January 21, 2020

FHQ Developments Champions Indigenous Engagement: Embracing the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Innovative Charter for Inclusive Economic Growth

FHQ Developments proudly announces its commitment to the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Indigenous Engagement Charter. Thomas Benjoe, the president and CEO of FHQ Developments and the first vice-chair on the chamber’s board of directors, expresses excitement about the potential impact of this groundbreaking initiative on the local business landscape.

Launched on January 21st, 2020, by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC), the Indigenous Engagement Charter aims to enhance economic equality by encouraging businesses to engage more with Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. The charter serves as a roadmap for businesses, providing a flexible framework to create their Indigenous engagement strategies.

Recognizing the rapid expansion of Indigenous businesses in Saskatchewan, the SCC emphasizes the need to create an economy that offers more opportunities for Indigenous participation. Thomas Benjoe highlights the long-term consequences, stating, “Failure to do that could create issues for us long term.”

FHQ Developments joins key investors and charter signatories in supporting the Indigenous Engagement Charter. This initiative is crucial for building bridges between businesses and Indigenous communities, promoting inclusive hiring policies, and contributing to the province’s overall economic development.

The charter, the first of its kind in Canada, offers a flexible framework with goals, timelines, actions, and responsibilities. Benjoe encourages businesses to find unique ways to implement it according to their goals and structures. Already, approximately 40 organizations have expressed interest in utilizing this innovative tool.

Indigenous engagement is not only a moral imperative but also makes good business sense. Nick Crighton, Director of Indigenous Engagement at the SCC, highlights various avenues for businesses to increase Indigenous engagement, including hiring, procurement, partnerships, and community participation. Companies can benefit immediately by filling hiring gaps, fostering innovation, and connecting with Indigenous-owned businesses.

Corporate social responsibility is crucial in a changing societal landscape. With Statistics Canada projecting that the Indigenous population will represent one in five people in Saskatchewan by 2036, FHQ Developments recognizes the importance of aligning workforces with the communities they serve. By actively participating in Indigenous engagement, businesses can contribute to dispelling misconceptions and fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.

FHQ Developments encourages businesses to take the first step by conducting organizational audits and implementing tangible measures, such as hiring Indigenous staff and utilizing Indigenous businesses in supply chains. As Nick Crighton aptly puts it, “This is a step in the right direction” towards a more progressive and inclusive future for all.