EDAI

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR AMERINDIANS

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and  decide not to surrender, that this is strength.
(author unknown)

Editorial

No doubt economic development does not come easy to Amerindians.
First of all, it never had the overwhelming importance it has for European and white Americans - at the expense of the natural environment.

But then, for a minority, it’s risky to ignore the economic rules set by the majority.

Exchanges and inter- dependence are a fact,
so how could dependency be completely avoided?

To struggle for one’s ideals and interests is part of the game.

It provides at least the possibility of more decision- making power, of greater benefits and autonomy, of keeping alive ideals and sustainable traditions.

EDAI’s reason of existence is to be a supporting friend and partner in that crucial game.

Today’s crisis, be it financial or climate, simply proves the struggle to be important  - not only for Amerindians, but for everybody.
 

GREEN LAKE NEWS
Meeting Summary
Non Timber Forest Product Industry Development,
Oct.-19-09  Green Lake, Saskatchewan/Canada

Wild blueberries –
the next Saskatchewan goldmine?
Ric and Rose Richardson’s project for blueberry-harvesting and processing triggered EDAI-boardmember Bernard Mueller’s visit to Green Lake, Saskatchewan (Canada) in October 2009.

“...a burnt-down forest, 30 to 40km in size, with an abundance of wild blueberries” (photos by Maria Pulfer)

Bernard, why do you think blueberries from Saskatchewan present a special economic opportunity on the market?
Hand-picked, wild blueberries from the wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan are
high-quality, pesticide-free products, their taste being incomparably more aromatic than the bigger ones sold in supermarkets from high-yield plantations. They are a wonderful treat no gourmet can resist.
The economic opportunity exists because there is a growing niche-market for such products. Especially in cities, more consumers with higher incomes are prepared to pay a premium price for better tasting and healthier high-quality food products.

A meeting was held to discuss the opportunities that are offered by using products derived from the Traditional knowledge of the Aboriginal peoples of Northern Saskatchewan, in order to develop economic benefits for northern residents of our region.   The meeting was attended by 18 people, including some community members, Traditional land users, representatives of provincial government departments, a Metis local, as well as Bernard Mueller, representing EDAI (Economic Development for Amerindians.)

The meeting was co-chaired by Ric and Rose Richardson, a Metis couple who have been working toward the development of an economically viable Non Timber Forest Product industry, to benefit their region.  Rose Richardson opened the meeting with a Prayer for guidance, help and unity in the meeting.

A presentation was made to inform the people of the work that has been done, which has led to being in a position to move forward and develop the processing center, in Green Lake, which would serve harvesters from north western Saskatchewan.  The importance of recognizing the Traditional knowledge of the Aboriginal people of the region was stressed, as well as the need to incorporate “Fair Trade” standards in the development. 

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website updated November 20th  2009

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