29 March 2021
16 February, 2023 – Alberta, Canada
Mikisew Advisian Environmental, a partnership between Mikisew Group, the business entity of the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) and Advisian, has announced the sale of a 25 percent interest in the company to Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN).
The newly formed partnership will be called Desika LP.
Desika will provide environmental services in the Athabasca Region, such as water, geoscience, decommissioning and restoration. Desika's consulting work will provide clients with science-based technical solutions, influenced by Indigenous knowledge and connection to the land.
The name, Desika, reflects the coming together of Mikisew Group, Fort McKay First Nation, and Advisian. Desika is a combination of the word des, which is Dene for Water and minosihtahk the Cree word for restore. The name represents a journey toward reconciliation through environmental sustainability.
The investment is another step towards FMFN’s economic diversification strategy. FMFN is committed to business interests that align with the Nation’s traditional values, while also supporting new employment opportunities, enhancing community and cultural initiatives, and environmental sustainability.
“We are pleased to have purchased a 25 percent stake in Desika. Fort McKay First Nation has put a lot of focus on creating a long-term business strategy that will create economic sustainability for future generations. Working alongside a group of people who share this sentiment for their own Nation and group is vital for our success,” said Chief Mel Grandjamb, Fort McKay First Nation.
For Mikisew Group, the transaction further strengthens and scales its ability to provide engineering and environmental consulting services across air, water, and land on traditional territories and beyond.
“Mikisew Cree First Nation is committed to growing those businesses in our portfolio which not only create long-term economic benefit for the Nation but also help to protect our land and environment for generations to come. Indigenous wisdom has a huge role to play in environmental strategy and we welcome our partners at Fort McKay First Nation to the table,” said Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro, Mikisew Cree First Nation.
And for us, the growth of the partnership helps pave the way for environmental sustainability, reconciliation, and economic prosperity. As well as allowing us to better serve clients in the Fort McMurray region and beyond.
