Each year the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development network recognizes organizations and individuals for their work supporting business and self-sufficiency.

Onion Lake Cree Nation was named the 2016 Economic Development Community of the Year for their support of entrepreneurs and small business ventures.

The business arm of this community was created to promote pimâcihisowin (self-sufficiency) by providing services including mentorship and coaching, financial accounting training, business plan developments, and management workshops.

The also help with taxes, EI applications and reporting, birth and OAS applications and student loan information.

Their work has seen great results including support of 77 small businesses and entrepreneurs, of which 95 per cent are located on the Onion Lake Cree Nation reserve. Twenty-one of the business owners are fluid haulers and own their semi-trailer units and haul of local transport companies.