The federal government has announced more than $1.98 million to support four Indigenous-led projects in the NWT, including up to $1 million for North-Wright Airways Ltd to construct a new hangar at the Norman Wells Airport.
Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, parliamentary secretary to the minister of northern and arctic affairs, announced the funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, or CanNor, at North-Wright’s Yellowknife terminal on Monday.
“Indigenous economic participation is essential to the future of northern Canada,” he said. “Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs are at the heart of innovation, expertise and opportunity to their communities helping to create jobs and strengthen local economies.”
Danny Gaudet, chair of North-Wright’s board, said the company has grown over the years with both regularly scheduled and charter flights.
A news release states the new hangar will allow the airline – which is 51 percent owned by Sahtu land corporations – operate larger aircraft, improve passenger services and cargo handling infrastructure, and support more reliable service to Sahtu communities.
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“Certainly we want to not only have our mechanics working inside a building that can accommodate these aircraft but can keep them inside overnight when its minus 40,” Gaudet said.
“It costs us a lot less to maintain these aircraft and keep them warm.”
Gaudet said shareholders and customers have been pushing for North-Wright to expand. He said he wants the government to support the lengthening of runways to allow for larger aircraft.
He added that he would like to see more young people in the North become pilots and maintenance mechanics.
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“Because we live in the Sahtu we’re so dependent on flying in and out of the communities, not only for passengers but all the freight and groceries and everything we depend on,” he said.
The federal government said the funding will be fully repayable upon completion of the hangar project, which is expected to take four years.
Timber harvesting, business management and youth camp
Other initiatives set to receive CanNor funding include a three-year project by the Undah Gogha Corporation to help the Deh Gáh Got’ı̨ę First Nation establish a larger timber harvesting production site in Fort Providence. The project is set to receive up to $827,999 in federal funding.
Det’on Cho Management LP will receive up to $123,200 for a two-year project to purchase, implement and integrate two add-on modules to a new business management system. The company, which is owned by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s economic development arm, said the investment will help it capitalize on development opportunities.
Rebecca Connelly, chief strategy and engagement officer for the Det’on Cho group of companies, said the new financial management system moves eight companies from separate financial systems to one. She said the two additional modules funded by CanNor will focus on data analytics and reporting.
“This information will help us make better business decisions and is key for us as we are entering a really dynamic time for the Northwest Territories in the economy here to make sure that we can continue to be a strong northern company supporting northerners and our First Nation,” she said.
Thebacha Business Development Services Inc will receive up to $31,000 to run an entrepreneurship bootcamp for 30 Indigenous youth aged 11 to 18 in the South Slave to develop business skills, increase financial literacy, build confidence and connect with Indigenous role models.
“Engaged, active and skilled youth are really the key to healthy and prosperous communities.” MP Hanley said of the project.
