Attorney General and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Barry Penner was in the lakecity last week.
Penner met with Aboriginal leaders, local government officials and members of the forest industry.
Penner said individuals were interested in discussing economic initiatives related to forestry such as pine beetle kill, bioenergy opportunities, mineral exploration on reserves and joint ventures between First Nations and lumber companies; Prosperity was also broached.
“It was more to put things on my radar; they were not looking for answers today but to plant the seed,” Penner said of discussions.
Interest in a recently initiated forest consultation agreement and revenue sharing plan — where the provincial government shares revenue with First Nations for forestry activity taking place in claimed First Nations territory — was also shown.
Penner further made a plug for MLA Donna Barnett in light of the recall campaign.
“It’s a disappointing distraction for Donna who works hard to get senior ministers’ attention,” he said.