Little Pine First Nation, a small band located about 90 kilometres from Lloydminster, is aiming to radically reduce its social assistance rates on reserve.
This piece explains what they’re doing.
According to the news story, the community has reduced its caseload by as much as a third.
In many cases, it was only a pair of steel-toed boots that allowed an individual to work. For some, transportation to a job site nearby was the issue. How did the band respond?They bought two buses to transport to and from work.
According to community leaders, the program has only increased community pride and contentment.
The approach is reminscent of the thinking of Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos Indian Band. He brought his community from near banruptcy to a major regional economic player.
Here’s to hoping more First Nations take the bull by the horns like Little Pine has.
