Whitesand First Nation

The Business & Economic Development Department of Whitesand First Nation is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth, promoting business opportunities, and supporting responsible and environmentally safe resource development. The department works to enhance community prosperity through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and informed decision-making in areas such as mineral development, local business support, and economic planning. In addition, a primary focus is to ensure that Whitesand First Nation has an emergency response plan to follow and is prepared to react with a coordinated and prompt response and has a safe and functional workplace.

The Business & Economic Development Department's mission is to drive sustainable economic progress for Whitesand First Nation by empowering community members, fostering business and resource development opportunities, and ensuring transparent and inclusive and holistic decision-making processes.

• Educating community members on economic opportunities, including mineral development and business ventures.
• Supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses through guidance, resources, and networking opportunities.
• Facilitating consultation processes for resource development, including reviewing plans and permits under relevant guidelines.
• Representing the community in regional, territorial, and national economic and resource development forums.
• Maintaining inventories and data related to economic and resource activities to support strategic planning.
• Coordinating responses to government and industry proposals to align with community priorities.
• Implementing an Emergency Response Plan for Whitesand First Nation while creating working relationships with partnering agencies within the community of Whitesand and Armstrong.
• Represent Whitesand First Nation's environmental interests in consultations and negotiations with forestry and mining companies to ensure sustainable resource development and protection of traditional lands.
• Ensure environmental compliance within Whitesand First Nation territory by monitoring industrial activities and enforcing environmental regulations to protect land, water, and wildlife.

Team Information:

Services and/or Available Assistance:

1. Community Education on Economic Opportunities
2. Business and Career Development Support
3. Resource Development Consultation
4. Industry and Government Engagement
5. Economic and Resource Data Management
6. Interdepartmental Support
7. Environmental Representation, Compliance, and Enforcement