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CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT AND THE SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT FUND FIRST NATIONS DIAMOND EXPLORATION LIAISON OFFICE

Released on July 25, 2007

Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis in the Prince Albert area will have a new resource to fully access benefits from the diamond exploration industry, thanks to a $200,000 investment from Canada's New Government and the Government of Saskatchewan for an exploration liaison office in Prince Albert.

The office, operated by the Fort à la Corne Development Corporation (FCDC), a First Nations development company run by the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN), is staffed by a full-time economic development officer who will focus on increasing First Nations participation in this resource sector.

Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag and Brian Fitzpatrick, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced the investment today. FCDC will provide $60,000 to the project.

In addition to the investment of Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations contributed $40,000, through the First Nations and Métis Economic Development Program; a program designed to support Aboriginal economic development within the key sectors of the province's economy.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is helping ensure that as our diamond industry grows, it becomes a model of co-operation between First Nations and business," Sonntag said. "This office will give JSCN a chance to explore the many opportunities the diamond industry is offering in the Fort à la Corne forest."

"Canada's New Government is getting things done for people in the Fort à la Corne region," said Mr. Fitzpatrick. "Our $100,000 investment will enable Aboriginal organizations and entrepreneurs to participate in the diamond exploration industry. This is another example of how our government is dedicated to working in partnerships to benefit First Nations Communities and Saskatchewan residents."

The liaison office serves as the main point of contact between the First Nations and the diamond exploration industry, with the economic development officer dedicated to identifying feasible business, service, and employment opportunities for the JSCN, as well as facilitating new business development and training within this sector. Ultimately, the office will strive to increase Aboriginal capacity enabling them to actively participate in the industry.

"The Diamond Liaison Office is an important step for the three First Nations," FCDC Board of Directors Chairperson Oliver Constant said. "It furthers their participation in, and potential benefit from, diamond exploration activities in the region."

The FCDC is owned by and for the benefit of the James Smith Cree Nation, Peter Chapman First Nation and the Chakastaypasin First Nation. Together the three are known as JSCN. The corporation is mandated by JSCN to promote, develop and carry out commercial enterprise for the benefit of the three First Nations communities.

Funding for the diamond exploration liaison office project is being provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement funds initiatives that increase Aboriginal participation in the economic mainstream, develop Saskatchewan's small- and medium-sized business sector, support economic and technological innovation and assist in economic diversification.

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For more information, contact:

Brenda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca

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