COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake has decided to join IndigiConnect, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, while promoting Indigenous economic growth and cultural preservation.
The decision was made during the Nov. 12 council meeting, and followed an Oct. 22 meeting between the City and the Tribal Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association, which presented the opportunity to join IndigiConnect and outlined membership options.
“This organization can help Indigenous businesses to grow in our community. We met with them at the end of October, and they had a lot of great plans and ideas,” City of Cold Lake said Mayor Craig Copeland.
According to IndigiConnect, the basic membership will provide access to tools such as an Indigenous business directory, an online job board, and marketing strategies.
Copeland noted the membership would also facilitate job promotion for the City’s employment opportunities to the seven First Nations affiliated with IndigiConnect.
“There is an option to pursue a larger membership with this organization down the road if we see it helping people in our area. But for now, this is still a start.”
City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya elaborated on the membership’s potential advantages, saying, “In essence, it provides some historical teachings for City of Cold Lake council and administration and helping with job advertisement in order to attract Indigenous peoples to work for the community.”
IndigiConnect's mission and vision align with the City’s goals to promote inclusivity and economic growth. The organization aims to build a vibrant economy that respects Indigenous customs while fostering innovation. Their services include a resource library for Indigenous entrepreneurs, funding opportunities, and events to bridge gaps between communities and businesses, according to the City of Cold Lake.
“This is kind of just a sponsorship money to their organization that helps facilitate and assist Indigenous business to grow and to be seen and to hire Indigenous peoples,” said Nagoya.
Coun. Vicky Lefebvre expressed opposition to the motion, however, the rest of the council approved Coun. Chris Vining's motion to pursue a basic membership package with IndigiConnect for $1,200 for a one-year trial period.
