The Ulkatcho Group of Companies signs five Alliance Agreements - including with the Duz Group of Companies
Prince George, Ceremonial Signing Event - February 8th, 2024
In a unique moment of unity, the economic development corporations of the Ulkatcho First Nation (UFN) and the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MILB) forged not only a strategic business alliance, but also committed to strengthen their Nation-to-Nation Relationship.
All the Alliance Agreements signed on February 8th represent a pivotal step towards fostering collaboration with like-minded corporations and generating business and employment opportunities that will benefit both the Nations.
The Ceremonial Signing was officially witnessed by the respective Chiefs of the Ulkatcho First Nation and the McLeod Lake Indian Band, signifying a shared commitment by the UFN and MILB to pursue impactful development.
UFN Chief Lynda Price emphasized that, “the signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey with the McLeod Lake Indian Band towards sustainable development, economic growth, and community empowerment both within our traditional territories – and beyond. This collaboration emphasizes our dedication to prioritizing community-driven initiatives and fostering positive relationships”.
MILB Chief Harley Chingee conveyed that, “the significance of this agreement will be in opening doors to new opportunities for growth. I value the relationship we have with the Ulkatcho First Nation and I am looking forward to seeing our two Nations’ collaboration progress in the years ahead. Together, we can leverage our strengths and resources to identify and deliver services, along with creating new jobs for members of our Nation."
“Through these Alliances and other initiatives, the Ulkatcho Group of Companies hopes to strengthen the businesses that were created by the UFN (UFN Mercantile Ltd. and Yun Ka Whu’Ten Forestry Ltd.) – and expand the UGoC to create meaningful Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCP), with Multi-Inputs Area Development (MIAD) – that provide new economic opportunities to improve the Quality of Life of Community Members.” Al-Nashir Jamal, Chairman of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies (UGoC)
The other Alliances include:
- Construction & Heavy Civil Works
- Environmental & Project Management Services.
- Aggregate Crushing & Supply
- Sand & Gravel Pit Development, Omineca Ltd.
- UAV & Drone Services for Forest Fire Surveillance, Wildlife Monitoring, Mineral Exploration.
The UGoC has also formed a new company (Ulkatcho Energy Corporation) that has embarked on developing, what has been described as, the largest Non-Integrated Area (NIA) Solar Power Project in Canada.
“These Alliances represent an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship. By embarking on joint projects aimed at creating generational wealth, all the parties will build on the strengths of all the partners to bring benefits for the two Nations”. Stephen James, CEO YKWF Ltd.
“We look forward to working together to identify new projects that align with the common values of both Nations. We aim to create opportunities that benefit everyone involved." Jacob Albertson, General Manager, Duz Cho Group of Companies
Ulkatcho Group of Companies Board of Directors:
- Mary Williams, Director – UGoC
- Vanessa Gottfriedson, Director – UGoC
- Quain Sulin, Director – UGoC
- Al-Nashir Jamal, Director – UGoC
Ceremonial Signing Event - Prince George, Thursday February 8th
- Media Coverage - TV, On-line News + Press Releases. Global News TV
- Ulkatcho First Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band solidify strategic economic alliance
- Ulkatcho, McLeod Lake First Nations create historic economic development partnership
- Strategic alliance agreement signed between McLeod Lake Indian Band and Ulkatcho First Nation
Photographs of the Ceremonial Signing Ceremony
Ceremonial Signing Event Emcee - Councilor Pamela Garner
Opening Prayers by Elder Mary Williams - Director, UGoC
Opening Remarks by Chief Lynda Price
Remarks by Chief Harley Chingee
Ceremonial Witness by Chief Lynda Price & Chief Harley Chingee
Ceremonial Signing
Duz Cho Group of Companies
Duz Cho
DWB Consulting Services Ltd.
Kode Contracting Ltd.
Omineca Ltd.
Draganfly Inc.
Group Photo
Closing Remarks by Quain Sulin - Director, UGoC
Closing Prayers by Adele Chingee - Band Manager, MLIB