A construction company owned by the Whitefish Lake First Nation has received a 725,000 dollar grant from the province to boost the local economy.
The grant has allowed Atikameg Construction and Oilfield Maintenance to purchase five pieces of heavy equipment that they say will be used in the forestry, oil and gas and firefighting sectors.
“Alberta is proud to partner with Whitefish Lake First Nation in its business venture as it will help to create more jobs for community members and provide resources to improve services now and into the future,” says Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “First Nation businesses also contribute to healthier local economies by promoting growth and prosperity that makes life better for all Albertans.”
The grant comes from the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund, which has awarded 10 million dollars to Indigenous community owned businesses since 2016.
“This grant will mean greater employment and economic opportunities for our community members,” says Whitefish Lake Chief Robert Grey. “We appreciate the Alberta government’s support to help First Nations like us become more self-sufficient.”
The company has purchased a mulcher, bulldozer, sprayer system, lowboy trailer and service truck, which they say has created twenty six new jobs.