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Building Economic Independence from the Ground Up
Fisher River Economic Development Corporation Case Study
The Fisher River Economic Development Corporation (FRED) works on behalf of the Fisher
River Cree Nation. As the leading economic driver for the community, FRED is committed to
creating new employment opportunities, empowering individuals and strengthening the
community's social and economic fabric.
The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) is proud to support FRED in numerous
capacities. A recent focus on tourism and fisheries, FPEGF has previously supported many
initiatives including the Fisher River Car Wash & Laundromat, Grocery Store, Bay River
Developments, Fisher River Building Supplies (Castle Group), Bay River Inn & Suites,
Photovoltaic Solar Farm, Fisher River Multiplex and the Community Hall.
Fisher River hit national headlines in 2020 with FRED's launch of Manitoba's biggest solar
project, a 1-megawatt facility with almost 3,000 solar panels and built entirely by Indigenous
employees. Funded by FPEGF, this project along with geothermal heating systems for 300
homes are reducing electricity costs with renewable energy solutions.
“Our goal was to get our foot into green energy,” says Lorne Cochrane, Chairman & President of
FRED. “We can't continue to say we're stewards of the land without taking these kinds of
actions. By going that way it opened up not only our eyes, but the eyes of many others, to look
at green energy...In the future, we'd like to be our own utility company.”
TOURISM
Leading in the area of sustainability serves Fisher River well as they develop their community
as a tourism destination centred on the beautiful and pristine Fisher Bay Provincial Park.
Visitors are invited to stay at Fisher River Cree Nation at the Bay River Inn & Suites and go on
an adventure with Fisher River Outfitters, offering bear, deer and waterfowl hunting, as well as
fishing experiences. As well, 14 new cottages have been built on the lake as part of a cottage
development project.
BUILDING A FLAGSHIP
The biggest income earner, making over $1 million over four years, is the flagship store, Fisher
River Building Supply (a member of the Castle Building Centres Group). “To us, economic
success isn't just about putting money in the bank,” says Cochrane. “It's about employment,
pride, stability, steady jobs that pay well.” A symbol of economic stability, Fisher River Building
Supplies has attracted more vendors to the community over the years. It's a good example of
how FPEGF has become an indispensable partner in building up community services, helping
the community become more independent and resilient.
FISHERIES
At the heart of Fisher River Cree Nation is their investment and livelihood from the fisheries
based on Lake Winnipeg, with Cochrane saying: “The fishing industry is our identity, who we
are. The reason we're here, why we relocated from Norway House.” With 100 commercial
licences, FRED manages a larger fish processing plant as well as a smaller one held in the
community to enhance sustainable food sourcing. FPEGF helped support the purchasing of
licences and expand the fish processing plant.
RESILIENCE & INDEPENDENCE
When faced with flooding and hydro outages, the community faces the challenges together. The
Community Hall becomes the emergency shelter. Cochrane says, “The safety of our members is
paramount. In 2019, we were without hydro for 8 days. We run our own emergency services out
of the Community Hall and our motel hosts evacuees. Our building supplies provide materials
for flooded homes and damage due to disasters. We're self-sustaining and it's due to our
leadership, our directors, our board, our community. We are supportive of each other and
ensure governance is running smoothly.”
When asked about how the community is remaining resilient in the face of many social and
economic challenges, Chief Crate says: “Our ability to address issues comes from a long history
of facing emergencies. Flooding has impacted our community along with an epidemic of drug
use. Community planning is critical in everything we do. When you have access to resources
and money in the bank you can be more resilient. We address debt load while also holding a
surplus that allows us to manage emergencies.”
WHY FPEGF?
Working with FPEGF has proven over time to be a beneficial relationship, says Chief David
Crate, “They understand the challenges we have as First Nations when we're trying to leverage
the little money we have and the little equitable assets we hold. Because of the reserve lands
and the Indian Act, it's a breath of fresh air that FPEGF can understand where we're at and that
our resources aren't readily available.”
“We meet regularly, we brainstorm,” says Lorne Cochrane, FRED President. “They challenge
me in a good way and I do the same. One of the things we really appreciate is their
encouragement. We hit a plateau at one time and just weren't progressing. So they helped us
secure the funds to do a business assessment. A consultant came in and did an independent
assessment to see where we could be more profitable. The support was there to help us grow.”
KEYS TO SUCCESS
One of the ingredients of success is how the nation and FRED are governed. “Part of our
success is our administration, how we do business with due diligence, and how we focus on not
taking on unmanageable debt,” says Chief Crate. “The continuity of our leadership provides
stability, and our policies are fair and equitable. We are very transparent about what we're
doing. After all, if our people don't trust us, how will they stay with us? We take care of our own
and make sure they are comfortable.”
By working together the community has developed the conditions that make new initiatives a
team effort. “It's about engagement, transparency, accountability,” says Cochrane. “Our chief
and council are committed to our initiatives. We engage them too, and they bring ideas, and
ideas come through community consultation processes. We have a strong financial
administration. So, our community knows we're transparent, fair and equitable. It also allows
financial institutions to know there is limited to no risk in dealing with Fisher River. Our
governance is strong here, it alleviates a lot of concerns from outside agencies who want to
invest in us.”
ON THE FUTURE
In the future, there is a clear vision for what is needed, Chief Crate saying: “I wish there were
more resources available. I wish, on a bigger picture, that we could use political organizations to
lobby for greater funding, regional authorities with grants. We really appreciate FPEGF and
know that low or no interest rate loans really help us grow and become more independent over
the long run.”
Fisher River Cree Nation believes they are just scratching the surface of opportunity. They're
ambitious and optimistic, believing opportunities lie beyond their own community, investing in
the economy of Manitoba.
Grand Opening for FN Paper and Chemical Supply Ltd.
FPEGF was honoured to take part in the Grand Opening for FN Paper and Chemical Supply Ltd. We wish them success in all of their endeavors and look forward to future growth and expansion within their company. Special thank you to the Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Indigenous Economic Development, and MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, for your strong support for our client and the Indigenous business sector, Chi- Miigwetch.
 Watch the video of the event!
NACCA - Indigenous Business Awards
FPEGF would like to congratulate both winners of the NACCA - Indigenous Business Awards.
FPEGF was fortunate to be in attendance at the 2023 Indigenous Prosperity Forum to witness Michelle Cameron of Dreamcatcher Promotions win the Indigenous Business of the Year – Award of Excellence, as well as Christa Bruneau-Guenther of Feast Cafe Bistro win the Indigenous Women Entrepreneur – Award of Excellence.
FPEGF is so proud of both entrepreneurs’ accomplishments over the past several years, and their continued success.
FPEGF is honoured to have played a role by providing start-up and expansion capital and will continue to support both of these First Nations entrepreneurs in their future growth.
Congrats again Michelle and Christa, well-deserved!
10th Anniversary
Economic fund fuels Indigenous businesses in Manitoba
Winnipeg Free Press by Martin Cash, October 3, 2018
Click here to view the article.
NACCA Awards 1st Place to FPEGF Inc.
Our CEO Ian Cramer accepted the award on behalf of FPEGF Inc. at the NACCA AGA held in Thunder Bay, ON on June 18th, 2014.
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