Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation

Release Date: October 20, 2015  On November 26th in Saskatoon, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is hosting the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Conference, Breaking Boundaries for Community and Business.

One of the highly regarded keynote speakers is Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear who has served his community, located 26 kilometers south of Saskatoon, since 1991. Chief Bear’s leadership has focused on financial accountability for Whitecap, self-government, and job creation through partnerships.

Today, Whitecap enjoys a reputation as one of Canada’s most successful Communities in investment attraction and job creation. Chief Bear’s focus on “progress through partnerships” has been pivotal to this status as he and Band Council have worked with the federal government, the provincial government, neighbouring rural municipalities and communities in the region.

Chief Bear is a recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2005, and was named one of the “Ten Most Influential People” by Saskatchewan Business Magazine and awarded the CANDO “Economic Developer of the Year” in 2006. In December 2011, Chief Bear was honoured with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the highest recognition given to residents of Saskatchewan and on May 23, 2012, Chief Bear was honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Medal reflecting his commitment to service.