About SDC
Sakitawak Development Corporation (SDC)
Sakitawak Development Corporation (SDC), is the economic development corporation for the Northern Village of Ile-a-la-Crosse. Our purpose is to invest in regional and community businesses across multiple sectors with emphasis on creating employment.
SDC’s seven voting board members are appointed by its sole shareholder, the Northern Village of Ile a la Crosse to carry out the operations of SDC. Currently, two are appointed Village Council members and five are members at-large. The Mayor of Ile a la Crosse serves as an ex-officio non-voting board member.
SDC Profile
The Sakitawak Development Corporation (SDC) was incorporated, in 1989, by the Northern Village of Ile-a-la-Crosse (NVIL), to invest in regional and community businesses in multiple sectors.
Its general purposes or mandate as laid out in its Articles of Incorporation are provided below:
- The identification of economic and social development opportunities and the preparation and amendment of an economic and social development strategy for the community of Ile a la Crosse;
- The fostering of local individual ownership of business and property in the community of Ile a la Crosse;
- The promotion of the Ile a la Crosse community as a place for external investment in small business and for investment in small to large-scale industry;
- Improving the community overall potential for economic development by expanding business development in the community;
- Reducing the number of skilled people leaving the community; and,
- Reducing dependence on outsiders, especially Government.
SDC owns several successful businesses and profitable business investments, making it one of the largest Métis economic development corporations in northern Saskatchewan. The SDC supports and services include providing entrepreneurs in the community with advice and guidance and also investing in community infrastructure. SDC is recognized in the community of Ile-a-la-Crosse for its economic leadership and community development. In the past, it has often contributed 5% to 20% of its profits, annually, back to the community in the form of dividends.
Community Profile
The Northern Village of Ile-a-la-Crosse is in the boreal forest of northwest of Saskatchewan, on a peninsula on the western shore of Lac Ile-a-la-Crosse. Ile-a-la-Crosse is located 220km northeast of Meadow Lake, 379km northwest of Prince Albert, and 478km northwest of Saskatoon. Population of the Village is 1365 – with an average age group of 40 to 44 years, median age group of 25 to 29 years, and a dominant age group of 0 to 5 years. According to the 2016 Statistics Canada census, there are 405 households in Ile-a-la-Crosse with a majority of these households consisting of married/common-law couples (59%) or female lone parent (33%).
As of 2015 the median income of NVIL residents 15 and older that have worked for a full year, is $44,588 – about $10,000 less than provincial median. In 2016 the unemployment rate in Ile-a-la-Crosse was 30.4% with a participation rate of 63.8%. The main industries driving economic activity in Ile-a-la-Crosse are: health care and social assistance (21.24%), educational services (13.27%), and public administration (12.39%).
Vision Statement
To be a northern leader in economic and community development.
Mission Statement
Founded in its cultural spirit, resilience, and strength in economic development, Sakitawak Development will maintain, develop, and expand the economic viability of the North West region by promoting strong partnerships with communities and industry.