Island tribes moving ahead

Page 2

Nuu-chah-nulth-owned Ma-Mook Development Corporation and Cowichan-owned Khowutzun Mustimuhw Contractors have signed a memorandum of understanding with Terasen Utility Services Inc. that heralds greater co-operation on numerous development opportunities on central Vancouver Island.

The agreement covers the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet and calls for the three corporate entities to jointly investigate development possibilities on reserve land belonging to the central region tribes. They are looking at undertaking a wide range of construction projects as well as the building and operation of water, wastewater and alternate energy systems.

"The economic development that will flow from this agreement will help create jobs and provide expanded opportunities for our people to learn new skills and trades," said Ma-Mook Development's chairman Matthew Lucas following the April 15 signing in Tofino.

Cowichan Tribes' Chief Harvey Alphonse, who is president of Khowutzun Mustimuhw Contractors, was equally enthusiastic about the agreement's potential to support Aboriginal business growth.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation. Through this agreement, we are creating a process where First Nations people work with other First Nations people to build their communities."

Terasen Utility Services has 30 years' experience supplying utilities. A wholly owned subsidiary of Terasen Inc., the company has more than 45 Western Canadian contracts in water, wastewater, infrastructure management and facilities operations, as well as highly diversified interests in energy services and auxiliary businesses.

Five Nuu-chah-nulth tribes are partners in Ma-Mook Development, whose business ventures include forestry and transportation. The tribes are hopeful the signing will bring additional economic opportunities and certainty that will lead to improving and expanding their communities' infrastructure and housing.

Khowutzun Mustimuhw Contractors is a Cowichan Tribes-owned business that is active in all forms of construction, civil works, natural gas pipeline construction and engineering enterprises. Last year they signed an extension to an agreement with Terasen Gas that provides Khowutzun Contractors work on the central Island gas distribution system.

Upon signing the latest agreement, Terasen Utility Services President Brett Hodson said "This is a significant agreement that lays the groundwork for future opportunities for all parties involved and allows us to participate in a multitude of business options with the First Nations people of central Vancouver Island."