Cree Nation in Manitoba in running for national top community accolade

Things are not perfect in Norway House Cree Nation.

But there’s no denying things are getting better for one of the largest First Nations in Manitoba.

“Norway House has strong leadership, engaged staff and is on an upward trajectory for achieving major economic development success,” said Larson Anderson, who has served as the chief for the First Nation since 2018.

Norway House has had its share of successes under Anderson’s leadership. But he is not entirely content.

Anderson said a former premier had asked him what his proudest accomplishment has been.

There are currently two finalists in the Economic Development Officer of the Year award and two companies that are vying to be named as the best in the Indigenous Private Sector Business category.

One of the main reasons the future for Norway House Cree Nation is looking bright is because it now has a detailed economic plan, approved by council in April of this year.

“We didn’t have an action plan on how we could get more community members into business,” Anderson said. “Now we’ve got the finalized version of our economic development strategy.”

By Sam Laskaris Cando Contributor