with partners including Black Lake First Nation, Fond du Lac First Nation, Hatchet Lake First Nation and representatives from other Basin communities.

Athabasca Basin Development provided staff time and mentorship to youth for organizing the event.

The event was sponsored by Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, with Athabasca Basin Development, Points Athabasca, Prince Albert Grand Council, SITAG and Creative Fire providing in-kind contributions. Planning committee members are Joan Strong, PAGC, Glen Strong, Points Athabasca, Ronelda Robillard, Hatchet Lake, Tiffany Toutsaint, Fond du Lac, Terri-Lynn Beavereye, Black Lake, Kristy Jackson, Athabasca Basin Development. The report from the event is expected to be out this fall, with a Task Force assembled to take action later this year.