Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 29/05) - Tomorrow, one of the largest logistics companies in the North officially becomes 100 per cent Dogrib-owned.

Formed in 1999, Tli Cho Logistics was a joint venture between ATCO Frontec and the Rae Band. The 10-year management agreement for the mine-servicing company was based on capacity building.

Behcho Ko Development Corporation owns: Tli Cho Logistics Tli Cho Landtran Rae Band Construction Wolverine Sports Tli Cho Road Constructors (under formation) Tli Cho Explosives Arctic Reflections Tli Cho Motel Rae Edzo Aerodrome

After only six years the company is ready to fly on its own, said Behcho Ko Development Corp. president George Mackenzie.

Behcho Ko formed in 2002 on behalf of the Rae Band as a holding company for band business activities and to foster economic and community development.

It has grown from six employees to more than 300 as of 2004, with annual consolidated revenues of $55 million from its nine companies. The workforce could double again if the three other Tlicho communities - Wekweti, Wha Ti and Gameti - become involved in a regional effort, Mackenzie said. Complete ownership means more flexibility and ensures 100 per cent of the profits stay in the companies and in the community, he added.

Dogrib benefits

"In big companies, all the money goes to individuals or single families," he said. "Here, we are working for all Dogrib people. Eventually, all will benefit from the success of the companies."

The signing of business contracts will take place in schools so students can see and understand it, he said.

Behcho Ko already offers students scholarships if they're interested in careers as nurses, teachers or social workers to help meet existing needs in the Dogrib communities.

"Now we also need to focus on management training so our young people can be proud to work for an aboriginal-owned and managed company," he said.

Creating a base of knowledge so trades people aren't required to be flown in when there is a problem is another training goal.

"There will be Dogrib trades people in each community who are able to fix things," he said.

"The Dogrib have a longer vision that is more holistic than a lot of other business people," said Nick Mansell, chief operating officer of Behcho Ko. "Profit is not always the sole motivating factor. It is very refreshing to work with them."

The success of Behcho Ko shows that it works and businesses around Canada are taking notice, he said. Mackenzie has been invited to speak at the Canadian Institute's fourth annual best practices forum on Aboriginal Business Partnerships in Calgary this fall.