Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, located near Sudbury, Ontario, has initiated a partnership named Mukwa Energy with the aim of generating up to 30 employment opportunities for local community members.
Collaborating with JDass Corp, the First Nation has established a fuel blending facility producing gasoline and diesel fuel for commercial clients in the vicinity. Chief Craig Nootchtai of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek mentioned that though the facility has been operational for four years, the First Nation now holds the majority ownership.
Nootchtai highlighted that more than 80% of the workforce comprises Atikameksheng members and anticipates creating an additional 18 to 15 jobs as operations expand.
Currently, a dozen community members are employed at the facility. Navjot Dass, the managing director of JDass Corp, confirmed an agreement to provide royalties to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek based on generated revenues.
Furthermore, the joint venture commits to ensuring that 80% of the facility’s staff are Indigenous individuals. Dass also mentioned plans to construct an ice hockey rink cover as part of a community benefit agreement.