New DevelopmentFirst Nations diamond office opens in Prince Albert
Last Updated: Thursday, July 26, 2007 | 2:11 PM CT
CBC News
With Saskatchewan's diamond industry poised to take off, a First Nations liaison office is an idea whose time has come, says the chief of a First Nation in the heart of the province's diamond area.
A diamond exploration office that opened in Prince Albert on Wednesday is a fitting base for First Nations to meet with diamond industry members, said Chief Luther Constant of the James Smith Cree Nation.
"I'm really excited about the direct communication with the province, federal government and industries," Constant said.
"We all know that this potential economic development in our backyard is going to create a lot of jobs and economic wealth for Saskatchewan for many years to come — not only for First Nations, but non-First Nations."
James Smith Cree Nation is next to the Fort a la Corne diamond exploration area, the centre of Saskatchewan's diamond exploration activity.
There are no mines in production yet, but the area is rich in the kimberlite "pipes" that people in the industry hope could someday turn Saskatchewan into a major diamond producer.
Prince Albert MP Brian Fitzpatrick said it's important to get the First Nations people in the area involved at the ground level.
The office, which cost $200,000 to set up, was opened as a federal and provincial government partnership with the James Smith Cree Nation.
https://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/07/26/saskatchewan-diamonds.html