The Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation is Nation is pleased to announce the First Annual “Entrepreneurial Spirit Award”. This award is given to First Nation entity that is a business, individual, corporation or First Nation that exemplifies forward movement and involvement to create sustainable economic development for the First Nation of Saskatchewan.

It is an honor that we are able to present the first award to Onion Lake Cree Nation. Onion Lake Cree Nation is a thriving First Nation community where growth is creating an abundance of opportunity!

Onion Lake Cree Nation is situated 50 kilometers north of Lloydminster, at the junction of Highways =17 and =797. Onion Lake Cree Nation is the only Cree Nation which straddles a provincial bordet. Onion Lake Cree Nation is an independent band, Treaty #6 Territory.

Today Onion Lake Cree Nation continues to grow their membership with an estimated 4,956 (2010 PCD list) hand members, 3000 of which are living on reserve.

Onion Lake Cree Nation is poised for further economic growth and this growth is creating opportunities for new and exciting partnerships. Onion Lake Cree Nation is committed to building new partnerships with the private sector to realize the priorities of creating jobs and long term sustainable employment.

The partnership that has been cultivated with SIEF and Onion Lake Cree Nation has proven to be very beneficial to both parties. SIEF continues to actively support entrepreneurs on Onion Lake First Nation since early 2007. Since that time SIEF has been a strong supporter of the First Nation with many commercial activities and business startups with over 40 loans to self sustaining entrepreneurs amounting to over 2.7 million dollars being invested in various ventures. This involvement has created over 75 employment opportunities.

The Business Development Centre continues to support SIEFs initiatives by submitting loan applications and supportive information on potential clients and business individuals. The Business Development Centre has been excellent for monitoring progress and maintaining a thriving relationship with existing business clients.

It is with great pleasure and pride that the SIEF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD is presented to Onion Lake Cree Nation. Thank you for your continued support and congratulations on your willingness to be a leader in creating First Nations success