February 6, 2009

Affinity Credit Union has opened the first credit union branch on a First Nation’s reserve in Saskatchewan.
The Cowessess First Nation branch will serve more than 3,500 band members.

The branch represents a key investment in the area and is part of Affinity’s strategic plan to provide access to financial services to First Nations people across the province through their First Nations District. The credit union uses a district council governance structure and board members are elected from the nine districts in the province — one is a First Nations district.
“The increasing importance of First Nations communities in the provincial economy, and the young and growing Aboriginal population, make it a priority for our credit union to connect growth meaningfully with First Nations,“ said George Keter, Affinity’s CEO.

“Our newest location allows us to better serve our members and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the financial needs of this thriving community.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our band members,” said Chief Gordon Lerat, Cowessess First Nation. “Our partnership with Affinity Credit Union will encourage the involvement and advancement of First Nations people in creating a more prosperous future for ourselves and for Saskatchewan.”

Affinity has a long history of service to the First Nations community and is one of the first credit unions to open an on-reserve full-service branch on a First Nations reserve. In addition to offering banking expertise, Affinity will take an active role in supporting Cowessess partnership initiatives, educational programs and community development. 

The branch is supported by a team of three people: a Business Development Manager and two Member Service Representatives.

Affinity Credit Union is the second largest credit union in Saskatchewan and aims to be the financial institution of choice. It offers access to a complete range of financial services including insurance and wealth management products to over 95,000 members through a network of 46 branches in 37 communities across the province.