Saskatoon

Learning from the world: Indigenous business leaders gather in Saskatoon

Hundreds of people representing 10 different countries are in Saskatoon for the World Indigenous Business Forum.

3-day forum hosts delegates from 10 different countries

Daijah Martens is one of hundreds of delegates in Saskatoon for the World Indigenous Business Forum. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)

Hundreds of people representing 10 different countries are in Saskatoon for the World Indigenous Business Forum.

"Our theme is to connect, to share and to inspire," said Milton Tootoosis, co-chair of the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network which is the host committee of the forum.

"We are finding out, and I think it's common knowledge, that Indigenous populations worldwide are facing tremendous challenges economically with poverty issues, with land rights issues, accessing the market place."

Daijah Martens travelled to the forum from Australia. She said it's interesting to see the similarities of different Indigenous cultures from around the world.

"It's interesting to see how, you know, Indigenous cultures are all connected in a spiritual way."

Martens said she's hearing about how important it is to know about different markets in the world, and how to get involved with them.

According to Tootoosis, it's great to be able to share and hear success stories of Saskatchewan's First Nations people.

The forum began on Tuesday and continues through Thursday.