Building better relations

Times Reporter

 

Siksika Nation is holding their first Showcase Siksika Conference and Tradeshow August 18 and 19. It will be taking place at the Old Sun Community College. There will be tours of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, the Health and Wellness Centre and SRDL, which is the business arm of the Siksika Nation. 

“The whole purpose of it is to build a better relationship with surrounding communities,” said Douglas Winnipeg from Siksika public relations.  

“The entire discussion is for economic development and where Siksika Nation is heading in the future and why are we a viable investment, so that is the panel discussion.”

On the first day there will be opening ceremonies, which everyone is welcome to attend, followed by a hot breakfast and entertainment. The tours will take place in the afternoon of the first day. Former Premier of Alberta Ralph Klein will be at the opening ceremonies, and other government officials will be taking part in the two-day event. 

On the business side of things, Siksika is looking at economic development and networking with outside businesses and companies to build partnerships.

On an individual level there will be a hall of fame, with the purpose being to showcase people from Siksika Nation who have accomplished things or who are just amazing people within the community.  

“Another reason we’re doing this, is every time you hear news from a first nations community, its always bad news. We want that to change and we want it to be good news coming from the Siksika Nation and we want people  to say ‘hey well we should go visit them’ or ‘maybe we should rethink what we thought about first nations people all these years’,” said Winnipeg. Anyone who wants to take part in the weekend is more than welcome to come out said Winnipeg. 

Patrons of the two-day event will have a chance to witness parts of the cultural aspect through the entertainment provided both days.