FHQ eCommerce
FHQ eCommerce Ltd. pursues opportunities in the electronic commerce sector on behalf of the FHQTC and its 11 Member Nations. It is governed by a representative Board of Directors consisting of the Chief Executive Officer and four appointed Chief Directors chosen for their skills and experience in relation to gaming and economic development.
Edmund Bellegarde is the President & CEO of FHQ eCommerce Ltd, a wholly owned First Nations company that pursues opportunities in the banking and iGaming sector.
From 2006-2021 Bellegarde served as the Tribal Chief & CEO of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC). Over the course of these 15 years in leadership, Bellegarde worked together with FHQTC’s 11 Member Nations to develop and expand the Tribal Council’s economic interests, build capacity in governance, strengthen institutions, generate employment and education opportunities, and improve overall community well-being, while also advancing inherent and treaty rights. Bellegarde has held numerous Chair and Board positions in areas such as housing, economic development, public health, gaming, and many non-profit organizations. Bellegarde has also served his home community as Chair of the Little Black Bear First Nation Specific Land Claim Trust since its inception in 1996.
Prior to his 15 years as FHQTC Tribal Chief & CEO, he served as President & CEO of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), where he implemented governance structures, internal controls, policies, and strategic expansion plans that led to the Conference Board of Canada recognizing it as the best governed non-profit corporation in the country. Bellegarde led the public consultations in the City of Saskatoon and the City of Swift Current that enabled SIGA’s expansion into two new casino markets.
Recognized for his leadership and commitment to First Nations development, Bellegarde is an accomplished executive with broad experience in leadership, retail banking, casino operations, business development, strategic planning, duty to consult, impact benefit agreements, public healthcare, affordable housing, education, governance, internal controls, negotiations, organizational structure, operations, budgeting, capital finance, energy sector renewables and non-renewables, industrial construction and contracting, iGaming, eCommerce, and more.
Chief Michael Starr has been leader of Star Blanket Cree Nation since 2009, after having served as Councilor for 15 years. Chief Starr is responsible for negotiating an agreement with First Nations University (FNUniv), the University of Regina, the City of Regina, the Provincial Government, and the Federal Government that resulted in the creation of atim kâ-mihkosit, or “red dog,” a 32.05 acre urban reserve surrounding FNUniv. A quest begun by Chief Cliff Starr in 2002, atim kâ-mihkosit is Canada’s first urban reserve devoted to education. During Chief Michael Starr’s years in leadership, he has also served as Board Director with many organizations, including the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), and the Indigenous Gaming Regulator. Star Blanket Cree Nation is one of seven FHQTC Member Nations that has enacted its own e-commerce laws and regulations.
Chief Alvin Francis has served as Chief since 2017. His entire career has been dedicated to Nekaneet, having worked as Councillor and reserve housing manager in the years before being elected as Chief. Francis has focused on advancing economic development, education, and job creation for his community, and is proud to have achieved land designation and forged many partnerships with industry over the years. Nekaneet is the host First Nation and part-owner of Living Sky Casino in Swift Current, which is operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). Chief Francis is also President of Natural Law Energy and Board Director of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.
Chief Mark Fox is a Cree/Dakota member of the Piapot First Nation. He is an experienced preventive and restorative counselor with over fifteen years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Fox’s specializations include: mediation, culture, and child welfare. He has also volunteered his time to many community agencies and events.
Chief Clarence Bellegarde is a member of Little Black Bear’s Band of Cree & Assiniboine Nations. Active in governance roles, he is a member of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Executive Committee and the Economic Development sub-committee. In addition to his role with FHQ eCommerce, he also serves as Board Director for FHQ Developments and the First Nations University of Canada. Chief Bellegarde has had a very active political career in over three decades of leadership and is a strong proponent for the wellbeing of his community.
