b'MEMBER TRIBUTEA Wealth of KnowledgeBy Bryan HansenPaying tribute to long-serving network member Lucy PelletierL ucy Pelletier, a proud memberchallenges posed by the Indian Act,importance of embracing change and of the Cowessess First Nation,she envisions a future where Indige- working alongside non-Indigenous is deeply committed to upliftingnous wealth creation and access tocommunities to forge a harmonious Indigenous communities and fosteringpartnerships allow communities topath forward. She believes that Indig-economic prosperity. With a careercontrol their destinies, free from gov- enous Peoples must take control of covering three decades, Pelletiersernment dictates. their future and challenge patriarchal leadership and expertise in First Na- My proudest accomplishment waslegislation such as the Indian Act and tions governance, strategic planningsigning a $32M agreement and gettingTreaties to build a more equitable and and human resources have played aaccess to capital in our bank account,self-determined society.pivotal role in shaping the success ofprocessed, delivered and reportedEntrepreneurship is the heartbeat of Indigenous businesses across Can- the way professionals in the field haveNations, and they need to create strat-ada. From her tenure as the formerbeen doing. That was something Iegies, Pelletier affirms. The social CEO of NACCA, to her subsequentheard since I was 18, is access toimpacts of what Indigenous entre-NACCA Board contributions and pres- capital, repeatedly, she shares. preneurs do are greater than just Im ent role as Corporate Director with thegoing to get rich. A lot of them arent First Nations Bank of Canada, PelletierFor Indigenous communities, the landrich. They make money, but they stick continues to shape the landscapehas always been the most valuablewith what they do and contribute back of Indigenous entrepreneurship withasset, but historical constraints suchto their community.steadfast dedication. as the Indian Act have limited its use. However, through Nation wealthRecognizing the importance of pass-I have known Lucy for over 15 years,creation and access to partnerships,ing on knowledge, Pelletier emphasiz-and we have become good friends,Indigenous entrepreneurs are nowes the need to step aside and create shares NACCA Board Member Elainegenerating their own revenues andspace for the next generation of In-Chambers. She is a wealth of knowl- taking charge of their destinies. Theydigenous leaders. You need to know edge, and I really enjoy the wisdomare enhancing environmental impactswhen to step aside so that others can and knowledge that she provided toand embracing their roles as stew- come in and learn, she asserts. The us on the NACCA Board of Directors.ards and protectors of the land whilecomplex field of entrepreneurship Her exceptional governance expertiseachieving prosperous sovereignty. and economic development involves has been instrumental in empoweringnegotiation with the government and NACCAs growth. Pelletier envisions a future whereimpacts various sectors, making it Pelletiers commitment to supportingIndigenous entrepreneurship serves asessential to equip the upcoming gen-Indigenous entrepreneurs and foster- the cornerstone of autonomous anderation with the skills and experiences ing prosperity is rooted in her beliefsustainable communities. If we didntnecessary to succeed.in Nation-building strategies. Shehave Indigenous entrepreneurs, weIn envisioning the future, Pelletier sees firmly believes that economic stim- wouldnt have the building blocks wepromise in the millennial generation. ulus, stabilization and opportunitiesneed to build more independent com- In the future, I see millennials thinking for partnerships with non-Indigenousmunities and societies, she reflects. faster [and] smarter to be able to groups are essential components ofDrawing on the resilience of Indige- handle these more complex issues Indigenous prosperity. Despite thenous Peoples, Pelletier highlights theand have a different lens because theyIssue #2, 2023INDIGENOUS PROSPERITY 27'