Partnership to grow Siksika businesses

A partnership between Siksika First Nation, the province, and the Indian Business Corporation, will see the distribution of $2.7 million in loans to create and develop business opportunities for members on and off the reserve. The First Nation will contribute $2 million and the province $700,000 while IBC will oversee the distribution of the funds. “We have the willingness, the capacity and means to move forward in helping them develop their own economic entrepreneurship,” said Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman at a news conference announcing the deal. Aboriginal relations minister Kathleen Ganley said there are more businesses owned by Indigenous people today than ever before. IBC, which is owned by all First Nations in Alberta, provides business loans ranging from $5,000 to $800,000, with the average about $80,000.