DEH CHO - The ownership base of Dehcho Regional Helicopters expanded this month to encompass every First Nation in the Nahendeh region.

Chief Tim Lennie, left, Gaylene Moses, Kyle Clille and band councillor Henry Hardisty were part of the team from Pehdzeh Ki First Nation that welcomed representatives of Great Slave Helicopters to Wrigley at the beginning of discussions about joining Dehcho Regional Helicopters. - photo courtesy of Dehcho Regional Helicopters

The business arms of both Pehdzeh Ki First Nation and Liidlii Kue First Nation bought into Dehcho Regional Helicopters.

The company was formed in 2004 by the investment arms of Acho Dene Koe First Nation, the Fort Simpson Metis Nation, Nahanni Butte Dene Band, Sambaa K'e Dene Band and Jean Marie River First Nation.

"We thought it was a good opportunity to get into ownership of assets," said Chief Tim Lennie of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation.

The First Nation in Wrigley had previously had a revenue sharing partnership with Great Slave Helicopters, the company that conducts all flight operations for Dehcho Regional Helicopters. The agreement included free flying hours, training opportunities and a bit of revenue. The new agreement is similar but gives Pehdzeh Ki ownership in Dehcho Regional Helicopters, Lennie said.

"It was something that was beneficial all the way around," he said.

Buying into Dehcho Regional Helicopters was a good investment because the company works and generates revenue across the region, not just in Wrigley's traditional territory, Lennie said.

The company has lots of potential and will hopefully be utilized as projects commence in the region, he said.

Lennie would like to see some of the money that Pehdzeh Ki gets through the partnership put in a trust for future generations.

"That's what it's all about," he said.

Dehcho Regional Helicopters is excited to have Pehdzeh Ki First Nation and Liidlii Kue First Nation join the company, said Joanne Deneron, the company's president.

"By having the two communities join forces with Dehcho Regional Helicopters makes it even a stronger company all the way around," Deneron said.

All of the business' partners are considered equal but Liidlii Kue First Nation is an important addition because it was the only first nation in the Nahendeh that wasn't linked to Dehcho Regional Helicopters or Great Slave Helicopters, Deneron said.

The First Nation in Fort Simpson had an agreement, which had expired, with Canadian Helicopters.

Dehcho Regional Helicopters is 100 per cent aboriginal owned and controlled. It was originally formed to capitalize on the seismic work and exploration in the area, she said.

The business has done exceptionally well with the five founding members, Deneron said. In 2008 the company purchased its first helicopter for $1.6 million.

The original members of the partnership have plans for the company's future but hope to meet with the new partners in 2011 to discuss their ideas, said Deneron.

The Mackenzie Gas Project is one potential opportunity for the company, she said referencing the recent decision by the National Energy Board to approve the pipeline.

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