Focus on the future

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Participants of Vision Quest 2002 will have their eyes focused on the future, as the two-day conference examines the many economic development opportunities that lay before Aboriginal communities across Canada.

A Future of Opportunities is the theme of this year's conference, being held May 15 and 16 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The conference will feature four areas of special focus-opportunities for youth, community development, business opportunities, and financing options.

This year marks the sixth for Vision Quest, an event designed to provide both inspiration and information to anyone interested in Aboriginal community and economic development.

Among the keynote speakers scheduled to take part in this year's conference are recording artist Susan Aglukark, whose speech topic is entitled Endless Opportunities.

Chief Billy Diamond, former chief of Waskaganish First Nation, will make a presentation entitled Looking at the Deal: The Cree Nation and Quebec Hydro. Mike Birch, president and owner of the First Nations Buying Group, will speak about Joint Ventures. Actor Ryan Black, will make a presentation on Creating Your Own Opportunities.

Comedian Don Burnstick is also on the conference agenda, scheduled to perform at the conference banquet, which will also feature a grand entry and powwow, and a performance by Aglukark.

Those who have attended Vision Quest in the past will notice a few changes at this year's conference. Vision Quest 2002 will feature longer workshops and, although in past years workshops have been repeated throughout the conference, this year's conference will offer a full roster of different workshops to choose from.

A trade show is once again planned as part of the event, although this year the trade show will take part in the same room in which the plenary sessions will be held.

Participating in the trade show, Beaulieu explained, gives businesses and service providers exposure to Aboriginal clientele, and to opportunities for developing partnerships with Aboriginal companies, as many of the conference delegates are involved directly or indirectly in creating new business in their communities.