Grant helps Alberta First Nation buy heavy equipment

MCRAE, ALTA. – A grant is giving a helping hand to a First Nation-owned construction company in Alberta.

The Whitefish Lake First Nation-owned company Atikameg Construction and Oilfield Maintenance was able to purchase five pieces of heavy equipment to be used in projects in the forestry, oil and gas, and firefighting sectors.

According to the Whitefish First Nation, the company has used the money to buy a mulcher, bulldozer, sprayer system, lowboy trailer and service truck which has reduced the need to rent equipment, reducing costs and creating 26 new jobs.

In a public statement, Robert Grey, Chief of Whitefish Lake First Nation, said the grant will mean greater employment and economic opportunities for community members.

"We appreciate the Alberta government’s support to help First Nations like us become more self-sufficient," he said.

The $725,000 grant comes from the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. Since 2016, the fund has provided $10 million to indigenous community-owned businesses to invest in business opportunities that promote growth and jobs.