Economic Development Regina and FHQ Developments partnership towards Economic Reconciliation
Economic Development Regina (EDR) has partnered with File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Developments (FHQ Developments) to agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The newly formed partnership will create opportunities for both organizations to foster a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and grow economic prosperity for the Greater Regina Area.
FHQ Developments is the economic branch of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and is owned by the 11 First Nations in the Treaty Four Territory, representing over 16,000 First Nations citizens both on and off reserve. FHQ Developments aims to promote the economic interests and priorities of FHQTC and Treaty 4 communities in the broader business community, while also promoting and advancing Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“Our economic relationship with organizations like Economic Development Regina is important to ensure we are at the table providing input, guidance and direction on how we work with our partners to shape an Indigenous business ecosystem that is designed by us as Indigenous peoples of this Territory.” Says Thomas Benjoe, President & CEO of FHQ Developments. “We continue to make progress in creating greater economic impact where FHQ Developments does business and it is important that we take the time to ensure our entrepreneurs are being supported alongside us as an organization. We can only accomplish this through building deeper relationships with our partners.”
EDR has formed dozens of partnerships in and around Regina that support industry growth and diversification through retention, development and attraction of industry and tourism and seek innovative ways to promote sustainable growth. Indigenous partnerships require an understanding of culture, community values, and a commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships, which includes knowledge transfers, which EDR embraces and is committed to.
“Regina’s economy offers huge opportunities, and we’re thrilled to work alongside FHQ Developments to help Indigenous entrepreneurs move forward on their journeys – and to share their inspiring stories through Audacity YQR,” EDR President and CEO John Lee said. “This important work also helps EDR live into its values of diversity, inclusion and collaboration. Regina works best when we work together.”
ABOUT FHQ DEVELOPMENTS
For thousands of years, we relied upon the Buffalo for everything. We used the animal to feed, clothe and shelter ourselves and the people. FHQ Developments chose the buffalo as the central figure because it’s an animal that represents strength and survival. FHQ Developments delivers programs and services to the 11 First Nations in the Treaty Four Territory. The 11 Member Nations are:
- Nekaneet First Nation
- Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation
- Piapot First Nation
- Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation
- Pasqua First Nation
- Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation
- Little Black Bear’s Band of Cree & Assiniboine Nations
- Okanese First Nation
- Star Blanket Cree Nation
- Peepeekisis Cree Nation
- Carry-The-Kettle Nakoda Nation
