Tickets to EEDC Annual Luncheon on sale Feb. 1

Chief Clarence Louie, one of Canada’s most outspoken and successful aboriginal leaders, will be the keynote speaker at Edmonton Economic Development Corp.’s 13th annual luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre on March 19.

Chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, Chief Louie is increasingly in the media spotlight for his insightful and candid comments on aboriginal self-responsibility and economic development.

“Every First Nation comes from a working culture. Our ancestors worked hard for a living. Today life is as complicated or messed up as you make it. To improve your quality of life, you either go to school or get a job. Words without action, excuses and blame lead towards more welfare dependency and poverty. It is hard work and making money that improves one’s standard of living and provides for community social needs.”

Chief Louie is also widely recognized for leading one of the most successful aboriginal communities in Canada. The Osoyoos Indian Band in BC’s south Okanagan was languishing in bankruptcy and welfare-dependency when Louie was re-elected chief in 1990. The Osoyoos Indian Band is now the region’s dominant employer with nine businesses — including an award-winning winery, a vineyard, golf course and a four-star hotel.

Chief Louie’s message about the importance of aboriginal economic development will be timely for Edmonton’s business leaders as Edmonton is home to 52,000-plus aboriginal people — second only to Winnipeg and twice that of Calgary or Toronto. Moreover, Alberta’s aboriginal population (the most urban in Canada) has grown by 48 per cent over the past decade — more than double the rate of Alberta’s non-Aboriginal population.

Tickets to Edmonton’s largest annual business luncheon will be available on Feb. 1 for $50 (plus GST) or $500 (plus GST) for a 10-person table. Tickets can only be purchased online by credit card at www.edmonton.com/eedc-corporate.aspx. This event is expected to be sold out by March 3, the deadline for ticket sales. Contact EEDC at (780) 917-7897 for additional ticket information. Note: Several pictures of Chief Clarence Louie are available on request.

Media Contact:
Kenn Bur, Director of Communications
Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
Phone: (780) 917-7659
E-mail: kbur@edmonton.com