Bear recipient of Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Darcy Bear, Chief of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, was one of nine people to be bestowed with the province’s highest honour, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Bear’s goal is to free the community from a cycle of dependence on the federal government and has been working toward creating a strong economic environment for the First Nation. One result of this action has been the development of the Dakota Dunes Resort, Golf Links and Casino. Bear has also taken dramatic steps to improve the accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility of his administration. “We can proudly show our audit to the financial institution; to business partners; to our community members, and it’s allowed us to open our doors for all kinds of business activity,” he said.