Athabasca Basin Development
Athabasca Basin Development is an investment company committed to building and investing in successful businesses. The company is owned by the seven communities in the Athabasca Basin, with Black Lake Ventures having 23% ownership.
Since being established in 2002, the company has grown to include complete or partial ownership in twelve companies providing a wide range of services. The company began with the unity of the seven communities in the Athabasca region who wanted to participate in the activities in the local mining industry and create a company that would provide benefits to the communities for generations. Governed by a board of representatives from the Athabasca communities and through its CEO, Geoff Gay, the company has a strong reputation, winning
Business of the Year by SaskBusiness Magazine in 2014 and the Prospector and Developer’s Association of Canada’s inaugural Skookum Jim award in 2008.
The company has ownership in Arctic Beverages, Athabasca Labour Services, Athabasca Basin Security, Double Diamond Structures, Flyer Electric, Lonona Contracting, Mudjatik Thyssen JV, Points Athabasca, Points North Group of Companies, Team Drilling, Tru-North RV, Auto and Marine, West Wind Aviation.
Athabasca Catering
In 1994 Athabasca Catering evolved from several related joint venture and partnerships and in 2003 the partnership became a 100% Saskatchewan First Nation owned and operated company. Our managing Partner, Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership, provides us the support, experience and oversight we need to succeed. The company specializes in local, First Nation and Aboriginal hiring providing positive influence for regional economical impact commitments.
The company has thrived in the remote site catering industry for several reasons; among them is high client satisfaction, high quality food service, qualified and skilled management at all levels and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done safely, professionally and skillfully.
Prince Albert First Nations Development Limited Partnership
Prince Albert First Nations Business Development Limited Partnership strives to own and operate profitable businesses that create employment opportunities for First Nations people, generate earning for reinvestment in in businesses and support First Ntions quest for economic self-sufficiency. The company has ownership in Arctic Beverages, Double Diamond Structures, Glemor Equipment, Points North Group of Companies, Western First Nations Hospitality LP, and West Wind Aviation.
Tazi Twe Hydro Electric Project
In November 2015, Black Lake voted in favour of proceeding with the $630M Tazi Twe Hydroelectric project, a joint venture with SaskPower.
The Tazi Twe hydroelectric project is a proposed water diversion hydroelectric project that will supply 50 megawatts to the provincial power grid. It will be the first new hydro project in Saskatchewan in over 30 years, and is expected to bring $1.3 billion into the community over the project’s 90-year life span.
Tazi Twe will also be the first hydro project built entirely on reserve land in Saskatchewan. Black Lake First Nation and SaskPower signed an agreement in principle to build the project in 2013.
The framework agreement between SaskPower and Black Lake First Nation provides for a 30 per cent interest for Black Lake and will provide a cash flow stream to the band for the next 90 years. Black Lake also wanted the least amount of financial risk, and minimal impact on the land and traditional activities.
Waterfound Development Corporation
Black Lake First Nations also participates in economic development activities through 33% ownership in Waterfound Development Corp. Currently, this development corporation owns 20% of Northern Resource Trucking (NRT).
Formed in 1986, Northern Resource Trucking is a transport company that includes a large fleet of trucks and trailers including dry bulkers, propane, petroleum, sulphur, chemical, flat decks, low beds and reefers. It primarily provides transport services to Cameco, AREVA and Claude Resources mines in Northern Saskatchewan, hauling consumables, mining materials, dry or liquid bulk commodities, machinery and over-dimensional loads for the mining companies.
Providing training and employment to drivers has been an important part of the NRT culture and continues to be important to the First Nation and Metis owners of the company. NRT has maintained an excellent safety record and its drivers have the training and experience needed to provide transport services across vast and challenging terrain including gravel and ice roads.