Inuvik (Apr 26/04) - One of Canada's largest aboriginal companies is a bit of a mystery to those closest to it.

The Inuvialuit Development Corporation is often masked under the more public umbrella of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Ross MacDonald, president for the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, said over the next few years IDC will be forging ahead to create a corporate identity and more employment and training for Inuvialuit beneficiaries. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

"The IDC suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. As a holding company it is difficult to establish an identity," said Ross MacDonald, IDC president.

The IDC, like the IRC, is a "child" of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement signed 25 years ago. The company's focus is to generate income. It does this by investing money into smaller companies and joint ventures.

Eighty-five per cent of the profits are reinvested into the company and 15 per cent is paid into a trust for beneficiaries.

The company has 20 smaller companies that provide services in everything from transportation to construction to oil and gas.

While most people are familiar with the smaller companies like Akalak Air, they know little about the IDC, said MacDonald.

He aims to change that because he feels beneficiaries may be missing out on some great employment opportunities down the road.

"The opportunities in front of us are staggering," he said.

"This is extremely exciting times for the Delta and the Inuvialuit people."

A self-proclaimed "business builder," MacDonald brings a load of diverse experience to his position. Armed with two engineering degrees, international experience and a passion for his job, MacDonald, with help from his team, hopes to make the company even more successful.

Since he started 16 months ago, the company has seen the second most profitable year in its 25-year history -- $7.5 million in 2003.

That translates into more jobs, more training and larger share dividends for Inuvialuit beneficiaries.

But there's always room for improvement.

One of the first changes he made was to the coffee machine.

MacDonald hopes the best coffee in town will keep the people coming in.

"We wanted to make our beneficiaries feel welcome," he said.

The company also wants to start giving back to the communities. Earlier this year, the IDC sponsored a hockey tour with former NHL player Bryan Trottier, which was met with great enthusiasm.

This year, the company is creating more student summer employment and a youth leadership program.

Expansion is also on the horizon. IDC already has offices in Calgary and Edmonton where it is close to the movers and shakers of the oil and gas industry.

"We don't want our companies used because they are aboriginal, but because they add value," said MacDonald.