SMEDCO –Recognized as the Top Aboriginal Financial Institution in the country for COVID-19 Resiliency!

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) Government with its Ministry of Economic Development leader SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO) has been selected as the winner of the Aboriginal Financial Institution Covid-19 Resiliency Award by NACCA- the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association which is a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions across Canada. 

In March 2020 when Covid – 19 was deemed a pandemic, as part of the MN-S pandemic action plan response SMEDCO went into action to explore ways they could assist their clients to persevere through COVID.

“In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, SMEDCO successfully administered and disbursed over $20 million in COVID-19 pandemic funding since May 2020. These contributions had a real impact to preserve jobs, keep Métis owned businesses operating and stimulate the local economy” said Tristan Zachow – SMEDCO CEO

“The SMEDCO board showed unprecedented leadership through the pandemic by supporting our Métis clients.  SMEDCO staff worked tirelessly through the pandemic often putting their clients before themselves and going above and beyond the regular working hours and job responsibilities week after week, month after month to assist Métis businesses.” added Zachow

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Minister of Economic Development Glen McCallum said “Our Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Government is committed to creating a strong Métis economy.  SMEDCO is the leading Economic Development hub for our Métis citizens and communities, and we are very pleased to be recognized as the winner of this national award.”

“We were able to assist many Métis owned businesses in Saskatchewan! Thank you to all our clients who support us in return, we do this for you” added SMEDCO CEO, Tristan Zachow

To date SMEDCO has worked with over 1600 Métis businesses across the province.

For more information, please contact – Monica Brunet P: 306-477-4350 | e: mbrunet@smedco.ca  | www.smedco.ca