MEDIA RELEASE: New majority Indigenous partnership generates opportunities in mining & industrial sector for First Nations

September 15, 2022 - Saskatoon, SK/Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis

A new majority Indigenous-owned enterprise announced today will drive Indigenous participation in the economy and create employment opportunities across the province. Birch Narrows Dene Development Inc. (BNDDI), the economic development corporation owned by Birch Narrows Dene Nation, and Impact Energy Services, Western Canada’s industry-leading electrical and instrumentation contractors, have partnered to form a new industrial and mining division of Impact Energy. This new division, operating as a limited partnership, will see BNDDI own 51% and Impact Energy own 49% of the new entity, which will create financial returns and career opportunities for the Birch Narrows Dene Nation and beyond.

“This is an exciting opportunity for BNDDI to participate in our province’s valuable mining and industrial sector. BNDDI looks to invest in organizations that hold exemplary performance in safety, quality and customer service all while embracing the potential of our Indigenous peoples and communities. We believe we are 100 per cent aligned in this philosophy with Impact Energy,” said Anthony Clark, Chief Executive Officer of BNDDI.

BNDDI and Impact Energy are committed to working together toward a sustainable, mutually beneficial business relationship based on trust, value, service, and innovation. Together, these companies will blaze a trail for the construction industry through environmental, social and governance best practices, by creating meaningful employment and by building capacity for Indigenous participation in industrial and mining activities that will deliver long-term benefits for Birch Narrows Dene Nation.

“Today marks a major milestone in our partnership not just with BNDDI but also the local communities residing on the traditional Territory of the Birch Narrows Dene Nation. We are committed to meaningful and respectful engagement with our partners as we work together to deliver leading electrical services in the industrial and mining sector,” said Boyd Kampen, President and Partner of Impact Energy Services.

The new limited partnership aims to build sustainability and diversity into its business model. The partners’ focus is on building a lasting company with a sustainable revenue stream and creating meaningful careers in the trades that will help the Birch Narrows Dene Nation and its members prosper for generations to come. The early years of the company will focus on investment into business opportunities and growth.

Included among the opportunities for this new enterprise, will be the recently signed Mutual Benefit Agreement (MBA) between NexGen Energy Ltd., and Birch Narrows Dene Nation. The, MBA ensures strong community involvement, with NexGen playing a critical role in facilitating engagement with the community and working with the service providers to build upon the training and career opportunities for members of the First Nation.

About

Impact Energy Limited Partnership

A proud First Nation partnership and majority-owned Indigenous industrial and mining division, with shareholders: the Birch Narrows Dene Developments Inc. and Impact Energy Services.

Birch Narrows Dene Development Inc.

Birch Narrows Dene Development Inc. is the economic development corporation 100 per cent owned by Birch Narrows Dene Nation, a First Nation residing on Treaty 10 Territory. BNDDI aims to build capacity by nature of partnerships in order to participate in industrial / mining activity taking place within the Traditional Territories of BNDN and farther afield. BNNDI’s focus is on building a sustainable revenue stream that will, inevitably, in the long term, provide regular dividends to the Birch Narrows Dene Nation. With a vision to provide future BNDN generations with opportunity to be self-sufficient through wealth creation, employment, education, and environmental stewardship, BNDDI is an integral part of the community's success plans.

Impact Energy Services

Impact Energy is Western Canada’s industry-leading electrical and instrumentation contractors delivering on trust, value, service and innovation. Impact was founded with the desire to build and support our community, to employ and foster local talent, to service local business and to give back to and take part in community initiatives. Impact Energy has offices in Rosetown, Saskatoon, and Kindersley. Impact-energy.ca

NexGen Energy Ltd.

NexGen is a Canadian company and developing global leader in the responsible delivery of uranium for the world’s current and future clean energy needs. NexGen is focused on optimally developing the Rook I Project into the largest low-cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the highest levels of environmental and social governance. NexGen is headquartered in Vancouver, BC with an operations office in Saskatoon, SK.

Media Contact

Melody Lynch melody@symmetry-pr.com 306.250.7235