Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Aug 06/01) - Shane Parrish thinks Northerners could be eating a larger slice of the economic pie if they would quit fighting over the crumbs.

Parrish is the chief executive officer of the corporate group ADK, owned and operated by the Acho Dene Koe of Fort Liard.

"There are lots of opportunities in the North," said Parrish. "We should be benefitting from these opportunities."

Parrish is on a drive to try to encourage Northern businesses to team-up with other Northern companies rather than turning southward for joint venture opportunities.

"We've seen opportunities in the North and we've missed opportunities," he said.

Parrish explained that aboriginal companies have to trust each other enough to give each other jobs.

"It's not always about money," said Parrish.

ADK Corporate Group has formed joint-venture companies to capitalize on business and employment opportunities related to oil and gas development in the Fort Liard region.

He said Northerners can support each other in a more efficient way while understanding some of the unique difficulties of doing business in the North.

"We can do as good a job as they can. We can get the return on investment. We can train better and create a situation where people feel more comfortable."

When the Liard gas fields were developed in the late 90s, Acho Dene Koe Beaver Enterprises added camp management, transportation and drilling rig services.

Parrish realizes that at times, it's wise to turn to the south.

"In areas where we don't have the capacity in the North or areas that are specialized, we have to go south."