WORD FROM INTERIM DIRECTOR GENERAL

The development of our Economic Strategic Plan has been an exhilarating process that brought together people and ideas on what the community is striving to obtain for its members. The end goals has always been to keep in line with the Principals of Good Government and the Vision that the people of Wemindji have previously identified and established, and it is important to share with you exerts of that visions statement are as follows:

"The Vision we hold for our People and Community…"

We are a capable and proud Eeyouch. Wemindji Eeyouch recognize that we are the children of the Creator, and we respect this relationship, and the duties it places upon us to maintain harmonious, happy and healthy relations among ourselves, with other people, and with all living things.

The Cree Nation of Wemindji encourages and fosters Cree entrepreneurship and prosperous Cree-owned businesses as the basis of both our local and regional Cree-owned economy. We support our Members participation in the national and global markets, and the "new" or hi-tech economy.

All employers on our Territory are expected to provide meaningful, safe, sustainable, good paying employment jobs for our Members."

With this in mind our path is outlined, and the goal of this strategic plan is to provide a framework for our economic development officer to employ, for now and the future, when dealing with potential entrepreneurs. With this plan, we keep in mind that we endeavor to provide quality services to the members by offering resources, opportunities, and coaching so they themselves can become successful entrepreneurs. With the support of our economic development officer and the strategic plan in hand, we not only encourage

and generate awareness of business opportunities, we also help to foster success in the world of commerce and industry.

Those who have ventured into self-employment are to be commended, and those aspiring to start their own business are to be encouraged.

Peace to all!

Wachiya

Stella Lameboy-Gilpin – Interim Director General