Investments
Mikisew fosters the responsible development of our land’s resources while powering sustainable economic progress in our communities and beyond. Take a look at some of our recent investments below.
Three Nations Energy Project
Three Nations Energy (3NE) is an equal partnership between the Mikisew Cree First Nation, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125. It owns and operates a 2.2-megawatt solar farm in Fort Chipewyan.
Once Phase 2 is completed, the project will offset 800,000 litres of diesel that ATCO uses annually. It will also supply green electrons for a quarter of the community’s electricity each year. A $7.8 million investment — $4.5 million from the Government of Canada and $3.3 million from the Government of Alberta — will give 3NE 100% ownership of Canada’s largest off-grid solar project.
3NE showcases our community’s shared vision of achieving energy sovereignty and becoming a leader in creating a climate-friendly economy. We work as one to build capacity and implement other projects in energy efficiency and green energy.
40 new jobs during construction period
Reduced diesel consumption of about 650,000 litres per year
About 25 fewer tanker truck trips required per year, each way
Thebacha
In 2017, Mikisew and Fort McKay First Nation joined forces to buy 49% of Suncor’s East Tank Farm development, resulting in the largest and most significant business transaction in Aboriginal history.
Handling production from Suncor’s Fort Hills Oil Sands mining project, the East Tank Farm includes bitumen storage, blending and cooling facilities, and connectivity to third-party pipelines.
Economic benefits from this partnership will enhance infrastructure development, social programs, education and training in all Mikisew communities for generations to come.
Athabasca Indigenous Investments
Mikisew Cree First Nation, in partnership with 22 other First Nation and Métis communities, has acquired an 11.57% collective non-operating interest in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines in northern Alberta, for $1.12 billion. The seven pipelines involved in the deal move almost half of all the crude oil from Northern Alberta’s oil sands.
The newly created corporate entity, Athabasca Indigenous Investments (Aii), will steward the investment, representing the 23 Indigenous and Métis communities involved in the deal.
Pipelines included in the transaction are the Athabasca, Wood Buffalo/Athabasca Twin and associated tanks; Norlite Diluent; Waupisoo; Wood Buffalo; Woodland; and the Woodland extension. These assets are underpinned by long-life resources and long-term contracts, which provide highly predictable cash flows.
Alberta PowerLine (APL)
In the fall of 2019, Mikisew Group acquired a 5.811% interest in Alberta PowerLine (APL). This investment was part of an opportunity for Indigenous communities along the Fort McMurray West 500-kV Transmission Project Line to collectively acquire up to 40% of the asset. In total, seven Indigenous communities participated in the opportunity.
This deal marks a major diversification of Mikisew Group’s traditional investments. It allows us to be part of a low-risk project on traditional territory that will provide a steady stream of cash flow for the next 35 years.
The investments above were completed and continue to be held by way of our business arm, the Mikisew Group of Companies.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort McMurray
Owned in partnership with Mikisew Cree First Nation and MasterBUILT Hotels, this modern and pet-friendly hotel boasts 139 rooms and a wide range of onsite amenities, including complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, a redesigned games room, hot tub, fitness centre, an onsite bar and lounge, and convenient meeting space. Each meeting room is thoughtfully named, the Four Hunter Room and the Willie Courtoreille Room, to honour and commemorate respected members of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Métis communities, recognizing their meaningful contributions and lasting legacy in and around the Fort Chipewyan region.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort McMurray
Make room for your routine at TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Fort McMurray, conveniently equipped with 95 suites with modern kitchens. Owned in partnership with Mikisew Cree First Nation and MasterBUILT Hotels, this pet-friendly hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, plus an onsite fitness centre, pool, hot tub, waterslide, and an outdoor BBQ and patio area.
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| Justin Martin (Deceased 1909) | 1899 to 1909 |
| Justin Martin, Jr. (Resigned 1930) | 1909 to 1930 |
| Felix (Pierre) Guillaume (Whitehead) (Deceased 1941) | 1930 to 1941 |
| John Cowie | 1942 to 1968 |
| Ernest (Courtoreille) Wittago | 1968 to 1970 |
| Albert Gladue | 1970 to 1974 |
| John James Courtoreille | 1974 to 1976 |
| Archie Waquan (Resigned 1976) | 1976 to 1976 |
| Sammy Tuccaro (Resigned 1977) | 1976 to 1977 |
| Cecilia Simpson (Interim Chief) | 1977 to 1977 |
| Albert Gladue | 1977 to 1978 |
| Lawrence Courtoreille | 1978 to 1979 |
| Lloyd (John R.) Antoine | 1979 to 1980 |
| Lawrence Courtoreille | 1980 to 1984 |
| Archie Waquan | 1984 to 1986 |
| Rita Marten | 1986 to 1989 |
| Mathew Lepine | 1989 to 1990 |
| Archie Waquan | 1990 to 1993 |
| Lawrence Vermillion | 1993 to 1996 |
| Archie Waquan | 1996 to 1999 |
| George Poitras | 1999 to 2002 |
| Archie Waquan | 2002 to 2005 |
| Roxanne Marcel | 2005 to 2008 |
| Roxanne Marcel | 2008 to 2011 |
| Steve Courtoreille | 2011 to 2014 |
| Steve Courtoreille | 2014 to 2017 |
| Archie Waquan | 2017 to 2020 |
| Peter Powder (Resigned 2022) | 2020 to 2022 |