Capacity Development. Relationship Building. Reconciliation. By Anna Guy “There is a clear recognition out of the corporate business community that the old way of doing business with Aboriginal companies is gone, and the new way means fundamental changes for full engagement and participation with the Aboriginal community.”—Phil Fontaine, Ishkonigan. Canada’s top indigenous consulting [...]
Leading Alberta's oil sands industry By Rajitha Sivakumaran For many companies in Fort McMurray, it is hard not to talk about the wildfire that happened in May. Dave Tuccaro, President and CEO of the Tuccaro Group, called it “a kick in the teeth”. His group of seven companies have operated in the region catering [...]
Comforts of home and camp It’s hard to imagine anything more satisfying than a gourmet meal at the end of a 12-hour work day in a Northern Ontario mine. Coming back from a long day at Musslewhite Mine to a camp run by Windigo Catering LP offers that, and more. Windigo Catering provides everything [...]
For McMurray's safety-conscious contractors By Rajitha Sivakumaran When the Fort McMurray wildfire broke out in May 2016, the entire population had to close up shop and leave. The Corgan Group, which specializes in construction and maintenance for residential, commercial and industrial sectors, was no exception. This time of difficulty tested the company’s strength in [...]
As the saying goes: build it, and they will come. The story takes place 480 kilometers east of Vancouver, B.C., in south Okanagan. Known for its vineyards and spectacular natural beauty and Aboriginal culture, the Okanagan people have lived in this region for thousands of years. The Penticton Indian Band is the largest reserve [...]
Supporting B.C.'s Resource Industry It started as a potential bio-mass electricity contract. It ended as an economic engine that has grossed $20-million and counting, and filled much needed jobs in B.C.’s resource development industry. The Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) was born of a relationship between Rick Connors and the Gitxsan First Nations of Northwestern [...]
Empowerment Through Technology By Rajitha Sivakumaran The word Animikii (pronounced ah-nih-mih-key) means thunderbird in Ojibwe. The thunderbird is a very powerful and respected being in many Indigenous cultures, and when its enormous wings beat, thunder is produced. Jeff Ward, founder of technology company Animikii Inc., has a very special relationship with the thunderbird. When [...]
Taking the Greener Path To Sustainability By Cheryl Long “We should all use the gifts that the Creator has given us to help us give up our addiction to and dependency on fossil fuels and return once again to using the power of the elements: the Sun, Wind and Sea.” – Chief Gordon Planes [...]
Attracting New businesses To the Edmundston Region By Rajitha Sivakumaran Canada’s Aboriginal population is the fastest growing ethnic group in the country. The last five years have resulted in a growth of 22 percent, and half of the population is under the age of 25! But the population isn’t the only thing that’s growing. [...]
Building Success in People Since 2005 By Rajitha Sivakumaran Most entrepreneurs have a full plate simply due to their business, but Massey Whiteknife juggles his commercial ventures with a singing career and an upcoming reality TV show. “My whole life revolved around being an entrepreneur and wanting something better,” Whiteknife said. Growing up in [...]