BTC to buy trenching company

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The Battlefords Tribal Council (BTC) is taking another step toward achieving economic self-sufficiency, thanks to its plans to buy a trenching company.

The BTC, which represents seven First Nations communities in central Saskatchewan, plans to purchase Dwight's Trenching Ltd., a company that has been operating for over 20 years, providing trenching, hydrovac and directional boring services to clients in the energy and communication sectors in both Saskatchewan and Alberta.

"Our communities have recognized opportunities in the oil and gas sector for quite some time, and this is the next step in developing sustainable business initiatives in that area," Chief Tom Whitecalf of the Sweetgrass First Nation said of the $2.4 million business venture. "Part of the Battlefords Tribal Council's mandate is to achieve economic self-sufficiency for our members. We have created in excess of 500 jobs in business development and affiliated agencies."

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)will be contributing $400,000 to the purchase of the trenching company. The federal contribution was announced by Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for INAC and Western Economic Diversification on March 6.

"This investment is an example of how First Nations are quickly becoming active players in the economies of Saskatchewan and Canada. Our economic development initiatives are aimed at eliminating obstacles and fostering opportunities for economic development and long-term economic self-sufficiency," Owen said.

By buying the business, the BTC will be increasing its involvement in the energy sector, while creating jobs, and providing First Nations people with opportunities to get involved in the energy and communication sectors.