Eagles soar into business to raise funds

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Supporting a hockey team means more than just going to the games, say organizers in Saskatchewan.

The Starblanket Cree Nation believes the members of their junior A hockey team, the Lebret Eagles, are more than just players, they are role models. Each player represents a positive road for Native youth to follow, steering them away from substance abuse and encouraging them to stay in school.

To develop effective programs which will motivate kids to stay straight and in school, Starblanket has started a financial initiative to create a corporate and education trust fund for such programs administered by the Lebret Eagles.

One such initiative is an opportunity and trade show being held this fall in Regina. The three-day Doing Business With First Nations event will give sellers and investors the chance to meet and exchange ideas about cashing in on a myriad of business opportunities.

Besides opening doors of opportunities for the people involved, the Sept. 20 -12 show will provide needed funding for youth development programs as all the proceeds go to the Eagles in trust.