BEARSPAW FIRST NATION ANNOUNCES A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE AND ELEVATE INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION IN WESTERN CANADA’S ENERGY SECTOR
(Mînî Thnî, Alberta) - Chief Darcy Dixon of the Bearspaw First Nation is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Indigena Dilling Inc. a groundbreaking partnership aimed at elevating Indigenous community involvement in Western Canada’s energy sector. “Majority indigenous ownership and collaboration in business is one of the key factors for First Nations moving forward for economic reconciliation. We believe Indigena Drilling is one such vehicle to make this a reality” he said.
The Bearspaw First Nation is excited to become a partner in Indigena Drilling. Indigena has also signed a strategic agreement with Stampede Drilling Inc. for additional strength and opportunity.
Indigena Drilling Inc. is a company formed by industry veterans and backed by a powerful coalition of Indigenous shareholders. Its shareholder base includes 130 First Nations through the Indian Resource Council of Canada Trust and Eight (8) First Nations directly. Operations will be conducted through the Indigena Drilling Limited Partnership which will be controlled by First Nations unit holders – ensuring Indigenous leadership and long-term benefits.
Indigena Drilling’s board of directors consists of Stephen Buffalo, Chairman with directors Elson McDougald, Jeff McCaig, Andy Popko, Terry Munro, Chief Darcy Dixon - Bearspaw First Nation and Chief Greg Desjarlais - Frog Lake First Nation.
Chief Darcy Dixon stated “Bearspaw First Nation had made significant progress in creating own source income streams and employment for Bearspaw members. We can no longer rely on depleting natural gas royalties to operate our Nation. Our current economic development portfolio has many successful businesses and we are most pleased to add Indigena Drilling to it”.
Bearspaw business ventures reflect its culture, its values and their commitment to growing a strong and self-reliant future for both present and future generations of Bearspaw members.
For Further Information:
Rob Shotclose, CEO
Bearspaw First Nation
Stoney Nakoda Nations
(587) 777-8556
