Fontaine. “We have seen over and over, it
is far better for both parties to have a com-
munity that has the capacity to engage in
a meaningful way.”
Fontaine advises corporations to educate
themselves on the culture with which they
want to engage. “Just as you would doing
business in another country like China or
India, you need to understand certain pro-
tocols and etiquette.”
Working out future business and financial
arrangements with the corporate sector
can make an positive impact in eradicating
poverty, according to Fontaine. “That is a
huge challenge because to begin to move
out of poverty and dependency, you must
be active and engaged partners in devel-
opment. This represents a steep learning
curve for Aboriginal communities and in-
dustry because trust must be developed.”
INDIGENOUS ROOTS
Fontaine has always been a trail-blazer, and
is leading the way in his newest business
venture, Indigenous Roots, a joint venture
medical cannabis company in partnership
with The Cronos Group. This business, the
first licensed majority Indigenous owned
medical cannabis producer, is being led by
Mr. Fontaine. It is focused on Indigenous
ownership and operation, providing jobs
to First Nations, and addressing under-
served citizen’s patient needs.
Through the Indigenous Roots partner-
ship, Cronos will provide land for the initial
One x One event
12 business elite canada
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MAY 2017
