December 2010 index

First Nations grain company celebrates new offices in China

For the first time ever, a First Nation wholly-owned grain company has opened up new offices in China. First Nation

Grain Management celebrated the Grand Opening of their office in Dalian, China with the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo in attendance.  The project which is being headed up by well renowned and respected First Nations leader, Dr. Victor S. Buffalo, O.C., A.O.E., is expected to export volumes of canola and other grains to the Chinese.  

“Like many other First Nations, we have seen much of our lands and much of our resources within our territories developed without our input or consent. First Nation Grain Management has a vision, how we would like to see our lands and agricultural resources protected, managed and utilized now and into the future,” stated Dr. Victor Buffalo, Chairman of First Nation Grain Management. 

From 2008 to 2010, First Nation Grain Management journeyed to Asia on very exciting and informative research trips where they investigated the possibility of selling grains, cereals and oil seeds directly to Asian mills and factories. Chinese communities, industry and government are very interested in doing business with First Nations people and businesses by establishing long-term respectful relationships.

“First Nation Grain Management initially is marketing Canadian-grown crops. Our head office is located in Maskwacîs Cree Territory in Treaty No.6 and allows us to be at the center of a vast amount of First Nations controlled arable land. It makes absolute sense to establish marketing relationships with both First Nation and non-First Nation farmers in these areas and across Western Canada,” stated Gordon Rauscher, President and CEO of First Nation Grain Management. 

First Nations partnering in this project will gain new insight into international trade practices and opportunities for their communities. The grain company believes in sharing their knowledge, experience and networks that have been developed in Asia with other First Nations, so all can benefit.   

“First Nations across Canada are driven by the goal of achieving a prosperous and successful future for our citizens and communities,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.  “More and more, First Nations are leading the way in pursuing economic development opportunities and reaching out to national and international markets to create strong citizens, strong governments and strong First Nations. We congratulate First Nation Grain Management for their vision and determination to establish direct trade relations, particularly with increasingly important economic partners like China.” 

This is also an opportunity for all farmers who in the past relied on the Canadian Wheat Board to bring their grains to the global marketplace. First Nation Grain Management is a Western Canadian company that has an already established presence and network in China with the means, expertise and logistics to sell Canadian wheat and barley in Asia at competitive market values after CWB changes take effect in August 2012.   

“We are a First Nation company, supported by experts in logistics, international banking, and Asian business practices who are bringing to the table their own existing relationships with Asian buyers to support First Nation Grain Management activities. First Nations in Canada must look outside Canada for economic opportunities. China has opened its doors to our First Nations and we must seize this opportunity and continue to develop these relationships in a more formal approach,” said Victor Buffalo, recipient of the Order of Canada. 

“First Nation Grain Management is not expected to take over the entire market of Canadian grains being shipped to Asia annually. We simply want to establish an organization serving a niche market of Asian buyers. In time, First Nations will be able to annually produce a sufficient quantity of grains and oil seeds in order to achieve profits that can be reinvested into partner First Nation communities and into other economic development projects,” concluded Gordon Rauscher.