UWCRC is supporting business development for First Nations associated with the University’s Master’s in Development Practice program.
Peguis Land Acquisition Strategy
UWCRC was retained by Peguis First Nation to assist in developing criteria and guidelines to purchase and select land (using Treaty Land Entitlement and Settlement Funds). The overall objective is to ensure that all choices are in line with the Peguis Comprehensive Community Plan and to plan for a blend of land choices that meet a range of social and economic development objectives. In completing this work, UWCRC has worked closely with the TLE Committee and Chief Peguis Investment Corporation.
The Peguis TLE Unit has expressed a desire to continue working with UWCRC to develop monitoring and measurement tools and to assist in the setup of the real estate development and property management arm for Peguis. That work is ongoing. UWCRC is also working with Peguis to evaluate particular investment opportunities consistent with the land acquisition plan.
Project Zero
UWCRC is working with the UWinnipeg to assist the Fisher River Cree Nation in exploring and, if feasible, taking the steps necessary, to start-up and operate a commercial fishing and fish processing plant utilizing “rough” fish from Lake Winnipeg. University biologists have been researching the use of “rough fish” (carp, mullet, etc.) for organic fertilizer, which are over-populating Lake Winnipeg. Technical and commercial feasibility studies are being compared. If feasible, a fish processing plant could be constructed on the Fisher River Cree Nation to house a commercial organic fertilizer enterprise.
In addition to providing a commercial opportunity, the project can contribute to the environmental sustainability of the lake.