Partnerships Boost employment in Kakisa
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Kakisa (Apr 30/01) - Economic development partnerships has meant jobs for several Kakisa residents.
Allan Landry, director of oil and gas for Kakisa, said partnerships with a surveying and engineering company, a logistics company and a camp and catering company have resulted in training and work for several resident, as well as some from Trout Lake and Fort Providence.
"Our goal was to get jobs and that's way we have done," he said of the joint-ventures.
Training costs are included in the deals.
"We're trying to train in every field so when work comes up here two guys from here can go do the surveying or whatever."
The deals were signed late last year after many preliminary meetings, but the community will not develop any of its natural resources before residents are ready, Landry noted.
Instead, each company was promised exclusivity in projects on Ka'a'gee Tu traditional lands as they occur.
Landry declined comment on the length of terms of these joint-ventures, but said they could be dissolved at any time by either party.
"We understand (the companies) are here to make money.
"But they're committed to having the community grow with them," he said.
